Theatr na nÓg and Cefn Saeson’s new garden set to give nature a helping hand

Theatr na nÓg and Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School have been awarded a new garden package by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

They are one of the first organisations and schools in the country to benefit from this year’s Local Places for Nature scheme.

Theatr na nÓg and Cefn Saeson will be creating a pollinator garden at Theatr na nÓg’s base on Milland Road Industrial Estate in Neath. All the plants, tools and materials are being provided for free by Keep Wales Tidy.

From a personal level, I always resort to going ’back to nature’ whenever I possibly can. It’s the place and mindset that allows me to make sense of the world around me. Being able to share those feelings and connections via the generous support of ‘Keep Wales Tidy’ and the Welsh government is a precious opportunity to share these emotions with others - experts and novices alike. Every conversation is a starting point. This support has facilitated multiple conversations and now it’s time to get our hands dirty!

Ioan Hefin, Creative Associate of Theatr na nÓg

A man with glasses, a green top and blue jeans helps a boy with a grey hoodie and black trousers to create a bird box out of wood

Creative Associate, Ioan Hefin, helping the pupils from Cefn Saeson to build bird boxes out of wood.

The garden has been a great opportunity for our young people to involved in a project in their community. Our young people do not often get the chance to be involved in projects such as this and the staff at Theatr na nÓg have been excellent in accommodating us. From the beginning staff were great with our young people and offered them many learning opportunities. They were also able to complete practical tasks that they would not usually get the opportunity to. The garden area looks great and the sense of achievement the young people felt from creating it has been fantastic. It just goes to show that given the right opportunities, young people can be a part of and achieve within their communities. Thanks again to the staff at Theatr na nÓg and Keep Wales Tidy for the opportunity – diolch yn fawr

Rhys Hearne, Youth Engagement Worker

Last year, more than 500 small gardens across Wales were created, restored and enhanced. Community groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes got involved – from disability charities and youth groups to social enterprises and carer groups.

Over the twelve months, more people than ever have come to appreciate the value of nature on their doorstep. But urgent action must be taken to give reverse its decline. We’re delighted that Theatr na nÓg and Cefn Saeson now have the opportunity to make a real difference through Local Places for Nature. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved.

Louise Tambini, Keep Wales Tidy

The initiative is part of a wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ fund committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

Hundreds of free garden packages are available. To apply, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/nature