From Wasteland to Wonder: Welsh Community Garden Triumphs in National Lottery Awards

Nestled in the former mining village of Abercynon, the project has captured the hearts of the public, emerging victorious from a pool of over 1,500 organisations to claim this prestigious accolade. The win not only celebrates the project's remarkable achievements but also shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of National Lottery funding in local communities.

Just three years ago, the site of the Cynon Valley Organic Adventures was nothing more than an abandoned plot, forgotten and neglected. Today, thanks to a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the tireless dedication of countless volunteers, it stands as a beacon of community regeneration and environmental consciousness.

The once-barren land now boasts a vibrant community garden complete with allotment spaces that provide fresh produce for the local foodbank. But it's more than just a garden - it's a multifaceted community resource. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming café, participate in engaging summer school programmes, or even work out in the innovative green gym. The project has become a sanctuary for disengaged youth, a supportive environment for those with autism, and a refuge for individuals grappling with mental health challenges.

What truly sets the Green Valley Conservation and Heritage apart is its holistic approach to community wellbeing. By forging partnerships with community groups, autism support networks, job centres, and schools, the project has positioned itself as a vital resource for the entire community. It even accepts social prescription referrals from GP surgeries, underlining its role in promoting holistic health and wellness.

At its core, the project is about harnessing the healing power of nature to improve both wellbeing and employability. It's a place where people can grow, learn, and transform their lives, all while contributing to the restoration and protection of their local environment.

Janis Werrett, the visionary Director and Founder of Cynon Valley Organic Adventures, expressed her joy at receiving the award: "We are thrilled that our project has won this National Lottery Award and received this wonderful recognition. It's all the more pleasing that the public voted for us. This award is a huge thank you to the dedication of everyone who made this project possible."

Reflecting on the project's journey, Werrett added, "When we first took on the site in 2018, we were told it was a liability because it was in such a bad state of neglect. We had no money, and we had no idea where it would come from. None of this would have been possible without the support of National Lottery funding and the help of our dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to restore and protect this valuable resource for their community."

The Green Valley Conservation and Heritage project stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together, supported by initiatives like the National Lottery. It's more than just a garden - it's a place of growth, healing, and hope, nurturing both the land and the people it serves. As it continues to flourish, it serves as an inspiration to communities across Wales and beyond, showing that with vision, dedication, and support, even the most neglected spaces can be transformed into thriving community assets.