A Local Places for Nature project led by Green Squirrel, transforming a former derelict playground in Splott into an accessible, thriving community food-growing hub and green space.
Key details
- Location: Splott, Cardiff
- Project Type: Food Growing Garden
- Group: Green Squirrel CIC, Railway Gardens
Deprivation index
- Physical: 10% most deprived
- Overall: 10–20% most deprived
Community involvement
- 50 volunteers involved in installation
- 300 people expected to use the garden; now approx. 1200 informal visits per year
- Diverse participation: multiple faiths, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds
Outputs
- Raised beds, fruit trees, wildflower turf, greenhouse, polytunnel, pond, habitat boxes
- Community hub with events, skill shares, and clubs
- Green Flag Award winner
Benefits
- Social: Community cohesion, inclusion, and a welcoming space for all
- Cultural: Diverse community working together, celebrating local identity
- Economic: Small businesses operate from site, upskilling volunteers, supporting green ethos
- Health: Volunteering and outdoor activities improve mental and physical wellbeing, reduce isolation
Quotes
“We feel extremely privileged to have received this support from Keep Wales Tidy. It has helped us transform our space and we are already seeing the benefits, with bees, butterflies and moths visiting and vegetables being harvested and cooked on site! … The kind, thoughtful, generous and skilled support from the KWT team has helped us develop our skills in so many new ways.”
Hannah Garcia, Railway Gardens
“The support of Keep Wales Tidy has been a game changer for us, and the team have been so flexible and accommodating to help us work our what would be best for us. … We really appreciate it.”
Hannah Garcia
Recent developments and top-up
- Polytunnel, additional raised beds, bulbs, and tools added in 2024
- Site transformed from grey, unused space to thriving hub with wildflower meadows and pond
- Hilary the hedgehog now a resident ; wildlife and pollinators thriving
- 1200+ informal visits per year; regular gardening club, after-school club, and community events
- Green Flag Award received; ongoing plans for more activities and income generation
Future plans
- Grow volunteer confidence and responsibility
- Reach more diverse audiences (local residents, refugees, asylum seekers, students)
- Continue to expand activities, secure funding, and support green wellbeing
