In the suburb of Brynmill near Swansea University, residents say a clear discontent can be found between permanent residents and the more transient student population. But, at the local community centre, a community garden project has helped bring members of both communities together over a desire to create a space for nature and growing food. 

Over the years, Brynmill Community Centre has seen a drop in engagement from the local community which impacted the centre’s garden space. Unused and neglected, the area was in need of some care and attention.

The moment of change

A group that was involved in a local Nextdoor Nature project were meeting at the centre. Some members of the centre’s committee joined the conversation and after the session, committee member Florence asked about transforming the outdoor space into a community garden with raised beds.

With the help of community organisers at Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, the Community Centre was able to receive funding through the Swansea Local Nature Partnership. The centre applied for Local Places for Nature funding, which helps communities create ‘nature on your doorstep’.

With funding behind them, they got to work improving the garden space for community use and for environmentally friendly food growing.

Getting to work

Florence gathered volunteers from the local area, including local residents and students. Much of the interest came from word of mouth. One student designed a poster which drummed up further interest, especially in the student population.

Four oak sleepers were installed and an area of land was designated for wildflowers. Crops were planted including lettuce, strawberries and radishes and apples which were later harvested by the community.

The majority of volunteers helping out at the garden were students which was a great opportunity for locals to connect with the student population in a positive way.

Making progress

Brynmill Community Centre’s Garden is no longer neglected and is well cared for. The group now meet weekly on a Sunday to maintain the garden. Food is growing in the oak sleepers and a wildflower patch has been planted.

The lane which backs onto the garden and residents use to access their back gardens is free of rubbish and is more accessible after volunteers cleared vegetation. There is more wildlife in the garden, noticeably caterpillars and subsequently butterflies and moths e.g. knot grass moth.

Work has also been carried out on renovating the dry stone wall which provides habitat for invertebrates, lichens and mosses.

What’s next?

The project has fostered meaningful connections between the locals and students, and now, they aim to get more people involved. The volunteers are keen for the garden to get more use from the school across the road and the AA group which meets at the centre.