Wildlife-welcoming project in Aberdare brings community together

How do rewilding schemes like these help us make green choices? 

Projects like Cwmdare4Cwmdare are a great example of how small ideas can bloom into community-wide initiatives that benefit everyone involved – including our wildlife.  

With the help of specialist schemes like Local Places for Nature Community Packages, they’re easy to get going. 

Owen Derbyshire, CEO at Keep Wales Tidy, said “The wildlife starter pack, which is part of the Local Places for Nature Community Packages scheme, is designed to provide communities with the tools, equipment, and resources they need to kick-start and manage their projects independently. Our handbook provides communities with ideas, and our advisors share support as and when it’s needed.”  

Secretary of the group, Ann Crimmings, who has been involved with the development of the space, said “The money from Pen y Cymoedd wind farm community fund, paired with the support we’ve received from Keep Wales Tidy through the wildlife garden starter package has been fantastic.” 

Ann and the team of volunteers received a pack containing bulbs, habitat boxes, shrubs and climbing plants, raised bed compost and trellis, tools, equipment like gloves and a watering can, and a handbook.  This enabled the small team to clear the overgrown patch and transform it into the community space it is today. 

The Cwmdare4Cwmdare Bee Friendly Garden now has bird feeders, a bird house, a hedgehog house, and plans for some bug hotels. There’s also a wildflower area to encourage bees, butterflies, and other local wildlife. They have installed raised beds to grow seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as placing benches for people to sit and enjoy the view over the Brecon Beacons, and a shed for tools and equipment.  

In 2022, the garden was awarded ‘bee friendly’ status by the Welsh Government.  

The group has also planted some fruit trees in a small ‘orchard’ to the rear of the project and are now starting to work on plans for the next phase; the front area, which will include seating and be accessible to all. 

Why take action? 

Climate Change Minister, Julie James, said “Climate change is threatening our plants and wildlife. We need to protect them as much as we can.  

“It’s wonderful to see people like Ann proactively making important changes to their communities and seeing the positive difference it has made for those around them. It just shows how by making changes together, we can have a bigger impact on tackling climate change, making a real difference.” 

Ann agrees, highlighting the importance of getting the community involved. “From school children who planted sunflowers, to older members of the village – the redevelopment and regeneration of the area has become a project for the whole community. Everyone has come together to help, and as well as helping the natural environment, we’ve created a space for all to use and enjoy.”  

What is Wales doing?  

• The Local Places for Nature Community Packages scheme from Keep Wales Tidy is funded by the Welsh Government. 

• The Welsh Government, with other public service bodies like Natural Resources Wales, are taking action to adapt to the impact of climate change. The aim is to lessen the threat it poses – particularly to our more vulnerable communities – as well as help these communities become more resilient to the risks. Actions include: 

• Encouraging more woodland and other habitats to help nature and air quality, protect soils and reduce flood risk 

• Creating more open spaces in towns and cities like parks, allotments, ponds and woodland, creating an environment that’s good for people’s wellbeing as well as the climate  

• Managing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion