The Lower Rhymney "Our Space" Community Agroforestry Area
The story so far...
Initial consultation period 2022 - 23
Soil Association Visit and support - skilled craft makers - Hatton Willow & Cottage Coppicing surveyed the area providing input on how to create and manage willow beds and coppice areas
Community Consultation (Ongoing)
Volunteer events Coppice and Willow events
The early stages of the creation of a volunteer group who were interested in supporting and developing the project further
The initial vision - this video highlights the initial vision of the project which emerged after an initial period of consultation and reflects where we were in 2023
Your Space - Your Community, Your Opportunity
Images from a wonderful coppice and willow activity day (October 2023)
GOOD NEWS! 2023 - 24
Great News - We have received funding through the Food for Growth programme that will enable us to support and work with the community in developing this project further. We are match funding up to 20% of the total cost of the project because we believe that the potential community benefits make this something worth spending our money on. This period will run from November 2023 - until March 2025 Fantastic news for the community! funded through:
In February 2024 we supported the community in planting the Trethomas Community Heritage Orchard. This area will need to be maintained and we hope to be able to support the planting of more Community orchards in the local area as we move forward in the Autumn of 2024. Here are some images of the creation of the Trethomas Heritage Orchard.
So what is happening in 2024?
We are busy working with community volunteers to create the BTM Community Growing and Wellbeing Hub. This location will provide lots of wonderful surplus for local food clubs, community fridges, and food banks. It will also provide a location where people can come together in nature, be active, and work to support the wider community.
Later in the year, we will turn our attention to coppicing and bushcraft activities that will create opportunities for local people to be involved in craft activities linked to forestry. Currently, we are working to develop a range of activities based in nature that supports community health and Wellbeing