Gower College Swansea’s new garden set to give nature a helping hand

Gower College Swansea has been awarded a new garden package by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

They are one of the first colleges in the country to benefit from this year’s Local Places for Nature scheme.

Gower College Swansea’s Landscaping team will be creating a memorial garden with an emphasis on providing plants beneficial to pollinators and wildlife at the Hill House campus. All the plants, tools and materials are being provided for free by Keep Wales Tidy.

Horticulture and Landscaping lecturer Paul Bidder, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have received the Local Places for Nature package from Keep Wales Tidy and our learners cannot wait to get started on transforming the area around our college grounds. It is vital that we do all we can to help pollinators and other wildlife by means of providing them with food and shelter. 

"This grant package is just the starting point we need.  Not only will it help the local wildlife at College, but it will assist us in creating a pleasant environment for students, staff and visitors to relax and unwind. In addition, it will become a vital teaching space for the horticulture students to hone their skills. 

"Now that we have been lucky enough to be granted this pack, we are all ready to apply for a Development Package to take our campus to the next level. Our thanks go to Keep Wales Tidy and the Welsh Government for their assistance in doing this”   

Last year, more than 500 small gardens across Wales were created, restored and enhanced. Community groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes got involved – from disability charities and youth groups to social enterprises and carer groups.

Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini said:

“Over the last twelve months, more people than ever have come to appreciate the value of nature on their doorstep. But urgent action must be taken to give reverse its decline.

“We’re delighted that Gower College Swansea now has the opportunity to make a real difference through Local Places for Nature. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved.”

The initiative is part of a wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ fund committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

Hundreds of free garden packages are available. To apply, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website 

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Gower College Swansea teaches landscaping and gardening skills to young people aged 14-16 who attend the campus on a placement basis from their schools. In addition, the College offers a full time Level 2 horticulture and landscaping course which is open to anybody from the age of 16 plus.

For more information on Local Places for Nature, please contact the team at nature@keepwalestidy.cymru

Keep Wales Tidy is a registered environmental charity working to protect our environment now and for the future. Visit our website for more information: www.keepwalestidy.cymru