A community garden has opened in the grounds of a business in Newport city centre. Hot Yoga Health & Wellbeing Centre on North Street set up a community interest group called Roots Up Community Group.
The Roots Up Community Group applied for a grant from our community benefits scheme to support local outdoor learning activities within their new garden working with local groups and schools.
MVR Solutions is building 20 flats for us at Griffin Island on Skinner Street and wanted support a local community project. The business donated £2,080.
Suzie Latham, from the Roots Up Community Group, said: “We wanted to put to good use the disused space at the side of the studio to support the city in helping reverse nature's decline as well as provide a much-needed green space for our local school, St Woolos Primary.
“We were successful in receiving a food growing development package with Keep Wales Tidy, an amazing charity committed to working with local communities across Wales to protect our environment now and for the future. The garden is nearly ready.
“Now this support from Newport City Homes and MVR Solutions has helped us build an accessibility ramp so the garden can be accessible to all and buy some important items including tools and equipment, activity resources and a table and chairs.
“We are working in collaboration with St Woolos Primary School and are planning to deliver a number of supervised activities including gardening time, creative sessions, woodwork workshops and forest school type activities. We look forward to working with the children and families of the school and supporting intergenerational projects with those who have no green space of their own.
“It’s going to bring so many physical and mental health benefits to users.”
Laura Palfrey, development partnerships coordinator at Newport City Homes, said: “The space is going to encourage communities to spend more time outdoors and give them a sense of pride in the city. We love what they have done to make it appealing to people of all ages. It’s exactly what we need in a city centre where there is a lack of green space and gardens.”
Jon Moore, from MVR Solutions, said: “It’s wonderful to see how our grant has gone such a long way. Hot Yoga Health now have the kit and tools to make the most of their stunning community garden, which will also be available to the nearby schools for use. So it really is a superb addition to the surrounding area”
Main photo
Photo caption- Jon Moore (centre) presents the cheque. (L to R) Laura Palfrey and Rhiannon Connor from Newport City Homes with Suzie Latham and Karl Whiteley from Hot Yoga Health.