Visitors will be learning more about the natural wonders of a community orchard as green-fingered volunteers continue a grassroots drive to develop a haven for nature.
The Harlech Community Orchard Project has seen a not-for-profit group of volunteers unite to transform an unused part of a local field into an important spot for wildlife.
And thanks to new funding, the group will be able to further spread the message about what the project at the town’s King George V Playing Fields is all about.
The group has been awarded a £1,000 grant from a Community Fund Initiative established by Go North Wales tourism group and holiday homes specialists holidaycottages.co.uk.
According to Joe Patton from the orchard project, the funding would be essential in educating more people about the benefits of the scheme, particularly its ambition to champion wildflowers native to North Wales.
He said: “We are truly delighted about the award. Our group has no funds. We can only provide what we provide for the community through sheer goodwill.
“We plan to utilise the funding to install a public noticeboard which will serve as an educational tool. Our goal is to engage visitors and foster an appreciation for our project and the significance of this natural space.
“The noticeboard will feature images that help identify the planted species and the pollinators they attract. By emphasising the well-being benefits of spending time in this area, we hope to encourage people to relax here and connect with nature.
“Additionally, we’re committed to supporting local businesses, and thus, we’ll select a sign-maker from environmentally-friendly manufacturers based in North Wales.
“The funding will allow us to effectively communicate with and attract visitors to this area. Additionally, it will enable our existing budget to concentrate on the funding of wildflowers, trees, and habitat houses for pollinators.”
“Meanwhile, our collaborative project with pupils from Ysgol Ardudwy aims to create a dedicated natural space for nature by planting wildflowers that are native to North Wales including the rare Orange Welsh Poppy, Welsh Daffodil and Welsh Bluebell.
“We’ve already secured funding for wildflowers and trees. The pupils will actively participate in the design phase, determining the placement of footpaths, meadow grass, wildflowers, and trees.
“Then come November they’ll contribute to the planting and sowing process. Additionally, they will assist in creating the bilingual noticeboard featuring pictures of the planted species along with explanations of their environmental benefits.”
The Community Fund Initiative was launched to support regional groups that make North Wales so special.
Charities and organisations in the region were invited to apply for one of three £1,000 grants to support their important work.
Dozens of groups applied for the funding and after much discussion judges chose the Harlech Community Orchard Project as one of the successful applicants.
The other recipients of the support from the Community Fund Initiative were the North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League & Disability Sports Association and the Friends of Mostyn Street & FOMS Kidz in Llandudno.
Serena Pearce, regional communities manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “At holidaycottages.co.uk, we are honoured to have supported the North Wales community through our partnership with Go North Wales and the North Wales Community Fund.
“The level of passion and dedication shown by all the applicants was truly inspiring, making the selection process a challenging one.
“I applaud the incredible work being done by local organisations and community groups to improve the region.
“Through these grants, we hope to contribute to meaningful initiatives that preserve North Wales’s unique culture and environment, benefiting both residents and visitors for years to come.”
Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism, said: “It has been a real pleasure to partner with Holiday Cottages to roll out this community fund, one of a number of projects we are running as part of the strategic partnerships we have established for 2024.
“Looking ahead, our focus remains on securing additional funding to sustain and expand this community fund. We are committed to supporting future initiatives that contribute to the growth and well-being of our local community and the tourism industry.”
