A new community garden has officially opened in Sandfields, marking the latest milestone in an effort to bring people together, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing in the area.
The garden, developed on unused green space behind Sandfields Library, was officially unveiled this week by Councillor Jo Hale, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Alan Roberts, local resident and Chair of the Friends of Sandfields Community group.
Led by Local Area Coordinator Aled Davies and supported by a wide range of local residents, volunteers and partner organisations, the garden is the result of more than two years of community-led development in Sandfields. It follows the success of working alongside the weekly coffee mornings, multi-agency drop-in sessions, the area’s first ‘Library of Things’ (a scheme where you can loan out everyday items), and more recently, a new food pantry and repair café.
The garden will now provide a welcoming space for people to meet, grow fresh produce, and support biodiversity – with all produce made available for local residents to enjoy.
This project was funded by the Keep Wales Tidy Local Spaces for Nature (supersize package) who provided the resources and knowledge of Roger Key who helped the volunteers build the garden.
Councillor Jo Hale said: “This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local people are empowered and supported to take the lead in their communities. The garden is more than just a green space – it represents connection, purpose and pride. I was honoured to be invited to open the garden and to see first-hand how much it means to those involved.”
The project has been supported by a wide range of organisations including Keep Wales Tidy, Tai Tarian, The Woodland Trust, Morrisons, local councillors, Coastal, CJ Construction, Tempo Time Credits, NPT Community Food Partnership, The National Lottery, and pupils and staff from Awel-y-Mor.
Roger Key, Roving Officer for Keep Wales Tidy said: “It’s been fantastic to work alongside such passionate volunteers to bring this space to life. Thanks to the Supersize Package from our Local Places for Nature scheme, we were able to transform an underused area into a vibrant garden that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come. We were thrilled to attend the opening and can’t wait to see the garden thrive.”
In addition to supporting people in need in the community, Local Area Coordinators also help people to start up local community groups that benefit local residents and help them to grow.
