A new community allotment plot providing support to people affected by Cancer has opened at Cardiff Council’s Forest Farm allotment site.
Once overgrown and out of use, the plot has been brought back into use by the local allotment society in partnership with two Cancer support charities, Maggies and Ray of Light Cancer Support Wales.
“We created a pond during lockdown,” explained allotment site representative Phil Graham, “and Maggies got in touch about the possibility of a walking group that they run taking a break by the pond. That’s where it all started.
“When a plot became available, we thought it would be good if they could do a bit more. The idea was that we could create a community garden, a space where they could do a bit of wellbeing, some crafts, as well as some growing. Somewhere people could reflect and just chill out.”
Armed with the backing of Cardiff Council and the knowledge that grants were available from Keep Wales Tidy for community projects, the allotment association got in touch with Maggies again,
At this point, Ray of Light Cancer Support were also approached to see if they were interested in the project and with both charities on board, a £6,000 grant application was submitted and approved.
The funding from Keep Wales Tidy meant that raised planters could be installed, alongside a new shed and a poly tunnel. New fruit trees were also planted, but before that could happen, there was a lot of work to do.
“It was a challenge,” said Samantha Holliday, from Maggies. “It was completely derelict I would say. There were some beautiful plants, but it really needed lots and lots of work doing to it. We were really, really lucky that we’ve managed to get lots of local businesses to come in and donate their time to do some of the more manual, heavy work.”
“It was horrendous,” continued Sue Norris from Ray of Light Cancer Support, “full of brambles and debris. We’ve had an army of volunteers from different organisations, we’ve had our husbands down here, volunteers and their partners, laying the membranes, the wood chippings, creating the pathways and it’s been transformed into this beautiful space. The next stage now is to start looking at what vegetables to plant.”
“Everybody who has been involved, even on the days when it’s been really raining, the community effort, that’s probably been my favourite thing,” added Samantha. “All these people, the two charities coming together to create something beautiful for people to share.
“Maggies is here to support anyone affected by cancer, at any time and now we’re planning to have a gardening club once a week with Ray of Light Cancer Support, in the summer we’re hoping to use the site to deliver some Tai Chi sessions, some relaxation, some yoga and even have some of our cancer support specialists come down to the site to deliver the ongoing work we do at Maggies, but in a different type of environment.”
“Ray of Light Cancer Support have a connecting with nature group that runs every Tuesday where we use sustainable materials to create crafts,” said Sue. “Now we’ll be able to walk down here and there’s this lovely area for our beneficiaries to come and just have a little bit of time for themselves.
Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke said: “Allotments can be about so much more than growing and it’s fantastic to see the community at Forest Farm developing such a positive initiative. We work really hard to support our plot holders wherever we can, and what has been achieved here is something really special.”
Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer, Nathan Jones, said: “We’re delighted to have supported this project with a Food Growing Package through our Local Places for Nature scheme. It’s fantastic to see the community creating a space that connects people with nature. Being outdoors has such a powerful impact on wellbeing, and we’re thrilled this allotment will make a real difference.”
