A group of staff working at the University of South Wales (USW) have been helping to spruce up a community garden as part of the institution’s civic mission work.

The nine-strong squad from the Careers Team in the University’s Learning Services department spent an afternoon clearing a path through woods and cutting up branches at the Meadow Street Garden, which is close to USW’s Treforest Campus.

Colleagues working at USW can now take five days’ leave each year to carry out voluntary work in the local community as part of the University’s civic mission, which aims to offer support to causes that are close to the hearts of those working at the University. This is on top of the usual leave allowance.

Matthew Evans, who is Careers Team Manager at USW, said the volunteering was a great way to build team spirit, and do something good for the local community.

“The time given to us by the University to help the local community was very well used by the team, who carried out some strenuous work on a very hot day,” he said.

“Students have previously helped out at the gardens, which were badly hit by floods caused by Storm Dennis early in 2020, as part of the Civic Action Scheme, so we thought we’d go along and help out too. Despite it being a lot of effort, it was a thoroughly enjoyable few hours and a great way for us to give something back to the community we work in.

“As a Community Partnership, we know that the team behind the Meadow Street Garden really appreciate the support we could provide, and we look forward to exploring volunteer opportunities in the future.”