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Eco community gardens finally open for Splott and Adamsdown residents
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Eco community gardens finally open for Splott and Adamsdown residents

Ellie Ball·
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·17 November 2020

Locals took part in a plant pick-up to celebrate the site opening of the Railway Gardens which will house their community hub

Local residents came to pick up free plants to celebrate the opening of the land (Credit – Katie Hopkins)

After Green Squirrel’s five year effort of campaigning to secure the land, local residents were finally able to visit the Railway Gardens for the first time.

With the land lease sorted in early October, residents were allowed to view the largely empty site located next to Railway Street to see where plans for the project are going to be carried out.

To mark the opening amid lockdown restrictions, locals were invited to a socially-distanced plant pick-up, an initiative that has run since the start of summer which has seen around 9,000 free plants being given away by Green Squirrel.

Over 100 people turned up to show their support to the project organisers who are planning to create an eco and environmentally sustainable community hub for the residents of Adamsdown and Splott.

It’s a place where everybody can feel welcome and can just go to hang out, relax and have some thinking space

However, despite the opening celebrations not being the street party festival that was planned, Green Squirrel director Hannah Garcia is overwhelmed by the support from local residents and said: “It’s a tricky project but the community response is very, very encouraging – it keeps us going.”

The Railway Gardens initiative is headed by not for profit social enterprise group Green Squirrel who have worked hard to secure the disused land from the council over the past few years.

The land was originally a public park and site of anti-social behaviour before it was closed over ten years ago.

Big plans for the future

With the lease signed and planning permission approved, the next big challenge is to secure funding for building work to begin.

Adamsdown Labour councillor, Owen Jones, believes the project is an asset to the community, especially as land is so precious in these urban spaces.

“It not only brings the community together, but it’s going to be an area which both Adamsdown and Splott can be proud of,” he said.

Plans include a two-storey community hub, an allotment, outdoor events and play area, plus eight studio spaces run by The Bone Yard – a company that re-purposes shipping containers for use by small businesses.

Hannah said: “The overall aim is to create something which is really shared and led by everybody in the community

“It’s a place where everyone can feel welcome and can just go to hang out, relax and have some thinking space.”

What a great morning! Over 100 people came to collect plants and have a chat, a HUGE thanks to all the volunteers for making this a safe and lovely event, and to Bute Park nursery, @goodfoodcardiff, and @KeepSplottTidy too. What did you all think of the site?#splott #adamsdown pic.twitter.com/i12NlI0ovL

— Railway Gardens (@railwaygardens) October 17, 2020

The Plans:

After liaising with the local community, residents have had their say on what they want to see the land used for. Some of Green Squirrel’s main findings are as follows:

  1. Multipurpose community hub building – created from recycled shipping containers, this will be used for events, groups, training, workshops and socials. 

2. Learning spaces – for education on growing food, including raised beds, poly-tunnels, a potting shed and vertical growing. 

3. Outdoor classroom and events area – to be used to welcome schools, as well as hold a huge range of community events, markets, and more. 

4. Composting and recycling facilities – intended to help local people reduce waste and create their own compost. 

5. Affordable studios for local small businesses and makers – made available to hire for social, ethical and sustainable businesses. 

6. Wildlife habitats including a pond – whilst supporting biodiversity, these will offer opportunities to learn about and protect urban creatures. 

7. Beehives – providing a way for locals to learn about caring for honeybees and how to process honey. 

8. Wild play area – a small space for children to explore and get down with nature. 

Plans for the gardens include a community hub for residents to enjoy and relax in (Credit – Green Squirrel)

More information can be found on the Railway Street project website.

Tags
Adamsdowncommunitycommunity gardensecoeco-friendlyresidentsSplott
Ellie Ball
Trainee journalist at Cardiff University. Ocean lover, sun-seeker, and aspiring travel writer.
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