A neglected corner of Pontnewydd Park is set for a major transformation after local volunteers secured almost £15,000 from the National Lottery’s Community Fund.
The former rose garden – now just a grassed and slabbed area – will be turned into a community wildlife garden, complete with a forest school, bird hide and a natural arena for outdoor events. The project was designed with support from Egin consultants and Torfaen Council.
Once blighted by vandalism and antisocial behaviour, the former miners’ welfare park has been brought back to life in recent years thanks to the work of the Friends of Pontnewydd Park. This final area is the last major section still awaiting redevelopment.
Chris Morgan, who chairs the Friends group, said the team is thrilled to see the plans finally moving forward.
“It’s such an exciting project and we have had great engagement already in shaping the plan for this area of the park.
The community wildlife garden will be a tranquil and flower‑filled area, commemorating the late Queen with a beautiful silver birch and bench, sponsored by Cwmbran Community Council. It will host events and offer our local community a natural social space.
The area closest to the canal will become a forest school, with a bird hide. The central area will have improved paths and raised beds. We hope they will be tended by local schools, nurseries and disability groups. We can’t wait for local people to see the plans and get involved with shaping and delivering the garden.”
Schools already on board
Local primary schools have already been approached about taking part, and three canal‑boat‑shaped fruit gardens will be created for schools, nurseries or disability groups to adopt, care for and harvest.
Torfaen Council’s Healthy Planet, Healthy People project will support the scheme by funding activities to help residents get involved in their local green spaces. The council’s new Nature Connectors will also work alongside volunteers.
Chris added:
“What matters to us is that people with less experience of green, wildlife‑friendly spaces or gardening should use the community wildlife garden and become more involved in nature.”
Volunteers needed
Thanks to sponsorship from Morgan Sindall, toilets have recently been reinstated in the park, making it easier for community groups and schools to visit.
The Friends group is now appealing for more volunteers to help with everything from gardening and litter picking to stewarding events and supporting craft activities.
They already run a busy calendar of events in Pontnewydd’s parks, including community picnics, Easter egg hunts, music sessions and the popular ‘Hold Them Close’ candle‑tree event at Christmas.
Chance to get involved – event on 1 July
The Friends group is inviting residents, schools, community organisations and anyone curious about the project to a drop‑in event on Wednesday, 1 July, from 3pm to 6pm in Pontnewydd Park.
Visitors will be able to:
- learn more about the plans
- share ideas
- find out how to help shape the garden over the next couple of years
- discover fun opportunities for children and adults to get involved
Organisers say they hope to have extra activities at the event too.
Chris said the group is especially keen to hear from organisations that support children, families or adults who would benefit from using the new space.
Anyone interested can get in touch by emailing [email protected]