Nature-friendly community garden opens in Welshpool

A sanctuary for people and wildlife created by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT) at a Welshpool housing estate is now open.

Working in partnership with Barcud housing association, who funded the project, MWT transformed a piece of land at the recently completed affordable housing development, Clos Gungrog on Gallowstree Bank, into a wildlife garden that can be enjoyed and cared for by its residents.

Created from rubble and concrete, the outdoor area now boasts low-maintenance raised beds, herb garden, young orchard, ponds and a picnic area overlooking the Montgomery Canal, along with interpretation signage about the features and how they benefit people and wildlife.

The Gungrog Community Wildlife Garden was officially launched at an event for local families and residents, which included activities such as insect identification and wildflower seed-bomb making.

The wildlife-friendly garden has been developed by MWT Head of People & Wildlife Carla Evans and MWT Conservation Officer Andy Davies, supported by the Trust’s Wild Skills Wild Spaces team and local volunteers.

Andy Davies, Conservation Officer at Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, said: “The site has been designed with both wildlife and community in mind.

“Features such as raised beds, ponds and herb garden have been incorporated to provide an attractive, easy to maintain space for residents that simultaneously offers homes, food and water for many different types of animal.

“Fruit trees that will blossom in sequence have been chosen so that a source of nectar is provided for pollinators throughout spring, with cherries, plums and apples providing food for birds and insects from late summer into autumn.

“Meanwhile, the cinders path leads to a picnic area with wonderful views of the Montgomery Canal for the whole community to enjoy.”

Geraint Roberts, Barcud Senior Development Officer, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of this project.

“The finished garden provides an enjoyable space for residents of all ages to meet, spend time, and learn about the surrounding wildlife. It is a real asset for nearby residents and the wider community, and we hope it will be well used for years to come.”

Frances Louise, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Skills Wild Spaces Project Manager, said: “It was reassuring to hear that everyone who attended the launch event said they will benefit from and make use of this space, with others happy to be informal custodians for the garden.”

PICTURE (© Andrew Edwards): MWT Head of People & Wildlife Carla Evans and Geraint Roberts, Barcud Senior Development Officer at the recently finished wildlife community garden.