Access for All!

As part of Tidy Wales Week 2011, volunteers from 5th Carmarthen Scouts got their hands dirty as they set about improving access at a Carmarthen beauty spot..

The volunteers joined forces with Keep Wales Tidy, and spent two evenings working on the footpaths around Cwmoernant Ponds; cutting back overgrown vegetation, edging the paths and cleaning leaves from the walkways.

The ponds have recently undergone habitat works undertaken by the Environment Agency, and the ponds also provide good fishing opportunities.

Dan Snaith, Keep Wales Tidy’s Carmarthenshire officer, said, “The ponds at Cwmoernant are a fantastic asset to Carmarthen and its surrounding area, and provide a fantastic recreational area for leisure time. It is important though that these areas are managed for the benefit of visitors and wildlife alike. Therefore, the scouts have set an excellent example to their peers by undertaking this kind of voluntary work, and I hope that many more people, of all ages would come forward to give their time, no matter how large or small to help with similar projects.”

He added, “We are available all year round to support environmental volunteering across Wales, and if anyone is interested they can contact me directly to discuss opportunities in their locality or beyond.”

The Welsh Government funded Tidy Towns project supports the people of Wales to improve the quality of their local environment, and by working in partnership with the local authorities it is hoped that the project will lead to a cleaner, safer and tidier Wales. The project is being managed by Keep Wales Tidy in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council.

Keep Wales Tidy project officers are based in communities across Wales and provide expert advice and support. They encourage communities to adopt their local area and assist volunteers to undertake a range of environmental improvement projects, including; litter picks, path maintenance, improving disabled access, developing community gardens and habitat management.

Small grants are available to cover project costs.

For further information on the Tidy Towns project, or if you would like to get involved, please contact Daniel Snaith on 07824 504805 or e-mail daniel.snaith@keepwalestidy.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: Dan Snaith (Keep Wales Tidy’s Carmarthenshire officer) with the 5th Carmarthen Scouts.