Not just Keeping Wales Tidy !

You may be surprised to find that not all of the volunteer groups that environmental campaigners Keep Wales Tidy support include picking up litter.

Within Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen and Ceredigion there are over 2,000 volunteers working on very diverse projects all with the aim of improving their local environment.

Through community involvement with their local Project Officer, Keep Wales Tidy’s Tidy Towns initiative supports many projects.

Removing invasive species

This summer community group Cymdeithas Llandudoch undertook the daunting task of removing the invasive species, Himlayan Balsam or “the pink peril” from affected areas within the Cippyn Valley near Poppit. This virulent plant was gradually encroaching on native species and reducing the biodiversity of the area. With the support of Keep Wales Tidy, tools and materials were purchased and training was provided on the removal of the plant. The project has been a great success and is being carefully monitored.

Improving access to public areas

Bryn Chapel cemetery in Llanelli received a much needed makeover from Llwynhendy Youth Group. Volunteers from the group spent their summer holidays clearing dense vegetation which had obscured gravestones and provided a secluded area for anti- social behaviour to take place. Rather than simply disposing of the cut vegetation, it has been used to provide habitats for insects and small mammals. Members of the youth group now feel a sense of pride and ownership and as a result they report any issues arising.There is also less evidence of anti social behaviour in the area.

Improving biodiversity

Green Phoenix is a woodland project in Bronnant, Ceredigion. The group are managing and improving the woodland whilst providing education to its visitors on the importance of their work. Keep Wales Tidy has provided a small grant and support from the local Project Officer which enabled them to build boardwalks, create new wildlife habitats and restore existing sites. The result of their work is that the previously non native plantation is now being transformed into native woodland encompassing varied habitats and encouraging a wealth of wildlife to it.

These are a few examples of the difference to your community project that Keep Wales Tidy can make. If you have an existing community project or would appreciate some help and advice from your local Project Officer in starting one, please contact the West Wales office on 01646 681 949.