South Wales - East Projects

Kappa Youth Group
Where? Blaenauon
When? Saturday 19th April 2003
What's it about? To develop a Youth Area within the community meadow for young people living in the estate of Capel Newydd. This will be designed and developed by young people.
Where's it happening? Early Field, Capel Newydd Estate, Blaenauon
What will volunteers do? Young volunteers will develop a youth area within the Early Field. The day will consist of erecting bird/bat boxes, litter picking, and incorporating seating areas for young people and community residents.
What to wear/bring: Protective clothing and sensible footwear.
What will be provided: All equipment, insurance, first aid, support mentor.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Mostly targeting young people residing within the area of benefit.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Sianne Morgan (07946 094198)
Organised by: Capel Newydd Community Association
REF W41

Griffiths Court Flat Community Garden
Where? Blaenavon
When? Sunday 27th April 2003
What's it about? To improve the garden by mending the fence to stop vandals getting in, building benches for community use and planting wild flowers.
Where's it happening? Griffiths Court Flats, Forgeside, Blaenavon
What will volunteers do? Mend and paint fence, build log benches, plant wild flowers.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes.
What will be provided: Tools, protective clothing, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 10+
Volunteer Contact: Denise Walters (01495 791210)
Press/Media Contact: Denise Walters (01495 791210)
Organised by: Forgeside Tenants & Residents Association
REF W64

Y6 - Bird Boxes/Heston Brake Woods
Where? Portskewett
When? 1st - 18th April 2003
What's it about? The year six children will erect bird boxes in the woods which form part of Heston Brake.
Where's it happening? Heston Brake Wood, Portskewett
What will volunteers do? Locate positions for placing bird boxes in trees, following advice and working with members of the RSPB.
What to wear/bring: Wellies, packed lunch, tabards.
What will be provided: Saws, nails (galvanised), nest boxes, gloves, cordless power drills, screwdrivers.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Graham Murphy (01291 420526)
Organised by: Archbishop Rowan Williams School
Email: arwprimary@monmouthshire.gov.uk
REF W136

Completed Projects

Sandras Organic Garden Army
Where? Aberdare
When? 10th March 2003
What's it about? A group of young people who have been excluded from school have developed an interest in gardening and countryside skills. They are developing a disused plot on our site as an organic garden.
Where's it happening? Fedw Hir, Llwydcoed, Aberdare
What will volunteers do? Prepare plot by digging over, adding organic matter, raking. Sow seeds in trays in polytunnel, design layout, weeding, thinning out, plant out seedlings and fruit bushes. Erect dead hedge to create boundary, fencing off their area.
What to wear/bring: Lunch.
What will be provided: Large hand tools, protective clothing, advice and guidance, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? New volunteers wanted.
Volunteer Contact: Rhian Langford (01685 883880)
Press/Media Contact: Rhian Langford (01685 883880)
Organised by: Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W105

Recycling Paper
Where? Abergavenny
When? 3rd & 4th April 2003
What's it about? Use yellow pages to produce recycled paper with flower seeds in.
Where's it happening? Harold Road Junior School, Abergavenny
What will volunteers do? Help pupils working in small groups with paper recycling.
What to wear/bring: Apron.
What will be provided: Tea/coffee
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: K. Lawrence (01873 853236)
Organised by: Harold Road Junior School
REF W15

Adding Colour and Interest to a Cycleway
Where? Caerphilly
When? 20th March 2003
What's it about? Involve a local school to scatter wildflower seeds along edge of recently created cycleway, which will create a ribbon of many colours linking two communities. It is a unique opportunity to undertake this task before local grasses and weeds become established.
Where's it happening? Cyclepath between Trethomas and Machen, Caerphilly
What will volunteers do? Scatter wildflower seeds alongside a footpath cycleway.
What to wear/bring: No special requirements.
What will be provided: Wildflower seeds.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Mike Benjamin (029 2086 1783)
Organised by: Sustrans
REF W117

Taff Fechan Nature Reserve Project
Where? Merthyr
When? 5th March 2003
What's it about? A section of footpath in a local nature reserve has been eroded as a result of recent heavy rains. A group of local residents/volunteers want to repair this section to enable disabled people to gain easier access to all sections of the reserve.
Where's it happening? Taf Fechan Nature Reserve, Merthyr
What will volunteers do? Digging out an area of path to allow installation of new section of footpath, edging boards to be installed and held in place using wooden pegs. Area will be resurfaced with hard packed soil.
What to wear/bring: Sturdy/protective footwear, packed lunch, warm/suitable clothing.
What will be provided: Waterproof clothes, gloves.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? As many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Press/Media Contact: Gavin Jones or Nicholas Howells (01685 883880)
Organised by: Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W103

Troedyrhiw Cemetery Clean Up
Where? Merthyr Tydfil
When? 17th - 28th February 2003
What's it about? Troedyrhiw Scouts wish to carry out clearance and conservation work at the old Chapel Street cemetery. The site is of great local interest and significance and has been severely neglected over the years. As a result, the cemetery has become increasingly overgrown with such species as Japanese Knotweed and bramble. The troop would like to clear the pathways and manage the encroaching vegetation in order to open this fantastic historical and environmental site.
Where's it happening? Chapel Street Cemetery, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil
What will volunteers do? Clear vegetation and coppice existing trees. Patches of bramble will be controlled and path surfaces replenished. Waste (natural) will be retained on site as habitat piles or 'chipped' for path mulch. Nest boxes will be erected on mature trees. The aim is very much a 'natural' area.
What to wear/bring: Old, comfortable footwear, waterproofs, gloves and old clothes.
What will be provided: Gloves, safety equipment, tool tuition, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age range 12 upwards.
How many NEW volunteers required? the more the merrier
Volunteer Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Press/Media Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Organised by: Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W48

Sure Start Community Garden
Where? Merthyr Tydfil
When? 4th March 2003
What's it about? To develop a small, dismal concrete yard into a community garden consisting of basket, boxes and planters containing plants of a sensory nature.
Where's it happening? Sure Start, Richard Llotd Building, Aberafan Rd, Aberafan, Merthyr Tydfil
What will volunteers do? Help design and construct planters and hanging baskets. Plant up containers and paint a mural on the 'breeze-block' walls. Long term maintenance and growing of new plants from collected seeds will also be carried out by volunteers.
What to wear/bring: Sensible sturdy footwear, old clothes, waterproofs and gloves.
What will be provided: Equipment, protective gloves, advice, refreshments and first aid cover.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Ages 12 upwards.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Press/Media Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Organised by: Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W104

Haven Close
Where? Merthyr Tydfil
When? 17th March 2003
What's it about? The group would like to plant trees in the Close to attract wildlife which would add interest for the residents, as many of them are keen on attracting birds to the Close. The trees have been chosen because of their all year round interest, manageable size and value to wildlife.
Where's it happening? Haven Close, Sheltered Accommodation, Merthyr Tydfil
What will volunteers do? Help site and plant/stake trees and ensure they are watered etc. in their first few weeks.
What to wear/bring: Strong, sensible footwear and old clothes. Waterproofs might be a good idea!
What will be provided: Gloves, tools etc.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? new volunteers wanted
Volunteer Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Press/Media Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883880)
Organised by: Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W122

Greening the Nelson Garden
Where? Monmouth
When? 22nd March 2003
What's it about? The Nelson Garden is a historic walled garden in the centre of Monmouth which the committee is currently restoring in order to allow greater public access and enjoyment.
Where's it happening? Nelson Garden, Monmouth
What will volunteers do? Erect bird boxes, plant nectar-rich flowers, site compost bins, put shallow step in pond to allow bird access and frog exit.
What to wear/bring: Outdoor clothing, gardening gloves.
What will be provided: Gardening tools.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? new volunteers wanted
Volunteer Contact: Helen Bosanquet (01600 740238)
Press/Media Contact: Helen Bosanquet (01600 740238)
Organised by: Nelson Garden Restoration Committee
REF W119

Otter Holt Construction
Where? Newport
When? 7th February 2003
What's it about? Involving schools and local groups, three stages of an otter holt will be constructed with the third and finished holt being stripped for schools to construct with different groups.
Where's it happening? Newport
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Organised by: Troed-y-Rhiw Environmental Project
REF W75

Stocking the New Pond in the School Grounds
Where? Newport
When? Monday 10th February 2003
What's it about? Last term my class redug the school pond which had become very overgrown and kept drying out. We hired a man with a digger but the rest of the work was done by the class. We dug levels, lined with carpet, relined and filled. We now have a lovely large pond but there is virtually nothing in it! My environmentalists' club wish to line the pond with upside down turf and then plant a variety of pond plants in it.
Where's it happening? Gaer Junior School, Gaer Road, Newport
What will volunteers do? Line pond with turf and plant water plants.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, wellies.
What will be provided: Refreshments - drinks and biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? 2
Volunteer Contact: Mrs Mary Watkins (01633 263407)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Mary Watkins (01633 263407)
Organised by: Gaer Junior Young Environmentalists' Club
REF W28

River Walk and Litter Pick
Where? Newport
When? 19th February 2003
What's it about? To take a group of 10 children to Tredegar Park for a river walk to experience play activities in a natural environment, and carry out a litter pick.
Where's it happening? Tredegar Park, Newport
What will volunteers do? Transport and supervise the group of children during the trip. Encourage children to explore play activities utilising the environment, eg. Skimming stones. Carry out a litter pick.
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, waterproofs, boots, first aid kit.
What will be provided: Refreshments, some play equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Must be 18 yrs + police checked.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Helen Mears ( 029 2021 4411)
Organised by: Cardiff Gypsy and Traveller Project
REF W88

Year Two Rockery Garden Using Local Rocks
Where? Portskewett
When? 1st - 8th April 2003
What's it about? For the Year Two children to develop and plant up a rockery - to use the natural limestone found on the site. To cover the area with screed/gravel.
Where's it happening? Archbishop Rowan Williams School, Portskewett
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Organised by: Archbishop Rowan Williams School
Email: arwprimary@monmouthshire.gov.uk
REF W159

Year Three Litter Collection
Where? Portskewitt
When? 1st - 8th April 2003
What's it about? For year 3 children to work with the headteacher and a couple of local residents in the collecting of litter OUTSIDE of the school grounds. To provide each child with information about recycling. To call in an expert to give a talk.
Where's it happening? Portskewitt
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Organised by: Archbishop Rowan Williams School
Email: arwprimary@monmouthshire.gov.uk
REF W158

Typont Rhun Residents Gardening Group
Where? Troed y Rhiw
When? 26th March 2003
What's it about? A group of elderly residents in sheltered accommodation complex want to encourage wildlife/birds into garden by planting mix of native/ornamental species beneficial to birds which provide food and offer cover for nesting. They would also like bird boxes installed and benches put in garden so that residents can make better use/get more enjoyment of garden.
Where's it happening? Typont Rhun, Troed y Rhiw
What will volunteers do? Install bird boxes, cut back some invading bramble, plant whips/shrubs for hedge. Assist in assembling and placement of bench.
What to wear/bring: Sturdy footwear, lunch.
What will be provided: Refreshments, protective clothing, tools and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Should be over 12yrs old.
How many NEW volunteers required? New volunteers wanted
Volunteer Contact: Rhian Langford (01685 883880)
Press/Media Contact: Rhian Langford (01685 883880)
Organised by: Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W106

Projects led by young people aged 16-25