A ‘magical fairyland railway garden has been created at Abercynon in the Cynon Valley in South Wales, thanks to support from Transport for Wales (TfW).
The garden was created on a five-acre piece of land by Cynon Valley Organic Adventures, which is a social enterprise that promotes sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and community involvement in Abercynon.
It also offers accredited learning to suit everyone's needs, volunteer placements, social prescription activities, and corporate volunteer days and regularly organises community activities and events.
Transport for Wales provided funding to create and develop the garden, which was created and will be used by young people attending the site.
Among the features are sensory planting, organic magical features such as rocks, toadstools, and wind chimes, a moon gate, and an outdoor learning space which is now known locally as the ‘hobbit house.'
Wildlife boxes have been installed throughout the site, and the funding has also helped to develop a bee project for schools and young people in the area.
The impetus for the idea was the need to support the local population's physical and mental health and well-being, to engage with young people and schools, and provide opportunities for them to connect with nature and the surrounding landscape, both physically and virtually.
The project was funded by Transport for Wales, will be managed by the Heritage and Sustainable Impact Team, and delivered by Community Rail. Materials for the project were donated to the group by the Craidd Alliance. The garden is set to become a confident traveller destination for Transport for Wales.
Janis Werrett, Director for Cynon Valley Organics, said: “We rented the derelict land in 2018 with a view to helping people improve well-being through education and engagement in nature.? Five years on we own the land and have some amazing partners that support our work and help us to thrive.
“Thanks to the funding and support from Transport for Wales we have been able to expand our work with the local schools. Our hobbit house will be the base for our classes, and we've built our sensory and magical gardens. The funding has also been utilised across the whole site, with new fruit trees being planted and our orchard and Celtic wildflower area being created.”
Dr. Louise Moon, TfW Heritage and Sustainable Impact Manager added: “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Cynon Valley Organic Adventures to develop this magical-themed green space running alongside both an active travel route and railway line – a first for our network in Wales.
“Collaboration with communities we serve is deeply important to us and it enables us to deliver a shared legacy in which transport positively contributes to our communities and environment now and in the future.”
