A COMMUNITY garden and allotment has been launched in Barry and is holding a ‘Garden Blitz’ clear up this weekend.

The garden and allotment, based just off Dyffnalt Road in the Treharne area of Barry, is open to anyone in the town who is interested in volunteering to help make the venture a success.

A clear up of the site, where volunteers are urged to help with grass cutting and cleaning up, will be held on Saturday.

Lisa Williams, who has been appointed part-time Garden Manager after funding from Environment Wales, said:

“The garden is open to all on Mondays from 10am until 4pm and Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm.

“Children are welcome but need to be accompanied if under 18.

“We've just received further funding from Environment Wales so we will be erecting polytunnels, developing a wildlife pond and wildflower meadow and building a compost toilet over the next few months.

“We also have funding to plant native hedging.”

She added:“In the future we'll be running workshops and training sessions.

“It will be a great opportunity to get out, meet new people and learn something new. It will also be valuable experience to include on a CV for those looking for employment.”

The plan is to use the area for schools, groups and individuals to visit to gain hands on experience and training about growing food, as well as other plants. There is already a pond, fruit cage and some raised beds, as well as a community area plus a pizza oven. The site will also be developed to include an orchard and a wild life area.

Volunteers, adults and accompanied children are invited to help clear the ground for planting as part of a ‘Garden Blitz’ on Saturday, August 24, between 9.30am and 1pm. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.

“It's like an open day but we'd like people to bring some tools, such as hand tools or petrol strimmers and lawnmowers, to help with a clear up of the site,” said Lisa.

“Tasks that we need volunteers to do would be things like grass cutting, strimming, pruning, digging, staining benches and raised beds and generally clearing up.”

She added: “We'll be providing refreshments and children's activities, such as craft and colouring.

“Under 18's must be accompanied, but parents are very welcome to bring children with them.”

The ‘Garden Blitz’ will take place on Saturday, August 24, between 9.30am and 1pm. For more information contact Lisa on 0786 9508674.