A BARRY community garden has grown in its nature thanks to a grant from the Welsh Government.

Barry Community Garden, off Dyfnallt Road, has continued to go from strength to strength this spring despite the wet weather.

The garden was awarded money from the Welsh Government Small Scale Project Funding Grant which has allowed for the creation of a wildlife pond area and forest garden.

Both projects aim to improve biodiversity into the garden and promote a natural ecosystem.

They will also provide educational opportunities for schoolchildren to learn about nature and nurture in their local area.

Interpretation signs, around the garden, have also been installed for visitors.

A number of workshops and activities planned for volunteers over the next few months include a visit to the Field Days Organic project at Amelia Trust Farm, a day at the Kitchen Garden at Dyffryn Gardens, and a litter picking day with Tim Wort of Keep Wales Tidy.

Other activities are currently being planned in partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, including a tool sharpening and hedge maintenance workshop.

Garden manager Lisa Williams said: “We are working with Ty Iolo hostel to arrange an Easter event in March where we hope we’ll have lots of visitors to the garden, taking part in an Easter egg hunt.”

“We’re always looking for new volunteers and we’re going to be extremely busy over the next few months getting ready to start growing our fruit and veg, we need all the help we can get.”

The garden is managed by Newydd Housing Association and owned by the Vale council.

The outdoor project, available to all, is open on Mondays from 10 to 4pm and Wednesdays from 10 to 2pm.

To volunteers, contact Lisa Williams on 07501 468694.