Shining a Light on the Landscape of Sustainability

 

We recognise that this past year has been hard for many, so with this in mind, we’d like to promote some other incredible initiatives working to create stronger, cleaner, and more sustainable communities. Each month we will be promoting a location that is home to one of our repair cafés, celebrating the many other inspirational, forward thinking organisations that strive to make Wales, and the world, a better place.

This month we are showcasing Pontypridd, the University and Market town with a strong industrial heritage yet one working hard to get back to the rural roots that once dominated the local scenery. Pontypridd is translated as ‘bridge by the earthen house’, and is recognised as the home of the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the world at the time of its construction, an impressive structure built by William Edwards in 1756. Still all about building bridges, the community of Pontypridd today are creating inspirational and innovative pathways towards a future where the grass is actually greener on the other side.

 

Pontypridd Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

Describing themselves as ‘very much a guerrilla project’, this Facebook page has popped up and hijacked the imagination of the people of Pontypridd in the most wonderful way! Conceptualised jointly by Pontypridd Young Friends of the Earth and the CEYOU Youth Forum, and with support from local activists, businesses and a European education project, the page prompts people to think about their local area, and the world in which they live from a totally different perspective. Pontypridd is now pitched as the Pontypridd Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, and the people of Pontypridd are challenged to become the protectors of this (non-official) status. Pick a patch and protect it they say. Its as simple as that! Posts include ‘photo of the week’ in which attention is drawn to the incredible array of wildlife found in the area, as well as displaying the patches people have already picked to protect and create their own little paradise. It seems environmentally conscious flash mobs are now a thing, and we are here for it!

To find out more about how you can pick your patch and get involved with Pontypridd Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, you can visit their Facebook page here.

 

CEYOU Youth Forum Pontypridd

Inspired by 16 year old Greta Thunberg and her initiation of a global movement to create positive environmental change, members of Pontypridd Young Friends of the Earth have joined CEYOU to form a Youth Forum on Circular Economy and post Covid recovery in Pontypridd. CEYOU is working with young people in Pontypridd to create realistic action plans to tackle urgent environmental issues such as the prioritisation of sustainability in production schemes, consumption lifestyles, waste management and waste as a resource. Covering topics such as eco-design, the sharing economy, food waste management, composting, recycling, recovery, repair and reuse, these young people are learning how they might contribute to a greener, cleaner future for their own generation and generations to come. Having already conceptualised and created projects such as the Pontypridd Food Map and Grow Pontypridd, the work these young trailblazers are undertaking will eventually be used as a case study to inform a set of guidelines aimed at local policy makers and youth leaders across Europe on how to replicate and sustain these processes. Pretty impressive!

To find out more about the CEYOU Youth Forum Pontypridd and how you can support their projects, you can visit their website here.

 

Trehafod Community Garden

Taking the initiative and volunteering to take over the running of a local park, the people behind Trehafod Community Garden are working to develop an inclusive community whilst enhancing their local area. Tackling both social and environmental matters, this organisation is striving to promote good mental health, resilience and wellbeing through therapeutic gardening, creating a safe and happy haven for their volunteers to come and enjoy the natural environment and learn to grow their own food. A recently set up initiative, Trehafod Community Garden have already set up their Green Fingers Veg Patch, where all produce grown will be evenly distributed between participating volunteers, with any surplus made freely available to the local community. The organisation also welcomes any donations which will be used to by seeds and plants in readiness for the next growing season. With a promise of many more plans in the pipeline for activities and events held at this delightful community garden, this is one budding initiative you will want to keep an eye on.

To find out more about Trehafod Community Garden, and how you can get involved or donate, you can visit their Facebook page here.

 

Artis Community Cymuned

All about social impact and enhancing quality of life through creativity for those living in Pontypridd and beyond, Artis Community Cymuned delivers high quality professional art experiences, running numerous projects that offer experiential learning, accreditation and training, and all whilst having loads of fun! There is nothing Artis Community Cymuned have left out of the schedule with projects for absolutely everyone, this is an inclusive environment where you will find a space to dance, sing, craft and create all year long. Developing partnerships with likeminded organisations, Artis Community Cymuned offer a range of opportunities, so whether you wish to express your stories through the medium of dance in a professionally led workshop by Ransack Dance Company, or whether you’d prefer to drop in to a low key ‘Sunday Crafternoon’ offering themes such as ‘Mosaics and Merlot’, ‘Fizz and Felt’ or ‘Textiles and Tipples’, there is certainly something for everyone.

To find out more about Artis Community Cymuned and how you can get involved, you can visit their website here.