Ramblers Cymru’s flagship community led Paths to Wellbeing project will work with communities in Grosmont, Maindee and Six Bells Park to help people enjoy walking and improve their local green spaces.
Of the 70 communities across Wales that applied to be part of this £1.2m project, 18 were chosen across Wales. These chosen communities in south east Wales will receive support, tools and training to help improve local paths and nature.
Paths to Wellbeing is a community led project and throughout October, the regional officers ran consultation events to listen to the voices of local people and find out more about the needs of each community.
South east Wales Paths to Wellbeing Project Officer, Dewi Lloyd said:
“Each one of the communities we will be working in has its own distinctive characteristics and history.
“Grosmont is a picturesque village on the Welsh-English border and the site of a famous Norman castle. Surrounded by lush farmland, residents of the village previously surveyed 119.89km of pathways in and around the village, working with Ramblers Cymru on the “Mark my Paths” project. The community are really excited to be involved in Paths to Wellbeing, where they’re taking control in making their community greener and more accessible.
“Of all 18 communities selected across Wales, Maindee represents the most urban of the whole project. Maindee is an inner-city suburb of Newport and lies next to the Usk River. Not only is the area filled with a diverse range of walks, but with 40+ languages spoken in Maindee Primary School, is also one of the most diverse communities we’ll be working in.
“Like much of the valleys, Six Bells is a village with strong industrial heritage. It is also home to the ancient church of St Illtyd which dates to around the 9th or 10th century and is the oldest building in Blaenau Gwent. There is also no shortage of beauty in the area, with Natural Resources Wales woodlands offering excellent views to the valleys below.
“Despite the uniqueness of the landscape and one thing that really stood out about these communities was the passion of each one to improve paths and nature in their local area. I’m really looking forward to working with them to improve and establish new routes and to get even more members of the community involved.”
In the application to join the project, Caroline Williams who’s from the Maindee community said:
“Although not traditionally an area thought of for rambling, we think it especially important that people in this urban environment can get out and about. This project will help us present walking around Maindee as an interesting, safe and everyday experience for all.”
By joining the project, local people will be able to learn new skills to help make their community greener and more accessible to all. Helping to transform access to some of the paths in south east Wales.
Ramblers Cymru will work alongside the Wildlife Trust Wales and Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, with a key part of the project focused on improving nature. Volunteers will make their local area greener for nature to thrive, and it will be a great chance for the community to come together.
With activities such as tree planting, wildflower sowing and wildlife activity days, there’s something for all ages and backgrounds to get involved in.
First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford said:
“It’s great to see another project getting underway supported by our Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being Grant. It is important for us all to be able to access good quality green spaces that supports nature and provides so many opportunities for our health and well-being.
“These spaces are vital for our communities so we can come together and enjoy our local areas. This project and many others supported by our grant programmes are helping us to deliver our commitment to create and significantly enhance green spaces.”
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
If you would like to find out more and get involved visit: www.ramblers.org.uk/pathstowellbeing