PEMBROKESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY (PAS) provided an acre of land to Grwp Resilience to allow the townsfolk of Haverfordwest to grow food and extra for learning and therapy activity.
The growers have formed their own community interest company, Parc Helyg which is now managing the site. Sian Wells, coordinator said: “We have waited over ten years to grow food, now we are on the land, and to our surprise some of us are company directors too”.
Grwp Resilience treasurer, Dr. Roger Burns hopes “This will be the first of many.
“What farmers have done today needs to happen again and again to meet a desperate need. It’s not just for fruit and veg, it’s for healthy minds and bodies which the NHS alone cannot provide.”
After years on the allotment waiting list, many had given up. Rob Jones looked back.” We feared we would grow too old to garden after eleven years on the list.
“Today we are out digging in the sun, our seedlings are ready to plant, the growers whatsapp group is buzzing. We are young again.”
The farmers see people struggling to feed themselves and mental ill health spreading among the young.
Roger Mathias spoke for the Agricultural Committee: “We are a charity, we all want this to succeed. Please invite us to your first harvest barbecue” he laughed. “We are people of the earth, and now you have joined us.”
Sian thanked the farmers who not only provided land but ploughed where we wanted and through Puffin Produce, gave a load of cauliflower plugs. She has drawn up agreements for individual Clwt (or plot) holders. Parc Helyg uses Welsh where it can, and has interest from schools and groups in the area to use the community part of the site. “We are a community minded bunch” says Vicky Jones, another director.
“We care for nature, no chemicals or peat compost is allowed”
Funders were thanked at the open day: The second homes tax managed by Pembrokeshire County Council pays for the coordinator. Haverfordwest Town Council has donated for the legal costs, The UK Community Renewal Fund has paid for an 8 week beginners gardening course running on the site for growers and neighbours. Wales rail companies and 4theRegion has paid for some fencing posts.
Welsh government is paying for advice from Social Farms and Gardens. There is now a pressing need for funds for gates, fencing, track, compost, and water system.
Grwp Resilience Vicky Moller explained the background: “We have been seeking land near towns for two years for the long queues wanting land for peace in nature, food growing and to learn rural skills. It is farmers and private landowners who have come to the rescue so far.
“The Council has informed their waiting lists who then get in touch. We help them form an organisation to manage the land themselves. It is a real pleasure to see people and the land blossom together.
“Anyone owning land near a main town can transform the town’s health and happiness by leasing an acre or ten for community growing. Grwp Resilience will do everything we can to make this work well for you.
“The need is only getting more urgent. There is a meeting about this in Haverhub on 13 th May at 12, we will be talking to the Council’s lead for sustainability and zero carbon. Anyone interested contact [email protected]”
