Grwp Resilience has worked for two years to set up new community growing sites in Pembrokeshire. This year sees two new ones finally see the light and two started last year feeding communities.
Parc Grove in Pembroke now has a beautiful garden shed donated by a Pembroke dock neighbour, and the team are gathering tools, compost, and gardeners.
‘We fought for six months for this land. We lost hope when we were told it would take two years to get an agreement” Robina tells the surprising tale. “We asked Grwp to help and arranged a visit with the new allotment lady at the council. She arrived and said it’s yours. But then we lost our young energetic members when the cost of living drove them to get second jobs to stay alive.” Robina who spearheaded the project felt despondent.
“Grwp Resilience inspired me to make a statement. I told our group, I am going to be out there every morning at 11am. I need support.
They know my age, I was not left alone. people joined me. The numbers have grown ever since, and gifts and support have poured in. We are up and away.”
Parc Dezza in Monkton started late last year with a growing course paid for by PAVS.
Now they are cooking their produce every Sunday and eating together. The children are key to the whole process. Last Sunday’s comment:
A new garden is starting in Goodwick, it is on a beautiful site, news will soon emerge. It was inspired by open days Grwp arranged back in 2021.
Parc Helyg in Haverfordwest has just completed its first year.
It is an absolute credit to the people of Haverfordwest who run it so well. It is also a credit to Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society who have provided the land, what a difference this has made to so many lives. Organisations tackling intractable social and health problems are providing a dose of health, a breath of hope on the community garden part of the site. There is a waiting list for plots. Grwp set this up in 2022 and was quickly able to step back and leave the growers to get on with it.
These growing sites are a source of social empowerment, good food, health giving exercise and increasing skills. And they don’t cost the state a penny!
