Earlier this month Penarth Growing Community launched "Growing Together ~ Tyfu Gyda'n Gilydd"- to build a Network of spaces for growing and wildlife in gardens across Penarth.

We are working with other Penarth-based groups to support people who live in Penarth to set aside a little space in our gardens or outdoor areas for growing food and creating spaces for nature. It doesn't matter how small your garden or outside space is, everyone can get involved!

Wildlife and our natural environment is under threat - human activities are destroying the natural world, leading to the extinction of animal and plant species at an alarming rate.

Over the last year we've all spent more time at home appreciating the green spaces we have around us. We're also facing a climate emergency and the food we eat is responsible for a quarter of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Many people are already trying to help nature in their gardens by feeding birds, building ponds, composting and letting the weeds grow (deliberately or otherwise) but if more people did this, and we supported each other with ideas, encouragement and 'know how', think of how much we could achieve!

We want to build a network of spaces for growing and wildlife and "Growing Together" will create this new Network across our town. And with funding from Penarth Town Council we are going to have wildflower seeds and compost to give away to new members who sign up.

By joining our Network you will get information and ideas, support and advice on what you can do in your own gardens. We'd like to see people:

• growing their own fruit, vegetables and herbs in pots
• growing a range of bee and wildlife friendly plants in pots or in small patches of ground
• creating a small raised bed to grow fruit and vegetables, if you have space
• setting aside 2 or 3 square metres to support nature to thrive, leaving grass to grow
• Installing/using a compost bin, considering nest boxes and ponds, and planting small hedges and trees

And there'll be lots of ways to stay in touch and share stories:

• Check the Facebook page or join the Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/penarthgrowingcommunity
• Post on Instagram using the #growingtogtherpenarth hashtag - #tyfugyda'ngilydd
• Follow @penarthgrowingcommunity on Twitter
• Or just email us with your updates: [email protected] / [email protected]

Join the network today and let us work together to give nature in Penarth a helping hand!

"Penarth Growing Community" was established in 2020 by Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) to encourage and establish community growing and wildlife gardens in public areas across Penarth. GPG is working with other Penarth based group including the Civic Society's Tree Forum and local "Friends of" groups to establish and publicise the "Growing Together" network and encourage wider involvement.