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20 May

Guardians Contract Awarded to Groundwork Wales

Valleys Regional Park are pleased to have contracted Groundwork Wales to continue delivering the VRP Guardians Scheme.

The Guardians are a dedicated team who deliver nature-based activities across the South Wales Valleys. Working through the VRP Discovery Gateways and within local communities, the Guardians offer inspiring opportunities to connect with the nature on our doorstep.

Over the next two years, the project will see The Guardians continue to work closely with other local organisations across the twelve VRP Discovery Gateways, as well as some community venues, to provide exciting opportunities for individuals and communities to get involved in nature.

The Guardians welcome all ages and demographics, with activities involving the creation of community gardens, growing projects, bush-craft, wellbeing walks and many other nature-based activities.

Phil Lewis, Valleys Regional Park Programme Lead said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to build on the excellent work that was done during the pilot phase. Groundwork Wales were superb in working with us through the COVID challenges of the last 15 months. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with them to support and encourage people and communities from across the Valleys to recognise and enjoy the superb landscape and local green spaces”.

Katy Stevenson, Chief Executive at Groundwork Wales said:  “We are thrilled to be working as part of the Valleys Regional Park and delivering the Guardians Scheme, through this new two-year programme. We have an amazing landscape and amazing people here in the valleys, and as a charity working at the foundation of valleys communities, we are really looking forward to bringing our mission to this work – changing places, changing lives. The programme is a great opportunity to bring people and the environment together in innovative ways, supporting the environment, economy and health – all so important, even more so as we emerge from the pandemic”.

The Guardians Scheme is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. VRP have received further funding by the Welsh European Funding Office to support the ongoing delivery of VRP hosted by Bridgend County Borough Council.

Pictured (from left to right): Mary O’Grady, Heather Manson, Kim Davis and Ian Plumley

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