Valleys Regional Park Guardians Scheme – the story so far…

Green social prescribing is a mental health and wellbeing initiative which helps individuals connect to non-medical services and activities in the great outdoors — and last year, more people in the South Wales Valleys than ever took part.

Since the Valleys Regional Park partnership was established in 2020, the collective efforts of individuals and organisations across the South Wales Valleys has brought a wave of positive change — socially, economically, and environmentally. 

On 6th of July, we hosted an event at Redhouse Cymru in Merthyr Tydfil — to celebrate the achievements of the VRP partnership; recognise the roles our partners play in delivering our ambitions for the Valleys; and look ahead to a greener, healthier future in the South Wales Valleys.  

On the 29th of March 2023, Valleys Regional Park (VRP) and Groundwork Wales celebrated that its network of community volunteers — the Guardians — have completed nearly 10,000* hours of voluntary work over the last three years.

To commemorate this achievement — as well as the 399,497 sq. metres of land improved by the green volunteers* — a special ceremonial event was hosted.