The Climate Cymru Green Tour, part of the Great Big Green Week, highlights inspiring stories of community-led initiatives. During the tour earlier this month, several initiatives that foster community and demonstrate the benefits of sustainable living were showcased, highlighting their impact on climate change and overall well-being.
The Graigfechan Growers’ Group: A Community Thriving Together
The Graigfechan Growers’ Group in Ruthin, a spirited group of pensioners, has transformed their love for gardening into a thriving communal farm. These dedicated individuals grow a variety of vegetables and fruits using eco-friendly practices and DIY methods. One memorable example is their homemade comfrey mix, a potent plant feed that, while effective, has led to humorous mishaps—like the time a member couldn’t shake the smell despite three showers.
The Graigfechan Growers’ Group, visited by Climate Cymru
While some members have their own vegetable plots at home, the communal aspect of the farm offers unique benefits. They can rely on each other to tend to the plants when someone is away or unwell, sharing knowledge and experience. This mutual support system extends beyond the garden, with financial and physical help always available when needed, reinforcing a deep sense of belonging and connection. Research from Cardiff University highlights that participation in community gardening activities correlates with reduced stress levels and increased social interaction among participants.
The number of small-scale local food producers in Wales has increased steadily over the past decade, contributing to both economic resilience and community cohesion. The Growers’ Group’s efforts have sparked collaboration with nearby communities. Despite the small area, varying climates allow different crops to thrive, enabling these groups to share their bounty and knowledge. This spreading sense of community and collaboration is about more than growing food; it’s about cultivating satisfaction, sharing, and a deep community feeling values they wish to pass on to younger generations.
Langton’s Farm: Regenerative Farming and a Vision for the Future
A visit to Langton’s Farm in the Brecon Beacons offers another inspiring example of how climate action can enhance lives. This family-run organic and regenerative farm is dedicated to growing and supplying markets with fresh, delicious vegetable boxes. The farm’s ethos centres on creating a sustainable future where local food production thrives and communities flourish.
Katherine, Co-director of Langton’s Farm, Crickhowell
The farm’s owner shared their vision of a Wales dotted with market gardens, where food is grown locally and seasonally rather than shipped from afar. They dream of a future where everyone knows their farmer, reconnecting communities with the source of their food. This personal connection is evident in their interactions with customers, who are more than just consumers—they are part of a supportive community.
The farm’s commitment to regenerative practices is driven by a desire to raise their daughter in an environment rich with nature and good food. The owner’s story of schoolchildren perfectly encapsulates the farm’s mission: to foster a deep appreciation for honest, wholesome food, especially for future generations.
“When we had school kids come and visit… They said that they didn’t like carrots, and after they picked them and tried them, they liked carrots! That’s just great” – Katherine, Langton’s Farm Owner
In the UK, including Wales, mental health issues among young people have been on the rise. According to the Mental Health Foundation, about 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year, and approximately one in 10 young people (aged 5-16) have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem. Social isolation and family breakdown contribute significantly to these issues. Incorporating community initiatives and fostering connections through activities such as community food growing can help mitigate these problems by providing a sense of purpose and belonging.
When we eat the food we’ve produced, it feels like a testament to the power of collaboration and community. The stories of the Graigfechan Growers’ Group and Langton’s Farm illustrate that climate action, when done right, can lead to a better, more connected future. These initiatives show that moving from social isolation towards a sense of community can transform lives and the environment for the better.
Let us envision a future where such community-driven projects flourish across Wales and beyond. A future where people enjoy the satisfaction of growing and sharing food, where every community is interconnected, and where climate action brings everyone closer together, improving lives and creating a sustainable world for generations to come.
There’s no doubt about it… You can be doing something that’s productive and beneficial. It doesn’t have to be retired people” – Nigel Horrocks, Graigfechan Growers’ Group.
