An ambitious project to bring Barmouth its first “edible garden” is sowing the seeds of success thanks to new funding – cash confiscated from criminals.

Green-fingered volunteers will transform part of Wern Mynach nature reserve into a community garden to encourage locals to grow their own produce and get back to nature.

The project, which includes the development of a sensory garden at the 1,000 square metre site, will help address antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping, and encourage volunteers - young and old - to develop new skills and improve mental health.

The Friends of Wern Mynach, a community environmental group set up to protect the woodland, has received a grant of £2,500 from a fund distributed by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, enabling work to get underway.

The Your Community, Your Choice initiative is also supported by the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) which is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year.

Dominic Bailey, secretary of The Friends of Wern Mynach, said: “It is fantastic to receive the grant and shows how passionate people are in Barmouth. This funding is really going to help.

“We need some kind of shipping container as a storage unit for tools but we also have plans to build a shelter where we can host outdoor lessons.

“It will be nice to encourage the older generation to work with younger people and get them involved in gardening. It’s so important to teach children to respect nature, trees and the environment.

“Lockdown has really brought people back to nature. I’ve seen friends who have rediscovered walks and paths they never knew existed on their doorsteps.

“A community garden will give people a focus and reduce harm.”

Dominic, 42, a full-time builder who also works part-time as a social care support worker, realised Barmouth lacked a natural, recreational space that would benefit everyone, especially the vulnerable.

“We aim to change this and draw more people from the community to access this outdoor space which has many health benefits for all,” said Dominic, who has two young sons aged four and three months.

“We hope this project will have a positive impact and reduce antisocial behaviour, especially as we want to include and engage with young people in the hope they will take care of it.”

Arfon Jones, who visited the site, said: “Last year we sought applications that aimed to build resilient communities and this year we have continued that theme with projects that support my Police and Crime Plan - including proposals that address emerging trends such as County Lines and knife crime.

“Community groups are vital to the citizens of North Wales, and in helping to ensure that our communities continue to be some of the safest places to live, work and visit in the UK.”