Penparcau Community Forum is hoping to “give nature a boost” through a new garden scheme from environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Local Places for Nature is offering communities free package that include all the plants, tools and materials needed to create small gardens.

Volunteers for the Penparcau Community Forum have been working on a food growing area, featuring native fruit trees, raised beds, a greenhouse, fruiting shrubs and pot plants.

Conversations officer for Penparcau Community Forum Clare Jackson said: “We believe everyone should have easy and affordable access to fruit, vegetables and herbs which is the mission of the Penparcau Planting Project.

“Therefore, we are delighted to receive the Keep Wales Tidy community food growing garden which will enable us to achieve this and get Penparcau growing.

“We aim to help each family in Penparcau grow, even if it’s just one item, and use this as a platform to continue to grow, regenerate seeds and then seed exchange and swap.

“We want the next generation of Penparcau to learn where their food comes from and take pride in growing their own.”

Penparcau Community Forum have seen a huge increase in people needing foodbanks and hope the community growing area will help tackle food poverty, promote self-reliance and enable residents to learn new skills.

They have already had a lot of interest from members of the community who want to volunteer after lockdown.

Deputy chief executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini added: “More than ever, people are recognising the value of nature to the health and well-being of our communities.

“We are delighted that groups, like Penparcau Community Forum, now have the opportunity to make a real difference through Local Places for Nature.

“We know there are many other areas that could benefit from the scheme and we’re urging people to get involved while there are still free packages available.”

The initiative is part of a wider £5m Welsh Government Local Places for Nature fund committed to acquiring, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

Garden packages are still available to community groups and organisations and the next application deadline for Local Places for Nature is 31 July.

To apply for Local Places for Nature, visit www.keepwalestidy.cymru/nature