THE Cambrian News has joined forces with Tesco Porthmadog to give you, our readers, an additional say in how £30,000 is spent on three local causes. The funds have been raised by Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme through the Government’s 5p bag charge, and will all go towards environmental improvement projects right here in the community.

Tesco customers will be able to vote in store and online to decide which causes should receive £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 respectively, with Cambrian News readers having a further chance to vote for your favourite initiative.

Read on to help you decide which local cause should win your vote, and then exchange your paper coupon for a plastic coupon at the Customer Service desk of Tesco Porthmadog between 27 February and 5 March to make your vote count. Look out for additional paper coupons in the following weeks’ editions.

----------------------

Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife conservation area

The Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn conservation area is desperate for some investment to help transform the space into a thriving community hub.

The funds will also be used to organise bilingual events for all ages, an educational programme, and activities for the whole community to enjoy, especially children who love exploring the outdoors.

To encourage the area’s diverse wildlife population, which is enjoyed by an average of 11,000 visitors annually, the project would use funds for additional planting and education and play areas.

David Archer, of Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn, said the improvements will be delivered over a period of five months and will have a significant impact on local people. “With this grant we want to give this well-loved, popular space the attention it deserves to make sure it is protected and still as popular in the future,” he said.

“Access to high-quality outdoor space is so important to our children, so they have somewhere to safely play and enjoy the great outdoors, while making sure that wildlife habitats are allowed to thrive in the right environment.”

“With the investment we can make sure that many more people can enjoy this area of natural beauty and diversity.”

----------------------

North Wales Wildlife Trust: Caernarfon Schools’ Learn Outside Project

The North Wales Wildlife Trust hopes to create two wildlife gardens as well as allotment gardens, at Ysgol yr Hendre and Ysgol Maesincla with meadows, fruit trees, vegetable and flower borders to welcome birds, bees and butterflies, as part of its Learn Outside Project in Caernarfon.

Anna Williams of North Wales Wildlife Trust said: “Pupils will get the chance to learn about local wildlife and how they can improve their own local environment for wildlife.

"The schools will be able to use the outdoors to enhance teaching of sciences, languages, art and technology, promoting a healthy lifestyle, both for the mind and the body.”

Both local schools have liaised with the community through their family learning signature programme and are providing opportunities for local people to learn new skills. Pupils will be contributing from the start, with parents and other local people welcome to take part.

The schools work closely with Communities First officers, who will provide some funding and help reach the local communities through social media and leaflets, encouraging people to get involved.

----------------------

Y Felinheli Community Council: Improvements to Play Area Learn Outside Project

Y Felinheli Community Council is determined to make its current play area a much friendlier and more welcoming space for all children, irrespective of ability to enjoy.

The funding will be used to update the existing facilities for all children, with a special focus on making it more accessible for those in wheelchairs.

“At the moment we don’t have any specific facilities for disabled children, but we want to change this,” said Nerys John of Y Felinheli Community Council. “We also want to landscape this beautiful spot so that it is more eco-friendly and welcoming for birds and insects too!

"We want to transform the whole look of the play area, using more visually appealing materials to supplement the existing concrete and wire fencing so that it becomes a place that is flourishing with plants and greenery.”

Following numerous community council meetings, and conversations with local parents in the community, the improvements to the sea-front play area are now long overdue.

The improvements will be very welcomed by the local community, but can also be enjoyed by visitors to the area.