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The Green Links Bridgend initiative has chalked up some impressive achievements over the past 12 months while continuing to strengthen the links people have with the green spaces around them.
Over the past 4 years, our Green Links initiative has been helping the community in Bridgend to connect meaningfully with the nature surrounding the town. By celebrating the area’s special green spaces, it aimed to benefit both people and plants by helping habitats remain wildlife havens which everyone can cherish.
The project enjoyed further successes during 2022/23 thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund. Here are some of the highlights.
One of the initiative’s key aims was to boost people’s wellbeing and environmental awareness while helping them feel more involved in their community.
By working closely with Mental Health Matters and Bridgend Carers, we were able to understand the barriers which prevent some groups from connecting with nature.
Many soft conversations about access for people experiencing isolation or poor physical or mental health have been sparked as a result.
Recommendations have also been made to improve access at Kenfig National Nature Reserve following an audit. This aims to ensure that everyone can access the great outdoors and enjoy the wellbeing benefits associated with nature.
I have to say it made me feel quite emotional to see them engaging in this lovely activity. One lady… has a very challenging caring role, so for her to have had the opportunity – however brief – has given her renewed energy to face the day.”
Karen EvansCarers Link Worker Bridgend Carers Centre
Two digital species-rich grasslands sessions took place in the spring, reaching 2,225 children and 144 educators from 91 schools.
The sessions were delivered in partnership with Eco-Schools, which is a Keep Wales Tidy initiative, and helped to reinforce Plantlife’s No Mow May and Every Flower Counts messaging.
Several schools went onto hold activities in their grounds to benefit wildlife as a direct result of the sessions.
Tim WortKeep Wales Tidy
Over the past year, Green Links Bridgend has continued to provide support and training to estate managers and council staff to improve biodiversity in public grasslands. Feedback from the 50 Bridgend County Borough Council employees who took part was positive, and included comments such as:
As a result of the training, changes to traditional management are being trialled at 3 housing association sites.
We are linking with our Road Verge campaign to make sure learning from these trials, and the relationships which have been built, are not lost when Green Links comes to an end.
Over its lifetime, Green Links Bridgend has steadily developed a dedicated network of professional and volunteer members.
The group meet virtually and in person to discuss issues relating to green space connectivity. Members come from across all sectors, which demonstrates the potential of whole-system leadership.
The network held a green space wellbeing event called the Bridgend Green Gathering in 2023, which attracted over 90 delegates. Experts from Public Health Wales, Natural Resources Wales and Bridgend County Borough Council.
Local entrepreneurs also took part, recognising that a thriving economy is part of any solution.
Our partnership project to connect communities to species-rich meadows while restoring these important habitats has come to a close.
Many visitors are unaware of Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve’s importance for nature conservation. Ranscombe will play a leading role in a new strategy to connect people with nature.
We have launched a range of exciting new volunteering opportunities to give everyone the chance to make a difference – regardless of where they live.
