March 03, 2025 - 1868 views
St. David’s day, 1st March marked a significant milestone for the Colwyn Bay community as Gardd Pawb officially opened its gates.
This vibrant community garden, created to bring people together, celebrate local heritage and promote well-being, would not have been possible without the support the local community.
Thanks to a £37,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, the vision for Gardd Pawb has become a reality. The project has been funded through the Local Places for Nature scheme, delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government.
The need for more green corridors and ‘pocket parks’ such as Gardd Pawb, was identified in the Colwyn Bay Place Plan, as part of the Green Colwyn Action Plan, recognising the potential to transform underused land, such as the strip of land next to Douglas Road car park, into a beautiful and accessible green space for local residents and visitors.
The site had long been underused, overgrown, and a hotspot for litter and dog mess, making it the perfect location for a community-led regeneration project.
The transformation of the site has been a true community effort, with local residents, volunteers, and organisations working together to bring the vision to life. Key milestones have included:
Site clearance completed, removing overgrowth and debris
Raised beds constructed and filled with aggregate and topsoil
Huge community support helping to shape the space into a thriving green area
Speaking at the opening, Cllr Ricki Owen, Town Mayor, said: “Gardd Pawb is more than just a garden – it’s a place where people can connect, learn, and grow together. The support from National Lottery players, through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Welsh Government, has been crucial in making this vision a reality. But just as important is the incredible community backing we’ve had – from volunteers who’ve put in hours of work to local groups who have embraced the project. This truly is a garden for everyone.”
With a focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and local history, Gardd Pawb will host a range of activities, including gardening workshops, heritage storytelling sessions and community events.
The project has already inspired local people to get involved, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in this valuable new space. The opening event also saw the launch of the ‘Friends of Gardd Pawb’ initiative, encouraging ongoing community involvement.
If you would like further information about becoming a ‘Friend of Gardd Pawb’ please email info@colwyn-tc.gov.uk.
The garden has been designed to create a space of beauty, sustainability, and connection—a well-managed and attractive community garden to benefit all. It reinforces the importance of local places for nature in supporting well-being and quality of life.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to making Gardd Pawb a reality. This garden stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and collaboration, and we look forward to watching it flourish in the years to come.
Hear Town Clerk Tina Earley talk to Simon about the project on Monday's breakfast show.
