Posted on: Wednesday 23 November 2022
New nature-inspired artwork is appearing across Gwent to encourage people to value the nature we can find in green spaces within our communities.
The pieces have been developed as part of the Nature Isn’t Neat project, which aims to raise awareness of the decline in pollinators and encourage local action, including embedding a regional meadow management approach across the Gwent area.
Over the summer, communities have been busy designing and building mosaic artworks with artist Stephanie Roberts, that reflect the beauty of nature in their local green spaces.
The artworks are situated Fairhill, Cwmbran; Rogerstone Welfare Grounds, Rogerstone; Gilfach, Bargoed and Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar.
Fairhill, Cwmbran is home to the Torfaen sculpture, located on a Bron Afon Housing Association estate near the Costar Community Centre.
Bron Afon is a key partner to the Nature isn’t Neat project, and working in partnership with the Council has been helping to join the communities of Torfaen together into a natural network, bringing residents closer to wildlife on their doorstep.
The new community artworks celebrate the relationship between wildflowers, pollinators and people of Gwent. The artworks will be the focal point of a celebration in the spring, looking forward to an exciting season of nature ahead.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive member for the Environment, said: “The new artworks celebrate the Nature Isn’t Neat approach, and the positive effect it can have had on wildlife and pollinators across Gwent. Selective mowing allows grasses and wildflowers to thrive for longer is supporting pollinators and a diverse range of wildlife generally.
“It’s fantastic to see this community project taking pride of place in the community, and it was It was heart-warming to hear how many local people went along to the workshops to work on this artwork in the summer. It’s not only a great testament to Nature Isn’t Neat, but also to the community spirit in Torfaen.
“It’s also a great project to mark during Wales Climate Week, which is this year focused on public engagement and action.”
Places and Spaces Manager at Bron Afon, Simon Morgan, said:“We’re really proud to be a partner in this important wildlife activity.
This community art project is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant.”
You can read more about how Bron Afon is managing their land for nature here www.bronafon.org.uk
Tell us what you think about the Council's plan to protect the local environment and improve sustainability here: https://getinvolved.torfaen.gov.uk/the-county-plan
Find out how Torfaen Council is planning to improve sustainability over the next 5 years here: www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/AboutTheCouncil/Climate-change/Climate-change-and-nature-emergency.aspx
Find out how Torfaen Council is tackling climate change and the nature emergency by searching for #NutureNatureTorfaen and #CutTheCarbonTorfaen on social media.