Narberth’s Community Growing Project, Cilrath Acre, has received an official visit and special donation from the town’s Mayor.

Cllr Glinys Meredydd and her Consort Charlie Meredydd attended a volunteer session last week and presented the project’s Growing and Volunteer Growing Coordinator, Karen Scott, with a Crab Apple Tree.

The donated tree was part of the My Tree, Our Forest scheme, a Welsh Assembly and Coed Cadw initiative to offer every household in Wales a tree sapling, free of charge.

These trees will help tackle the effects of climate change and contribute to the National Forest for Wales.  Cilrath Acre, established by local charity Acts West Wales last year, aims to connect people with nature and the environment, taking positive action in response to the climate emergency.

Following her visit Mayor Cllr Meredydd commented: “It is wonderful to see such a local initiative that will benefit so many people. We’re looking forward to visiting again later this Spring and seeing the results of the volunteers’ endeavours.”

Regular volunteer sessions take place at Cilrath Acre on Tuesdays, Thursday and alternate Saturdays where all are welcome to attend.

Thanks to the project’s close partnership with Pembrokeshire Foodbank (also founded by Acts West Wales), 50% of the food grown will benefit those in food poverty.

Commenting on the newly established volunteer sessions, Karen Scott said: “I almost have to pinch myself at the end of our sessions when I see how much a small team of us manages to get done each time.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and motivating because we're seeing tangible results all the time. They’re a great team who are really supportive and welcoming of newcomers. I feel the community spirit is just as vital as what we want to achieve with our growing activities.”

Volunteers are also enjoying being part of the project with recent feedback from a volunteer stating that - “it’s a brilliant outlet for keen local growers who struggle with access to land, it’s a brilliant way to make a difference whilst doing a hobby.”

With Spring just around the corner, it’s a busy time on the acre with beds being built, seed sowing and planting underway and it’s all hands on deck. New volunteers are asked to attend a New Volunteer Day before joining in with any regular volunteer sessions.

The next New Volunteers Days are on Thursdays February 23 and 2nd March 2 and Saturday, March 4.

An Open Day including Easter family fun is planned for Tuesday, April 4.

Details of all events and volunteer days can be found via the project’s social media pages: www.facebook.com/Cilrath.Acre and @Cilrath.Acre on Instagram or by emailing [email protected]