A long-neglected rose garden in Cwmbran will be transformed into a community wildlife haven after months of planning and volunteer organising by the Friends of Pontnewydd Park. The project aims to replace formal beds with wildflower meadows, improved paths and areas for woodland play and outdoor learning.
From roses to wildflowers: what’s planned
Volunteers and council officers have drawn up plans which would see the former rose garden reimagined as a tranquil, flower-rich space accessible to residents of all ages. Features described by the Friends group include canal-boat-shaped planters, a flowering pollinator stone wall, and raised beds intended for use by local schools, nurseries and disability groups.
- Wildflower planting and improved paths to make the area more wildlife-friendly and accessible.
- Woodland play and learning spaces, including a forest school and a bird hide nearest the canal.
- Community growing opportunities with raised beds for educational and voluntary groups.
The group has already taken practical steps on site: a commemorative silver birch tree, sponsored by Cwmbran Community Council, has been planted and a circular bench around it is planned for installation in spring.
Funding and local support
The Friends of Pontnewydd Park have secured almost £15,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Sustainable Steps programme to kickstart the work. Torfaen Council has provided planning support and additional backing, while Egin consultants and local contractor Morgan Sindall have also offered assistance. Morgan Sindall has sponsored the reinstatement of park toilets to ensure facilities are available for community and school use.
| Contributor | Role |
|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | Grant: nearly £15,000 |
| Torfaen Council | Planning and funding support; Healthy Planet, Healthy People team engagement |
| Morgan Sindall | Sponsorship of reinstated park toilets |
| Egin consultants | Project support |
Community action at the heart
"It's such an exciting project and we have had great engagement already in shaping the plans and starting to transform this area of the park. The community wildlife garden will be a tranquil, flower-filled space for everyone to enjoy."
The comment above was made by Chris Morgan, chair of the Friends of Pontnewydd Park, who is leading the volunteer effort. Councillor Sue Morgan, Torfaen’s executive member for sustainability and waste, welcomed the scheme as an example of what local people can achieve.
Councillor Morgan said the work demonstrates the value of community spirit and commitment in creating a public space that can be used by residents of all ages and act as a lasting local asset. Torfaen Council’s Healthy Planet, Healthy People team will continue to support engagement activities as the project progresses.
Opportunities for schools and volunteers
Planners and the Friends group want the closest part of the site to the canal to operate as a small forest school, with a bird hide for wildlife watching. Raised beds are intended to be managed in partnership with nearby schools, nurseries and groups supporting people with disabilities, offering practical outdoor learning and volunteering opportunities.
Residents interested in lending time or expertise are invited to get involved. The Friends of Pontnewydd Park can be contacted directly: Chris Morgan on 07812 176852 or by email at chrismorgan59@gmail.com.
As winter gives way to spring, the community will look to see the first visible changes and the installation of the commemorative bench — small markers of a broader ambition to make Pontnewydd Park a greener, more inclusive space for Cwmbran.
