A new community space has been created in the Rhondda Valley thanks to a new partnership with Transport for Wales (TfW).

TfW in collaboration with Alun Griffiths Ltd and the Cambrian Village Trust, has transformed a disused area in the heart of the valleys into a green space to grow produce and improve biodiversity.

Cambrian Village trust is at the heart of the community situated next to a lake in Tonypandy.

The trust already runs a range of outdoor activities, local events, and workshops at its centre, and was looking to develop its site further for the benefit of the community.

The project was made possible with funding from the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature scheme and the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund. It is part of a larger £100,000 grant-funded Green Routes project to enhance biodiversity at 22 stations and in five community areas in Wales.

Alana Smith, Sustainable Development Officer at Transport for Wales, said: “The Green Routes funding is meant to try and connect people to the nature on your doorstep, in communities.

“We decided to try and go for this pot of money to try and enhance nature and biodiversity in communities near our train stations.

“We’re delighted with the success of the project with the Cambrian Village Trust.”

Gavin Mcauley, Community Development Coordinator at the Cambrian Village Trust, said: “During lockdown the space was an empty blank canvas and we wanted to develop the facility to allow the community to have a space of their own.

“My idea was that people would be able to grow their own produce, cook their own produce and then sit down and eat together as a community.

“We got in touch with Transport for Wales and they were talking about the project and that we would have some planters and an allotment space and we wanted to develop that idea.”

Jeannie Jones, a volunteer with the Cambrian Village Trust, added: “It’s very exciting and we’re fortunate because the lakeside is such a beautiful area.

“Then we got this facility right on our doorstep to enhance it. These projects can benefit so many people. They can dip in and out as they need and the community spirit is excellent.

“It’s nice for us to get together and help one another. We thoroughly enjoy it and feel fortunate to have this here.”

For further information about Transport for Wales’ work in communities, visit https://tfw.wales/info-for/communities