Young people create green space

A group of young people called the "Chosen Ones" came together in September 2004 to help make a difference to their community. They worked tirelessly to transform an area of disused land into a nature reserve to be enjoyed by the entire community. 

The Nature Reserve was opened on the 28th September at 6pm in Craigfelen Primary School.

With money from the Enfys Fund and Communities First Trust Fund, the group raised over £35,000 for the project.  The group were helped in this mammoth task by Detached Youth Workers from Swansea Council, and the Prince's Trust.

The team worked on the nature reserve during their Easter and summer holidays. They spent four weeks digging and planting with the help of adults from the area, Young People's Groups from Blaenymaes and Port Talbot, staff from Swansea Council's Youth Service, the Communities First Police Team and Cwmni Clydach Development Trust.

Detached Youth Worker Anan Griffiths praised the young people's efforts.

"Over thirty young people from the area have given their time to this project and worked extremely hard to achieve the end result. Along the way they've had lots of fun, gained new skills and experiences and done something really positive for the community".

The group also hired a landscape gardener and his team, a local Community Artist, bought equipment for the project and paid for a residential weekend where they evaluated the project and gained themselves an accredited qualification.

The group are proud of how much wildlife lives at the site and the recent emergence of dragon flies has given them the sense that the site has a purpose, beyond just being for the enjoyment of people.

 One young person commented "It looks awesome and we've got some shelters to hang out in as well. It's been a good laugh".

Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Community Regeneration, Joan Peters said, "This is a wonderful example of how our young people, with just a little support, can make a real difference to their communities. So often media reports and the like can give the impression that all young people are troublemakers. 'The Chosen Ones' have struck a blow for the reputation of all of Swansea's young people."

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