Bridgend-based housing association, Valleys to Coast, has received high praise from Wales' Future Commissioner, Derek Walker, for its local regeneration efforts.
On 2nd September, Derek visited three of Valleys to Coast's Growth for Good project sites to see how the government-funded initiative is transforming outdoor spaces across Bridgend.
Representatives from Valleys to Coast welcomed Derek Walker and Andrew White, Director of Wales at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to two newly planted tiny forests in Cefn Glas and The Green in Sarn. The group also visited Coed Bach Dimbath, formerly known as Blackmill Woodland, which is undergoing major regeneration works in preparation to form part of the National Forest for Wales.
Growth for Good, which has so far received approximately £650,000 of government funding, is Valleys to Coast's long-term project focused on food growing, carbon reduction and community engagement.
Rachel Lovel, Head of Regeneration and Sustainability at Valleys to Coast, said:
“We were delighted to be able to show the Commissioner and the Director where the grant goes, how we are embedding biodiversity, restoration and carbon reduction targets into our Growth for Good ambitions. The critical driver for these projects is the involvement and upskilling of our customers and communities to ensure they have the confidence, skills, knowledge and motivation to be involved now and in the future.”
Derek Walker said:
“If we look at the long term future of our country, we know we need to do more to tackle climate change, so it's wonderful to see how Valleys to Coast has been working with residents to restore nature.”
Andrew White also praised the housing association for their engagement with local people, recalling, “What struck me was the power of volunteering and community, and the connection between local businesses, houses and schools. Long may it continue!”
Valleys to Coast's upcoming work is focused on accelerating the regeneration of Coed Bach Dimbath. Contractor Greenspace SOS has been procured to work on the woodland pathway, which is expected to be completed by the end of October. Valleys to Coast will also work closely with Level 3 horticulture students at Bridgend College to conduct a research project investigating rare oak species in the woodland.
Valleys to Coast provides over 6,000 affordable homes across Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf, alongside a portfolio of commercial properties and leasehold flats. It was established in 2003 as the first large-scale voluntary transfer of council-owned homes to a social housing association in Wales. Last year, it published its growth plans, with five new strategies driven by increasing customer and colleague satisfaction.
