A Local Places for Nature garden at Blaina Integrated Children's Centre

Tyfu Together is a partnership project bringing together local authority staff, childcare services and community groups to create a vibrant, inclusive community garden at Blaina Integrated Children’s Centre. Supported through the Local Places for Nature programme, the project has transformed an underused outdoor space into a thriving, food‑growing and nature‑rich environment for local families.

Through a Local Places for Nature development package, Tyfu Together worked collaboratively with the community to design and create a new food‑growing community garden.

The project delivered:

Raised beds, fruit trees and planting areas for growing food
Wildflower turf, shrubs and native planting to support wildlife
A polytunnel, tool store and equipment for long‑term use
Habitat features such as bird boxes and insect homes
Training, advice and ongoing support for volunteers

Children, families, childcare providers and volunteers were involved throughout, helping to co‑design and build the space together.

The transformation has created a multifunctional space that delivers environmental, social and wellbeing benefits:

Over 50 people are expected to regularly use the garden
Volunteers and community groups gained practical skills and confidence
A once‑unused space is now rich in biodiversity, supporting pollinators and wildlife
Children and families have greater access to nature and outdoor learning

The garden has become a shared space where people can grow food, learn new skills and build stronger community connections.

“Our new garden… has transformed a space that lacked purpose into a richer, greener space for our children, families and community. We hope it becomes a place where curiosity grows, where people connect with nature, and where our community can come together to support biodiversity and sustainability.”
Laura James Tyfu Together

The group is committed to developing the garden further, including plans to introduce a garden pod and expand outdoor learning opportunities.

The space will continue to support early years education, community activities and wellbeing, ensuring long‑term benefits for local people while helping nature thrive.

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