Green infrastructure: Football Association of Wales

Working in partnership

Keep Wales Tidy were commissioned by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to create three accessible, nature gardens at their sites in Hensol, Newport and Wrexham in partnership with local schools.

Following discussion with FAW staff, each garden was planned to contain a large, raised bed, attractive, pollinator-friendly, sensory herbs and climbing plants, habitat boxes and feeders to support local wildlife. In addition, wildflower turf and specially designed habitat posts were installed to prevent cars parking on the grass at the Wrexham site, and three patio food/herb planters were installed at Hensol, so that chefs could grow their own fresh produce.

Keep Wales Tidy delivered educational workshops to local schools on biodiversity, sustainability, nature and the importance of looking after and improving local habitats. The schools then took part in planting and educational sessions at their local FAW Garden site.

The contract included the cost of Keep Wales Tidy staff to project manage the work, procure all garden items, co-ordinate volunteer activity, support and supervise the local schools, FAW staff and players to install the gardens and deliver school engagement workshops. This approach is crucial in helping to foster a sense of pride and ownership in the garden for the future. KWT were responsible for ensuring that all activities were undertaken safely (risk assessments, health and safety briefings).

The gardens were positioned in prominent positions so that they were visible to as many people as possible.

This project has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved when football and environmental organisations come together with a shared purpose. Working with Keep Wales Tidy and local schools has helped us bring our sustainability goals to life, creating raised beds and planters that support biodiversity and add real vibrancy to our offices.
Jason Webber Senior Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability Manager, Football Association of Wales

Was the project worthwhile?

The project was a great success. Everyone involved enjoyed the experience and gained new knowledge, skills and a passion for nature and the environment.

The three nature gardens are a real talking point. They look fantastic, and gain regular, positive comments and praise from staff and visitors alike. They proved an instant success with wildlife too, with bees, insects and birds seen using the spaces within minutes of completion.

The staff and school involvement has fostered a sense of pride and ownership, with a deeper connection to the new spaces. Pupils all enjoyed their educational sessions, having fun and learning at the same time.

FAW staff have already noticed an increase in wildlife around the sites, and their teams have loved picking the vegetables and herbs grown. One staff member commented, “It’s a brilliant reminder that small changes can make a big difference – for nature, for people, and for our planet.”

KWT were so supportive of our group of learners and gave them a sense of real ownership during their visit. The offsite opportunity was an exciting and exhilarating experience for our learners. They were able to showcase their skills and share their insights whilst exploring the surrounding grounds and planting. The hands-on nature of the project gave the children a feeling of joined up thinking around environmental improvements in their own community.
Danielle (Dan) Lee Assistant Headteacher, Ysgol Gynradd Romilly