FCFCG Wales map launched

A dual-language map produced by FCFCG which highlights community gardening and farming projects across Wales was launched on June 9, 2010 at a special celebration event at the Senedd in Cardiff.

There has been an explosion of interest over the last two years in creating green spaces in Wales, due to concerns over issues such as food miles, climate change and healthy eating. The map acts as a guide to many of these projects which are open to visitors. The map also features associated groups such as community orchards, school growing projects, community-managed allotment gardens and community supported agriculture schemes.

Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones AM officially launched the map at an event hosted by Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central Leanne Wood. The event featured exhibitions from some of the groups featured on the map, as well as a buffet that includes food grown on these sites.

The colourful A2 size map contains showcases 45 groups, but FCFCG Development Co-ordinator for Wales Katie Jones, said this was just the tip of the iceberg: "As well as the groups on the map, there are more than 130 groups not yet members of FCFCG, plus many more new and fledgling groups being set up all the time. Our job is to support their work and advocate on their behalf to the Welsh Assembly. This map is the first of its kind in Wales and marks a major milestone for community farming and gardening here. It highlights the phenomenal amount of interest there is in these community-led activities in Wales.”

Katie added: “Not only will this map be useful for people wanting to visit these type of projects or get involved with activities, events, training and volunteering opportunities, but it also enables people thinking of setting up a group to get in contact with someone in their region who has already done it. And there are also pointers to where all these kind of groups can get information and support from FCFCG itself.”

The map will be distributed to all of FCFCG member projects across Wales, a wide range of third sector organisations, including all voluntary councils, communities first organisations etc, Local Authorities, schools, libraries and Tourist Information Centres. The map will be available to download from the Wales publications page of this website in due course or contact the FCFCG Wales office for a printed copy.

Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central, Leanne Wood, said: "I have long championed the virtues of allotments so I am very pleased to be hosting the launch of the first map of community growing projects in Wales. Interest in growing fruit and vegetables is higher than it has been for a long time and this wonderful facility will be able to put like-minded people, groups and associations in touch with each other and help meet the high demand that is out there."

The celebration event was open to the public and a number of representatives from groups featured on the map attended. Invites were also extended to all AM assembly members, cabinet ministers, local authorities and third sector organisations in Wales.