Green Squirrel will use the funding towards developing workshops, outdoor learning events and wild play for the local community
Green Squirrel community group in Splott has been awarded £10,000 by the Co-op Foundation to introduce more social activities.
Founded in 2012 and registered as a Community Interest Company, the group will use the funding to support its Railway Street project, an initiative whereby one-third of an acre donated by Cardiff Council will continue its transformation into a space for the local community of Splott and Adamsdown.
More activities including outdoor learning events, wild play for children and composting will also be introduced, as requested via a series of community consultations.
Becca Clark, director at Green Squirrel, said in a statement: “We’ve been humbled and inspired by so many offers of help and support from local people and organisations, and this funding boost from the Co-op Foundation has come at the perfect time to help us to take our dreams and ambitions to the next level.”
As part of the Co-op Foundation’s Endangered Spaces campaign, funding was raised by the 5p single-use carrier bag charge used in the supermarket chain’s Welsh food shops.
Jane Henshaw, Labour councillor for Splott, said: “If we are serious about responding to a climate emergency, then we need to rethink how we work and live.
“The Railway Street project is a model of working and living in a more sustainable way. It’s a model that can be replicated in other areas. I’m really proud of the work Green Squirrel are doing here in my ward.”
Prior to acquiring the land from Cardiff Council, the site was initially a playground but anti-social behaviour lead to its closure for approximately 10 years.
Co-op Foundation provides grants and interest-free loans to enable organisations to form strong communities and increase their incomes for long-term sustainability.
More information on the Railway Street project can be found here.
