Resolven Community Garden

Resolven, located in Neath Port Talbot County, Wales, faces environmental challenges like flood risk and air pollution due to its proximity to the river and nearby industrial activity. Despite having basic amenities and a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, the village also struggles with social issues such as poverty and limited job opportunities. Low-income populations in Resolven, as in many areas, have a higher obesity prevalence due to factors like limited access to healthy food, lower physical activity, and a lack of education on healthy lifestyles. Food insecurity, caused by financial constraints, often leads to reliance on cheaper, processed foods marketed aggressively in low-income neighbourhoods.

To address these challenges, initiatives like the Growing Healthy Together Scheme were implemented in South Wales to promote healthy eating habits and a thriving local food economy. However, there is still a need for increased access to healthy food options in Resolven. Creating community gardens and farmer's markets that promote local sourcing of food can encourage healthy eating habits, raise awareness about the impact of food on health, and reduce consumption of unhealthy foods.

My project focuses on creating a communal garden as an educational hub for gardening, food production, and healthy eating habits. Through workshops and educational sessions, community members will gain the skills and knowledge to cultivate green spaces within the wider community. The project also addresses constraints such as landscaping the existing green space, resolving limited natural light issues, and improving accessibility. The Miners Welfare Club holds significant heritage value for the community and requires revitalization and improvement. This building holds a storied past, having been initially established to support and provide social opportunities for coal miners and their families. By reviving and restoring the first floor, we aim to preserve the historical significance of the once-thriving theater. To honour its history, the external painted brick walls will be carefully stripped away, revealing the original brickwork.

This decision acknowledges and celebrates the building's rich history, as the original brickwork tells a compelling story about its past. The garden features an orchard along the path leading into it and utilizes planters to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, making efficient use of limited urban space. A rainwater collection system conserves water resources and provides a healthier option for watering the plants. The design of rain chains enhances both functionality and aesthetics, managing water flows while creating a visually and audibly pleasing experience. The project includes a kitchen offering cooking classes and workshops to promote healthy eating and sustainable food production. The open layout fosters community and collaboration, complemented by a dining hall that encourages communal dining. The library serves as a resource for learning about sustainable food production, healthy eating, and gardening, while also serving as a venue for educational sessions