Vetch Veg

The Vetch Veg Community Garden project began in 2011 as a site-specific, art project - part of the Cultural Olympiad. Located at the former Vetch field football ground, the aim was to promote and encourage community spirit through gardening and social activities.
The development of the project has been organic and community-guided, with local residents and groups working together to create an impressive and productive green space on what had been derelict land. The project has not only enabled positive social interaction but has also promoted environmental awareness - and encouraged cultural understanding. It has become a focal point for the community – a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet, talk and work together – sharing skills and knowledge, exchanging seeds and stories, and willing to lend a helping hand to neighbours.
The project, initially supported by the Taliesin and other partners, has now become an independent body which has secured a 7-year lease on the land and is working on ideas to become financially sustainable.
The judges said they were blown away by their site visit and were impressed by the passion and diversity of the plot holders and their willingness to share skills and help each other.

2012 Community Project Award winners