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From Soil to Soul: The Hidden Benefits of Sustainable Living

16 July, 2024
By Sullie Burgess

The Climate Cymru Green Tour, part of the Great Big Green Week, highlights inspiring stories of community-led initiatives. During our tour earlier this month, we visited remarkable initiatives that foster a sense of community while demonstrating the profound benefits of sustainable living, not just for climate change, but for many other aspects of our well-being.

The Graigfechan Growers’ Group: A Community Thriving Together

Imagine standing in a lush, vibrant garden where every plant is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. The Graigfechan Growers’ Group in Ruthin, a spirited group of pensioners, has transformed their collective love for gardening into a thriving communal farm. These dedicated individuals grow an impressive array of vegetables and fruits using eco-friendly practices and DIY methods. One particularly memorable example is their homemade comfrey mix, a potent plant feed that, while effective, comes with its own set of humorous mishaps—like the time a member spilt the mix and couldn’t shake the smell despite three showers, much to her husband’s dismay.

While some members have their own vegetable plots at home, the communal aspect of the farm offers unique benefits. They can rely on each other to tend to the plants when someone is away or unwell, and they share knowledge and experience with one another. This mutual support system extends beyond the garden; financial and physical help is always available when needed, reinforcing a deep sense of belonging and connection. It is no wonder that those at Graigfechan are so collaborative and friendly. Research from Cardiff University highlights that participation in community gardening activities correlates with reduced stress levels and increased social interaction among participants.

The number of small-scale local food producers in Wales has increased steadily over the past decade, contributing to both economic resilience and community cohesion. This small group’s efforts have even sparked collaboration with other nearby communities. Despite the small area, varying climates across the region allow different crops to thrive, enabling these groups to share their bounty and knowledge. This spreading sense of community and collaboration is not just about growing food; it’s about cultivating satisfaction, sharing, and a deep community feeling—values they wish to pass on to younger generations.

Langtons Farm: Regenerative Farming and a Vision for the Future

A visit to Langtons Farm in the Brecon Beacons offers another inspiring example of how climate action can enhance our lives. This family-run organic and regenerative farm is dedicated to growing and supplying markets with fresh, delicious vegetable boxes. The farm’s ethos centres on creating a sustainable future where local food production thrives and communities flourish.

The farm’s owner passionately shared their vision of a Wales dotted with market gardens, where food isn’t shipped from across the globe but grown locally and seasonally. They dream of a future where everyone knows their farmer, reconnecting communities with the source of their food. This personal connection is evident in their interactions with customers, who are more than just consumers—they are part of a supportive community.

The farm’s commitment to regenerative practices is driven by a desire to raise their daughter in an environment rich with nature and good food. The owner’s story of schoolchildren perfectly encapsulates the farm’s mission: to foster a deep appreciation for honest, wholesome food, especially for future generations.

“When we had school kids come and visit… They said that they didn’t like carrots, and after they picked them and tried them, they liked carrots! That’s just great” – Katherine, Langton’s Farm Owner

In the UK, including Wales, mental health issues among young people have been on the rise. According to the Mental Health Foundation, about 20% of adolescents may experience a mental health problem in any given year, and approximately 1 in 10 young people (aged 5-16) have a clinically diagnosable mental health problem. The causes of these mental health issues are multifaceted, yet social isolation and family breakdown contribute significantly to young people’s mental health problems. Incorporating community initiatives and fostering connections through activities such as community food growing can help mitigate these issues by providing a sense of purpose and belonging.

The stories of the Graigfechan Growers’ Group and Langtons Farm illustrate that climate action, when done right, can lead to a better, more connected future. These initiatives show us how moving away from isolation and towards a sense of community can transform our lives and our environment for the better.

Let us envision a future where such community-driven projects flourish across Wales and beyond. A future where we all enjoy the satisfaction of growing and sharing our food, where every community is interconnected, and where climate action brings us closer together, improving our lives and creating a sustainable world for generations to come.

There’s no doubt about it… You can be doing something that’s productive and beneficial. It doesn’t have to be retired people” – Nigel Horrocks, Graigfechan Growers’ Group

Take action today by visiting your local regenerative farm and signing up for our newsletter where you will find more stories that can help create a better future for us all. Together, we can create a greener, more connected world.

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