Community Story: Nurturing our Roots

For our third feature on an awardee of a grant from the Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces 2026) from National Grid we are putting the spotlight on Nurturing our Roots, a fantastic outdoor focused project in Aberdare, South Wales. Luke Upton spoke to Rebecca Buckley, Chair of Governors at Caradog Primary School, about the importance of the outdoors, connecting people with where food really comes from, the importance of volunteers and more.

Luke Upton (LU): Bore da Rebecca, could you tell us a little about the origins of Nurturing our Roots and how the organisation has evolved over the years?

Rebecca Buckley (RB): Nurturing our Roots is both a community project and part of Caradog School. It was created to bring people together through growing, learning and sharing experiences in a welcoming outdoor environment. The project enables local people of all ages to get involved in growing food from seed through to harvest, before using the produce to create healthy meals. Over time, it has developed into much more than a growing project, becoming a space where people can learn new skills, build friendships, and strengthen connections within the community.

LU: What are you currently focusing on, and what are the main priorities for the organisation at the moment?

RB: Our main focus is helping people understand where food comes from and how it can be grown sustainably. We promote growing seasonal fruit and vegetables from seed, reducing food miles and carbon footprints while encouraging healthier lifestyles. Alongside growing food, we focus on building community resilience by providing opportunities for people to learn together and enjoy each other's company through activities such as woodwork projects, courses and community events. Everything we do supports health, wellbeing and social connection.

LU:  You've recently received funding through National Grid and Localgiving's Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces) 2026. Could you tell us more about the project, what the funding will support and what you hope to achieve?

RB: We are delighted to have received support through the Community Matters Fund (Green Spaces) 2026, delivered by National Grid Electricity Distribution and Localgiving. The fund supports projects that improve and enhance community green spaces.

This funding will help us create a practical and usable growing space that is suitable for community food production. We have also secured funding from RCT Partnership for a polytunnel, which will enable us to grow a wider range of fruit and vegetables from seed throughout the year. Together, these developments will help us increase participation, provide more learning opportunities and produce more fresh, seasonal food for the community.

LU:  How important is grant funding like this to Nurturing our Roots and what difference does it make to the work you're able to deliver in the community?

RB: Funding like this from National Grid and Localgiving is absolutely vital. Without grant funding, projects such as ours would simply not be able to operate or develop. The support allows us to improve facilities, purchase equipment and materials, and provide opportunities that benefit both the school and the wider community. It enables us to create a space where people can learn practical skills, improve their wellbeing and work together towards a more sustainable future. So a very big diolch yn fawr to all who have helped support the project!

LU:  As we always like to ask, beyond financial support, what do you think would make the biggest difference to your organisation and the communities you support?

RB: Volunteer commitment is one of the biggest factors in the success of our project. The willingness of local people to give their time, share knowledge and support activities has a huge impact on what we can achieve. Strong community involvement helps create lasting relationships, encourages skills sharing, and ensures the project continues to grow and thrive for future generations.

LU: Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers — perhaps upcoming projects, events, achievements or other ways people can get involved?

RB: We are currently involved in an exciting initiative called the Slade Farm Project. This involves a series of visits to a local farm, giving participants the opportunity to learn directly from farmers about sustainable food production, seasonal growing and environmental responsibility. The farmer will also visit the school, creating further learning opportunities for pupils and community members. The project will help people understand the importance of carbon-neutral practices, local food production and the benefits of eating fresh, seasonal produce. We're looking forward to building on these opportunities and welcoming more people to get involved with Nurturing our Roots in the future. More information about the project can be found here Slade Farm Organics | Organic Veg Boxes Bridgend & Vale of Glamorgan

 LU: Diolch yn fawr Rebecca, keep up the great work!

You may also be interested in: 

• Community Story: In the Mix Project
• Community Story: Camborne Cluster of Churches
• Are you ready for the Christmas fundraising rush?
• Community Story: Carefree Cornwall

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