Project Outline - The Green Valley Project will provide vocational training and lifelong learning opportunities to residents of the Cynon Valley through the regeneration of derelict horticultural land. In combination with newly developed flexible indoor training spaces the Green Valley Centre will become a centre of excellence in the delivery of environmental, horticultural, and hard and soft landscaping training By involving all sectors of the community in the design, clearance, landscaping and cultivation of the land the project will provide quality ‘learning by doing’ opportunities, potentially leading to nationally recognised qualifications, apprenticeships and employment within the project for those wishing to pursue a land based caree.
Organised into an environmental task force, trainees and employees will be responsible for maintenance and regeneration of green spaces throughout the valley, providing income for the project, extending public access to communal areas and improving local perceptions of the physical environment. Once established the centre will support local healthy eating initiatives through the supply of organic vegetables to local schools, food cooperatives and cafes and will also provide income for the project by being sold on the open market. A market garden, providing organically grown, GM-free bedding plants will also sustain an income stream for the project.
The land will become an exemplar of sustainable, environmental practice through the use of renewable energy, recycling and composting and sustainable building materials. A tended wilderness space, stocked fish pond and riverbank access will provide the opportunity for other trainers and organisations to rent space on the site to provide a diversity of formal and informal learning opportunities.
Pathways to work - ‘Pathways to Work’ is an Extended Work Based Training Provision, teaching the practical skills needed throughout working life. It is part of the Green Valley Project and aims to help young people aged 14 – 16 with emotional and behavioural difficulties from diverse backgrounds. These young people will have become socially excluded, or will be at risk of becoming so. Led by a team of dedicated and experienced staff, and working in small groups, young people will have the opportunity to gain accreditations whilst building on their Key Skills. This is carried out in a work based setting. They will take part in a variety of different projects, gaining vocational skills in Hard and Soft landscaping, Building, Fencing, Woodland Management, Conservation Work, Horticulture and Community Enhancement Projects.
The Green Valley Project runs from a variety of sites within Bryncynon, including an office building with classroom, allotment, woodland area, and the Green Valley Centre, a large plot of land being revitalized into a community-based outdoor facility. The project is a new initiative of the Bryncynon Community Revival Strategy; a regeneration charity that works within the local community. Young people will have the opportunity to work alongside groups and volunteers to develop and maintain the Green Valley Centre and other projects running within the area.
‘Pathways to Work’ aims to educate young people, who do not fit into the mainstream education system, to reach their full potential. It gives them the opportunity to learn in a work based environment, gaining experience in the ‘world of work’ and to achieve recognised accreditations. We provide this vocational training via extended work experience and have individual packages to suit all learners. We teach social skills in a working environment and aim to raise young people’s self esteem and confidence, enabling them to become well-balanced members of society.
The project provides OCNs (Open College Network Certificates) that have been designed specifically for the ‘World of Work’, covering generic skills valued by future employers. We have OCNs suitable for all learning abilities from entry level upwards. For more information on Pathways to Work please contact Lisa Pereira on 01443 475120 or alternatively e-mail ptw@bryncynonstrategy.org.uk
Funders
THE BIG LOTTERY FUND
THE COALFIELDS REGENERATION TRUST
RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT WALES
WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERMENT
WALES & WEST UTILITIES
For more information about the Green Valley Project, please
contact:
Ian Wareing
Environmental Manager
Bryncynon Strategy
2-4 Commercial Place
Matthewstown
Moutain Ash
CF45 4YR
