ReSource CIC
Community Garden Project Flourishes Thanks to Clocaenog Wind Farm Funding
Denbighshire, Wales — A once-overgrown area of scrub land has been transformed into a thriving, inclusive community space thanks to funding from the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund.
ReSource CIC’s Aunt Rosa’s Garden, a community agroforest and orchard, has successfully brought approximately two acres of land back into active use, creating new opportunities for volunteering, learning, wellbeing, and employment for people across Denbighshire.
The project, delivered between March 2022 and March 2023, received a £27,568 grant from the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund. The funding enabled ReSource CIC to employ dedicated project management and a horticulture apprentice, ensuring both the development of the site and its long-term sustainability.
With improved accessibility and maintenance, Aunt Rosa’s Garden is now a welcoming space for individuals, families, schools, and community groups. The restored community orchard has hosted apple-picking and pressing days, pruning workshops, and seasonal events, while regular volunteering sessions now support more than 20 people each week.
The project has also created meaningful pathways into training and employment. A horticulture apprentice completed a Level 2 qualification and has progressed into paid employment with ReSource, with plans to continue further training. Participants have gained practical skills in gardening, orchard care, and land management, including accredited brush-cutting qualifications.
Young people and families have played a key role in the garden’s success. Partnerships with local schools, colleges, and specialist education providers have enabled work experience placements, Duke of Edinburgh volunteering, holiday activity clubs, and outdoor learning sessions, helping to build confidence and connection with nature from an early age.
Alongside its social impact, the project has strengthened ReSource’s long-term sustainability. Income is now being generated through produce and plant sales, workshops, and funded community activities, ensuring the garden can continue to grow and benefit the community in years to come.
Janine Cusworth from ReSource CIC said:
“The Clocaenog Wind Farm funding has been instrumental in transforming this space into a safe, accessible place for people to come together, learn new skills, and connect with nature. Aunt Rosa’s Garden has become a real hub for community life, and we’re excited to build on this success.”
ReSource CIC plans to continue expanding learning opportunities at Aunt Rosa’s Garden, developing new partnerships and increasing access to nature-based activities for people of all ages and abilities.
