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A wreath-making workshop in Rhymney encouraged people to create their own sustainable Christmas decorations and develop their “green skills”.
Routes2Life was at the Cost of Living Roadshow in The Furniture Revival, Rhymney on November 23, where they were encouraging people to make free, environmentally friendly Christmas wreaths.
“Every December we do little wreath-making exercises to show people how to make wreaths from gathering stuff from your local environment rather than go somewhere like a big superstore,” said Rachael Walsh Project Officer for Groundwork Wales.
The wreaths can be made easily by anyone, according to Rachael simply by purchasing a wire ring, but then saving by gathering cuttings from the outdoors (with permission) and acorns, berries, ivy and holly for decoration.
“90% of everything we make on the wreath is recyclable,” said Rachael.
The workshop was part of the roadshow where stalls were invited by the local authority to offer advice during the cost of living crisis but added a more “hands-on” element.
“Our boss thought it’d be great for people to actually come and do something hands-on,” said Rachael.
The wreaths may have been free at the event but are actually sold at a profit and have helped fund a lot of Routes2Life’s work, which is run by Groundwork Wales and provides disadvantaged and often vulnerable adults and young people an education and skills development programme as a positive way forward.
What is Groundwork Wales?
Groundwork is the community charity with a green heart. We work towards a society of sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe, which respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper.
We are a registered charity and member of the UK Federation of Groundwork Trusts. Since 1990 we have been working with our partners in communities where the need is greatest, right across south and mid Wales, to deliver grass-roots programmes that have made a real difference to people’s lives and prospects.
At Groundwork Wales, we’re all about regeneration in its fullest sense. We use local environmental engagement to realise and release potential in individuals and communities, working towards the wellbeing of future generations and a more prosperous Wales.
Our programmes are green at heart, holistic, flexible and tailored to specific needs through Green Academy, Green Services and Green Enterprise.
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“It’s teaching people green skills,” added Rachael which could include countryside skills, including gardening, fencing and strimming to growing fruits and vegetables.
Routes2Life has a three-acre site in Pontllanfraith which is largely run by volunteers aged from 16 to 72, and also welcomes school groups and runs courses such as a current eight-week course for people with learning differences.
“It’s lovely to teach them a new skill which they can [use],” Rachael said of the people who come to the site. “It’s always a hive of activity.”
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