Special needs, special deeds
Anne May has enjoyed working with Coleg Elidyr students in the Bishop's Palace garden
With spring on its way it's high time for Coleg Elidyr students to roll up their sleeves. Since 2023, come rain or shine, the small group from Coleg Elidyr visit Bishop's Park every week. Work experience offers them a special opportunity to know what to expect when working in a public setting.
Coleg Elidyr in Rhandirmwyn was established in 1973 for young people with special needs. At that time, the original ethos of the organisation was that everyone deserved respect and equal opportunity in life. Today, the main goal of the college is "learning through working”.
Upon arrival at the park everyone heads to the volunteer room to meet the head gardener. After discussing the tasks to be undertaken, Coleg Elidyr staff use 'widgit' (symbols) technology to convey what needs to be done with their students.
Here is a list of essentials for gardening:
- raincoat
- safety gloves
- strong boots
- drinks and sandwiches
After getting dressed everyone is ready to collect their tools from the tool shed.
Throughout the year, there is a list of maintenance tasks to be completed around the park including: repairing the paths, weeding, and clearing brambles. In addition to the regular tasks, the group also undertake a number of seasonal tasks:
Spring - A good time to sow seeds as the days get warmer
Summer - Removal of extremely fast growing Himalayan balsam around the park which prevents native plants from growing.
Autumn - In the corner of the walled garden is an orchard of ancient apple trees. One of the favourite tasks at this time of year is picking and washing apples and putting them in a traditional press. After completing the task, everyone enjoys tasting the fresh apple juice.
Winter - An ideal time to trim and remove dead plants and collect fallen leaves from trees to improve soil quality
Former student Ethan said:
“I'm very proud. I have learned new skills like planting bulbs and I'm able to identify native trees growing around the park.”
The Bishop's Park Engagement Officer said:
“It's a privilege to work with this group! Over the year everyone works well together. The main aim of our project is to make our garden a garden for everyone!”
The partnership between Coleg Elidyr and the Tywi Gateway Trust charity is going from strength to strength. It will be nice to see how the garden develops over the next few months.