Horticulture Wales is a project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), managed and delivered by Wrexham University. The project creates improved access to local produce, stronger supply-chains & increase collaboration between Welsh growers, horticulturist and producers.
The Woodland Skills Centre in Bodfari is a community-owned, not-for-profit social enterprise company set in 50 acres of woodland with allotments, poly-tunnels, heritage orchard and vineyard. They offer a range of traditional craft courses, community engagement, growing opportunities and health and well-being events.
The partnership promotes local, sustainable, food security; alongside non-food and ornamental crops; woodland and environmental management through traditional and innovative methods.
Laura Gough, Head of Enterprise at Wrexham University, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our work with Woodland Skills Centre. As well as sharing innovative and traditional horticultural practices across Denbighshire and Flintshire our collaboration will target new audiences, with our Project Development Officers reaching out to new schools and communities across the region. This project sits within the University’s Enterprise Office so we are able to signpost many businesses towards short courses to help their businesses, entrepreneurial skills development and promote volunteering opportunities amongst our students. It also complements degree modules across a range of subjects”.
Rod Waterfield, founder of Woodland Skills Centre, said: “This is a great opportunity for both our organisations to continue to grow and support the region together. We have an established orchard, vineyard, allotment area and polytunnels available which will benefit people across Denbighshire and Flintshire. We are looking forward to trialling new crops and growing methods in our poly-tunnel and, of course, welcoming new volunteers. Together, we will also be supporting orchard management through workshops. Many schools and communities have been gifted Heritage Orchard Trees but do not have the expertise to look after them and we want to ensure the trees are nurtured for future generations”.