RESIDENTS are clearing the pathway towards a sustainable future for an historic Powys church, thanks to funding from Green Man Festival’s charitable arm, the Green Man Trust.
The Friends of Llandetty Church group received £2,000 from the trust’s local community grant to help make the grounds of the church – which has served the village of Talybont-on-Usk for the last 1,000 years – more accessible, usable and relevant to visitors and locals alike.
Funding from Green Man’s community grant, which comes to a total of £10,000 in 2023, has been shared between local schools and initiatives across Powys that improves quality of life, promote inclusion and diversity or help tackle loneliness.
As one of the recipients of the latest round of trust awards, volunteers at Llandetty Church have been able to start clearing overgrown areas of the churchyard to help re-establish views towards the River Usk and make areas within the boundary walls safe and accessible to increasing numbers of visitors coming to view the historic 9th century site.
Jim McCulloch, founding member of the Friends of Llandetty Church, said: “The money we have received from Green Man Trust has been crucial in helping us launch the next phase of our plans, and in supporting us to push forward with work that is ultimately set to benefit us all as supporters of this beautiful, historical place of interest.
“Future projects include repairing the lych gate, connecting mains water and repairing the bells and tower.
“We also plan to establish a spiral nature trail and restore and enhance the varied wildlife habitats, create wildlife links and change the current mowing practices to encourage more biodiversity too.”
The friends group have raised more than £19,000 for the project so far, as they plan to provide informative spaces for visitors, including signage to explain why some areas need to be left for wildlife in the spring and summer.
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Founded in 2014 the Green Man Trust charity extends the Green Man festival’s philanthropic ambitions within the arts, sciences and local communities.
Fiona Stewart, founder of the Green Man Trust, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Green Man, so supporting the biodiversity and restoration of Llandetty Church will be fantastic to see.
“The Friends of Llandetty Church group’s hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to create positive change in their community in this way is inspiring and exactly the kind of community cause that the Green Man Trust exists to support.”
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