The Community Garden at the Swansea Canal Centre

The Swansea Canal was constructed 1794-1798 by the Swansea Canal Navigation Company, the canal rose 375 feet through 36 locks from sea level at Swansea up the valley to Abercraf. Built to carry coal down to industries in the Lower Swansea Valley and for export, this new link to the sea enabled development all along the valley of industries and the towns we know today.

The canal provides vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife, acting as a corridor for nature in both the rural and urban areas it passes through. The canal acts as a focal point for communities, providing spaces for leisure, recreation, education, events and helping to connect neighbourhoods.

The Swansea Canal Society is committed to contributing to the reduction in carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, through the introduction of green spaces, the maintenance of the canal, planting and the protection of the canal’s flora and fauna. Where physically possible we use recycled and sustainable products in the activities we undertake and have installed sustainable energy products within the Canal centre – Solar Energy with energy storage batteries, which allows for any excess energy generated being fed back into the National Grid. There is also a living green roof on the building.

Community Gardens enhance wellbeing, improve physical and mental health, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of community. Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress levels, boost moral, self confidence and feelings of happiness and purpose. Vegetation helps filter pollutants from the air, trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. Green spaces provide vital habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The sensory garden engages the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch to provide a safe, soothing, and stimulating environment for individuals with disabilities. There are seating areas for both able body and disabled users.

The Society has transformed an area of rough ground at the Swansea Canal Centre into a shared community garden with the support of Statkraft UK and The Old School Nursery Garden Centre, Lower Cwtwrch with all of the labour provided by our volunteers. We are committed to bring together people of all ages and background, to connect with nature, the environment, the Swansea Canal and foster a healthier, and greener neighbourhood, with the positive impacts of using this garden.

Creating the Swansea Canal Centre

The Canal Centre at Hebron Road was created from the ruins of a former sawmill and builders merchants. This purchase was made possible thanks to Welsh Government property enhancement development funding administered by Swansea Council, with additional grants from Vale Europe Limited and Clydach Community Council.

The Valleys Taskforce provided £700,000 for an extension to the current TRI programme for South West regions, to allow smaller town centres to benefit from funding. This project has benefited from £74,500 investment and supports the Transforming Towns agenda.

The building was cleared by our volunteers and then extensively rebuilt by our contractor, Daley Homes. These few photographs give a hint of the magnitude of the project and the final, fantastic outcome.

Creating the Community Garden

The garden was created entirely by our volunteers at eight of our regular Tuesday work parties between October and December 2025.

Laying out the beds

Creating the bases

Planting

Installing the benches and tables

Installing the information panel

All done

This was a huge project completed in a concentrated period of activity by our wonderful team of volunteers. We are indebted to all of our funding partners for making this ambitious project possible.

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