National Lottery funding helps local community growing project launch new two-year community programme.
Cilrath Acre, a community growing project near Narberth, is embarking on an exciting new chapter after securing two years of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Since establishing in 2022, Cilrath Acre - which is part of the same charity as Pembrokeshire Foodbank, has become a valued community resource. The project has welcomed over 100 volunteers through the garden gate, hosts workshops and open days and produces significant quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables. In 2025 alone, over 932kg of produce - the equivalent of over 11,650 portions of food, was delivered to Pembrokeshire Foodbank providing fresh, nutritious food for people experiencing food poverty.
The new programme, which began in May, will build on these foundations by creating new opportunities for young people and youth organisations to take part in food growing and environmental activities. It will also introduce dedicated Welsh language growing sessions, helping more people develop and use their Welsh through practical, hands-on experiences.
Already, the project has hosted three local primary schools and supported experiences for students from Coleg Plas Dwbl. Staff and volunteers are also looking forward to attending the upcoming Eisteddfod taking place in Pembrokeshire next month.
Alongside these new initiatives, the project will continue its regular volunteer sessions which take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning, supporting people to develop practical growing skills, improve their wellbeing, build confidence and connect with nature.
Cilrath Acre’s Project Manager, Lowri Harris said:
"We're delighted to have launched this new phase of the project thanks to the support of The National Lottery Community Fund and players of the National Lottery. We’re really looking forward to working with more young people and expanding our Welsh language activities, whilst continuing to work with our fantastic volunteers. Seeing the difference that spending time at Cilrath Acre makes to people and the sense of community that’s felt here, is really special, so we’re excited to share this with more people as we move forward.”
One volunteer explains the difference their involvement has made to them- "I really enjoy volunteering at Cilrath Acre - I can really feel the benefit to my wellbeing as it's such a rounded experience, affecting my physical and mental wellbeing. I have also learned what is possible when a small group of people come together and work towards a common goal."
The project team believes this sense of community and shared purpose lies at the heart of Cilrath Acre's success and hopes that the new programme will inspire more people to get involved and play a part in building a healthier, more resilient community together.
Anyone interested in getting involved or learning more can follow Cilrath Acre on social media (@Cilrath.Acre) or email the team at hello@cilrath-acre.org.uk