Caer Las' inspirational wildlife garden was conceived in June 2006 by a group of clients who'd been watching TV's Springwatch...

It started out as a grubby patch of derelict land frequented by local drug users and street drinkers. In contrast to its grim reality, someone suggested that they turn the land into a wildlife garden. Everyone else agreed and with the help of Caer Las' Outreach team began to put the plan into action.

Funding was secured and clients worked together to plan the project.  A local hostel lent gardening equipment and provided bird tables.  Local group WGCADA loaned tools as well as willing clients to help out on the project.  Then, in early autumn, teams set to work preparing the space for planting.

Over thirty clients got involved.  Some with specialist skills including horticulture, trees and dry-stone walling.  Staff and clients enjoyed worked together, breaking down traditional stereotypes and enabling everyone to feel equal.
In its official opening by Iolo Williams, the garden was declared, ‘truly inspirational'.  It was also featured on his BBC show, ‘Iolo's Welsh Safari' and covered by the local media.

James M said,
"I've rediscovered my love of gardening and garden design.  I hope it'll be a stepping stone back into work.  It's my dream to become fully trained and design a garden for people with disabilities".

Mark F said,
"The feeling of community we achieved working on the garden was fantastic - I haven't experienced anything like that for a long time.  Everyone pitched in and gave it their all.  Hopefully the results will be there for us to appreciate for a long time afterwards."