It’s been an incredible year for the Landscaping and Eco-Construction team at Gower College Swansea.
Back in May, their brand new Green Hwb facility - comprising workrooms, art workshops, a pond, polytunnel and orchard - was officially launched by Iolo Williams.
During the summer, the teaching team were recognised with a Silver Award for FE Team of the Year at the Pearson National Teaching Awards. They were also finalists in the Learner Engagement in School/College category at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.
Then, in November, the National Trust announced Gower College Swansea as one of just 49 recipients across the UK of a sapling from the beloved Sycamore Gap tree.
Rounding off the year was a special visit from Julie James MS, Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, who was accompanied by Owen Derbyshire, CEO of Keep Wales Tidy.
The College’s Green Hwb has benefited from Keep Wales Tidy’s Local Places for Nature scheme, which is funded by Welsh Government and is committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.
“It was great to welcome the Minister and Owen to Gower College Swansea and to show them around our fantastic new facility,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “Our students were very proud to show off the great work they are undertaking at the moment. Every day, and in all weathers, the Green Hwb inspires and engages our learners, instilling a real sense of community and enabling them to develop excellent practical skills. We are very grateful to Welsh Government and Keep Wales Tidy for their continuing support.”