Cultivate

08/08/2026

🌱 GREEN SHOOTS – AFTER-SCHOOL GARDENING CLUB 🌱

🌿 New day, new time! | Diwrnod newydd, amser newydd! 🌿

Come and join us in the Children’s Garden for our weekly after-school gardening club.

🌱 For children aged 8–14
👨‍👩‍👧 Children must be accompanied by an adult

Each week will be different — from getting our hands in the soil and growing food, to exploring nature, discovering what’s in season and having fun outdoors. 🌻🐝🌱

It’s a chance to get close to nature, learn new skills, make friends and enjoy some time outside.

🌱 Every week is a new adventure!

📍 Children’s Garden, Cultivate
📅 Tuesday 11th August | Dydd Mawrth 11 Awst
⏰ 4–5:30pm | 4–5:30yp

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🌱 EGIN GWYRDD – CLWB GARDIO AR ÔL YSGOL 🌱

Dewch i ymuno â ni yn Gardd y Plant ar gyfer ein clwb garddio wythnosol ar ôl ysgol.

🌱 Ar gyfer plant 8–14 oed
👨‍👩‍👧 Rhaid i blentyn gael ei/ganddi gael ei hebrwng gan oedolyn

Bydd pob wythnos yn wahanol — o roi ein dwylo yn y pridd a thyfu bwyd, i archwilio natur, darganfod beth sydd yn ei dymor a chael hwyl yn yr awyr agored. 🌻🐝🌱

Mae’n gyfle i agosáu at natur, dysgu sgiliau newydd, gwneud ffrindiau a mwynhau amser yn yr awyr agored.

🌱 Mae pob wythnos yn antur newydd!

📍 Gardd y Plant, Cultivate
📅 Dydd Mawrth 11 Awst
⏰ 4–5:30yp

Want to come along? Drop us a DM or email Hollie at [email protected] to find out more and book your place.

Eisiau ymuno â ni? Anfonwch neges breifat atom neu e-bostiwch Hollie yn [email protected] i gael rhagor o wybodaeth ac i gadw lle.

🌿💚 Come and grow with us! | Dewch i dyfu gyda ni! 💚🌿

Supported through Social Value Funding from the Welsh Government, administered by PAVO – Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

Cefnogir drwy gyllid Gwerth Cymdeithasol Llywodraeth Cymru, a weinyddir gan PAVO – Cymdeithas Mudiadau Gwirfoddol Powys.

PAVO

06/08/2026

🫐 Has our Ashleigh been channelling her inner Lady Macbeth this morning? 👐🔴

Don't worry... those bright red hands aren't a cause for concern – they're the sign of a very successful harvest! 🌱

Can you guess what Ashleigh, our Get Growing, Get Cooking, Get Skills Project Assistant, has been picking this morning?

It feels like so many crops are ripening a few weeks earlier than we'd usually expect.
Are you finding the same in your garden or allotment?
What's ready to harvest where you are?

Share your guesses below! 👇

Get Growing, Get Cooking, Get Skills is proudly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund/ Cronfa Gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaethol, helping people grow food, learn new skills and connect with nature and one another.

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🫐 Ydy Ashleigh wedi troi'n Lady Macbeth y bore yma? 👐🔴

Peidiwch â phoeni... nid yw'r dwylo coch llachar hynny'n ddim byd i boeni amdano – maen nhw'n arwydd o gynhaeaf gwych! 🌱

Allwch chi ddyfalu beth mae Ashleigh, Cynorthwyydd Prosiect Tyfu, Coginio, Dysgu Sgiliau, wedi bod yn ei gynaeafu bore yma?

Mae'n ymddangos bod llawer o gnydau'n aeddfedu ychydig wythnosau'n gynharach nag arfer. Ydych chi'n gweld yr un peth yn eich gardd neu ar eich rhandir? Beth sydd yn barod i'w gynaeafu yn eich ardal chi?

Rhannwch eich dyfaliadau isod! 👇

Mae Tyfu, Coginio, Dysgu Sgiliau yn cael ei ariannu'n falch gan Gronfa Gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaethol, gan helpu pobl i dyfu bwyd, dysgu sgiliau newydd a chysylltu â natur a'i gilydd.

05/08/2026

🌿 Happy National Play Day! | Diwrnod Chwarae Cenedlaethol Hapus! 🌿

What a fantastic day! We've loved supporting our friends and colleagues across Powys and have been fortunate to be part of National Play Day events in Brecon, Welshpool and Newtown.

Through our National Lottery-funded Get Growing, Get Cooking, Get Skills project and our Meithrin Natur project, we've seen children and families enjoying the outdoors, making new friends, getting creative and discovering the simple joy of play in nature.

Today has been a wonderful reminder that play helps children thrive, strengthens communities and connects us with the natural world. Thank you to everyone who organised, volunteered and came along to make today so special.

Happy National Play Day! 💚

🌿 Diwrnod Chwarae Cenedlaethol Hapus! 🌿

Am ddiwrnod bendigedig! Rydym wedi mwynhau cefnogi ein ffrindiau a'n cydweithwyr ledled Powys, ac wedi bod yn ffodus i gymryd rhan yn nigwyddiadau Diwrnod Chwarae Cenedlaethol ym Mrycheiniog, y Trallwng a'r Drenewydd.

Drwy ein prosiect Tyfu, Coginio, Datblygu Sgiliau, a ariennir gan y Loteri Genedlaethol, a'n prosiect Meithrin Natur, rydym wedi gweld plant a theuluoedd yn mwynhau'r awyr agored, yn gwneud ffrindiau newydd, yn bod yn greadigol ac yn darganfod llawenydd chwarae ym myd natur.

Mae heddiw wedi ein hatgoffa pa mor bwysig yw chwarae wrth helpu plant i ffynnu, cryfhau cymunedau a meithrin cysylltiad â natur. Diolch yn fawr i bawb a helpodd i drefnu, gwirfoddoli a chymryd rhan i wneud y diwrnod yn un arbennig.

04/08/2026

This article from Ann Owen, Sustainable Food Coordinator in Ceredigion, reflects conversations happening across Wales. It's a sobering reminder of the challenges our farmers and growers are facing after another prolonged period of hot, dry weather.

These aren't isolated events. As our climate becomes less stable, we're likely to see more frequent extreme weather and the compounding impacts that come with it, affecting food production, biodiversity, water resources, rural businesses and ultimately the food on all of our tables.

This is exactly why Bwyd Powys Food is working with partners across Powys, Wales and the UK on food resilience. Together we're exploring how we can build stronger local food systems that are better able to withstand future shocks, whether they're driven by climate change, economic pressures or other disruptions.

Supporting local growers, strengthening supply chains, improving soil and water resilience, and ensuring everyone has access to good food are all part of building a more resilient future.

The challenges are real, but so is the opportunity to work together and create a food system that's better prepared for whatever comes next.

Please take a moment to read Ann's article and hear directly from those experiencing these challenges on the ground.

Some farmers have been watering plants through the night to sustain crops

31/07/2026

Connecting tourism and local farming across Wales!

The Horticulture into Hospitality Workstream 3 - Horticulture for Home and Hospitality initiative brings fresh, agroecological produce from local growers—including C&M Organics, Einions Garden, and Underwood Farm—straight into holiday home 'welcome boxes'. By bridging sustainable agriculture with tourism, this project supports local growers, protects the environment, and gives visitors a delicious taste of authentic Welsh produce straight from patch to plate!



Cysylltu twristiaeth a ffermio lleol ledled Cymru!

Mae Ffrwd Waith Garddwriaeth i Letygarwch 3 - menter Garddwriaeth ar gyfer y Cartref a Lletygarwch yn dod â chynnyrch ffres, agroecolegol gan dyfwyr lleol—gan gynnwys C&M Organics, Einions Garden, a Fferm Underwood—yn syth i 'flychau croeso' cartrefi gwyliau. Drwy bontio amaethyddiaeth gynaliadwy â thwristiaeth, mae'r prosiect hwn yn cefnogi tyfwyr lleol, yn amddiffyn yr amgylchedd, ac yn rhoi blas blasus o gynnyrch dilys Cymru i ymwelwyr yn syth o'r clwt i'r plât!

'rFfermI'rFforc

31/07/2026

🐛 Join us for Caterpillar Clues on National Play Day! 🍎

Looking for a fun, free family activity next week? Join the Cultivate gardening team for a magical story trail inspired by Eric Carle's classic book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Y Lindys Llwglyd Iawn)!

Follow the interactive trail, explore the garden, and collect a sticker at every fruit station along the way! 🍏🍐🫐🍓🍊

📅 Event Details
When: Wednesday, 5 August

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Meet in the front garden at 11:00 AM for an 11:15 AM trail start!)

Where: Welshpool Integrated Family Centre , Oldford Close, Welshpool (SY21 7TE)

Cost: FREE!

Booking: No booking required — just turn up!

🎉 What else is happening?
Make a full day of it! The Integrated Family Centre is packed with fun activities for National Play Day:

🏰 Bouncy castle

🎨 Arts & crafts

🌊 Sand and water play

🐞 Bug hunts

🧺 Bring a picnic and enjoy the day in the garden!

Bring the little ones, follow the clues, and see where the caterpillar takes you! We can’t wait to see you there! 🦋✨



🐛 Ymunwch â ni am Gliwiau Lindys ar Ddiwrnod Chwarae Cenedlaethol! 🍎

Chwilio am weithgaredd teuluol hwyliog, am ddim yr wythnos hon? Ymunwch â thîm garddio Cultivate am lwybr stori hudolus wedi'i ysbrydoli gan lyfr clasurol Eric Carle, Y Lindys Llwglyd Iawn!

Dilynwch y llwybr rhyngweithiol, archwiliwch yr ardd, a chasglwch sticer ym mhob gorsaf ffrwythau ar hyd y ffordd! 🍏🍐🫐🍓🍊

📅 Manylion y Digwyddiad
Pryd: Dydd Mercher, 5 Awst

Amser: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Cyfarfod yn yr ardd flaen am 11:00 AM ar gyfer cychwyn llwybr am 11:15 AM!)

Ble: Canolfan Deulu Integredig y Trallwng, Oldford Close, y Trallwng (SY21 7TE)

Cost: AM DDIM!

Archebu: Nid oes angen archebu — trowch i fyny!

🎉 Beth arall sy'n digwydd?
Gwnewch ddiwrnod llawn ohono! Mae'r Ganolfan Deuluol Integredig yn llawn gweithgareddau hwyliog ar gyfer Diwrnod Chwarae Cenedlaethol:

🏰 Castell neidio

🎨 Celf a chrefft

🌊 Chwarae tywod a dŵr

🐞 Helfeydd pryfed

🧺 Dewch â phicnic a mwynhewch y diwrnod yn yr ardd!

Dewch â'r rhai bach, dilynwch y cliwiau, a gweld ble mae'r lindysyn yn mynd â chi! Allwn ni ddim aros i'ch gweld chi yno! 🦋✨

31/07/2026

A fair food system starts with fair pay.

As the Real Living Wage celebrates 25 years, we're proud that Cultivate continues to be a Real Living Wage Employer.
For us, it's about more than paying a fair wage—it's about valuing the people who grow, prepare, educate and connect our communities through food.

Richard, Executive Director of Cultivate, said:
"We can't talk about a sustainable food system without talking about the people who make it possible. Our staff are our greatest advocates, and paying the Real Living Wage reflects the values we want to see across the whole food system."

We're also delighted that Powys County Council has become a Real Living Wage Employer.
Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys Council and member of the Bwyd Powys Food Steering Group, said:
"Fair pay helps create stronger organisations, healthier communities and a more resilient local economy. Together, we can build a food system that's fair for everyone."

Here's to the next 25 years of putting people at the heart of our food system.



Mae system fwyd deg yn dechrau gyda chyflog teg.

Wrth i’r Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol ddathlu 25 mlynedd o fodolaeth, rydyn ni’n falch bod Cultivate yn parhau i fod yn Gyflogwr Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol.

I ni, mae’n cynnwys mwy na dim ond talu cyflog teg – mae’n cynnwys gwerthfawrogi’r bobl sy’n tyfu, paratoi, addysgu a chysylltu ein cymunedau trwy fwyd.

Dywedodd Richard, Cyfarwyddwr Gweithredol Cultivate:
“Allwn ni ddim sôn am system fwyd gynaliadwy heb sôn hefyd am y bobl sy’n ei gwneud yn bosibl. Ein staff yw ein hyrwyddwyr mwyaf, ac mae talu’r Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol yn adlewyrchu’r gwerthoedd a welwn drwy gydol y system fwyd gyfan.”

Rydyn ni hefyd yn falch bod Cyngor Sir Powys wedi dod yn Gyflogwr Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol.
Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Jake Berriman, Arweinydd Cyngor Powys ac aelod o Grŵp Llywio Bwyd Powys Food:
“Mae cyflog teg yn helpu i greu sefydliadau cryfach, cymunedau iachach ac economi leol fwy gwydn. Gyda’n gilydd, gallwn adeiladu system fwyd sy’n deg i bawb.”

Pob hwyl gyda’r 25 mlynedd nesaf o roi pobl wrth wraidd ein system fwyd.

30/07/2026

Today was one of those days that reminds me why I (Mary) love my role as the Bwyd Powys Food Coordinator, north Powys.

I had the pleasure of joining the Powys Nature Partnership meeting at Llanwyddyn Village Hall before heading out to RSPB Lake Vyrnwy. The morning included an inspiring presentation from Andrew, Volunteer Development Coordinator for the Vibrant Vyrnwy Project, showcasing the impressive nature recovery and biodiversity enhancement work taking place across the estate. We also heard updates from partners across Powys and from Ben Mullen on the Local Places for Nature programme, highlighting funding opportunities that are helping communities restore nature across the county.

The afternoon took us into the landscape itself, at Vyrnwy Tree Nursery, where we explored the nursery project and took part in activities including moth trapping with the Montgomeryshire Moths group, butterfly surveying, wildlife recording, bird box walks and networking over lunch.

It was fantastic to spend time with people working across farming, conservation, community development and land management, discussing how these worlds overlap and how we can work together to build healthier, more resilient landscapes. There are so many connections between thriving nature, sustainable food systems and resilient rural communities, and days like today really bring those connections to life.

Some of the best meetings don't happen in rooms and online, they happen outdoors, walking through flower meadows, exploring habitats, asking questions and learning from the people doing the work on the ground.

A huge thank you to the Powys Nature Partnership, the RSPB team at Lake Vyrnwy, and everyone who shared their knowledge and enthusiasm. I came away inspired and full of ideas.

30/07/2026

💧 The whole of Wales is now under drought status. What does this mean for our gardens?

Today’s news is a stark reminder that water is not an unlimited resource — even here in Wales.

After successive heatwaves and an exceptionally dry spring and summer, drought status has now been extended across the whole country. July is on course to become the driest July since records began almost 190 years ago, with many rivers at exceptionally low levels.

For gardeners, growers and community gardens, this is a time to think carefully about how we use every drop — not simply how much we use.

🌱 Prioritise what needs water most
Newly planted trees, young plants, vegetables, fruit crops and anything growing in pots have limited root systems and may need support. Established trees, shrubs and many mature plants can often cope better than we think.

💧 Water deeply and less often
A thorough soak at the base of a plant is usually more effective than a light daily sprinkle. Water early in the morning or later in the evening to reduce evaporation.

🍂 Mulch, mulch, mulch
A layer of compost, leaf mould, woodchip or well-rotted manure helps keep moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds and feeds the incredible life beneath our feet.

🌧️ Harvest every drop
Use water butts where you can, collect rainwater whenever it falls, and think about how water can soak into your garden rather than running away.

🌾 Don't panic if your lawn goes brown
Most established lawns will recover when the rain returns. Letting grass grow a little longer can also provide shade for the soil and habitat for wildlife.

🚫 Use water wisely
Drought status does not automatically mean a hosepipe ban, but if restrictions are introduced by your water supplier, they must be followed. Keep an eye on local guidance.

🌍 This is about more than gardening.
Low water levels affect wildlife, rivers, food production and communities. The gardens we create today need to be ready for both longer dry spells and heavier downpours. Healthy soils, rainwater harvesting, thoughtful planting and working with nature will all help build resilience.

Perhaps the question is no longer:

"How do we keep our gardens looking green?"

But:

"How do we create gardens that can thrive through changing weather while protecting water for people, food and nature?"

💧 Every drop matters.
🌱 Every healthy soil helps.
🌍 Every garden can be part of the solution.

📰 Read today's BBC News story:
"Drought declared for the whole of Wales amid sustained high temperatures" (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/0)

29/07/2026

Help us bring £2 million in funding to Powys families!
Cultivate / Bwyd Powys Food has been shortlisted for major National Lottery funding to support our 0–5s through nature connection and healthy food. To secure this, we need evidence from our local community!
If you are a parent, grandparent, foster carer, or childminder of a child aged 0–5 in Powys, please spare 5 minutes to complete our short survey.
Bonus: Leave your email at the end of the survey to enter a draw for a £50 voucher to a food shop or food outlet of your choice!
Fill in the survey here: https://forms.gle/sczrPKZzt9B3sdK89
(Deadline: Please complete within this week!)

Helpwch ni i ddod â £2 filiwn o gyllid i deuluoedd ym Mhowys!
Mae Cwltifyrio / Bwyd Powys Food wedi cyrraedd y rhestr fer am gyllid mawr gan Y Loteri Genedlaethol i gefnogi ein plant 0–5 oed drwy gysylltiad â natur a bwyd iach. I sicrhau hyn, mae angen tystiolaeth arnom gan ein cymuned leol!
Os ydych chi'n rhiant, yn nain/taid neu'n wên/tad-cu, yn gofalwr maeth, neu'n gwarchodwr plant i blentyn 0–5 oed ym Mhowys, a fyddech cystal â rhoi 5 munud i lenwi ein arolwg byr?
Ychwanegiad: Gadewch eich e-bost ar ddiwedd yr arolwg i gymryd rhan mewn drafodyn ar gyfer taleb £50 i siop Fwyd neu le bwyta o'ch dewis!
Llenwch yr arolwg yma: https://forms.gle/1C4TFuejmzujTn6v7
(Cylchfan/Dyddiad cau: Llenwch o fewn yr wythnos hon, os gwelwch yn dda!)