A NEW environmental project has been given the green light in Cardigan.

Naturewise Community Forest Garden is to take root on land at Parc Teifi after the Welsh Government, which owns the five-acre site, agreed to the sale for a nominal £1 fee.

The garden is the brainchild of Alpay Torgut, who set up Cardigan Eco shop at Pwllhai, and hopes the forest garden will have a huge impact on the local community.

"The Welsh Government was impressed with our work and achievements over the last ten years, in creating and successfully running our previous community forest garden and the Cardigan Eco shop, which has been going for nine years now," said Alpay.

"We have put in place a community interest company which will keep the land secure indefinitely for the benefit of the community and environment"

The primary objective of the scheme is the production of fruit and food for local people, which will be distributed to volunteers and sold at affordable prices in local markets and outlets.

"In essence, the proposed use is a horticultural large allotment type use, managed by a single body, run by volunteers for the wider benefits of the community," said Alpay, who has now been involved in four community forest garden ventures – two n London and one more recently at St Dogmaels.

"It will also have educational and health benefits and we are working closely with local schools. The previous community forest garden at St Dogmaels welcomed the local schools and community to learn about sustainable food production, healthy food and healthy living.

"We are very keen to engage with local children and to get the schools on board. They will always have the site in the background throughout their lives and will see how it grows and develops over the years.

"We will be holding public events to involve as many people as possible in the creation and maintenance of the project."