10 February 2021
Paul Abraham has been named the Wales Green Flag Award 'Volunteer of the Year' for his dedication to award-winning Swansea Community Farm.
Come rain or shine, Paul can be found at the Farm every Thursday. He is passionate about conservation and puts his encyclopedic knowledge of wildlife to good use looking after the grounds – from hedge-laying and path clearing, to creating habitats and caring for the Farm’s ponds. He also uses his own experience to mentor younger volunteers and support people experiencing mental health problems.
IMAGE: Paul working amongst the raised beds
Paul said:
“I feel good by giving something back. It’s really nice to work with all sorts of people from all backgrounds. And if I can help someone to build up their confidence or train them in a new skill without being judgmental, I think it’s a great thing, and it makes me feel good. I’m very pleased, very humbled. I’m very pleased for the Farm as well. The Farm has helped me greatly, so to be able to give something back, and achieve for the Farm is fantastic.”
IMAGE: Paul leading school children in hedgelaying
Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Award Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said:
“The pandemic has shown just how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities. And it is thanks to volunteers like Paul that we have so many fantastic facilities on our doorstep."
“Although some Green Flag Award parks and green spaces aren’t open to the public at the moment, you can rest assured they are being well looked after by some of the most dedicated individuals in the country.”
Green Flag Award in Wales
The Green Flag Award scheme is delivered in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy with support from Welsh Government. 224 parks and green spaces received the prestigious Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award in 2020.
A full list of Green Flag Award sites in Wales can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag
For more information about the Green Flag Award in Wales visit www.keepwalestidy.cymru/greenflag. To apply, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website or contact Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator on 07469 118876 or email [email protected]
