Residents living at a learning disability service in Wales are enjoying fresh eggs and home-grown vegetables thanks to a farming project.
The residents at Cwm Coed, in Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taff, have built a chicken coop and brought in a clutch of chickens into their community as well as creating a vegetable patch.
The idea for the project came from Elwyn (pictured) and Edgar, who live at the service. Cwm Coed is part of the European Care Group, which provides specialist care and support for adults who have learning disabilities, mental health problems and physical disabilities.
Elwyn, who used to help out on a farm when he was a young boy, said: “I helped feed the horses, collect the eggs from the chickens… Unfortunately I was laid off due to my good nature – I used to give away the eggs to people!”
Edgar added: “My mother had a group of hens also, I used to help her look after them collecting the eggs for breakfast… they were delicious which is only natural because they were fresh.”
These experiences inspired residents at Cwm Coed to start their own farming project, which included building the coop and digging the vegetable patch. The chickens and vegetable patch are now both thriving.
Robert Patterson, service manager, commented: “After a lot of dedication from residents and staff, we’re really pleased to have created such a successful chicken coop and vegetable patch.
“The project has transformed the garden here at Cwm Coed and it now provides a whole host of activities for us all to enjoy. We’re even planning to add a few goats next!”
