The Llanberis GP Practice Garden is the first NHS Forest site in Wales. The site is central to the village and is a triangular landscaped space with mature trees, pond and interesting features. It has a gate which allows access from the High Street and will be improved with new Welsh fruit trees, restructuring and cleaning of overgrown areas and new beds.
At Llanberis GP Surgery, volunteers have been working to improve access to the practice’s green space, restore a wildlife pond, plant some Welsh heritage fruit trees, create a herb garden, establish open air circular sitting spaces as outdoor classrooms/activities spaces. The site is now used for regular activities by forest schools, youth offending teams, local schools and preschool groups, youth clubs, Girls Guides, Age Concern and many more local organisations.
The aim is to encourage members of the community in social and physical activities to improve their wellbeing and to improve the physical and mental health of the patients. This is also aided by a bespoke self-referral form for the surgery to refer patients to the garden directly.
The site is also important for raising people’s awareness of the importance of sustainable living and the safeguarding of wildlife and healthy community green spaces. Plans are afoot to install a sign at the pond designed by local school children to highlight water safety and to enhance the site with further planting and installations.