Greenmeadow Community Farm in Cwmbran close to opening
This upgrade was made possible through the Welsh Government Energy Services' Local Authority Low Carbon Heat Grant, with Torfaen Council receiving £1,560,763 in funding.
Sam Wright-Green, development manager at Welsh Government Energy Service, said: "Greenmeadow Farm is a fantastic example of a site suitable for ground source heat pumps.
"The land surrounding the buildings acts as the source of heat, and the existing solar array on the roof provides some of the electricity needed to power the new heating system.
"We are pleased to be able to support this unique site to provide a low carbon way to heat both its historic and new buildings."
Work began in May 2024 and was completed in March 2025.
The ground source heat pump replaces the farm's natural gas-fired boilers and is expected to deliver lifetime carbon savings of 201 tCO2e—the equivalent emissions of heating and powering 59 homes in Wales for a year.
David Leech, strategic director for adults and communities at Torfaen Council, said: "Residents passing the site will have spotted the impact of the heat pump on the paddocks, but the project has been a vital part of making the farm sustainable for the long-term.
"We're extremely grateful to the Welsh Government for supporting the project and alongside the new facilities on the farm, we're proud to have a transformation that has a fantastic new visitor experience and a reduced carbon footprint."
The farm remains closed to visitors while extensive refurbishments are completed, including upgrades to the historic farmhouse, café, animal barn, and play facilities.
It is now expected to reopen at the end of the summer.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
7 hours ago
- BBC News
Cambridge sewage plant move halted after funding withdrawn
A sewage treatment works will not be moved to green belt land near a village after government funding for the relocation and development was Water was given permission to replace its current Cambridge facility, near Milton, with a new plant on land known as Honey Hill, close to Cambridge City Council said the government had now confirmed "funding will not be made available to support the delivery of Anglian Water's Waste Water Treatment Plant relocation".Anglian Water said the decision was "disappointing", but added: "Our teams are reviewing all options to increase capacity to support growth at our existing treatment works in Cambridge." The Development Consent Order (DCO) to relocate the Waste Water Treatment Plant was approved by the government in April treatment works were being moved to make way for new homes in the north-east of council said the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) made its decision to withdraw funding from the Housing Infrastructure Fund after costs of the relocation increased "significantly as a result of rising costs of materials and labour and disruption to global supply chains, an increase that MHCLG said was unaffordable". The council added: "As a result of this decision, Cambridge City Council and Anglian Water's proposals for the new 'Hartree' development on the current site, which would form the heart of a proposed new district in North East Cambridge, will not be able to be delivered."David Barnetson, programme director at Anglian Water, said: "Whilst it's disappointing that the project won't now go ahead, we're committed to supporting Cambridge and the wider area through its rapid projected growth, whilst continuing to protect customers and the environment. "Our teams are reviewing all options to increase capacity to support growth at our existing treatment works in Cambridge."The government has been contacted for comment. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
CCYP summer expansion leads to drop in anti-social behaviour
Cwmbran Centre for Young People (CCYP) extended its opening hours over the summer, thanks to funding from Gwent Police's Safer Streets programme. This funding allowed the centre, which usually opens only in the evenings, to run open access activities three days a week. Outreach staff were also more present around Cwmbran town centre, encouraging young people to engage with the centre's sessions and facilities. Since July, when the initiative began, the CCYP has seen an increase of around 40 young people attending each week. The summer-long programme includes themed activities, team-building exercises, creative projects, and problem-solving tasks designed to inspire and challenge participants. Councillor Fiona Cross, Torfaen Council's executive member for communities, said: "This initiative is a fantastic example of how partnership working can create real opportunities for young people in our communities. "By offering safe, engaging, and supportive environments, we're not only reducing the risk of anti-social behaviour but also helping young people build confidence, develop new skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging." The centre, open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12pm to 4pm, has a gaming room, craft room, cookery kitchen, and an activity room with a pool table, foosball, and ping-pong. Laura Ellis, CCYP centre manager, said: "We're proud to provide young people with a safe, inclusive space where they can express themselves, connect with others, and feel supported. "Thanks to additional funding, attendance at CCYP has grown steadily. "It's a clear sign of the value young people place on the centre and the positive difference it's making in their lives." The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Torfaen Council's Community Safety team and supported by Animals Interactive, Gwent Police, The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Cwmbran Community Council, and Cwmbran Town Centre Management. The centre also sees Torfaen sports, health, and fitness attend every Friday from 12pm to 1.30pm to deliver fitness sessions. For more information about the centre, follow @CCYP on Facebook or call the centre on 01633 875851.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Eight in 10 Brit teens believe university degree is critical to success, survey finds
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EIGHT in 10 teenagers believe a university degree is critical to success - despite 75 per cent harbouring dreams of starting a business. A study of 500 16-19-year-olds found 55 per cent view the well-trodden path of higher education as their only possible next step after secondary education. 2 Rapper and entrepreneur Professor Green left school without any qualifications Credit: SWNS 2 He met with A-level students about their futures after school Credit: SWNS Yet while many have this traditional mindset, 36 per cent are already making money from side hustles. But others acknowledged there are significant barriers holding young people back, with half (51 per cent) citing lack of funding as their biggest obstacle. While 46 per cent added they lack expert guidance or mentorship to take the next step to go it alone. The research, commissioned by small business insurance provider Simply Business as part of its Young Entrepreneur Fund campaign, which will award 10 winners grants of £5,000 each following completion of a business support programme provided by youth enterprise charity Hatch Enterprise. Entrepreneur and musician Professor Green, who is on the judging panel, said: 'I didn't take the conventional route – I left school without any qualifications, and I definitely didn't get anywhere near university. 'No grades, no safety net, just a lot of graft and figuring things out as I went. 'And I know loads of young people feel the same right now. 'You've got ideas, ambition, but no one's showing you how to turn that into something real.' The research also found 61 per cent believe school doesn't provide the necessary education around business skills. However, nearly half (49 per cent) are motivated by independence for their future professional endeavours as they want to be their own boss. Nineties kids TV presenter, 56, has barely aged a day in 20 years since legendary show as she gets an honorary degree Another 48 per cent who seek financial freedom believe the entrepreneurial route will help them to earn more money. While 35 per cent hope to turn current hobbies into careers, according to the findings conducted via OnePoll. Julie Fisher, CEO at Simply Business, which is accepting applications for the Young Entrepreneur Fund until 9th October 2025, said: 'Our research tells a compelling story – millions of young people dream of being their own boss. 'Yet, only a fraction are able to turn that ambition into a reality. 'Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our communities and economy, and this entrepreneurial spirit represents a treasure trove of opportunity. 'Through this initiative, we are not only providing vital funding and mentorship, but we are also championing the incredible opportunities that entrepreneurship offers." Professor Green, who recently met with A-Level students at Project Zero youth centre in Walthamstow to discuss how they felt about their futures added: 'It's about giving people the backing they need to bet on themselves, which in turn helps to support local communities. 'Not everybody needs a degree to be successful – but you do need belief, support, and a chance.'
