Families can enjoy a free ‘Art in the Park’ event in Cwmbran on Saturday, June 15.
The event, located in the Oakfield Flower Gardens from 10.30am to 12.30pm, is open to all ages will combine artwork and local wildlife.
It’s been organised by Llarcs, a group of volunteers in Llantarnam and Oakfield who hold regular events in the park, and funded by Bron Afon.
Activities include a botanical art display by local artists, a nature hunt, a plant sale, nature meditation, a hot drink and cake and an appearance by ‘buglife’ artist Tom Maloney.
A spokesperson for Llarcs said” “It’s important to educate younger generations on wildlife and nature because by giving children the opportunity to connect with nature, we show them how incredible our planet is and how vital it is to protect it. Accessing nature and wildlife has so many benefits to physical and mental wellbeing and inspires us alongside our children to be more connected with the community and the wider world.
“Nature and wildlife is endlessly fascinating and we’re constantly in awe of the amazing diversity of plants and fauna we have in our local surroundings. It amazes us how nature always finds a way and plants can grow in the most unusual locations.
“For example, we adore the poppies that can be found in the crevasses surrounding the planter in the Flower Gardens that have seeded themselves. We love spotting the first daffodils knowing Spring is just around the corner.
“Families can expect a morning of community art, inspired by nature in the beautiful setting of Oakfield Flower Gardens all washed down with a cuppa and cake.’
The spokesperson shared some tips on how to help the environment.
They added: “If you need anything, see if you can ‘shop your home’ and use something you already have.
“If that’s unsuccessful, try to shop second-hand/ pre-loved.
“Cwmbran has some wonderful charity shops and the fantastic Steel House in New Inn is an Aladdin’s cave full of extremely reasonably- priced unwanted items, from TVs to craft supplies.
Zero Waste Torfaen in Southville, Cwmbran is the perfect place to stock up on food-staples, if ditching plastic is your goal.”
Llarcs describe themselves as “a community group based in Llantarnam, Cwmbran, working together to create a cleaner, greener environment for all.”