Cardiff Council’s park services are appealing for volunteers to help form a friends group to support one of the city’s most attractive horticultural hotspots.
Roath Park Conservatory and Botanic Gardens is home to a fascinating range of plant species and wildlife.
The conservatory has a collection of more than 300 sub-tropical plants from around the world, with animals such as terrapins, stick insects and a large fish collection.
The botanic garden is equally as impressive with mature exotic trees, a national rose collection and a large children’s play facility.
The attraction is in need of assistance from volunteers to help with a range of roles and to raise the profile of the park.
There are hands-on positions such as assisting with maintenance and caring for the plants and animals.
Skills are also required to help with applications for funding from outside bodies and commercial sponsorship, in order to improve facilities such as an outdoor class room.
It is hoped that a friends group will encourage more people to get involved in the park and forge relationships with local residents as well as those with a general interest in gardens and wildlife from across the city.
A launch night is being held for the group at 7.00pm on Tuesday 9 November.
All those who express an interest in the project are invited to attend the meeting which is taking place at Roath Park Community Centre.
It is an opportunity for people to express their ideas and to learn about the future plans of the park.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “Roath Park Conservatory and Botanic Gardens is a wonderful place to visit with a fantastic collection of wildlife. A friends group will not only benefit the area but it is also an excellent way for people to get more involved in the park and share their ideas of how to maintain and improve its many features”.
Roath Park Conservatory and Botanic Gardens is open throughout the year and is a popular visitor attraction for schools and members of the public.
Approximately 3,400 people visit the conservatory each year with an astonishing 2.5 million passing through the botanic gardens each year making it one of Cardiff’s most important visitor destinations.
It also plays host to a variety of events such as the Rangers Halloween Experience, the Rain Forest Experience and art events linked to the Open Roath Arts event.
For more information please contact park services on 029 20445903 or email Chris Powell on [email protected]
