Located in Bettws near Newport, students learn a range of horticultural, vegetable production and garden maintenance skills.

‘Roots Horticulture’

Located at: Bettws Allotments near Newport.


This is our first Horticultural project in Newport. This inspiring project is located on a large plot at the entrance to Bettws Allotments.

In the short time since its inception has been transformed since it started in April 07, from an area of disused allotments to a productive, well laid out garden with 2 polytunnels, raised beds and accessible pathways.

The food is all grown using organic principles, without using any artificial pesticides or fertilizers, to make sure it as healthy to eat as possible. This way of growing food is much kinder to the environment.




The students attending the project have also been involved in creating a wildlife pond, living willow features and a fruit cage. The project also has a shaded outdoor eating area, ample storage and an accessible toilet.

Roots also undertakes garden maintenance projects around the local area and can undertake further contractual work – please contact Roots directly with requests.

Vision 21 is a member of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens

Student Training

An Individual Training Plan (ITP) is developed for each student; this includes skills development training programmes that cover the following:

  • Ground preparation and preparing beds for seed/plant sowing
  • Planting, weeding and tending of plants
  • Learning to hoe, weed and water a planted area
  • Identifying trees and shrubs
  • Identifying common weeds, beneficial insects and pests
  • Learning how to cultivate vegetables and plants using organic principles
  • Learning how to make and manage compost heaps
  • Learning how to identify, maintain and use garden tools
  • Learning how to use petrol powered equipment
  • Maintain a pond and willow beds

Accreditation

OCN accreditation in Horticulture and related skills can also be undertaken at Roots through an innovative partnership with the Newport Community Education service.

Soft Skills Development

The training at Roots also delivers the Vision 21 soft skills development programme. In addition to developing horticultural skills the training focuses on developing self esteem and confidence, initiative, communication skills, working as part of a team, motivation, timekeeping, behaviour and reliability amongst others.

To refer a student to Vision 21

All Newport City Council referrals need to go through the Newport Access Supported Employment team.  Please see Newport referral information on the Student referrals page.

Following satisfactory completion of the referral process the student will undergo an induction to Vision 21 after which a ‘taster’ day will be offered to see whether the opportunity suits them. If this goes well students can attend Roots for one or two days per week, occasionally more if appropriate, for an agreed time scale which will be reviewed regularly.
For more information on our referral process please see our referral page.

Health and Safety

Students who attend the Roots receive a health and safety induction including, safe use of tools, manual handling, risk assessment and fire safety awareness. Students can also be referred to our TAM project for additional life skills, employment and independent living guidance as appropriate.

Opening Times

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Location and Contact

Project co-ordinator
Roots, The Blue container
Bettws Allotments,
Off Trawsmawr Lane,
Off Itchin Road
Bettws
Newport.
NP20 7GA

Tel: 07841565924
Email: roots.vision21@yahoo.co.uk

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