Asylum salad plan a Little Gem

SALAD leaves grown by asylum-seekers at a Cardiff park will be used in restaurants across the city as part of a new project.

The Cardiff Salad Garden – a notfor-profit social enterprise – has reached an agreement with Cardiff Council’s Parks Department which will give them access to growing space in Bute Park to produce a range of salads.

The project, which will provide volunteering opportunities for the city’s asylum-seeker population, was created by horticulturalist Sophie Duran and Fissha Teklom, who arrived in the UK in 2003 as a refugee from Eritrea.

She now works as a facilitator and interpreter for asylum-seekers, refugees and young people in Cardiff.

Fissha said: “I grew up in Eritrea in a rural area where agriculture was more than just commercial, it is our way of life.

“When I first came to live in the UK I felt lost, isolated and I didn’t fit in. Something that gave me some hope was working outside in a garden, being connected to the earth.

“I moved to Cardiff from London because I love the beauty of Wales and it reminded me of home.

“I met Sophie volunteering at Riverside Market Garden as I wanted to be part of a wider community. Having my hands in the soil gave me a sense of purpose. I wanted to share this feeling with other people and use nature to promote well-being.

“I am very excited to be working alongside Cardiff council with our project The Cardiff Salad Garden to enable others to have this experience.”

The project will provide more than 10 different seasonal varieties of edible leaves and flowers, picked on a daily basis and delivered by bicycle.

Sophie said: “The income from selling our salads will fund the project so that it is financially sustainable and can work with groups to promote positive well-being.

“We will run several weekly sessions of two hours, for a small number of people to learn horticultural skills, to share experiences as a group and build confidence.

“We hope people will feel welcomed, nurtured and part of the community of Cardiff. Being located in the centre of Bute Park is a fantastic location for people to be able to come and take part. For asylum-seekers there are many barriers to participation, especially travel.”

The project hopes to recruit volunteers from local organisations such as Oasis Cardiff and Four Winds.

The growing sessions will be limited in number and structured to ensure there is adequate support, space and a nurturing environment for people.

Councillor Bob Derbyshire, cabinet member for environment, said: “Cardiff has a long history of welcoming people from across the globe – many fleeing war and persecution.

“Supporting vulnerable people is a key priority for the council and I know the team are looking forward to welcoming The Cardiff Salad Garden to Bute Park.”

Visit www.cardiffsaladgarden.co.uk for more information.