Routes 2 Life (R2L) - Groundwork

Routes 2 Life (R2L) aims to support the well-being of local people, combat food poverty and conserve the local environment.

I get a real sense of achievement from the programme. Working with other volunteers, we see what we have done as the year progresses.
Stephen, R2L Volunteer

The Routes 2 Life volunteer team in the polytunnel at the farm site in Pontllanfraith, showing off some of the produce they have grown.

What kind activities does Routes 2 Life run?

Based at Groundwork Wales’ horticultural site in Pontllanfraith, R2L engages participants of all ages in:

Food growing workshops teaching community members on the knowledge and skills to grow their own food at home. This can include seed harvesting and drilling, growing fruit and vegetables and pruning.
Countryside skills where participants learn skills such as hedging, strimming and fencing.
Food preservation to encourage the use of fresh foods at home. This can include drying herbs and spices, infusing oils for cookery, and preserving jams and chutneys.
Outdoor learning workshops for local school children and young people in horticultural and conservation skills. These support delivery of the curriculum and promote greener ways of living.

Our short and long term volunteering opportunities help participants build social skills, confidence and self-esteem. Participants can also gain Agored Cymru accredited training and enhance their CVs.

We work with a range of local partners to provide opportunities for local people to develop food growing skills. We donate surplus fresh produce to local food banks to help combat food poverty.

Routes 2 Life is part-funded by Caerphilly Borough Council.