Praise for Wrexham garden charity from former First Minister

One of Wrexham’s hidden treasures has been visited by the former First Minister of Wales.

Mark Drakeford MS was invited to the Erlas Victorian Walled Garden by Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, who is also a proud patron of the charity.

During his tour of the garden, Mr Drakeford enjoyed talking to staff, volunteers and service users as well as finding out more about the charity’s ongoing work with Keep Wales Tidy.

Erlas has benefited from the organisation’s ‘Local Places and Nature’ programme, which aims to restore and enhance ‘nature on your doorstep’.  Outside the walls of the Erlas garden there is a wildlife area featuring one kilometre of disabled footpaths which wind around a woodland, an orchard and over a pond.  Along with the Erlas staff and volunteers, Keep Wales Tidy is helping redevelop this area and improve biodiversity onsite.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “It was lovely to welcome Mark Drakeford to Erlas. As a keen gardener, I knew it would be a place of great interest.

“The work with Keep Wales Tidy is ongoing but it was great to see their progress and for Mark and I to discuss other Welsh Government funded environmental work, including Caru Cymru, National Forest and Eco-schools.

“I’m so proud to be patron of Erlas.  The garden remains a place of work, comfort and inspiration for adults of all abilities and the staff and volunteers continue to do an amazing job.”

Located on Bryn Estyn Lane, the Erlas Victorian Walled Garden has been established for over 20 years.  It was brought back to life by a group of individuals who had a vision to rebuild the garden, and in the process, help rebuild the lives of adults whose disabilities and learning difficulties had limited their opportunities.  The Erlas charity promotes and protects the health of people with additional learning needs by providing meaningful daytime activity, education and work experience in horticulture.

Come rain or shine, Erlas is open Monday to Thursday from 9am – 3:30pm and on Fridays 9am – 3pm. Plants and seasonal fruits and vegetables are sold daily and visitors of all ages are always welcome.