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Sowing Wildflower Seeds

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:26:06 GMT

ANNUALS - PERENNIALS - A MIXTURE OF BOTH

You may have been given wildflower seeds from On The Verge or any one of our supporter groups, or bought them from a reputable, local supplier.
For the best chance of success there are a few things to note, prior to sowing.
Courtesy of EMORSGATE SEEDS – Wild Flower Seeds and Seed Mixtures - Emorsgate Seeds (wildseed.co.uk) - one of our trusted seed suppliers – you will find, below, detailed instructions on how to sow wildflower mixes.

ANNUAL FLOWER MIX

EC1 Standard Cornfield Mixture - Emorsgate Seeds (wildseed.co.uk)

PERENNIAL FLOWER MEADOW MIX

EM2 Standard General Purpose Meadow Mixture - Emorsgate Seeds (wildseed.co.uk)

On The Verge have extensive and wide-ranging experience of creating all kinds of wildflower areas – if in doubt please fill out our contact form . We’ll do our best to help.

Starting your own wildflower project may seem a little daunting, but will be so rewarding and, remember, you’ll be contributing to the general increase in well-being, not only of our flora and fauna, but also of humankind.

One last tip: DO NOT COVER YOUR SEEDS WITH SOIL.
It’s tempting to sow wildflower seeds as you would with, for example, carrot seeds. Creating a small line in the earth, thinly sowing, covering over and watering. Then thinning the small seedlings and letting the carrots grow on, prior to harvesting.
Wildflower seeds, along with all of their specific needs, require firm contact with the soil. When you’ve finished sowing walk on the seeds , in several directions, giving them the chance to firmly contact with the soil.

Oh, and one last, last tip: Stick to the suppliers recommended sowing rates.

GOOD LUCK.

We look forward to receiving your pictures.

On The Verge On The Bank

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:07:23 GMT

WILDLIFE CORRIDOR ON THE RIVER ENIG BANK TALGARTH

On The Verge are having a planting session of pollinator plants in Talgarth on the far bank of the river Enig.

12.30pm Tuesday 15th April 2026.

Everyone welcome - just bring a trowel.

Location details:

[ https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXxwVB6Fc7ZhpiDVA ]

LD3 0BW

On The Verge AGM

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:15:24 GMT

AGM 21st April

Committee Room, Talgarth Town Hall. 6-8pm ALL WELCOME

A lovely start to the new season

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:10:54 GMT

GARDENING CLUB WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST AT 5PM

What a lovely start to our new season of Our Tiny Veg Growers gardening club on Wednesday 1st April. We did a lot of work planting, sowing and continuing the work needed around the gardens.

The children enjoyed their Easter treats sat at the new table & bench set...lots of fun & commaraderie with them all working & playing together.

The beautiful new table & bench set is ideal to sit at, to watch and enjoy nature at its best, for the children to sit at and discuss their plans for their gardening club and their futures with nature... PREVENTING AND RAISING AWARENESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL GENERATIONAL AMNESIA!!

The volunteers & some of the children gardeners have been very busy for the past few weeks getting ready for our next season of environmentally friendly organic gardening.

We've got new higher raised beds to now plant up all the new seeds, bulbs etc.

All the old beds and any surplus materials have been used sympathetically to make a very interesting insect habitat in a corner that was not used. We've now got a very interesting well established NO MOW / WILD FLOWER/ PLANT AREA where nature has been allowed to grow in its own way with no disturbance of it's habitat. The children have observed no less than 19 ladybirds on the nettles, flowers & plants naturally.

AN ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL MESSAGE THAT NATURE WILL THRIVE IN ITS OWN ENVIRONMENT WHEN LEFT ALONE.

The beds have now been prepared & filled with good organic growing matter using the very best materials from FIRED EARTH & compost which means we are starting our growing season from the bottom of each bed upwards to produce the best produce organically. Watch this space!!!!!

We've lots of new tools & equipment & a very large shed to store them in.

New Paragraph

Our Tiny Veg Growers Celebrated at the 2026 Community Management Awards Cymru

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:16:59 GMT

The Community Land Advisory Service Cymru officially launched the 2026 Social Farms & Gardens Community Management Awards Cymru Ceremony on 25th February 2026.

The awards shine a spotlight on inspiring projects from across Wales, recognising exceptional volunteers who are transforming access to land and championing thriving community green spaces.

This year, 19 community-managed spaces from across Wales were celebrated through short films showcasing the impact of each project and the dedication of the people behind them.

We are incredibly proud that Our Tiny Veg Growers were named award winners for Mid Wales. Representatives received their award along with a beautiful plaque crafted from reclaimed oak — a fitting symbol of sustainability and community spirit.

The full awards showcase, including all featured projects, is available here:

�� https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/news/awards

(9.58 minutes in to see Our Tiny Veg Growers film)

Congratulations to everyone involved in making these community spaces flourish across Wales.

On The Verge Newsletter Oct 2025

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:26:57 GMT

On The Verge and 1 Metre Matters Latest News, October 2025

HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH ON THE VERGE...

* Get started to make sure that your 1MetreMatters

* Invest in a 1 Metre Matters™ Bundle from The Old Railway Garden Centre

Includes a 10% donation to 1MM

Create a beautiful garden and make a difference — one metre at a time.

Our 1 Metre Matters™ Bundle is a hand-picked, seasonal collection of plants selected for their beauty, pollinator appeal, and positive impact on local biodiversity.

What's in the Bundle:

2 x Large Perennials
1 x 2L Lavender
2 x 1L Herbs

�� 10% from each bundle sale is donated directly to the 1 Metre Matters™ initiative.

Why 1 Metre Matters™?

1 Metre Matters™ is an inspiring project led by On The Verge and the Powys Nature Partnership , encouraging everyone to dedicate just one square metre to wildlife. This initiative forms part of the Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan , aiming to restore and connect habitats, protect insect life, and rebuild biodiversity.

As On The Verge Chair Martin Draper says:

“Insects are individuals too — each with their own personality. By giving them space, we give nature a future.”

When you buy this bundle, you're helping to fund this mission — one metre at a time.

What You’ll Receive

The Garden Centre will choose the best-looking, pollinator-friendly plants available at the time of dispatch. Wildlife favourites may include:

Echinacea
Rudbeckia
Salvia
Oregano
Thyme
Lavender

Every bundle is different — picked fresh for the season — and tailored to support bees, butterflies, and other vital insects.

* Join Our Tiny Veg Growers Club

* Help us grow - sign up to EasyFunding - it'll cost you nothing when you shop online.

https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/on-the-verge/

1 Metre Matters Plant Package

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:35:13 GMT

Amazing Plant Bundle now available

Stop thinking about our environmental problems............
The "1 Metre Matters package" has done the thinking for you.
Every "1 Metre Matters package" breathes life back into the land, bringing back the buzz of thriving insects.
Own your Old Railway Line Garden Centre 1 Metre Matters Plant Bundle today — become part of nature’s comeback story.

1 Metre Matters™ Bundle

Includes a 10% donation to 1MM

Create a beautiful garden and make a difference — one metre at a time.

The 1 Metre Matters™ Bundle is a hand-picked, seasonal collection of plants selected for their beauty, pollinator appeal, and positive impact on local biodiversity.

What's in the Bundle:

2 x Large Perennials
1 x 2L Lavender
2 x 1L Herbs

�� 10% from each bundle sale is donated directly to the 1 Metre Matters™ initiative.

Why 1 Metre Matters™?

We're proud to support 1 Metre Matters™ , an inspiring project led by On The Verge and the Powys Nature Partnership , encouraging everyone to dedicate just one square metre to wildlife. This initiative forms part of the Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan , aiming to restore and connect habitats, protect insect life, and rebuild biodiversity.

As On The Verge Chair Martin Draper says:

“Insects are individuals too — each with their own personality. By giving them space, we give nature a future.”

When you buy this bundle, you're helping to fund this mission — one metre at a time.

What You’ll Receive

We’ll choose the best-looking, pollinator-friendly plants available at the time of dispatch. Wildlife favourites may include:

Echinacea
Rudbeckia
Salvia
Oregano
Thyme
Lavender

Every bundle is different — picked fresh for the season — and tailored to support bees, butterflies, and other vital insects.

Fungi Town at Hay Castle

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:05:07 GMT

Pop along to Fungi Town at Hay Castle

THIS WEEKEND - OCT 3rd, 4th and 5th 2025 !!!

Our friends Hay Regenerative Soils are part of the Science Corner at Fungi Festival this weekend.

Come and peer into the hidden world beneath our feet: there will be three microscopes ready to go , so everyone gets a chance to explore the incredible creatures of the soil.

Got compost or soil at home? Bring along a little sample! We’ll pop it under the microscope together and chat about what we find: from wriggly nematodes to Fungal hyphae. We can even share tips on how to boost your compost.

It’s the perfect chance to try your hand at using a microscope, meet the tiny allies living in your soil, and maybe even leave with a new appreciation (or friendship!) for the underground world.

SEE YOU THERE!!

https://www.haycastletrust.org/p-6215-fungi-town.aspx

Mushroom Madness Trivia Night – Part of Hay’s Fungi Town 2025 !

Fri 3 Oct 2025 | 8pm | Suggested donation £5

Think you know your mushrooms? Join a quiz night sprouting with silliness! No need to be an expert—just bring your friends, your best guesses, and a great sense of humour.

All donations go to Hay Regenerative soils CIC, supporting a carbon-neutral, community-led food system in Hay-on-Wye.

Come for the fun, the laughs, and the chance to support a fantastic cause—it’s going to be spore-tacular!

Community event – everyone welcome!

Limited spaces so book your table by emailing events@globeathay.co.uk

BBC Wales Cymru Make A Difference Awards Ceremony

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 20:46:12 GMT

At the Awards Ceremony

Following On The Verge, Wales winning the Green Award BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards we were on air at BBC CYMRU WALES radio on Friday 26th Sept at 10.50.

Congratulations and thanks to all those who have contributed to On The Verge's initiatives 1 Metre Matters and Our Tiny Veg Growers .

On the Verge are Winners of the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 20:43:13 GMT

On the Verge win the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Green Award 2025

We are thrilled that this year's winner of the Green Award is Martin Draper, chair of On the Verge, with initiatives 1 Metre Matters & Our Tiny Veg Growers.

The Group exists to maintain, preserve and create wildflower habitats and highlight the vital importance of insects to biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security, inspiring actions to protect and restore their populations across the UK and beyond

Through education, outreach, and advocacy, the Group will:

Raise awareness of the essential roles’ insects play in pollination, food production, soil health, and ecosystem balance.

Promote the principle that “1 Metre Matters” —demonstrating how even the smallest spaces, when managed for nature, can make a significant contribution to insect survival and recovery.

Nurture “Our Tiny Veg Growers” initiative which seeks to cultivate an early understanding of food, nature, and sustainability among children. The group not only supports individual growth and wellbeing but also strengthens community resilience through shared learning and sustainable practices.

Encourage positive action by individuals, schools, communities, businesses, and local authorities to create, connect, and protect insect-friendly habitats.

Support the survival of insect populations , both common and rare, for their intrinsic value, for the wildlife they sustain, and for the environmental benefits they provide.

Champion the link between insects, climate, and food security , showing how protecting insect life is vital to the health of our environment, the resilience of our farming systems, and the wellbeing of future generations.

Launched in Wales for the first time this year, the BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate and recognise people and groups who do incredible things for each other and their local communities, shining a light on these everyday, unsung heroes.

This year’s winners were presented with their accolades in a special ceremony at Cardiff’s Hoddinott Hall on 20 September 2025, hosted by BBC Radio Wales’ Lucy Owen and BBC Radio Cymru’s Caryl Parry Jones.

From over 700 nominations, a shortlist of 32 finalists was drawn up and eight brilliant winners were selected by a special panel of judges, made up of reggae artist and BBC Radio Wales presenter Aleighcia Scott; singer-songwriter and BBC Radio Wales’ new Morning Show host Bronwen Lewis; BBC Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones; naturalist and BBC presenter Iolo Williams; DJ and BBC presenter Katie Owen; Wales' first female professional boxing world champion Lauren Price; Paralympian Olivia Breen, who was named BBC Cymru Wales’ Sports Personality of the Year in 2022; and BBC Radio 2’s Early Breakfast Show host Owain Wyn Evans.

Our Tiny Veg Growers in action in September

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:48:29 GMT

A Report from Jane, Our Tiny Veg Growers Volunteer Coordinator

Our Tiny Veg Growers Gardening Club meets every Wednesday at 5pm in Woodlands Community Garden, Talgarth – and everyone is welcome!

This week, we invited the children to come along and help plant wild garlic and some winter/spring flowering bulbs . We also picked some vegetables and continued the big clean-up of the beds in preparation for next season's crop rotation.

Last week, we had to tackle the huge burdock bush that had outgrown its space – it was getting a bit too sticky and wild! We cut it back and have plans to replant it in a bigger, better spot. One of our visitors over the summer shared a fun fact – burdock is where the idea for Velcro originally came from! The children certainly found that believable after discovering how tricky it is to get burdock seeds out of your hair and clothes – a very sticky lesson learned this week!

We also picked some lovely runner beans and radishes . While snapping the top off one bean, I noticed a few woodlice hiding inside. I suggested we could still eat the bean, but one of our young gardeners asked me, "Why did you destroy the woodlice’s home?" A fair point – and a great reminder that it's not just us humans who rely on vegetables for food and shelter. It was my lesson of the week : we share this garden with so many little creatures, and they all play a part in the ecosystem.

Each week we live and learn in this beautiful environment – and it's inspiring to see the children developing their own awareness of how important it is to care for nature and live in harmony with it.

Our Tiny Veg Growers went home happy again this week. We shared the harvest with three families , giving out three lovely cabbages (we left the base and outer leaves in the ground so they’ll grow more smaller cabbages – we’ve already seen some starting to sprout!), plus some beautiful beetroots and more carrots . Happy gardeners and happy plates all around! ��

#OnTheVergeWales #OurTinyVegGrowers #1MetreMatters

International Green Apple Environment Award 2025 for #1MetreMatters Initiative

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:22:08 GMT

�� On the Verge Wales Wins International Green Apple Environment Award 2025 for #1MetreMatters Initiative! ��

We are incredibly proud to announce that On the Verge Wales has been named a winner of the International Green Apple Environment Award 2025 for our flagship campaign, 1 Metre Matters !

This prestigious recognition places us “amongst the world’s leading environment champions”, and we couldn’t be more honoured.

Organised by The Green Organisation , which has been celebrating environmental best practice worldwide since 1994, the Green Apple Awards highlight the work of individuals, groups, and organisations who are making a real impact on sustainability and biodiversity — and we’re thrilled to be counted among them.

�� About #1MetreMatters

At On The Verge our major focus is to create wildlife habitats, in all sorts of places, specifically to increase the number and range of pollinators, of all shapes and sizes. The whole subject matter of insects, pollination and the importance to human food stocks is, sometimes, just too much of a massive subject to comprehend, let alone being able, or motivated enough, to make a difference in our everyday lives.

This is why On The Verge have introduced 1MetreMatters.

The overriding emphasis of 1MetreMatters is for people to not be overwhelmed by the whole environment issue and to concentrate their minds on choosing 1 metre of their space – indoor/patio/garden/nearby verges etc. 1MetreMatters is a great initiative to support wildlife in a small area. This simple achievable act is a powerful way to boost biodiversity and reconnect people with nature, right on their doorsteps.

What started as a local idea has grown into a widespread movement, inspiring action across Wales and beyond — proving that small changes can lead to big environmental wins.

�� Thank You

This award is a testament to the passion, commitment, and collaboration of our community — volunteers, supporters, local authorities, and everyone who believed that one metre really does matter.

Let’s keep growing this movement. Together, we can continue to make space for nature — one metre at a time.

#1metrematters #GreenAppleAwards #OnTheVergeWales #biodiversity #environment #naturepositive #greenchampions #Wales #smallactionsmatter

On the Verge at the Green Man Festival

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 21:47:10 GMT

Einstein’s Garden 2025

We’re still riding the wave of excitement from an unforgettable weekend at this year’s Green Man Festival , where we had the privilege of being part of the magical Einstein’s Garden — a space where nature, science, and creativity collide in the most inspiring ways.

Our stand became a buzzing hub of conversation, curiosity, and connection. Visitors of all ages dropped by to explore the world of biodiversity, ecology and community-powered change and take part in our interactive workshops and kids activities. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive — people were engaged, inquisitive, and genuinely excited to learn about the work we’re doing. It was a powerful reminder of just how important, and how resonant, our message is.

This wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible team. Natalie and Liz , our brilliant stand managers, brought energy, organisation, and passion to every minute of the 4 days — we honestly couldn’t have asked for more. A huge thank you also to our collaborators at @Hay Regenerative Soils , whose insights and shared vision helped bring our stand to life.

We’re deeply grateful for the generous support from Old Railway Line Garden Centre and Brecon Volunteer Bureau , and to all the staff and volunteers at Green Man Festival who worked tirelessly to make Einstein’s Garden such a success.

Events like these remind us why we do what we do — they’re a celebration of community, collaboration, and help to spread the word about On The Verge, Wales and our 1 Metre Matters initiative.

Roll on 2026! ��✨

Small Actions Matter - Mowing Lawns and Verges

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 20:09:44 GMT

Make A Difference with Your Mowing

Would you like to reinvigorate your garden, see new species, and give nature a boost?

All you have to do is…

Nothing...

Simply resist the urge to cut the lawn. And the longer you leave it, the more benefits it will yield. The conservation charity Plantlife started the “No Mow May” campaign in 2019, to encourage people to give up mowing their lawn for a month to create a home for flowers, bees and other vital pollinators.

If you’d rather not let your entire lawn return to a more natural state, Plantlife suggests aiming for a tiered lawn approach, as different lengths of grass will enable short-growing flowers to flourish alongside longer ones.

Reducing the intensity of lawn-mowing can produce some unexpected benefits for us too. In 2019, the British Ecological Society found that reducing the intensity of lawn mowing can lead to increased biodiversity, economic savings, time savings and even the reduced presence of serious allergy-triggering weeds. Even a modest reduction in lawn mowing frequency can bring a host of environmental benefits: increased pollinators, increased plant diversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, a longer, healthier lawn makes it more resistant to pests, weeds, and drought events.

Allowing plant diversity in urban lawns to increase has the knock-on effect of increasing the diversity of other organisms such as pollinators and herbivores.

#smallactionsmatter

#1metrematters

We had a visit from the BBC

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:20:41 GMT

Inspiring the next generation of green thumbs

Martin Draper from On The Verge is creating a network of natural world wonders.

On The Verge is a Make a Difference Green Award finalist. On Tuesday July 29th BBC Radio Wales went along to Our Tiny Veg Growers group to see one of the many projects Martin has founded in his local and wider community.

Martin and On the Verge, Wales is just one of 32 incredible finalists in the 2025 BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards ��

Hear more from the story on BBC Sounds �� https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ltmqd

OUR TINY VEG GROWERS is a very important part of this and our volunteer Jane said

"Martin met The BBC at Jackie & John's WILDINGS WILD FLOWER MEADOW to show them and film the beautiful meadow in all its glory. Many passers-by comment on the environmental benefit of this beautiful, wildlife habitat.

OUR TINY VEG GROWERS were visited just after and were recorded by the BBC, showing and explaining to them how important it is to sustain our natural habitats and environments and get the message out there about GENERATIONAL AMNESIA 'memory loss that can harm the planet by not keeping our lives environmentally friendly and protecting our habitats NOW... not next week or next year'.

OUR TINY VEG GROWERS although nervous told them what we are doing and why we are doing it... to save our planet for the future, THE CHILDRENS FUTURE.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THESE GROUPS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF:

ON THE VERGE 1METRE MATTERS....and

OUR TINY VEG GROWERS."

Watch Martin explaining about how On the Verge and 1 Metre Matters is inspiring future generations https://www.facebook.com/bbcradiowales/videos/1692192274815113

Our Tiny Veg Growers News

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:36:15 GMT

OTVG Club Now on Wednesdays

Our Tiny Veg Growers Gardening club is now being held on a WEDNESDAY at 5pm starting on JULY 23RD at Woodlands Community Garden in Talgarth.

Lots of opportunities for children to get involved with the soil and nature and learn about growing. For instance, last week we were very busy with the pulling up of the onions, peas and broad beans, thinning out and watering sparingly.

WE WILL ALWAYS ACCEPT DONATIONS OF GOOD USED TOOLS FOR THE CHILDREN TO USE.

We had some new members start last week... EVERYONE IS WELCOME...

Planting Day on Friday 25th July

We will be holding a Planting Day on July 25th at the Woodlands Community gardens and are very pleased to say that we are being supported and joined by KEEP WALES TIDY.

OUR TINY VEG GROWERS will be there busy planning & planting with them and our volunteers. Our numerous fruits, herbs and flowers which the children have been looking forward to doing for a number of weeks are now ready.

As Our Tiny Veg Growers are very keen and dedicated to their projects of gardening and being environmentally friendly, have shown respect for their environment and nature, we have a new scheme ready to be introduced very soon. We are very proud of their achievements in the gardening club.

Keep up to date with our projects on our Facebook page .

For The Love of Insects

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:54:29 GMT

Insect Poem and Video

It's not being an environmentalist

Or a troubled soul

That feeds the force, the energy,

The potent mix of emotions.

Take everything that life

And faux posh anger throws at you

And give it to the Insects

For they will feed our future generations.

Justice, peace, people power

Integrity, principles, actions,

No personal aspirations,

No political stance

Just a dance for the love of Insects

Poem by Martin Draper

Video by Jay Bailey

Small Actions Matter - Garden Waste

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:53:00 GMT

Taking Small Actions - Garden Waste

#smallactionsmatter

Mowing A Path for Insects

studio@touchdowndesign.net (Neil Morris) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:25:48 GMT

'No Mow May' in June, July and Beyond

No Mow May in June?

If you took part in No Mow May promoted by PlantLife there are lots of advantages...

It’s the perfect excuse for putting lawn maintenance on hold and enjoying the more natural aspects of your garden.
Creates habitat and forage for an enormous variety of insects, birds and invertebrates.
Offers a fascinating insight into the creatures that live in and around your garden.
Educational: You’ll be able to observe and learn about diversity of species that your plot can support.
Longer grass shades the soil and protects from extreme heat.
Tall grass is so much better at cooling the atmosphere than a close cropped lawn. If we get a heatwave, you’ll feel more comfortable in a meadow garden than you will sitting on a baking hot patio.
In general, longer grass results in a more robust root system beneath the lawn because the plants can harvest more sunlight and therefore make more nutrients through photosynthesis. Stronger roots mean the plants are more resistant to drought and frost.
The larger the combined surface area of all those grass leaves, the more carbon they can potentially capture and lock up in the soil.
Speaking of carbon - if you’re not using your mower, you won’t be using any form of fossil fuel to power it. No Mow May and beyond is kind to the environment in many ways.

Are There Any Negatives To No Mow May?

No Mow May is not everyone’s cup of tea. One argument suggests that it is counterproductive to create a beautiful wildlife habitat and then chop it down. Truly valuable wildlife habitat develops over time and should be permanent rather than transitory.

Naturally, some people dislike the aesthetic of what is essentially an overgrown lawn. You may love it - but your neighbours may question your horticultural prowess. Be prepared to explain to your neighbours that rather than being untidy, you are supporting the ecological systems that are crucially important to life on earth.

Allowing weeds to establish and set seeds in your lawn could mean you need to take drastic measures to reinstate a manicured lawn (but hopefully you will see the benefits).

Hay fever sufferers may not enjoy No Mow May and extending it into June and beyond.

Dramatically reducing the length of your grass at the end of May will put enormous stress on the plants. You are likely to have yellowy-brown patches in your lawn for a couple of weeks while the area recovers.

Lawn grasses have been selectively bred so that they produce more shoots when they are mown. That’s how they make a nice thick sward. If the grass is not mown, it will divert it’s energy into growing upwards and this could result in more spaces between the plants. You may need to over-seed your lawn in the autumn.

Tips For Making The Most Of Your Lawn

Invest in a magnifying glass and get up close and personal with the plants and animals that appear. This is especially exciting for children.

Mow paths through the sward and if there’s room, make a seating circle so that you can immerse yourself in nature. Just leaving a couple of unmown circles around some daisies is great....even leaves a space for the kids paddling pool..........and it leaves space for insects and birds who enjoy the shorter grass.

Learn how to make a moth trap and discover who visits your garden after dark.

Extend the experiment into June or even July to enjoy the new aesthetic.

Consider making a permanent meadow area in your garden to offer an all year round home for wildlife.

Why is it important

With so many wild meadows disappearing since the second world war, and with green spaces rapidly being engulfed by new housing, it’s important that we all do our bit to support Mother Nature. After all, our lives depend upon having clean air and food that has been pollinated by insects.

If you really don’t want to let your lawn grow long, why not compromise?

Instead of going for full-on knee-length grass, simply mow less often and raise the cutting bar on your mower.

To really help wildlife, you could create a biodiverse lawn with slow growing grasses and short species of wildflower. Remember when we were young and lawns were studded with clover, buttercups and daisies? Lets embrace the retro vibe and go back to that. The wildlife will love us for it.

June

It’s time for Let it Bloom June!

The journey doesn’t end just because May has! Why not leave a space in your garden for nature to continue to bloom this June?
Yellow Rattle could start turning to seed already, so listen out for that rattle sound

Make your garden matter and for more ideas see our 1MetreMatters pages.

See the Plantlife's No Mow Calendar for more information through the months

BBC Wales Make A Difference Awards

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:47:00 GMT

Green Awards Finalist Congratulations

Today our founder and Chair of On The Verge Wales, Martin Draper received this exciting letter and we listened to the announcement on BBC Cymru Wales Radio...

" Congratulations! BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025Llongyfarchiadau! Gwobrau Gwneud Gwahaniaeth BBC Cymru Wales 2025

Hello Martin,

**GREEN AWARD**

It is our great delight to congratulate you on being chosen as a finalist in the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025.

You can listen back to the announcement here

The judges were so impressed by your efforts and dedication. We hope you are proud of the difference you are making to those around you.

What happens next?

32 finalists have been chosen across 8 categories. All of you will be invited to our award ceremony on Saturday 20 September.

We hope you’re excited! Congratulations once again.

The BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference team

Helo Martin,

**GWOBR WERDD**

Mae’n bleser mawr gennym eich llongyfarch ar gyrraedd rownd derfynol Gwobrau Gwneud Gwahaniaeth BBC Cymru Wales 2025.

Fe wnaeth eich ymdrechion a’ch ymroddiad greu argraff ar y beirniaid. Gobeithio eich bod yn falch o’r gwahaniaeth rydych chi’n ei wneud i’r bobl o’ch cwmpas.

Bydd modd gwrando ar y cyhoeddiad yma

Beth sy’n digwydd nesaf?

Dewiswyd 32 ar gyfer y rownd derfynol ar draws 8 categori. Bydd pob un ohonoch yn cael eich gwahodd i’n seremoni wobrwyo ddydd Sadwrn 20 Medi.

Gobeithio eich bod yn edrych ymlaen! Llongyfarchiadau unwaith eto.

Tîm Gwneud Gwahaniaeth BBC Cymru Wales

Small Actions Matter - Chemicals

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:17:27 GMT

Small Actions Matter

Contamination

Chemical pollution is one of the 5 main drivers of species loss according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services ( IPBES ). The introduction of various pollutants – such as PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, flame retardants, bisphenols, and pesticides to name a few – into the environment has profound consequences for both terrestrial and aquatic life. These substances can enter habitats through various pathways, including waste disposal, agricultural runoff and industrial discharges, leading to the contamination of soil, water and air . Once in the environment, these chemicals can cause direct harm to wildlife by disrupting biological processes, impairing reproduction and increasing vulnerability to disease. Better regulation is needed to stop pollution at source .

From the moment we wake up on our flame–resistant mattress, throw off our easy iron bed sheets and fry up some eggs in our non-stick pans, to the time we wash off the day’s grime with soap and climb back into bed, we’re in contact with industrial chemicals. Many of these chemicals makes our lives safer and healthier, but  when the wrong chemical gets in the wrong place, then it’s a problem . It’s a problem for wildlife, for the environment, for our health and for our economy.

Preventing Chemical Pollution

There are many chemicals that vastly improve our society, and that are used in essential and life-saving functions all across the world. Chemical innovation can improve our health, help us combat the climate crisis, produce green energy and sustainable supply chains. But, many chemicals have the potential to cause serious harm, and we must be able to rely on stringent chemical management systems and regulation to protect us.

For more information see Fidra's website

What action can we take

We can avoid pesticides and only use natural pest control in our gardens.

We can help by planting diverse and healthy gardens and making sure that we follow 1 Metre Matters guidance.

Our Tiny Veg Growers in Action

Thu, 29 May 2025 22:56:38 GMT

They've Been Busy Planting

NEWS FROM THE WOODLANDS COMMUNITY GARDEN
How lovely when the children call to do gardening on a Sunday & a Wednesday of half term.

They have been extremely busy planting up trays of seeds, planting a donated gooseberry bush which was no easy task and copious amounts of watering the plants during that hot spell..

(we need more rain to refill our water butt as it's almost empty & our only source for watering). We've also thinned out & replanted lots of plants.

The children are doing really well with their produce. Our group is children-led so our planting is randomly done where they choose... no straight lines... but it works .

The children love the NEW DIG & DELVE box...lots of fun had there playing in the soil and searching for insects. Bring your own spades and buckets etc if your children want to play.

We emptied a compost bin of our spare cardboard & found an amazing array of slugs (massive ones) wood louse & worms. The children put them in a bug catcher (with compost) to ensure no harm was done to the insects. We had a chat about how important all the bugs, insects & worms were for our soil. After our gardening session we returned the wildlife to the soil.

In our one bed some of the lilac & white flowers were falling to the ground so we made some bouquets tied with string for the children to take home....leaving plenty of flowers for the bees too.

Busy few days, lots of fun, chatting & gardening.

Read more about Our Tiny Veg Growers Club and join the fun.

BBC Wales Award Nominee

Tue, 20 May 2025 19:22:14 GMT

BBC Cymru Wales Make A Difference Awards

This week we were excited to learn that we have been chosen as a nominee for the BBC Cymru Wales Make A Difference Awards. This is the letter we received...

"Nominee - BBC Cymru Wales Make A Difference Awards

Hello there,

We're delighted to let you know that you've been nominated for a BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Award . Congratulations! The awards recognise individuals and groups who make life better for people in our communities.

What happens now?

Our panel of judges will consider all entries and shortlist 32 of them. We'll be announcing those finalists live on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru on Wednesday 4th June between 11am and 12noon.

The finalists will be invited to join us at a ceremony in the autumn.

In the meantime:

We received over 700 deserving entries, and we'd like to tell as many nomination stories as we can. We may be in touch with you again to feature your story on the BBC.

#BBCMakeADifference @bbcradiowales @bbcradiocymru @bbccymruwales.

Good luck!

The BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference team

***

Enwebai - Gwobrau Gwneud Gwahaniaeth BBC Cymru Wales

Helo ’na,

Rydyn ni’n falch iawn o roi gwybod i chi eich bod wedi cael eich enwebu ar gyfer Gwobr Gwneud Gwahaniaeth BBC Cymru Wales . Llongyfarchiadau! Mae’r gwobrau’n cydnabod unigolion a grwpiau sy’n gwneud bywyd yn well i bobl yn ein cymunedau.

Beth sy’n digwydd nawr?

Bydd ein panel o feirniaid yn ystyried pob cais ac yn llunio rhestr fer o 32 o’r ceisiadau hynny. Byddwn yn cyhoeddi enwau’r rheini sydd wedi cyrraedd y rownd derfynol yn fyw ar BBC Radio Cymru a BBC Radio Wales ddydd Mercher 4 Mehefin rhwng 11am a 12pm.

Bydd y rhai sy’n cyrraedd y rownd derfynol yn cael eu gwahodd i ymuno â ni mewn seremoni yn yr hydref.

Yn y cyfamser:

Cawsom fwy na 700 o geisiadau teilwng, a hoffem adrodd cynifer ag y gallwn o straeon enwebu. Mae’n bosibl y byddwn yn cysylltu â chi eto i roi sylw i’ch stori ar y BBC.

Ar gyfer eich cyfryngau cymdeithasol:

Rydyn ni wedi atodi lluniau i chi gael rhannu eich newyddion da. Cofiwch ddefnyddio’r hashnod #BBCGwneudGwahaniaeth a thagio @bbcradiocymru @bbcradiowales a @bbccymruwales.

Pob lwc!

Tîm Gwneud Gwahaniaeth BBC Cymru Wales"

Small Actions Matter - Hosepipes

Fri, 16 May 2025 19:36:51 GMT

Focus on Hosepipes

#smallactionsmatter

Earth Day Activity in Talgarth, April 2025

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:35:17 GMT

Talgarth Biodiversity Day

In recognition of the 55th World Earth Day, Talgarth held it's own Biodiversity Day on April 22nd 2025. World Earth Day is recognised by over 1 billion people globally as it has now become a movement to protect the earth and nature. There is power in collective action even though it may seem overwhelming at times.

There are things that we all can do such as adopting eco-friendly Sink Solutions to stop pollution through chemicals, making one less short car journey on a regular basis and making your 1 Metre Matter for nature.

Let's make it Earth Day Every Day

There were lots of environmental actions suggested by visitors to the event, which we are delighted that Talgarth Town Council will be looking at for future initiatives.

Thanks to all who came along.

Earth Day in Talgarth

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:51:19 GMT

Earth Day is April 22nd

Our group are looking forward to this amazing initiative and will be supporting with several projects on the day.

Come along and join us - families welcome.

April Newsleter

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:19:24 GMT

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?

Wild Flower Giveaway

500 PACKS OF WILDFLOWER SEEDS WERE GIVEN AWAY IN MID MARCH!

THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN AMAZING!

ALL PACKETS HAVE NOW BEEN GIVEN OUT & WE LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING YOUR PICTURES IN MID-SUMMER.

PLEASE SEND YOUR PIC TO: info@ontheverge.wales

THE BEST DISPLAY WILL BE GIVEN A PERENNIAL MIX FOR SOWING IN SEPTEMBER.

Support Us!

OUR NEW EASY FUNDING CAMPAIGN IS NOW LIVE!

We are now part of the Easyfunding incentive.

Simply sign up in 3 easy steps and you’ll be supporting our cause every time you shop!

Checkout our blog page for more info:

https://www.ontheverge.wales/helping-on-the-verge-1-metre-matters

Scan the QR code to sign up now...

Look Out For Green Bus Stops In Powys

OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS 1 METRE MATTERS HAS BEEN WORKING ALONGSIDE POWYS C.C & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM TO BRING A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO BUS STOPS IN NUMEROUS TOWNS IN POWYS.

JOINT EVENTS ARE PLANNED IN THE GREEN BUS STOP PLACES GIVING US ALL AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP INCREASE THE INSECT POPULATION.

Old Railway Line Garden Centre Partnership

1 METRE MATTERS ARE TEAMING UP WITH THE OLD RAILWAY LINE GARDEN CENTRE TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND PRE-MADE “KITS” ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH OUR 1 METRE MATTERS CAMPAIGN.

LOOK OUT FOR OUR CAMPAIGN AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED Old Railway Line Garden Centre https://oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk/pages/1-metre-matters Three Cocks, Brecon LD3 0SG

Talgarth Bio-Diversity Day 22nd April 2025

On The Verge are pleased to be involved with this initiative by TALGARTH TOWN COUNCIL .

ON THE VERGE WILL BE DISPLAYING ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMPLES TO HELP ALL CITIZENS MAKE A SMALL CONTRIBUTION TO THE HEALTH OF OUR PLANET WITH CHANGES TO EVERYDAY ACTIONS.

WE WILL ALSO HAVE SUPERVISED KIDS ACTIVITIES – WILDFLOWER SEED BOMB WORKSHOP , LEARNING ABOUT WHICH NATIVE FLORA SUITS WHICH ECO SYSTEM AS PEOPLE BUILD THEIR SEED BOMBS.

A MEDICINAL FORAGING TREASURE HUNT FOR TALGARTH FAMILIES.

THIS WILL INVOLVE CREATIVELY DESIGNING CLUES AND PAINTING SMALL SIGNS TO POINT OUT THE HIDDEN WONDERS OF OUR HEDGEROWS AND BYWAYS.

ORGANISED BY THE BLACKTHORN TRUST HELPED BY BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE STUDENTS.

OH…..AND OF COURSE, NOURISHED EARTH AND OUR TINY VEG GROWERS WILL BE SOME WHEREABOUTS ON THE DAY!

Our Tiny Veg Growers

The On The Verge team's initiative to inspire and educate the next generation of gardeners through "Our Tiny Veg Growers" program has been a great success story.

This unique gardening club for children has not only created a space for young people to learn the art of organic farming but also fostered a deeper understanding of where our food comes from and the importance of working harmoniously with nature.

Under the expert guidance of the On The Verge team, the young gardeners have gained hands-on experience in planting, caring for, and harvesting crops.

The group meet regularly at 5pm on Thursdays at the Woodlands Community Garden in Talgarth.

FIND OUT MORE

Get Involved!

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

We would love to hear from you, so if you have something to contribute or want to get involved please email us.

We are also looking for individuals to join our team of trustees; do you have a passion for the

environment and are motivated to make a real change to our planets health,

Then please get in touch.

Worms

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:59:46 GMT

Worms and the ecosystem

Worms are the foundations of this earth – literally. Worms do the hard work in your garden – in one acre of land alone there can be more than one million worms, helping to dig over the soil and provide nutrients to the ground.

Like us, worms move, eat, sleep, taste, smell and can sense touch. Although they have only 302 neurons (compared with our 100 billion), they are surprisingly clever. They use many different smells and tastes to find good food and avoid food that will make them sick.

Compost vs Worm Castings

Worm castings and compost are different organic materials that offer similar benefits to soil and plant growth. Both compost and castings are rich in nutrients, minerals, and microbial activity that help plants thrive, but worm castings also include beneficial bacteria and enzymes that come from worms’ highly specialized digestive process. Quality compost and worm castings are both great additions to soils, plants, and gardens.

Peat-free compost has environmental benefits, as reducing our dependence on peat means we are not harvesting peat beds and destroying important habitats. However, the peat contains all the beneficial stuff plants need to thrive - and it's good at holding moisture too.

So, without peat, what is our compost being made from? It is primarily woodchip and coconut coir, meaning it provides next to ZERO nutritional benefit for our plants and is not prepopulated with all the beneficial bacteria and fungi either. It has a poor structure, so water goes straight through it, along with any nutrient plant feed in the water. So, although peat-free compost may contribute to saving the planet, it is not nearly as good at growing plants. You may have already noticed this yourself!

A local small business who are focussed on worm castings is Nourished Earth - a name picked to illustrate their goal of regenerating soil, creating a better ecosystem for our plants, the planet and ourselves. We love their ethos.

Their worm cast compost and worm tea are made naturally from the on-site worm farm, along with their biochar. They add this to compost to grow plants, trees and soft fruit bushes.

Nourished Earth started in 2025 and is a small natural plant nursery with a worm farm producing worm cast, composting worms, worm tea and biochar. They believe that healthy plants begin with the soil, so if the plant has what it needs underground, it will be a healthy and disease-resistant plant on top. Their plants are grown in living soil, infused with their own worm cast and fertilised with their own worm tea, infused with billions of living beneficial bacteria, microbes and fungi that nourish, protect and care for the plants as well as the soil. Therefore, when you plant one of their plants in your garden, be it in bigger pots, raised beds, or just in a special spot - all that life contained in their compost will spread through your soil, regenerating your soil and giving additional plants a better environment to grow in.

What are Earthworm Castings?

Worm castings, also known as vermicast, are the nutrient-rich excrement of earthworms. These tiny, squirmy powerhouses eat organic materials like food and garden waste, process it through a highly specialized digestive tract, and convert the waste into a form that is easily absorbed by plants.

This process is the result of 500 million years of evolution, so it’s safe to say worms and their castings have a symbiotic relationship that can help your plants thrive!

Worm castings are often called a fertilizer but they are really a natural soil amendment. Due to their rich, concentrated levels of nutrients, minerals, and beneficial microbes like fungi and bacteria, castings add essential elements for a healthy soil and also create conditions that can lead to more beneficial microbial activity in the areas surrounding a plant’s root system.

Can I make my own Worm Farm?

If you make your own worm farm you can convert your organic waste into fresh useful compost at home.

Worms may not be the cuddliest pet, but they are one of the most useful. Worms are cheap, easy to take care of, and they eat most of the things you don’t want to eat.

Better yet, they turn it into top-notch fertilizer for your garden.

Why worms?

If you’ve never had worms, you’re probably wondering why worms? Well if your household produces far more food waste than garden waste, then a worm farm is a great composting option for you.

Types of worm farms:

There are lots of different worm farms available. You can buy a ready made worm bin or make your own. The Working Worms website is dedicated to all fellow worm enthusiasts around the world – to both the beginner in vermiculture and also to the old hand at worm farming including how to set up a cheap, easily assembled DIY worm farm and then successfully establishing the wriggly darlings in their own little paradise and keeping them healthy.

Fun facts about worms

An important part of the ecosystem

Earthworms love to eat scraps from plants and soil. They turn the scraps into nutrients and minerals in their stomach and concentrate them in their castings. This means the nutrients and minerals are easily accessible by plants.

Worms have been around for longer than dinosaurs

The oldest record of the existence of worms are fossils of the annelid worm. This fossil was found in what is now China and is estimated to be around 514 million years old! This is more than double the existence of dinosaurs who were first thought to have existed around 252 million years ago.

Worms have five hearts and are cold blooded

Worms have five hearts, shaped like arches. These arches help pump blood through the worm's body – a pretty simple task due to its shape.

Worms are cold blooded, meaning they can't control their body temperature, which will be the same as their surroundings.

Worms do not have teeth

Worms have no teeth, so instead they have muscly mouths. They grind the food they eat in their gizzard (their stomach) which they digest and eject.

Worms don’t have eyes

Instead of eyes, worms have receptors under their skin that sense whether it is light or dark. Worms prefer to be in the dark as it helps keep their skin moist. If a worm spends more than an hour in sunlight, its skin will lose its moisture and it risks becoming paralysed (or worse!). Worms are very sensitive to light because the sun dries out their skin, which is very bad news for a worm because they need their skin to stay moist so they can breathe!

6000 different species

Worms are found all over the world except for in Antarctica. They live in a large variety of habitats such as soil, leaves, riverbanks, beaches and even trees. They range in size from being .5mm to 3m.

A worm expert is called a vermiculturist

Vermiculturists study worms and their properties, often looking at how worms help with the composting of scraps and how worms eat, digest, and move.

Worms are not born.

They hatch from cocoons smaller than a grain of rice.

Charles Darwin spent 39 years studying worms more than 100 years ago.

Worms can live up to 5 years.

The average life of a worm is 4-5 years.

The myth is not true.

The myth of both parts of a worm surviving when it has been cut in two is not true, only the part with the head attached will survive.

Watery Worms

Humans are 75% water. Worms are 90% water.

Earthworms are armless and legless.

A worm’s body is divided into about 100 tiny segments and each segment has muscles that the worm can contract or relax to help it move.

Worms eat up to a third of their body weight every day.

There are trillions of worms over the whole planet

We don’t know for sure, but scientists have estimated there are more worms on (or in?) the earth than there are stars in the universe! So that’s many trillions of worms wriggling through the soil all over the world.

Shop and Help On The Verge & 1 Metre Matters

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:55:23 GMT

Your opportunity to support our group through Easyfundraising

Turn your daily shopping into every day magic!

easyfundraising partners with over 8,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to our cause. It won't cost you any extra. The cost is covered by the brand.

If you make a purchase, a commission is generated, and that is turned into a donation - magic!

Our cause

This is an opportunity for you to help us continue to giveaway FREE seeds, advice and education to schools, colleges, councils and many more organisations - helping our environment.

EDUCATION * ENCOURAGEMENT * INFLUENCE

About Us

On The Verge sprang to life in May 2019 when a group of us were drawn together by a simple idea... that we could make a small difference to our environment. We were worried about the state of our planet, but we also recognised that by coming together we could supply some seeds of hope. All is not lost. JOIN US... there’s so much we can all do to help if we work together with nature: Create amazing spaces in and around our communities - giving nature a helping hand in gardens and parks, on verges and playgrounds. Make small nature-friendly actions, even when no-one is looking, to help redress the balance and come together in true and honest collaborations. Leave part of lawns uncut to attract a greater amount of insect life, which will, in turn, increase the bio-diversity of the space. All of our planet's soil is connected. Take action to create wildlife habitats, in all sorts of places, specifically to increase the number and range of pollinators, of all shapes and sizes. GET INVOLVED... Get started to make sure that your 1 Metre Matters Join Our Tiny Veg Growers Club Become an On The Verge Ambassador (contact us for more information) www.ontheverge.wales

Seed Giveaways

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:03:58 GMT

What a busy 3 hours!!.

On Saturday 15th March we had wonderful conversations with locals and visitors who came to collect their free packets of 1 MetreMatters wildflower seeds from Talgarth. It's amazing to hear how individuals are helping to increase our vital insect population.

Everyone has agreed to spread the word and mention On The Verge and 1 MetreMatters - and for that we "THANK YOU".

Next stop Brecon. Details to follow

Compost for Community Garden

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:36:43 GMT

Diolch yn fawr i Gerwyn Davies

A big thank you to Gerwyn Davies from Brecon Community Composting for supplying us with some wonderful organic topsoil for Our Tiny Veg Growers in the Talgarth Community Garden

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=our%20tiny%20veg%20growers

NOW the growing season begins...

ALL veg produced by our kids will be FREE to everyone.

Our Tiny Veg Growers Produce

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:28:34 GMT

Picking Leeks in the Community Garden

On a lovely sunny Sunday at the beginning of March, the OTVG children picked the remaining leeks in our vegetable beds & donated them to Trigg's at the Mill in Talgarth to make some soup out of them.

What an unbelievable achievement for the children. We hope visitors to Trigg's enjoyed the veg.

On The Verge at The Globe in Hay

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:50:49 GMT

Planting for wildlife in The Globe garden

It's been a long journey, from initial planning, to seeking funding, planning the space (making loads of alterations!) and eventual planting.

Exciting Things Are Blooming at The Globe!

The Globe is all about creating inspiring spaces, whether you’re enjoying a coffee in their café, sipping a drink at the bar, or soaking up the atmosphere in one of their unique event spaces.

This spring, their beautiful garden, has been transformed into a nature-friendly interactive space in collaboration with @onthevergetalgarth . With new plants, trees, and seating areas, this space is designed to support biodiversity and provide a peaceful retreat for all.

A huge thank you to @oldrailwaylinegardencentre , @walledgardentreberfydd , and @LocalNaturePartnership for bringing this vision to life. We’re looking forward to more environmental activities and events throughout the seasons.

On The Verge look forward to collaborating with all involved in this project to make a difference for our wildlife.

Sustaining The Planet - with Christ College Brecon

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:44:47 GMT

Presentation to Christ College Brecon

In January 2025, On The Verge, Hay Regenerative Soils and Powys County Council attended Christ College, Brecon to spread the word about sustainability.

A massive THANK YOU for the warm welcome and huge attendance of staff and pupils of Christ College to the presentation.

We look forward to the exciting next stage of the process when we will be collaborating on a re-wilding project at the school.

On the Verge Remembers

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:30:01 GMT

Our Campaign Concludes

"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will fix it."

With the conclusion of one On The Verge campaign we take a brief look back at the appeal for people to buy a leaf to help our planet...

Each wooden leaf allowed people to remember a personal memory - a loved one, a favourite walk, perhaps a private thought. The leaves also provided a chance to give hope to our environment.

On The Verge are helping to preserve and create wildlife habitats throughout Powys. Projects and collaborations we are involved with are helping to increase the bio-diversity and understanding of our environmental needs. Every penny we received from this campaign goes towards supporting our work – run entirely by volunteers.

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

The tree was specially made from marine ply by Colin Lewis Joinery in Talgarth. The tree was approximately 7 feet high x 6 feet wide and its leaves were individually made by Men's Shed in Brecon from plywood and measured approx 75mm x 50mm.

Each individual leaf was hand painted by On the Verge volunteers. The tree was sited at St.Marys Church, Brecon LD3 7AA.

Leaves were randomly placed amongst other leaves, which also had a special memory or a hope for the future of our planet. As nature incurs into the plywood tree and leaves over the years they will eventually and naturally return to the earth.

A “book of words” was also set up in St Mary’s Church, for people to add their own special messages.

Our thanks to everyone who was involved and to those who bought leaves and added to our campaign to help our planet.

Environmental recovery

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 21:30:07 GMT

...Join us on our pathway

On the Verge go into 2025 with lots of projects to help our natural world in it's struggle for survival and regeneration.

COULD YOU BE OUR NEW TREASURER?

Looking after our finances is a vital role within our volunteer organisation. We estimate the role will be a maximum of 3 hours a month.

Contact us for more information and to express your interest in this rewarding and vital role.

On The Verge Newsletter Jan 25

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 23:11:36 GMT

Welcome to our brand new newsletter

Issue 1 2025

Our new newsletter

Our Tiny Veg Growers get creative

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 23:21:08 GMT

A creative Christmassy day at Talgarth Town Hall

What a day we had weather-wise on November 23rd

...but....we had a great 4 hours (it was supposed to be 2 hours!) making environmentally friendly Christmas decorations.

We created some beautiful wreaths with greenery from Woodlands Ave Park.

The decorations that the children ..oh & adults too.. painted, glued & glittered (SO MUCH GLITTER) were amazing.

Everyone had a fun time.

THANK-YOU to all the lovely children & people who braved the rain and joined Jane and volunteers in the basement of Talgarth Town Hall.

ON THE VERGE

1METRE MATTERS

OUR TINY VEG growers

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL

Tiny But Deadly: the Cigarette Butt

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 22:34:53 GMT

Cigarette butts are not harmless

Cigarette butts consist primarily of plastic and while they may be small so tend to go unnoticed, you will find them practically everywhere. Contrary to what many believe, cigarette butts are not harmless. They are made of cellulose acetate, a man-made plastic material, and contain hundreds of toxic chemicals. While cigarette filters, or the plastic part of butts, can take up to 10 years to biodegrade, the chemicals they release can remain in the environment for many more years beyond the life of the cigarette butt itself.

Keep Britain Tidy’s research shows that the number one reason smokers give for dropping cigarette butts is that they are unable to find a bin. Building on this research, Keep Britain Tidy is making thousands of ‘Butt Boxes’ available for smokers to reduce cigarette litter.

Dropped cigarette butts are the most common form of littering, found on 79% of the 7,200 sites surveyed as part of Keep Britain Tidy's recent Local Environment Quality Survey of England 2017/18.

Recent research revealed:

52% of smokers who smoke everyday thought putting a cigarette down the drain was acceptable.
39% of smokers, equivalent to 3.6million in the UK, admitted to throwing a cigarette butt down a drain within the past month.
11% of smokers do not consider cigarette butts to be litter.

As well as plastic, cigarette filters are comprised of thousands of chemical ingredients, including arsenic, lead and nicotine, all of which can leak into marine environments. According to studies, just one cigarette butt per litre of water is highly toxic to fish.

The #BinTheButt campaign aims to raise awareness amongst smokers and highlight the link between the cigarette butt they drop on the street or down the drain and the impact it has on the marine environment.

This article by Andrew Lord explains more...

Cigarette butts as Toxic Waste

“World wide the most commonly discarded piece of waste is a cigarette butt with around 4.5 trillion per year polluting our environment”

As a species inhabiting a fragile earth we are guilty of casually discarding items straight into the environment.

The reasons can be numerous...

It can be a deliberate act, or we don't think it will matter, perhaps we think it would be food (e.g. apple cores or banana skins) or we simply never think about it.

Many gardeners will tell you that banana skins are an excellent fertiliser, especially for tomatoes. Used this way is great but a good number are discarded in the country, presumably for this reason. However, some organic waste can be harmful and it can remain for a long time particularly at high altitudes. (A good demonstration is the Banana cam on Yr Wyddfa which was set up to show how long it takes for a banana skin to decompose on the mountain. It can take months or even years).

The smaller the piece of waste, the more casually we appear to discard it.

World wide the most commonly discard piece of waste is a cigarette butt with around 4.5 trillion per year polluting our environment.

In fresh water a very important creature at the bottom of the food chain is daphnia . They are primary producers and filter algae from the water they inhabit. They are the “Wildebeest” of the fresh water world and eaten by anything bigger than them. They are the foundation of the fresh water food chain.

There is a term called LD50, lethal dose 50%. It means that in any population exposed to a LD50 dose 50% of the individuals will die. For daphnia the LD50 dose is 1 smoked cigarette butt per litre of water. There are other references (e.g. Researchgate) that put this value much lower at 0.125/litre, the equivalent of 1 butt per two US gallons (20% less than 2 UK gallons).

We also have to think of the link nicotine has with neonicotinoids.

Neonicotinoids are extremely persistent in the environment and remain affecting wildlife for years. The big tobacco companies have to do something with their product now that Governments are encouraging less people to smoke.

The upshot of all this is that we have to educate the public that they can’t just discard cigarette butts into drains, onto the street or out of the car windows. Cigarette butt bins should be provided like litter bins and emptied regularly, separately from land fill items.

If hospitality smoking areas have butt bins overflowing with water, where does that water go? Down the drain?

Where the do the butts go?

If they go to landfill then they are free to leach their chemicals into the environment for decades.

A newer problem arising is used vapes that have been finished with.

Perhaps any waste cigarette product should be treated and disposed of as toxic waste?

Andrew Lord

BSc Joint Hons Biology/Chemistry

September 2024.

Further reading https://www.earthday.org/tiny-but-deadly-cigarette-butts-are-the-most-commonly-polluted-plastic/

Toxicity of cigarette butts, and their chemical components, to marine and freshwater fish

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088407/ .

Neonicotinoids

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/neonicotinoid#:~:text=Neonicotinoids %20act%20like%20agonists%20on,the%20insecticidal%20activity%20of%20nicotine

The Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) has concluded with a far-reaching decision that will protect the environment and the health of people throughout the world from the ravages of tobacco.

The decision also addresses the issue of cigarette filters. An estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are thrown away annually worldwide, representing 1.69 billion pounds of toxic trash containing plastics.

Under specific circumstances – such as sunlight and moisture – cigarette filters break down into smaller plastic pieces, eventually leaching out some of the 7000 chemicals contained in a single cigarette. Many of those chemicals are environmentally toxic. The decision on Article 18 is very timely given the ongoing intergovernmental negotiation committees working to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

Leave it be this Autumn

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:06:28 GMT

Three things we can do in our Autumn gardens to help wildlife.

Our gardens play an important role in supporting wildlife and what we do in them every autumn can either enhance or inhibit that role.

Here are three things we can do in our Autumn gardens to help wildlife.

1. Provide shelter for the Native Bees
Many species of native bees need a place to spend the winter that is protected from cold and predators. They may hunker down under a piece of peeling tree bark, or they may stay tucked away in the hollow stem of an ornamental grass. Some spend the winter as an egg or larvae in a burrow in the ground.

2. Leave the Garden intact for Ladybirds
Most of them enter the insect world’s version of hibernation soon after the temperatures drop and spend the colder months tucked under a pile of leaves, nestled at the base of a plant, or hidden under a rock. Most overwinter in groups of anywhere from a few individuals to thousands of adults. Leaving the garden intact for the winter means you’ll get a jump start on controlling pests in the spring. Skipping an Autumn gardening clean-up is one important way to help these beneficial insects.
And, of course, we won’t need neonicotinoid sprays to “control” sap sucking insects.

3. Save Garden Clean-up Until Spring to Help You
If the previous two reasons aren’t enough to inspire you to hold off on cleaning up the garden, I’ll add one final reason to the list: You.

There is so much beauty to be found in a winter garden. Snow resting on dried seed pods, berries clinging to bare branches, goldfinches flitting around spent sunflowers, frost kissing the autumn leaves collected at the base of a plant, and ice collected on blades of ornamental grasses. At first, you might not consider yourself to be one of the reasons not to clean up the garden, but winter is a lovely time out there, if you let it be so.

Delaying your garden’s clean up until the spring is a boon for all the creatures living there. Instead of heading out to the garden with a pair of pruning shears and a rake this Autumn, wait until the spring temperatures warm up for at least 7 consecutive days. By then, all the creatures living there will be emerging from their long winter nap. And even if they haven’t managed to get out of bed by the time you head out to the garden, most of them will still manage to find their way out of a loosely layered compost pile before it begins to decompose. Do Mother Nature a big favour and save your garden clean up until the spring.

Based around https://savvygardening.com

Find out more about 1MetreMatters here and make a difference to our planet today

Wildings Scything Sat 14th

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:39:36 GMT

Come along 12 till 2

Come along on Saturday 14th September to Wildings Meadow in Talgarth between 12 and 2 and see On The Verge members scything the meadow in readiness for replanting next season's wild flowers. We are helping to preserve and create wildlife habitats in our local environments.

1 Metre Matters....

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 21:49:52 GMT

Why 1 Metre Matters....

To sum up the message we are trying to get across, what tagline could follow:

1 Metre Matters..........................................

Ian has sent in suggestions, below.

What's yours? Contact us with your ideas

For Our Children and Our Grand-children.

Because we all have a role to play in protecting our planet.

Means we can all play a role in protecting our planet.

Each Metre is an essential part in the tapestry of life.

Strengthening life’s diversity, one metre at a time.

Creating a great legacy.

Because it is a thread in the fabric of life.

For you, for me, for everyone.

Your helping hand for the planet we love.

Helping re-frame the storyline of species extinction.

Your actions matter.

Successful Open Day at Woodlands Avenue

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 21:37:11 GMT

Community Open Day Unveiling

Thank you to all those who attended our Open Day at Woodlands Avenue Community Garden on Sunday September 1st!

Our Tiny Veg Growers have been hard at work protecting and nurturing the fruit and vegetables, and having a bit of fun bug hunting, decorating paper crowns, making cardboard worms, and unveiling the new Scarecrow, who by popular vote has been named Lily!

Thanks to sales of cakes and a raffle we raised just over £60 for the community garden!

COME ALONG AND SEE WHAT THE KIDS HAVE GROWN

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:39:01 GMT

Sunday 1st September Woodlands Avenue Garden

Bring the family - free admission and activities from 12-3pm.

Fantastic Clifford Primary School

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:00:23 GMT

1 Metre Matters at Clifford Primary School

On the Verge were delighted to attend Clifford Primary School and present them with a bug house.

It was a fantastic time spent with the 9 pupils and staff of Clifford Primary school.

So many great ideas, following our 1 Metre Matters talk and presentation.

Visit to Clyro and Hay Gardening Club

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 20:41:51 GMT

Spreading the word for 1 Metre Matters

On Thursday 4th July Martin and Nick gave a talk to Clyro and Hay Gardening Club at Clyro Village Hall about 1 Metre Matters.

Martin explained that no matter how long the 1 metre patch is, it all helps. He encouraged the audience to have a go in their own gardens.

There was a discussion about Huegelkultur, a horticultural technique where a mound constructed from decaying wood debris and other compostable biomass plant materials and even cardboard is planted as a raised bed which prompted a lot of interest and questions.

Read All About Us!

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:18:17 GMT

Promoting Biodiversity with 1 Metre Matters

Has everyone seen our article in the Wye Local?? Excellent summary of On The Verge's conception and our current goals and campaigns.

The "1 Metre Matters" campaign from On The Verge, exemplifies a proactive and positive approach to conservation, demonstrating that even modest efforts can have far-reaching effects. If you'd like to develop your own 1 Metre, see '1 Metre Matters - What Can I do?' or follow us on social media.

Llais y Goedwig - Gwerin Growers

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:28:00 GMT

Grow your Own Micro Tree Nursery

On The Verge are pleased to work alongside Llais Y Goedwig (Community Woodlands) project.

Llais y Goedwig run the amazing Gwerin Growers project, which seeks to provide community growers with equipment and seeds to grow native trees until they are approximately 70cm tall, at which point they will be collected and replanted in other suitable sites.

They are offering the opportunity to get involved in having your own micro nursery. They provide the kit, tree seeds or seedlings, training & support. You will need space for a 1m x 1m growing bed, in your garden, grounds or allotment. Once the trees are a year old we can collectively supply local projects with home grown Welsh provenance trees nurtured by you.

If you would like to be involved please contact On The Verge

Launch of “Our Tiny Veg Growers!” Club

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:15:53 GMT

Join our amazing club being launched on June 15th

On the Verge are pleased to announce the launch of “Our Tiny Veg Growers!” club.

Based at Woodlands Avenue playground, children will have a dedicated growing area for fruit, vegetables and flowers. Club members will have every opportunity to learn about where their food comes from, how to grow it, and enjoy the best part, the eating!

This amazing club will be run by volunteers who currently garden the Woodlands Avenue Community Garden, with additional funding from Keep Wales Tidy. Keep Wales Tidy are a charity who work with local communities to create a beautiful Wales, a Wales with a good quality environment and the benefits that come with it!

We’d love to see as many locals as possible at the launch of this amazing club.

If you’d like to join us, please come to the Woodlands Avenue playground on June 15th at 12 noon to start the ground breaking ceremony!

See 'OUR TINY VEG GROWERS' Club page for more information and news...

One Metre Matters Around the Irfon

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:00:23 GMT

Our One Metre Matters Community around the Irfon

Our friends from One Metre Matters around the Irfon have been using their RHS grant to purchase 2 polytunnels in order to start growing shared community flowers and vegetables in Llangammarch and Llanwrtyd.

On Tuesday 28th May 2024 they held a "Family Nature Day" in the Pavilion on the Dolwen Field. Pauline Hill from the South and West Wales Wildlife Trust came along and helped the children build little bug hotels to take home. She then gave a talk to the adults on "Gardening for Wildlife". The children also made their own pots from newspaper and planted them up with beans from the Wales seed hub. They made mini greenhouses from zip bags and planted cress in egg boxes. The weather was awful, so we couldn't do a bug hunt on the field, but nevertheless, it was well-supported with over 20 mums, dads and children.

Find out more about what you can do in your 1 metre here .

Recognition for our Volunteers

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:50:49 GMT

PAVO Awards 2024

We have received this Certificate of Recognition from the PAVO Volunteer of the Year Awards 2024 to thank all our volunteers for giving their time and skills and making a difference in our local community. Well done to you all and thanks for your help.

“The Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards recognises and celebrates the incredible contribution of volunteers from across Powys. I wish to extend my thanks to every volunteer across the County who gives their time freely to support a range of activities in our communities. We hope this inspires many more people to volunteer. Even something as simple as an hour or two a week can make a huge difference.”

Clair Swales, Chief Executive Officer of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

The team of On the Verge, Wales have been working closely with PAVO, especially with compliance, risk assessments, preparing for CIO status.

World Bee Day

Mon, 20 May 2024 16:46:26 GMT

World Bee Day is celebrated annually

World Bee Day is observed annually on May 20th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Anton Jansa, a renowned figure in beekeeping. This day was established by the United Nations in 2017 to acknowledge the crucial role of bees in food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.

History of World Bee Day

The concept of World Bee Day originated from a proposal by Slovenia, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2017. The date, May 20, was chosen to honour Anton Jansa, a beekeeping pioneer born in 1734. With support from the Slovenian Government and the NGO Apimondia, the first celebration took place on May 20, 2018, marking the importance of bees and other pollinators.

See what you can do to save the bees with 1 Metre Matters

Don't spray the weeds

Tue, 07 May 2024 23:43:34 GMT

On the Verge success

Update! On The Verge is delighted that Talgarth Town Council, working with Powys County Council, have agreed not to spray weeds in Talgarth and the surrounding area. They recognise that the use of these chemicals is harmful to our natural spaces, and we are pleased they are taking the obligations to Section 6 of the Environment Act (Wales) seriously.

Powys will of course take action should plant growth effect signage, safety of road users and pedestrians or visibility, and we support the safety of our community.

No Mow May

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:21:04 GMT

LEAVE THE MOWER IN THE SHED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

No Mow May is an annual campaign in the United Kingdom that encourages gardeners to let their lawns grow wild during the month of May. It was started in 2019 by Plantlife , a conservation charity, who's mission is to secure a world rich in wild plants and fungi. By joining in you can help to provide a feast for pollinators, tackle pollution, reduce urban heat extremes, and lock away atmospheric carbon below ground. If you want to register to join the campaign then here is the link...

The goal is to promote biodiversity by allowing wild plants to thrive and provide nectar for insects.

IF YOUR'E STILL NOT TEMPTED TO LEAVE THE MOWER IN THE SHED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY THEN TRY OUR 1METREMATTERS IDEAS. LOADS OF INFORMATION FOR YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO OUR PLACES OF NATURE IN A SMALL AREA IN YOUR GARDEN.

Bee Happy - Another 1 Metre Matters site

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:55:58 GMT

As requested by Peter & Marian Guthrie

Beekeepers Peter and Marian Guthrie were keen to get involved and chose a 1 metre x 20 metre strip of turf

The ground was prepared and sown with an annual/perennial wildflower mix by On The Verge.

P.S. - Peter and Marian produce the best best tasting honey.....EVER!

First visit of the season

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:41:26 GMT

Community Garden at Woodlands Play Area, Talgarth

First visit of the season to On The Verge's raised vegetable beds, mini meadow and orchard at Woodlands Play Area, Talgarth. The wildflower meadow looks a tad too damp to sow.

Still too cold for the bug house inhabitants to come out.

Veg seeds being sown in the hope of some produce in early Summer.

Planting on the Enig Bank in Talgarth

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 18:00:28 GMT

Volunteers get planting

Thanks to the willing volunteers of On The Verge and Gwernyfed Rugby Club Under 15 coach, Levi and scrum half Ellis for the help with planting 30 perennial pollinator plants, as requested by Talgarth town council and funded by Local Nature Partnership Powys .

A huge thanks to Alison at Walled Garden Treberfydd for advising what plants suited the location and for the planting plan

The freshly planted banks of the Enig, providing perennial plants for wildlife diversity.

Download the Enig Bank Wildlife Corridor 2024 pdf

1 Metre Matters at the Old Railway line Garden Centre

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:55:03 GMT

What a fantastic job...

What a FANTASTIC job the Old Railway Line Garden Centre have done to showcase On The Verge - 1 Metre Matters examples as part of their Easter display. The kids love the hopscotch grid too! Well done to all involved in helping to give everyone ideas of what to plant in their 1 Metre beds. Martin was very impressed.

Flower bed planting next to our Tree of Hope

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:30:45 GMT

Llanfaes "Big Friendly Group", help out

Great to have Joe & Ash, part of St. David's, Llanfaes "Big Friendly Group", helping out with preparation and sowing of a small flower bed, next to our Tree of Hope at St. Mary's Church, Brecon

For those who buy a leaf there is a “book of words” in St Mary’s Church, for you to add your own special message.

1 Metre Examples at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:06:09 GMT

Looking Good

The examples of 1 Metre Matters from On The Verge are looking really good at Old Railway Line Garden Centre in 3 Cocks.

Loads of activities going on over the Easter holidays.

Working with Hay Castle Trust

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:20:22 GMT

Almost There!

1MetreMatters and Hay Castle Trust are working in collaboration to create raised beds for Brecknock Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers who will be growing the plants and looking after them, and once grown will be demonstrating how they can be used for dying yarn.

Out and About with 1MetreMatters

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:07:30 GMT

Aberedw Gardening Club and Erwood Station Craft Centre

On The Verge Chairman Martin Draper was out and about to spread the word about 1MetreMatters. He said "We had great support from Aberedw Gardening Club and Erwood Station Craft Centre using 1MetreMatters principles and methods for the raised beds and hanging baskets. Credit to Jan Credland for the raised Hugel bed."

On The Verge started working with the Gardening Club from Aberedw back in July 2022 when they had a talk from Martin about Wild Planting followed by a visit to Woodlands Avenue community garden in the August when they were looking for ideas to take back to their village for collaborative future projects. Such a positive bunch. We knew that our groups would work together to benefit our wildlife habitats.

Find out more about our 1MetreMatters initiative and how you too can get involved.

Promoting Biodiversity and Environmental Awareness

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:00:51 GMT

Joining Forces

Our latest Press Release...

1 Metre Matters, a grassroots environmental initiative based in Talgarth, is proud to announce its partnership with the renowned Old Railway Line Garden Centre. This collaboration aims to empower individuals and communities to take meaningful action towards biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

The partnership was officially launched during an event hosted by the Old Railway Line Garden Centre on March 12th, where local schools

and council representatives gathered to explore the concept of 1 Metre Matters. At the heart of 1 Metre Matters is the simple yet powerful idea that individuals can make a significant impact by focusing on just one metre of their surroundings, whether it be on a patio, garden, or nearby verge.

";We believe that by encouraging people to concentrate on just one metre of their environment, we can make conservation efforts more

accessible and tangible", said Martin Draper, founder of 1 Metre Matters.

"Through this partnership with Old Railway Line Garden Centre, we aim to provide individuals with the knowledge and support they need to create and maintain wildlife habitats, thereby contributing to the preservation of pollinator populations and enhancing biodiversity";

Old Railway Line Garden Centre brings years of offering help and advice and supplying quality plants and gardening products to the local

community for over 30 years, making them the perfect partner for 1 Metre Matters.

"We are excited to partner with 1 Metre Matters in promoting environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation"; said Katie

Eckley, Operations Director of Old Railway Line Garden Centre.. "We look forward to offering guidance and inspiration to help individuals

transform their chosen metre into a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife. It was great to welcome local schools and council representatives last week to share the concept and how we look forward to sharing ideas and showcasing how easy it is to transform a 1 metre space to make a positive impact.”

For more information about 1 Metre Matters and Old Railway Line Garden Centre, please see www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk

and www.ontheverge.wales

Thank You for 12th March

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 23:12:01 GMT

A Huge On The Verge Thank You

Our friends at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre were wonderful hosts for the 1MetreMatters event on the 12th of March. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

This is the fabulous display that The Old Railway Line Garden Centre prepared for 1MetreMatters, providing some great ideas on what to put in your 1 Metre.

1MetreMatters Free Event 16 March

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:28:19 GMT

Come to Erwood Station 11am-1pm

On the Verge and Aberedw gardening club will be demonstrating how you can help the environment by just using 1 metre of your space. They will be creating a large raised bed and sowing hanging baskets with nature friendly seeds. Come and join in and see for yourselves how you can do the same at home. Saturday 16th March 11am-1pm.

You are invited on Tuesday 12 March

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:43:26 GMT

Join us at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

On the Verge would like to invite you to a free 1M etre M atters presentation with the opportunity to ask questions to our panel of experts. We will be discussing the reporting responsibilities of Section 6 of the Environmental Act (Wales) 2016 and how, even with small changes, we all can help our planet. All local authorities are legally required to publish their progress on protecting nature and enhancing our natural spaces. Keep Wales Tidy and 1MetreMatters will be in attendance to present 1MetreMatters packs to participating schools.

Refreshments will be provided, plus the opportunity to submit questions to the panel. The Event will run from 15:30 to 17:30 on the 12th of March at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Three Cocks LD3 0SG. Please do RSVP via the link below! We look forward to seeing you!

On The Verge AGM 29th Feb 2024 7pm

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:31:59 GMT

Annual General Meeting at Talgarth Town Hall Committee Room 7pm-9pm

Join us on Thursday 29th February for our Annual General Meeting.

The welcome will be from Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys who is a keen supporter and advocate for On The Verge and our 1MetreMatters campaign.

We will also hear about the achievements of the previous year, our financial position and will elect our Officers before moving on to general business.

If you would like to be involved in whatever capacity we would love to hear from you - come along to the meeting and find out more about how you can help to preserve and create wildlife habitats through education and encouragement with On The Verge.

Here are the minutes from the 2023 AGM

Come along in person at 7pm or join us via Microsoft Teams (please email otvtalgarth@gmail.com for a link).

Opportunies to get involved

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 21:04:37 GMT

Lots of opportunities to get involved with 1MetreMatters

Do you have the time and skill set to be part of our 1MetreMatters rapid expansion?

You can help at our Woodlands Community Garden in Talgarth or use your skills to help save our environment without getting your hands dirty.

We are particularly looking to recruit an Events Volunteer, a Welsh Bi-linguist Volunteer and a Secretary Volunteer. If you have any skills that will help us continue our work with schools, councils and householders to make our world a healthier place then please email info@ontheverge.wales .

Find out more about 1MetreMatters

1MetreMatters Video by Karl Whiteley

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 20:59:24 GMT

A New Video for 1MetreMatters

We are excited that On The Verge's 1MetreMatters initiative is really taking off and has caught the creative imagination across all ages.

"Give it a go, let it grow"

There’s so much we can do to help our environment and the 1MetreMatters initiative started in Powys and spreading across Wales is building momentum. Karl Whiteley has illustrated and created this video, voiced by his son Finn Latham Whiteley,, to emphasise how we can all use a metre of land, whether in your garden, on a verge or in a park to help our wildlife and nature recover.

Creating amazing spaces in and around our communities - giving nature a helping hand in gardens and parks, on verges and playgrounds.

Every one of us, by small nature-friendly actions, even when no-one is looking, can in our own way help redress the balance and by coming together in true and honest collaborations all of us can do so much more.

Leave part of lawns uncut to attract a greater amount of insect life, which will, in turn, increase the bio-diversity of the space. All of our planet's soil is connected.

Who587 was the 'Zap number' of artist/illustrator Karl Whiteley when he was a soldier, a long time ago. Leaving the Army in 2010, he graduated with a First Class Illustration degree (2013).

He illustrates maps, draws images for books and edits books.

Watch the video

Find out more about 1MetreMatters

Irfon Valley launches 1MetreMatters

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:31:02 GMT

Amazing adoption of 1MetreMatters by Irfon Valley

The Dyffryn Irfon Growers and Sustainability (DIGS) meets regularly in the Irfon Valley and this is an amazing adoption of the 1MetreMatters initiative, including fabulous seed package illustrations by Dolafon School, Llanwrtyd.

Their next meeting is the 9th March 2024, Alexandra Hall, Llangammarch 10.30am:

Speaker is Chloe Masefield, Sustainable Food Places Coordinator for South Powys. Sustainable Food Places are cross-sector food partnerships where public agencies, community organisations, businesses, and academics can collaborate to create lasting change by agreeing on priorities and action for the local area.

Also 1-metre Matters Seed Pack and other seeds - buy, swap and give-away

ALL WELCOME

email dyffrynIrfonGS@gmail.com

Find out more about our 1MetreMatters initiative and how you can get involved.

Update - On The Verge 2024

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 23:55:28 GMT

Looking back at 2023 and forward to 2024

Find out more about our 1MetreMatters initiative and how you can get involved.

We Need an Environment Volunteer

merielgreen@live.co.uk — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:54:20 GMT

We Need Your Help!

Please get in touch if you can help us to help our planet. Email us at info@ontheverge.wales.

Thank you.

Beekeepers join 1MetreMatters

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:11:32 GMT

Creating More Wildlife Habitats

Professor Dave Goulson, an esteemed faculty member at the University of Sussex, has emphasized the urgency of addressing the decline of insects, arguing that it necessitates a collective effort from every sector of society. According to Goulson, taking action to protect and preserve insect populations is not only crucial for their survival, but also has wide-reaching implications for the entire ecosystem. He likened insects to the proverbial canaries in the coal mine, suggesting that their decline serves as a warning signal that demands our attention and action.

In response to this pressing issue, we are excited to share that the Brecknock and Radnor Beekeeping Association has joined forces with On The Verge to implement the 1MetreMatters initiative, which aims to create more wildlife habitats. This collaboration underscores the importance of promoting biodiversity and preserving natural ecosystems. To learn more about our 1MetreMatters Campaign and how you can contribute to this vital cause, we encourage you to explore the details on our website and get involved.

1MetreMatters Initiative Unveiled

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:18:31 GMT

1MetreMatters Initiative

On Tuesday 24th October 2023 we had a really interesting Q+A session during the On The Verge launch of the 1MetreMatters initiative, in conjunction with Talgarth Town Council.

Helping ALL councils, across Wales, with their reporting responsibilities for section 6 of the Environment (Wales) Act.

1MetreMatters: Join the Movement for a Greener Talgarth

We can ALL get involved with our planet's well being - showing how small actions can make a big impact on our environment.

The Public meeting at Talgarth Town Hall launched the 1MetreMatters initiative covering:

* What does it mean for Talgarth?

* Why it affects everyone of us

* How the Council plan to comply with the Environment (Wales) Act Section Six

To find out more visit the 1MetreMatters page

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Sowing Wildflower Seeds

On The Verge On The Bank

WILDLIFE CORRIDOR ON THE RIVER ENIG BANK TALGARTH

On The Verge AGM

AGM 21st April

A lovely start to the new season

GARDENING CLUB WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST AT 5PM

Our Tiny Veg Growers Celebrated at the 2026 Community Management Awards Cymru

The Community Land Advisory Service Cymru officially launched the 2026 Social Farms & Gardens Community Management Awards Cymru Ceremony on 25th February 2026.

On The Verge Newsletter Oct 2025

On The Verge and 1 Metre Matters Latest News, October 2025

What's in the Bundle:

Why 1 Metre Matters™?

What You’ll Receive

1 Metre Matters Plant Package

Amazing Plant Bundle now available

1 Metre Matters™ Bundle

What's in the Bundle:

Why 1 Metre Matters™?

What You’ll Receive

Fungi Town at Hay Castle

Pop along to Fungi Town at Hay Castle

BBC Wales Cymru Make A Difference Awards Ceremony

At the Awards Ceremony

On the Verge are Winners of the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025

On the Verge win the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Green Award 2025

Our Tiny Veg Growers in action in September

A Report from Jane, Our Tiny Veg Growers Volunteer Coordinator

International Green Apple Environment Award 2025 for #1MetreMatters Initiative

�� On the Verge Wales Wins International Green Apple Environment Award 2025 for #1MetreMatters Initiative! ��

�� About #1MetreMatters

�� Thank You

On the Verge at the Green Man Festival

Einstein’s Garden 2025

Small Actions Matter - Mowing Lawns and Verges

Make A Difference with Your Mowing

We had a visit from the BBC

Inspiring the next generation of green thumbs

Our Tiny Veg Growers News

OTVG Club Now on Wednesdays

Planting Day on Friday 25th July

For The Love of Insects

Insect Poem and Video

Small Actions Matter - Garden Waste

Taking Small Actions - Garden Waste

Mowing A Path for Insects

'No Mow May' in June, July and Beyond

June

BBC Wales Make A Difference Awards

Green Awards Finalist Congratulations

Small Actions Matter - Chemicals

Small Actions Matter

Our Tiny Veg Growers in Action

They've Been Busy Planting

BBC Wales Award Nominee

BBC Cymru Wales Make A Difference Awards

Small Actions Matter - Hosepipes

Focus on Hosepipes

Earth Day Activity in Talgarth, April 2025

Talgarth Biodiversity Day

Earth Day in Talgarth

Earth Day is April 22nd

April Newsleter

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?

Worms

Worms and the ecosystem

Worms are the foundations of this earth – literally. Worms do the hard work in your garden – in one acre of land alone there can be more than one million worms, helping to dig over the soil and provide nutrients to the ground.

Like us, worms move, eat, sleep, taste, smell and can sense touch. Although they have only 302 neurons (compared with our 100 billion), they are surprisingly clever. They use many different smells and tastes to find good food and avoid food that will make them sick.

﻿

Compost vs Worm Castings

What are Earthworm Castings?

Shop and Help On The Verge & 1 Metre Matters

Your opportunity to support our group through Easyfundraising

Turn your daily shopping into every day magic!

Seed Giveaways

What a busy 3 hours!!.

Compost for Community Garden

Our Tiny Veg Growers Produce

Picking Leeks in the Community Garden