A new community garden is set to be established in the old churchyard at the heart of Swansea. The former St Matthew’s churchyard will undergo a transformation into a welcoming space, featuring plantings, seating areas, and bird and bat boxes. The project, led by the charity Matthew’s House, aims to create a space for the community to gather and enjoy nature. The plans have been approved by Swansea Council, paving the way for the careful removal and artistic stacking of gravestones to make room for the garden.
The charity, Matthew’s House, which supports individuals dealing with homelessness, mental health, and addiction challenges, has been eager to revitalise the outdoor area of the former St Matthew’s church. The garden, named Greenhill Gardens, will not only provide a serene retreat within the city but also pay tribute to the history of the site. The project envisions incorporating inscriptions from the gravestones into habitat walls to enhance biodiversity and preserve the memory of those laid to rest in the churchyard.
Thom Lynch, the project leader at Matthew’s House, expressed the desire to honour the heritage of the site while creating a visually appealing garden. With the assistance of a skilled landscape architect, the team plans to design a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the community. The garden will accommodate small gatherings, school visits, and even feature a heritage trail narrating the stories of St Matthew’s Church and its surroundings.
The transformation of the churchyard will involve the careful rearrangement of over 225 gravestones, with a portion of the area reserved to preserve the most significant ones. The gravestones will be repositioned into sculpted forms, becoming integral pieces of art within the garden. The project has engaged in extensive efforts to involve the relatives of the deceased individuals, receiving significant support for the initiative to repurpose the churchyard as a community garden.
The Greenhill Gardens project not only aims to provide a tranquil green space in the city centre but also to engage with the history and heritage of the site. The careful planning and design of the garden reflect a deep respect for the past while embracing a vision for a sustainable and inclusive community space. The collaboration between Matthew’s House, local authorities, and community members showcases a dedication to creating a unique and meaningful environment for all to enjoy.
Matthew’s House, a charitable initiative of The Hill Church in Swansea, is at the forefront of this innovative project, demonstrating a commitment to serving the community through creative and thoughtful endeavours. The establishment of Greenhill Gardens signifies a harmonious blend of history, art, and nature, providing a space for reflection, connection, and appreciation of Swansea’s rich heritage. As the garden takes shape, it stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in transforming urban spaces into vibrant and inclusive hubs for all to enjoy.