As part of this year’s World Green Roof Day (organised by Green Roof Organisation), Urban Foundry teamed up with Natural Resources Wales and Swansea Council to host a packed event celebrating Swansea’s leadership on green roofs.
The event brought together local people, green infrastructure experts, and key partners to hear from those behind Swansea’s growing green roof movement.
It was a brilliant turnout – a chance to reflect on what’s already happening in the city and look ahead to what’s next.
Fran Rolfe, Wales Ambassador for World Green Roof Day and Green Infrastructure Specialist at Natural Resources Wales, said:
“Green roofs aren’t just a trend – they’re part of a better future. Swansea is showing how cities can thrive with nature at their heart. Green roofs are a simple but powerful way to bring nature back into our urban spaces, creating healthier places for people and wildlife.”
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart added:
“Swansea is becoming greener all the time, and that’s thanks in part to the council’s work on tackling the climate and nature emergencies. We were proud to support this event – and we all have a role to play in looking after our local environment.”
Dr Ben Reynolds from Urban Foundry said:
“Since 2021, we’ve worked with Swansea Council and NRW to help grow a local green economy. Nearly 100 people have now been trained in green roofing – building the skills and qualifications needed to create and look after green spaces across the City. By investing in local people, we’re keeping the impact in the community and making it last.”
Three years of action
This green roof work isn’t just talk – it’s already changing things in Swansea.
In 2022, 30 people became accredited through an Urban Foundry Green Infrastructure training programme funded by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund. Many also gained their Working at Height certification, meaning they could get started right away.
Since then, over 60 more people have taken part in practical training through our Green the City programme – including installation, maintenance and even biosolar roofs (where green space meets solar energy). These sessions were funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
This work has helped lay the groundwork to help build towards a green economy for Swansea. All this was delivered in partnership with Natural Resources Wales and Swansea Council. It has also had support from Welsh Government, with many green roofs supported by their Transforming Towns funding.
From rooftops to real impact
You can already see the difference around Swansea.
At Swansea Community Farm, volunteers have built two new green roof structures – including one known as the ‘sheep palace’.
Beacon Cymru estate managers are preparing to roll out green-roofed bin stores at their sites this summer.
It shows that green roofs aren’t just for show – they’re about jobs, skills and action that communities can take themselves.
Why green roofs matter
Green roofs absorb rainwater, help cool down buildings, boost biodiversity and bring life to grey spaces. In a changing climate, they’re a practical way to make our cities greener, healthier and more resilient.
They also just make places look and feel better – whether that’s turning a bare rooftop into a mini habitat, a space for learning or something a bit more beautiful.
Get involved
This is all part of a bigger push to green up Swansea and build a more sustainable future. If you’re interested in greening your own building or joining a community project, we’d love to hear from you. There’s even a monthly Green Up Swansea event you can come along to.
Find out more at www.greenthecity.co.uk
The World Green Roof Day event was funded through the Welsh Government Water Capital Programme, which supports a range of environmental priorities including river restoration, mine remediation, fisheries and water quality.
