CHANGE is in the air at Llanfrechfa Grange, as a small army of construction staff work on the site of the new £350 million hospital that will treat Gwent's sickest patients.

And overlooked by giant cranes and temporary buildings on the Grange University Hospital site, a project of restoration and rebirth is also taking place.

A team of dedicated volunteers is transforming the formerly weed- and bramble-strewn acre that comprises Llanfrechfa Grange's Victorian walled garden.

The Grange has performed a number of roles in its 170-year existence, from lived-in mansion, to training centre for boys, maternity hospital, and latterly - with accommodation and offices - a long stay hospital for people with learning disabilities and ongoing healthcare needs.

Until the 1990s, the walled garden was a constant and productive feature in that shifting history, where a huge variety of vegetables and fruit were grown.

But 20-odd years of neglect had taken its toll when in 2015 the first moves were made to save it.

This is a project of restoration and rebirth, returning to use the land within its four original walls, and creating a space where the public and staff at the new hospital can spend time in reflection and relaxation.

"We've come a long way in three years, but there's more of a sense of urgency now work has started on the new hospital," said Jan Smith, a trustee of the charity Friends of Llanfrechfa Grange Walled Garden, which she also chairs.

"We need to be ready for when the hospital opens, so that means we have around three more years.

"The key to success is volunteers and funding. We have to raise the money for this project ourselves.

"We have had some fantastic support so far, but we will need a lot more, in terms of funding and practical, hands-on help."

Plans involve creating four complementary quadrants - reflective, productive, communal and social - off a path-linked central seating area.

The reflective quadrant is intended as a peaceful space, with meandering paths, seating and a shelter.

The productive quadrant will feature a greenhouse, raised beds and areas where volunteers can grow flowers, fruit and vegetables.

The communal quadrant will include a lawn for events, exhibitions and activities, a wildflower meadow and a wildlife garden.

The social quadrant will feature a teaching area for horticultural workshops and activities, a raised seating area, a small play area, and a cottage garden.

"We've had great help from lots of different people and businesses, and we need lots more," said Mrs Smith.

"It's an ambitious project, and the aim is that the walled garden will be an important part of the new hospital site."

Potential volunteers, or those wishing to get involved in any way, may e-mail info.lgh.garden@gmail.com or write to Friends of Llanfrechfa Grange Walled Garden, Llanfrechfa Grange, Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 8YN.

You can also visit https://llanfrechfawalledgarden.wordpress.com or search for @LlanfrechfaGrangeWalled Garden on Facebook