A new community garden for Ukrainians has been opened to mark the anniversary of the conflict with Russia.

Over 400 Ukrainians have now settled in Swindon in the two years since the start of the war in Ukraine.

They have been welcomed by the support group Swindon Welcomes Ukraine.

To mark the second anniversary of the conflict, the organisation has now opened a Ukrainian community garden so that they can grow their own produce.

The project was launched on Friday, February 23 at St Philips allotment in Upper Stratton, Swindon.

It aims to allow the Ukrainian community in Swindon to honour their heritage whilst contributing positively to their local environment by 'putting down roots'.

The event also celebrated the 18-month extension of visa's for Ukrainians living in the UK, announced recently, as well as commemorating all those who have lost their lives in the first two years of the war.

Vice-Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, Kris Talikowski said, “The community growing garden will serve as a physical representation of the strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity.

"Through the act of planting and nurturing their produce, the community aims to cultivate a space of tranquillity and growth, fostering connections between Ukrainians, their host families and the residents of Swindon.”

The land, kindly secured through Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, is a 250sqm plot which has been transformed over recent weeks by local volunteers and tradespeople.

The garden will feature 12 large growing beds, a sunflower garden, a polytunnel, where they will seed plants, and also a programme of local talks from experts to teach key growing skills.

Speaking before the event, committee member of the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine group, Tanya Tymofeienko said: “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community on this significant day,"

"Through 'Putting Down Roots,' we honour the memory of those lost in the Ukraine war whilst reaffirming our commitment to building a brighter future for ourselves and future generations."

The Home Office announced on February 18 that Ukrainians who fled Russia's invasion will be granted an 18-month visa under a new extension scheme.

More than 283,000 Ukrainians have been offered or extended sanctuary since the beginning of the invasion on 24 February 2022.

The first visas which granted people three years' leave in the UK under programmes such as Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme are set to expire in March 2025.