Celebrating Success: Collaborative action for in

Mae’r ddogfen yma hefyd ar gael yn Gymraeg. This document is also available in Welsh.

Contents

Introduction

Case Studies

Anglesey – Mawndir Môn 1 Blaenau Gwent – Schools Improvement areas 2 Beacons National – Long Forest Hedgerow 3 Bridgend – The Spirit of Llynfi Woodlands 4 Caerphilly – Managing Marsh Fritillaries at Aberbargoed Grasslands 5 Cardiff – Cardiff Pollinator Project 6 Carmarthenshire – Carmarthenshire Bogs Project 7 Ceredigion – Nature and External Wall Insulation 8 – Conwy Events Programme 9 Denbighshire/Flintshire – Alyn Valley Himalayan Balsam 10 – Water Vole on the Llŷn Peninsula 11 Merthyr Tydfil – Cyfarthfa Park / Greenhouses 12 Monmouthshire – Natural Assets 13 Neath Port Talbot – Cwm du Glen and Glanrhyd Plantation 14 Newport – Conserving the Small Ranunculus 15 Pembrokeshire – Invasive Species in the Gwaun Valley 16 Pembrokeshire Marine – Milford Haven Native Oyster Regeneration 17 Powys – Llandrindod Wells Lake Park 18 Rhondda Cynon Taf– and Planning 19 – Peatland Restoration Project 20 Swansea – Countryside Connections Project 21 Torfaen – Local Nature Reserves 22 Vale of Glamorgan – Porthkerry Pollination Project 23 Wrexham – Industrial Estate Living Landscape 24

South Wales – The Eastern Valley Uplands 25 Mid Wales – Mid Wales Red Squirrel project 26 – Alyn and Chwiler Living Landscape 27

Credits

Clockwise from top left Mawdach Estuary iStock image; Volunteer work party © Tom Marshall; Marsh fritillary iStock image; Common dolphins iStock image; Red squirrel iStock image; Lapwing iStock image; Girl in bluebell wood © Tom Marshall; Water vole iStock image.

Introduction

Biodiversity is the variety of life and provides multiple benefits to society. Our health, economy and quality of life depend upon a healthy environment and the sustainable use of our natural resources, including our biodiversity. Here in Wales, we are privileged to enjoy a fantastic diversity of species and habitats coupled with a strong network of local partnerships delivering for nature and people in communities across Wales.

Local partnerships for nature operate in all areas of Wales and provide a focus for delivering the Nature Recovery Plan objectives and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources at the local level as well as contributing to many of the Well-being of Future Generations goals. These case studies provide a snapshot of the diversity of projects and the range of partners involved with local action for nature in Wales. You can find more examples to inspire you by visiting the ‘Local to You’ section on our website.

The projects featured in this booklet address several key areas:

The Well-being of Future Generations The Nature Recovery Action Plan for Act Wales They contribute to achieving the Well-being They address the objectives of the Nature goals including a Resilient Wales - a nation Recovery Action Plan, helping to reverse the which maintains and enhances a biodiverse decline of biodiversity in Wales. These are: natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and  Engage and support participation and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt understanding to embed biodiversity to change (for example climate change) and throughout decision making at all levels other Well-being goals – these are illustrated with each project.  Safeguarding species and habitats of principal importance and improve their They also demonstrate the five ways of management working encouraged by the WFG Act:  Increase the resilience of our natural environment by restoring degraded habitats and habitat creation

 Tackle key pressures on species and habitats

 Improve our evidence, understanding and monitoring

Environment (Wales) Act Most projects address more than one Nature They demonstrate sustainable management of Recovery Action Plan objective, illustrating natural resources, contributing to meeting the how cross-cutting and collaborative working biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems duty delivers action for biodiversity and multiple for public authorities. benefits for people and the environment.

www.biodiversitywales.org.uk

Mawndir Môn (Anglesey Peatlands)

Restoring wetlands, improving water quality and raising awareness in Anglesey

Background Highlights Anglesey has some fine areas of  Elected Members Wetland wetland, though there have been Awareness visit in June (20 losses over the years, and there was people present) and Wetland also an apparent lack of awareness as Festival in July (500 visitors) both to how significant our wetlands are. included guided interpretive walks The project sought to raise awareness as well as giving out other and undertake some practical relevant information. Good management for wetlands on feedback on effectiveness of both Anglesey. events

Partnership  Wetland Festival hired a number Initiated through initial discussions in of local providers of wildlife- the Anglesey Wildlife Forum, partners related event activities, and these included Isle of Anglesey County were then accessible to be Council, experienced by the 500 attendees (NRW), North Wales Wildlife Trust, Bangor University and RSPB. The  Local contractors undertook project was funded by Welsh contract work to construct new Government (through NRW), wetland areas and habitat spending just short of £49,000. improvement including scrub clearance and rhododendron Learning removal The project helped to educate visitors to the Wetland Festival and through  The short term monitoring in the production of a wetlands place at the time of the project information booklet. showed some improved water quality at the new wetland sites

 Anglesey Wetlands information book produced and distributed

The Future The project gave valuable experience in managing a variety of areas of work. This will help plan and shape future wetland work on Anglesey. It is

Image © Polina Cowley hoped that further Wetland Festivals can be held, and that further, and more extensive effective ‘on the ground’ enhancements can be put in place.

1

Schools biodiversity improvement

Working with schools in Blaenau Gwent to enhance biodiversity within grounds, create learning opportunities and cultivate an appreciation of

Background Highlights The Blaenau Gwent Biodiversity  Increasing school engagement Partnership (BGBP) started the from 4 pilot schools in 2010 to 21 Schools Biodiversity Improvement in 2016 Project in 2010. The project initially started as a pilot and has since  Increased biodiversity in school expanded. A dedicated biodiversity grounds project officer works with each school providing a biodiversity management  Raising awareness of biodiversity plan to help schools increase conservation amongst school biodiversity within grounds and raise children awareness of biodiversity amongst school children.  Runner up in the Tidy Towns Award 2012 Partnership The Schools Biodiversity Officer works  Landscape and environmental with a range of other organisations benefits for support, resources and funding including Keep Wales Tidy, BG  Supporting schools to enhance Biodiversity Partnership, Gwent their school grounds for wildlife Wildlife Trust and more. and to encourage teachers to utilise their outdoor spaces as a Learning unique learning resource The main aim of the project is to create spaces for nature and provide  Enhancement of biodiversity - learning opportunities for school example activities including children aimed at cultivating an making nest, bat, hedgehog and appreciation for the natural bug boxes, native tree planting, environment. This is achieved by native hedge planting, creating providing advice and guidance on log piles, creating bog gardens, how to make the best use of the pond creation, orchard planting, school grounds and using practical creation of wildlife friendly activities and events to demonstrate gardens how schools, with varying conditions, can maintain and enhance  Events include bat walks, moth biodiversity. trapping, eco school days, RSPB Big Schools Bird Watch, biodiversity enrichment days

The Future The project continues to run in Blaenau Gwent, and would like extend to Torfaen area subject to availability of resources.

Image © Nadine Morgan / Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

For more information visit: www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/resident/countryside/biodiversity- 2 partnership-action-plan/

…… The Long Forest Project

To support schools, community groups, landowners and businesses to take an interest in their local hedgerows and help maintain them in the National Park

Background Highlights The Long Forest Project is a  Increased public knowledge and community engagement project, awareness of the importance of aimed at encouraging local groups hedgerows and individuals to become more actively involved in the management  Training courses to provide local of hedgerows, which form an groups and individuals with the important feature of the landscape of skills and knowledge to survey, the Brecon Beacons National Park manage and plant new hedgerows (BBNP). The initial phase of the project (2012-14) was jointly funded  Traditional skill development and by the Brecon Beacons Sustainable well-being benefits through Development Fund and The Brecon physical activity in the outdoors Beacons Trust. It had positive environmental and social outcomes.  Landscape and environmental The project has subsequently grown benefits and developed, supported by various funders and partners.  Supporting landowners to improve hedgerows on their land, Partnership providing wildlife and farm The project was led by Keep Wales management benefits Tidy. Partners included landowners, farmers, volunteers, community  Enhancement of biodiversity groups, specialists, Biodiversity Information Service for Powys and  Bilingual Hedgerow Information BBNP and the Brecon Beacons Pack . The Future In 2014/15, In 2015, Keep Wales Tidy and The Nature Fund funding was secured by Woodland Trust came together to Keep Wales Tidy in partnership with develop The Long Forest Project The Woodland Trust and the across Wales. They have been University of . successful in winning grant funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Learning and Heritage Lottery Fund. The project aimed to encourage schools, community groups, landowners and businesses to take an interest in their hedgerows and help maintain them. The project also provided groups with the equipment, material and knowledge they needed to plant hedgerows at their own sites.

Image © Keep Wales Tidy

For more information visit: www.keepwalestidy.org/longforest/materials 3

The Spirit of Llynfi Woodlands

Tackling poverty, enhancing resilience and diversity, green growth and resource efficiency at Llynfi woodland, Bridgend

Background Highlights The Spirit of Llynfi woodland site is  Masterplan for the community owned by Bridgend County Borough woodland developed in Council (BCBC) and managed by partnership with the local Natural Resources Wales (NRW). community Once home to the Coegnant Colliery and Maestag Washery the 75 hectare  30 hectares of new woodland site underwent partial remediation in planting, including 60,000 trees, the early 2000’s resulting in a 7000 of which were planted by landscape of re-profiled tips, failed schools and community plantings and a network of paths. The volunteers, including 3 community site was identified as a prime location fruit orchards for new planting in 2005 following studies into remediating derelict  350 local school children and colliery sites across Wales, and later young people engaged in by studies undertaken by the NHS in developing ideas and undertaking 2014 with the area being identified as practical work on site one of the most deprived communities for health in Wales.  Stock proof fencing installed around all new woodland planting Partnership areas NRW manage the site through a lease agreement with BCBC and work with  Planning permission granted for community groups and local development of a green gym , residents. running trail and walking routes.

Learning  Community woodland group Strong links to 8 local primary becoming established to form an schools, Maesteg Comprehensive integral part of the sustainable School and a local skills centre. management of the wider site Through being involved in the development of the site, the children The Future and young people have been able to Building on the success, NRW will develop a greater understanding of continue to strengthen links with the wildlife, regeneration, health and local community through offering well-being, and sustainable natural further volunteering and training resource management. opportunities on site and involving local community groups and organisations in developing and maintaining project areas and habitats. NRW will continue to work with local organisations to apply for funding to support community projects on site that will benefit the health and wellbeing of the local community for generations to come. Image © Natural Resources Wales

For more information visit www.naturalresources.wales 4

Managing Marsh Fritillaries

Managing marsh fritillaries at Aberbargoed Grasslands - securing long term survival of marsh fritillaries in Caerphilly

Background Highlights Aberbargoed Grasslands was  Declaration of the site as a designated by the Countryside National in 2012, Council for Wales (which now forms with a community parade and part of Natural Resources Wales) as a evening celebration Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in January 2001 for its  Clearing of bracken and scrub to assemblage of species rich grassland open up parts of the site communities and for its population of previously inaccessible to grazing marsh fritillary butterflies. The site was designated in 2004 as a Special  Interactive Butterfly App for Area of Conservation (SAC) in mobile phones to capture virtual recognition of its European butterflies while walking around importance for its population of the site marsh fritillary butterflies and for its purple moor-grass and rush pasture.  Interpretation panels and car to improve visitor Caerphilly County Borough Council experience (CCBC) own part of the site and using their own herd of Welsh Black and The Future Belted Galloways manage the whole Funding has been secured to facilitate site, with the agreement of the the positive management of sites adjacent landowners, for the best suitable for marsh fritillary within the possible benefit of the rare wider landscape around the National butterflies. Marsh fritillaries are Nature Reserve through a concerted reliant on the presence of the plant engagement and awareness raising devil’s-bit scabious, which occurs in programme with local landowners, abundance throughout these marshy local community groups and schools, areas. and through the setting up of volunteer groups who will undertake Partnership a locally based training programme A partnership of Caerphilly County focussed on rural skills specifically Borough Council, Natural Resources tailored to safeguarding the marsh Wales, Welsh Water and local fritillary habitat. landowners have enabled the site to be managed as a single unit, while volunteer groups and local schools are actively engaged in management tasks on site.

Learning The location of an Education Centre on the site provides a base from which to explore the variety of habitats and species present on site for visiting schools and scientists. Image © CCBC

For more information visit: http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside/wildlife/aberbargoed- 5 grasslands-0

Cardiff Pollinator Project

Initiating a variety of activities benefitting pollinators in Cardiff through community engagement, volunteering and awareness raising in an urban environment

Background Highlights Cardiff Pollinators Project has been  Native rich wild flower meadows initiated to overarch a variety of created at New Road Playing activities benefitting pollinators in Fields, Greenway Road, Hill Snook Cardiff including implementing Park and Ely Wells changes in management regimes, pollinator friendly planting, improving  Training opportunities for awareness and linking habitats. The volunteers to improve skills for project meets the needs of the Wales species identification and to help Pollinator Action Plan. with site management

Partnership  Increased public knowledge and Initially funded through Tidy Towns awareness of the importance of and in partnership with local schools pollinators and volunteers. Since the initial pilot project partnerships have been  Increased public awareness in the developed further with Buglife and importance of grassland habitats the Urban Buzz Project. Other partners include our network of  Increased opportunities for people friends groups, local schools, Cardiff of all ages and abilities to Museum, RSPB, Innovate Trust Green experience nature in the urban Days, Plantlife and Bumblebee environment which has benefits to Conservation Trust. health and wellbeing

Learning  Increased areas of pollinator- The project aimed to raise awareness friendly habitat in Cardiff which of the importance of pollinators and brings wider benefits for enable people to experience, connect biodiversity with nature on their doorstep in an urban environment. Opportunities for The Future this have taken a number of forms The pilot project has acted as a from working with schools, public catalyst which has been growing year events through to training days with on year. It overarches a variety of volunteers to assist with plant and projects which includes pollinator bumblebee identification. friendly planting, restoration and management of wildflower meadows, volunteer training, community engagement and education. The foundations built in the pilot project will continue to develop in future years bringing more areas and partners in and looking more strategically to enable pollinators to move between sites across the city for both foraging as well as overwintering. Image © Cardiff Council Ranger Service

For more information visit: www.buglife.org.uk/urban-buzz/cardiff 6

Carmarthenshire Bogs Project

Exploring their past, celebrating the present and conserving the future

Background Highlights The sites consist, in the main, of  Previous preliminary survey has lowland bogs, heathland and marshy the CO2 equivalent for the carbon grassland habitats on Section 45 stored in six bogs is 108 million common land, i.e. common land for kg which there is no known owner. The sites have a considerable biodiversity,  Radiocarbon dating from one of landscape and cultural heritage value the bogs has also show that the and lie within an area that has been start of the peat formation was identified by Natural Resources Wales dated back to 9700 years ago. as a wetland priority area for lowland Further research will help discover bogs in Wales. They have suffered (to environmental change in varying degrees) from activities that Carmarthenshire over the last are harmful to their biodiversity that 10,000 years also prevent the wetlands delivering their ecosystem services fully.  Firebreaks have been cut, a ditch blocked, fly tipping removed and Partnership Japanese Knotweed treated – For the current Heritage Lottery Fund helping make the sites more project the partners are suitable for grazing and protecting Carmarthenshire County Council them from arson (CCC), Swansea University, National Botanical Gardens of Wales and Dyfed The Future Archaeological Trust. Through conservation management, research, education and public Learning involvement in the sites, it is hoped Research: Swansea University are that the resilience of these habitats undertaking peat core analyses of a 9 will be improved, that the m core from one of the bogs. management undertaken will encourage appropriate grazing to be Volunteering: volunteers have had reinstated and that local people will the opportunity to find out more have a better understanding of the about these habitats and the historic ecological and cultural importance of landscape in which they would have these sites. formed.

Education: local schools have visited one site to explore a group of round barrows and find out more about the prehistoric landscape, the people who lived there and the ecology of bog habitats.

Local providers have visited the sites to highlight how they could be promoted to people visiting the Image © Isabel Macho /CCC area.

For more information visit: https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council- 7 services/planning/biodiversity/hlf-bogs-project/#.XG1qr0x2u3B Nature and External Wall Insulation

Creating a toolkit to conserve and enhance nature conservation as part of EWI in a pragmatic way in Ceredigion

Background Highlights External Wall Insulation (EWI)  Safeguarding protected and involves covering the external walls priority species of properties with insulation which must be sealed to the soffits/eaves to  Providing new opportunities for avoid thermal bridging. If not carried bat and bird species out properly, this work could lead, and has likely led to over previous  Improving contractor knowledge years, wide scale detrimental impacts of protected species and how to on birds and bats. incorporate in a pragmatic way

The project outline was to put  Partnership working with those in together a Toolkit which could be a position to make a difference used by clients, ecologists and contractors alike to provide a  Increasing public knowledge and pragmatic approach to nature awareness of bats and their conservation and EWI. This Toolkit importance would then be shared across Wales.

Partnership The Future The ‘Nature Conservation and EWI’ Completion of a bilingual Toolkit project is being led by Ceredigion provided to Welsh Government for County Council (CCC). Welsh circulation in addition to bat walks for Government provided support and the two communities from this year funding and Natural Resources Wales and potentially future community (NRW) have provided input regarding sites. bat licencing. The Toolkit was produced with help from the contractors Willmott Dixon Ltd, and was tested on their scheme. Consultants Greenman Ecology Ltd and Tom McOwat were funded to produce the first draft of the Toolkit. CCC will also be carrying out a walk in the two communities involved to educate them on bats.

Learning The project will educate contractors Image © Hugh Clark/ Bat Conservation Trust and Local Authorities on how to approach EWI considering nature conservation. It will also raise awareness of the importance of bats to the local communities.

For more information visit: www.ceredigion.gov.uk 8 Conwy Wildlife Events Programme

Inspiring members of the public about their local wildlife and natural sites, increasing well-being and health

Background Highlights Each year  Bookings are consistently high, in Council holds a successful Wildlife 2015, one third of potential places Events programme. were booked within three weeks of the programme being Partnership published. 150 people attended The events are run by the Council’s the events altogether Biodiversity Officer and the Countryside Wardens in partnership  Feedback is always excellent. This with external wildlife experts such as year, 95% of respondents rated bat ecologists, wildlife trackers, the event as excellent (the other marine experts and so on. 5% rated it as good). 100% of respondents felt the event Learning matched their expectations Feedback tells us that the events are achieving their objectives of engaging  Highlights from last year include new audiences and encouraging bird-watching for Welsh learners, people to use their local nature tracking wildlife in a woodland, reserves. In 2015 25% of bat-detecting and finding out respondents hadn’t been to an event about the marine world by about nature or wildlife before and searching the strandline. Previous 65% of respondents hadn’t been to years have seen us foraging for that particular site before so the wild food, whale-watching and events are encouraging residents to woodland orienteering use their local nature reserves.

We ask for feedback from attendees The Future so that we can continually improve Our Wildlife Events programme will our events. continue to be an important tool to engage members of the public in wildlife, nature and the outdoors. Increasingly, promotional methods will use web sites and social media, rather than paper-based methods and bookings will be made on-line.

Image © Conwy County Borough Council

For more information visit: www.conwy.gov.uk/wildlifeevents 9 Alyn Valley Himalayan Balsam

Removal of invasive non-native species (INNS) in the Alyn Valley, Denbighshire/ Flintshire

Background Highlights The River Alyn is a tributary of the  INNS removed from over 20km of River Dee. The area supports a range river corridor of important habitats including riverine and ancient woodland  Enhancement of biodiversity and habitats and priority species such as the local environment dormice, otter, lesser horseshoe bat and a wide range of plant species.  Improvement of flood resilience The dominant INNS along the lower stretch of the River Alyn are  Facilitation of Himalayan balsam and Japanese and healthy living by promoting knotweed. the use of the local environment

Partnership  Practical action for pollinators and The project is a partnership between the Water Framework Directive Flintshire and Denbighshire County Councils, North Wales Wildlife Trust,  An average of over 50 volunteer and Dee Valley workdays completed each year AONB, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), community groups and The Future individual volunteers. The project is The upper catchment is now largely now running alongside the Alyn and under control, the procurement of Chwiler Living Landscapes project and health and safety equipment through is a key element of tackling Invasives grants will enable further volunteer at a Dee catchment level linking into and corporate group control events. ‘Big Dee – the invasion events’. There is a strong desire to continue Learning with the project and progress the The project has worked from the top control downstream. The partnership of the catchment down and is within is seeking funding to do this, building reach of INNS control along the river on the biodiversity and outreach from its source to the area above the elements of the project to town of Mold. The project has complement the wider Alyn and fostered links with farmers and Chwiler Living Landscape initiative landowners to deliver the aims of the and Dee catchment INNS control. project and has received positive backing from the community.

Image © Flintshire County Council

For more information visit: www.denbighshirecountryside.org.uk/himalayan-balsam-project 10 Water Vole on the Llŷn Peninsula

Water vole population monitoring on the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd

Background Highlights A long-term water vole population  Surveying rivers for signs of water monitoring project on the Llŷn voles such as feeding piles and Peninsula, Gwynedd. Monitoring of latrines to monitor the water vole the population began in 2003. population. A recent 2015 survey Experts and volunteers working led by BASC with volunteers found alongside each other have surveyed signs that the population the rivers of the Llŷn Peninsula for remained and mink control work water vole signs. Mink control was is having an effect initiated by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) in  Discovering nature – finding water 2011 to safeguard the water vole shrew, reptiles, otters, field voles population. It is now important to and orchids monitor the water vole population to gauge the success of the mink control  Benefits to local volunteers of and ensure the population is working outside with nature, continuing to sustain itself. sharing skills and knowledge

 Delivering positive actions for the Partnership Local Biodiversity Action Plan for This project has been undertaken in water vole partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Gwynedd Biodiversity Unit and BASC. The Future The Llŷn Peninsula is a key water vole Learning area in North Wales, and the Volunteers, staff and students had population is monitored every few the opportunity to learn field skills years. and surveying techniques. Data collected informs us about the status of the water vole population locally and regionally.

Image © Emily Meilleur/

For more information visit: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Council/Strategies-and- 11 policies/Environment-and-planning/Natur-Gwynedd-Biodiversity-Acion-Plan.aspx Cyfarthfa Park / Greenhouses

Health and social benefits through the natural and man-made environment

Background Highlights Cyfarthfa Park Greenhouses were  Development of an exemplar formerly used by the Local Authority ‘Potager’ kitchen garden for the Parks Department for bedding plant growing of fruit, flowers and production. The space is now a vegetables; planted, maintained bourgeoning ‘Honey Pot’ facility and used by the staff, volunteers offering new opportunities for and Social Service users to engagement in a series of encourage small-scale local food horticultural experiences through growing contact with the wide diversity of flora found locally as well as within  Carboniferous Collection: Time the context of a former walled garden travel 300 million years to see the and Cyfarthfa Park. types of plants in Wales that made coal Partnership The project is a partnership between  Horticultural tasters, advice and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough skills for children and adults of all Council’s (MTCBC) Countryside Team, ages and abilities Social Services, National Museum of Wales and the British Institute for Geological Conservation. The Future Develop an exciting permanent Learning Prehistoric Garden exhibit at As an environment for horticultural Cyfarthfa Castle Greenhouse. The therapy for adults with learning project will recreate, using modern difficulties and the wider public it also living plants, a replica of the primitive offers opportunities for Heritage 300 million year old tropical swamp Lottery Fund volunteers making the forests that gave rise to the rich coal space an introduction to the natural and iron bearing rocks on which the world through horticulture. ex-industrial town and communities of MTCBC was founded. Funding is being sought to start the partnership project by developing a full show garden at Cardiff Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show 2017 to be kept at Cyfarthfa Park. The garden will depict the relationship between geological formations, fossils, natural resources, industry, culture and Nature: the coloniser and re-claimer of mankind’s exploitation of the environment. The display will be created by and with local communities and volunteers of all ages and abilities.

Image © Rolf Brown/MTCBC

For more information visit: www.merthyrtydfil.org.uk/farmers-market/cyfarthfa-greenhouses 12

Monmouthshire’s Natural Assets

Making a substantial contribution to the sensitive management and future safeguarding of Monmouthshire’s local high value natural sites

Background Highlights The project builds upon the successful Project officer and two 6-month partnership approach to Local Wildlife seasonal surveyors helped achieve Sites in Monmouthshire, which has  Over 100 new LWS identified identified a network of over 300  Expert wildlife and management grassland Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) advice to landowners since 2004.  Access to financial resources (through the Natural Assets Partnership Environment Grant) to enable The Rural Development Programme works (RDP Axis 3) funded project was steered by the Monmouthshire Key project activities included: Environment Partnership Board with  Site Surveying and management Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) advice as the lead body and delivery by  Landowner engagement (GWT). The  Production of Interpretative involvement of the Monmouthshire Materials Meadows group, Natural Resources  Project Publicity and Events Wales and the Wye Valley AONB was  Natural Assets Grant Scheme also essential to the project’s success. The Countryside Council for The Future Wales and subsequently Natural The LWS work is being taken forward Resources Wales (NRW) provided by GWT with resurveys of 150 vital match funding for the project. existing grassland LWS originally Landowners were keen to provide surveyed prior to 2008. This work, match funding to enable vital which is part of the “Joint Working management works to be carried out Partnership” with NRW is being on their sites. undertaken between 2015 -2017 and will update site survey information, Learning assess the sites condition and advise Specialist support was required to landowners on management through engage landowners, however the the provision of bespoke “Habitat LWS project has demonstrated how Management Toolkits”. This will help hugely interested local landowners safeguard these sites for the long are in nature conservation term. To further aid the management management of their land. of the LWS network in Monmouthshire all the relevant information relating to the 400+ LWS are being recorded on a bespoke Database which will enable easy retrieval and analysis of information. Monmouthshire County Council hopes to work with partners such as GWT to develop planning guidance which will seek to protect and enhance the sites via the Planning Process.

Image © Andy Karran / GWT

For more information visit: www.gwentwildlife.org/what-we-do/projects/monmouthshire- 13 natural-assets-project/local-wildlife-sites

Cwm du Glen and Glanrhyd Plantation

Education, conservation and health through woodland activities at the Cwm du Glen and Glanrhyd Plantation Local Nature Reserve in Neath Port Talbot

Background Highlights An underused but accessible and  Conservation task days x 12 central greenspace in the town of  Bushcraft and Foraging x 2 Pontardawe was improved through a  Bird ID and data recording programme of works involving local  Bumblebee and insect residents, schools and community identification skills groups. The site was designated a  Historical Walk Local Nature Reserve in 2015.  Gruffalo in the woods storytelling and walk x 2 Partnership  Room on the Broom storytelling Neath Port Talbot County Borough and walk Council (NPTCBC) Countryside and  Green woodworking x 1 Wildlife Team coordinated the project  Wood carving x 1 with help from NPT Biodiversity  Woodland Arts and Crafts x 2 Forum, Biodiversity Action and Actif  Big Celebration event Woods Wales. Funding was received  12 Woodland Gym Sessions from Natural Resources Wales (NRW),  18 ‘Woodworking and Mynydd y Bettws Windfarm Conservation’ sessions Community Fund and Tidy Towns.  3 Christmas sessions  Entrance Feature Learning  Interpretation Panels particularly The Health element of this project looking at the history and was largely run by Actif Woods Wales, biodiversity of the site in particular taking people with  Path Marking Signage mental and physical illnesses to the  New Tree Trail woods on activity days. The response  Bench and Seating from these groups has been overwhelming and the benefit to health obvious. The Future An increase in visitor numbers has Antisocial behaviour is still a problem already been noticed, and many even though the use of the site has compliments received on the significantly increased. improvements to the site and a regular group of volunteers are now engaged on the site with support from the Countryside and Wildlife Team of NPTCBC.

Image © Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

For more information visit: www.npt.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4147 14

Conserving the Small Ranunculus

Increasing populations of the small ranunculus moth

Background Highlights The small ranunculus moth (Hecatera  Since 2012, many urban verges in dysodea) was once widespread in Newport have been sown with southern Britain, but declined flower seed designed for such dramatically in the late situations. The annual ground and was declared extinct in the disturbance and reseeding 1930's. However, in recent years it appears to be benefitting prickly has returned. Its first Welsh record lettuce, the small ranunculus’ was in 1999 in Newport (an adult to main host plant light in a garden). Larvae were found in the city in 2003 on a brownfield  Regular larval surveys in recent site near the docks, and have years have revealed a good subsequently been found on many population of the species in the brownfield sites in the area. The urban verges – summer 2015 coastal area between Gloucester and revealed 160 larvae found just on Cardiff, but centred on Newport, is 9 roadside verges across the City now one of the most important areas in Britain for small ranunculus.  NCC’s grounds maintenance team are fully aware of the moth, being Partnership able to identify the host plant and The Newport Biodiversity Partnership, agreeing to continue sensitive in particular the members who management of the verges to represent Moth and Butterfly ensure this colonising plant has Conservation and the Gwent Moth regular bare soil and Butterfly Group, were instrumental in identifying and The Future recording this species. They also Through continued surveying and advise Newport City Council (NCC) on appropriate management, it is hoped best management of the host plant – that the population will increase prickly lettuce, and carry out surveys across the City, on verges, brownfield of sites across the city. sites and other disturbed ground. Through PR exercises and promotion, Learning we hope to raise awareness amongst When a project has been running for the people of Newport about their so long, communication and record rare resident. keeping are particularly important. Since the re-discovery in 1999, more than 8 Biodiversity Officers have come and gone through the doors at NCC, sometimes leading to knowledge loss.

Image © George Tordoff / Butterfly Conservation

For more information visit: www.newport.gov.uk/en/Leisure-Tourism/Countryside-- 15 Parks/Biodiversity/Biodiversity.aspx

Invasive Species in the Gwaun Valley

Eradication of key invasive species from an ecologically sensitive catchment, Gwaun Valley in Pembrokeshire

Background Highlights The Pembrokeshire Biodiversity  Survey has benefited enormously Partnership has identified and from dedicated volunteers and prioritised key invasive non-native from sightings and grid references species (INNS) according to national submitted by members of the and local risk. The list includes public Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and rhododendron.  INNS found at 120 sites, with an overall extent of ~60ha The Stitch in Time project is funded by the Fund  Volunteers are also helping with (administered by Pembrokeshire management and control. Coast National Park Authority) with Volunteer work parties have been additional assistance from Natural uprooting Himalayan balsam Resources Wales (NRW). The project plants before the seed pods aims to eradicate Japanese knotweed, mature, and have cleared Himalayan balsam and rhododendron vegetation near to Japanese from the Gwaun Valley catchment in knotweed plants to make them Pembrokeshire. accessible for spray treatment

Partnership  50+ volunteer days were donated The Pembrokeshire Coast National by the Stitch in Time project in Park Authority (PCNPA), with support the 2015 treatment season from NRW, is helping implement the Pembrokeshire Biodiversity  Biosecurity measures are taken to Partnership’s grouped Species Action ensure that plant fragments are Plan for INNS, for key target species not inadvertently transferred off- in the Gwaun Valley. Land managers’ site interest and assistance is vital to the project.  Tactical approach within the catchment, based on stream order Learning Raising awareness among individual The Future organisations and communities about Eradication is a long-term goal, but INNS. Building capacity in local subject to funding, and as the communities to monitor and manage workload decreases in the Gwaun some INNS and any re-infestation. Valley in successive years, it will be possible to take on further catchments, including coastal streams. Even when a catchment is deemed to be clear, monitoring for regrowth or reinfection will be needed. Volunteers will be key to this and to removal of some species; developing this capacity locally will be a valuable legacy of the project. Image ©Matt Tebbutt / PCNPA

For more information visit: www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk 16

Milford Haven Native Oyster Regeneration

Native oyster regeneration project in Milford Haven (Stage One)

Background Highlights Native oysters were abundant at one  Building the bridge between time within the Milford Haven fisheries and conservation waterway. Due to many variables including pollution, disease, non-  Fieldwork is being made possible native species and poor fisheries through use of fisherman’s boats, management, stocks of oysters have in kind time and local expertise declined across the UK and . A healthier oyster stock provides a  Data collected will assess the cleaner and healthier waterway. current status of oysters, cultch Oyster beds provide a wide range of availability and threats to oyster ecosystem services, particularly those within the focus sites categorised as provisioning as a food source, supporting broader processes  A parallel project working with such as nutrient cycling and volunteer divers through biodiversity, and cultural, as part of Seasearch (funded separately by our natural heritage. Biodiversity Solutions Ltd) is supplementing the project with Partnership the use of diver-collected data The West Wales Shell fisherman’s Association (WWSFA) Ltd received  Helping to inform management of funding from Natural Resources the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Wales (NRW) for a native oyster and a native oyster local regeneration project, with support in biodiversity plan kind from fisherman. WWSFA worked with the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC The Future officer to manage the project. A A report setting out practical collaborative project with a considerations for native oyster management group which includes regeneration specific to the waterway local stakeholders and organisations will be produced. The next phase will such as NRW and Welsh Government. seek to actively improve conditions Oyster beds are able to provide wide for the native oyster and to ensure it benefits to a wide range of users, so is able to sustain itself. it is unsurprising that many people regard their restoration and enhancement as directly applicable to them. When differing sectors all see benefit in a single goal, working together to make it happen is the logical thing to do but it requires good information, good trust and careful management.

Learning The project aims to fill in the gaps of information to support an active Image © Sue Burton / Pembrokeshire oyster regeneration project. Marine Special Area of Conservation

For more information visit: www.wwsfa.org.uk 17 Llandrindod Wells Lake Park

Increasing biodiversity and amenity value at Llandrindod Lake in Llandrindod Wells

Background Highlights Llandrindod Wells Lake was created  Restoration of lake including by the Victorians in the 1870’s, the dredging, creation of new banks spa town’s heyday. Today it remains and reed beds, plantation of a popular tourist attraction, as well as native flora common to the area remaining popular with local coarse including marsh marigold, ragged fishing enthusiasts. Unfortunately robin and reeds over the years the flora, fauna and general water quality declined,  Creation of a lagoon to safeguard particularly following toxic algal the large toad population and blooms in 2006. The owners, Powys encourage successful breeding of County Council established a major other amphibian species restoration project to improve biodiversity and enhance its amenity  Creation of a new pond to provide value for residents and visitors. additional breeding habitat

Partnership  Designation as a Local Nature Led by Powys County Council in Reserve partnership with Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, Llandrindod Wells Town  Improved access Council, Llandrindod Wells Angling including a footpath network Club, Natural Resources Wales, local within the adjacent SSSI volunteers and others from the local broadleaved woodland community. The Future Learning Building on the success of the Sense of ownership by the local restoration and management of the community; activities include toad site for the benefit of the local patrols and creation of a sculpture in community and as an important the lake. A multi-use dipping platform ecological site, the partnership aims provides opportunities for local school to update the management plan children and the wider community to when the current plan ends. pond dip, bird watch and fish.

The site provides an example of the impacts of management and subsequent need for restoration. Through lake restoration and continued positive management the lake and surrounding park provide a pleasant environment, with cleaner water, enhanced amenity value and a haven for wildlife. In 2015, the bittern, one of Britain’s rarest birds Image © Julian Jones / Radnorshire was spotted at the lake. Wildlife Trust

18

Biodiversity and Planning

Ensuring that biodiversity is taken into account in the planning system in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Background Highlights The Local Biodiversity Action Plan  The nature conservation policy (LBAP) identified county planning as has been used to ensure that one of the key levers for action by the developments avoid damaging Local Authority. The LBAP was habitats of nature conservation adopted as supplementary planning value. Planning conditions and guidance at an early stage. When the Planning Agreements (such as Local Development Plan (LDP) was S106) are used to protect adopted in 2011 the substantive important features and bring sites nature conservation policy was into biodiversity management. backed by Nature Conservation Biodiversity conservation is Supplementary Planning Guidance. integrated with public open space, Sites of Importance for Nature landscape, active travel, children’s Conservation were included on the play, tree and water management proposals map. The policy featured in considerations the examination of the LDP and was endorsed by the Planning Inspector.  The Wildlife Trust received £1/4m from a housing S106 agreement Partnership to manage Brynna Woods and The LBAP partnership identified Llanharan Marsh for dormice and planning as one of the original site marsh fritillary protection actions in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. More  Planning agreements for the recently, partners have become major windfarm and other energy involved in management as well as developments will see more than site protection and specialist advice. 1000ha of peatbog and heathland restored and brought into Learning management, with the potential Planning Officers have developed to reduce both wildfire and flood biodiversity negotiating skills and risk some developers are promoting biodiversity benefits. Local residents The Future at one site have received training in For the review of the LDP a map of wildlife recording and are contributing the land brought into biodiversity to the Local Record Centre. management through the planning system is being prepared.

The multiple benefits for water and carbon storage, recreation, urban shade and shelter, children’s play, landscape and active travel provided by this Green Infrastructure are being identified.

Image © Alan Barnes

19

Snowdonia Peatland Restoration

Helping to facilitate the restoration of peatland sites within Snowdonia and its environs

Background Highlights Funding was sourced to help restore  Blocking approximately 130km of some of the peatland areas of north- artificial drainage grips on various west Wales. Funding sources include sites Ecosystem Resilience and Diversity Fund, Resilient Ecosystem Fund and  Removal and treatment of the Welsh Government Nature Fund. invasive non-native species (INNS) including Rhododendron Partnership (Rhododendron ponticum) and Five primary partners as follows: Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)  Snowdonia National Park Authority  A host of community engagement  The work  Natural Resources Wales  RSPB Cymru  Restoration of field boundaries  Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water and stock handling facilities in order to facilitate grazing

Learning Engagement with local schools and The Future colleges through the Moorlands as an Continued efforts to draw in external Indicator of Climate Change Initiative funding in order to run future (MICCI). projects, based on the soon to be published Peatland Strategy for Production of project video with local Snowdonia. primary schools - available to view on website (link below).

Open evenings aimed at explaining the reason for needing to do the work to the general public.

Image © John Burton / Contractor working for Snowdonia National Park Authority

For more information visit: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/looking-after/projects/peatland- 20 restoration-in-snowdonia Countryside Connections Project

Connecting people with the countryside and biodiversity in Swansea

Background Highlights Countryside Connections was a three  Education and awareness raising: year project delivered by the City and Award project – 11 County of Swansea’s Nature rural schools engaged with a local Conservation Team from 2011-2014. wild place over a year and Urban The overall aim was: “to connect Schools Project – 12 urban people and communities to the schools visited four Gower countryside and biodiversity habitats intellectually, practically, economically and emotionally”. The  Events and volunteering: over main approaches used were 400 public events in total over 4 education and awareness raising, years and ‘Love Your Countryside’ interpretation and information, festival 2014 over two weeks with events, volunteering and grant- 60+ events and two open days funding to partner projects. The project worked with people living in  Interpretation and information: and visiting the eligible rural wards of Panels were produced for Port Swansea. Eynon and rocky shore, Penclawdd estuary, Coedbach Partnership Park and Crwys Community The project was funded through the Woodlands. Leaflets were Rural Development Programme produced for Bishops Wood Local (80%) and Natural Resources Wales Nature Reserve and Crwys partnership funding (20%). Community Woodland Community groups, schools and voluntary sector organisations were  Grant-funded innovative partner all supported by the project. Projects included Sculpture ‘By The Sea’, Forest Schools Swansea Learning Neath Port Talbot, Emergence Engaging solely with rural residents (arts/sustainability collective), proved initially difficult. The target Crwys Community Woodland audience was therefore broadened to (CDSA), Sustainable Swansea, include visitors and tourists to the Down To Earth, Mindful areas too, which resulted in greater Photography and the Friends of take-up of the innovative Coedbach Park opportunities offered. The Future Although funding for this specific project has ended, City and County of Swansea continue to develop innovative projects to engage people with nature using experiences and knowledge gained from Countryside Connections.

Image © City and County of Swansea

For more information visit: www.swansea.gov.uk/article/10113/Swansea-Local- 21 Biodiversity-Action-Plan 21

Torfaen Local Nature Reserves

Establishing and positively managing a network of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in Torfaen

Background Highlights In 2007 Torfaen County Borough  Designation of a landscape scale Council (TCBC) designated 6 LNRs network of over 150 hectares of (now 7). The catalyst for this project council land as local nature was the Torfaen LBAP and the reserve Community Strategy. A public consultation exercise highlighted both  Provide a resource for focused public and political support for LNRs activities but at the same time signposted a problem with fly-tipping and illegal  Help stimulate community vehicle use. It was envisaged that involvement in practical action LNRs would help meet biodiversity obligations, engender a sense of pride  Deliver positive actions for Local and local ownership and serve to Biodiversity Action Plan habitats alleviate some of the anti-social and species concerns. Furthermore LNRs could help access funding for land  Two LNRs are awarded Green Flag management hitherto unavailable. status

Partnership  Worked to communicate the value A partnership between various council of accessible natural green space land management teams, community for health and well-being groups, education providers and Torfaen Biodiversity Partnership.  Established links with local Volunteer groups e.g. Blaenavon community groups and schools World Heritage Environment Group (BWHEG), Friends of Henllys LNR  Generated new volunteer groups have been activity engaged to to engage in management management tasks. Other groups e.g. activities Gwent Wildlife Trust and Natural Resources Wales also use the  Supports the delivery of network of facilities. Environment (Wales) Act and Well-being of Future Generations Learning Act obligations To date the project has worked well in helping to raise awareness of the The Future socio-economic and environmental The range of LNRs now forms the benefits of LNRs. basis of a network of nature conservation sites whereby people can interact with the natural environment. There is an on-going desire to access additional funding wherever possible to continue to improve facilities. We are also keen to develop the ‘Friends of’ model in line with that in place at Henllys LNR. Image © TCBC

For more information visit the twitter accounts: @TorfaenEcology, @HenllysLNR, 22 @BWHEGVolunteers Porthkerry Pollination Project

Increasing species diversity in areas of low value amenity grassland, focusing on pollinators in Porthkerry, Vale of Glamorgan

Background Highlights Porthkerry Country Park has a large  Creating a further 800m2 of new meadow (6.6 hectares) which, until a wildflower meadow, through few years ago, was maintained as replacement of amenity turf with amenity grassland, for picnics and wildflower earth, and deep games, with low biodiversity value. scarification of remaining area Over the last 3 years a section of this and seeding with wild flower seed meadow has been left to grow long mix (1.6 hectares) and has been cut and baled by a local farmer at the end of  Hosting 10 school/community summer. Last autumn Porthkerry education activity sessions Wildlife Group, working in partnership promoting wildflower meadows with the ranges and other volunteer and their importance for groups, collected and strew pollination through the parks ‘Go wildflower meadow seed from other Wild’ project areas and planted 150 wild flower plugs. The project planned to build on  Working with volunteers from the all the previous good work. local community during ‘Community in Action Days’, Partnership helping implement and manage Porthkerry Wildlife Group (PWG), in the project partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council ranger service,  Introducing a new bee hive at a applied to Welsh Government for safe location within 50m of the funding for small scale projects. new wildflower site Porthkerry also received funding from Natural Resources Wales. PWG and The Future the ranger service have been working Carry out further improvements to with Bumblebee Conservation Trust the large meadow area and other and the South East Wales Biodiversity grassland areas of the park and Records Centre to record and monitor continue to use the new wildflower pollinator species. A variety of areas as sites for education activities volunteer groups have helped carry and as a great promotional tool to out the practical conservation work. showcase the importance of wild flowers for pollination. Learning Over 10 local schools/community groups education activity sessions were held promoting wildflower meadows and their importance for pollination through the parks ‘Go Wild’ project. An interpretation panel was installed reflecting the importance of meadow/grassland habitats for pollination; this has helped get the message out to the Image © Mel Stewart / Vale of Glamorgan local community and visitors. Council

For more information visit: www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/enjoying/parks_and_gardens/porthkerry_country_park/port 23 hkerry_country_park.aspx Industrial Estate Living Landscape

Establishing a landscape-scale conservation scheme on the Wrexham Industrial Estate

Background Highlights The Wrexham Industrial Estate (WEI)  28 landowners involved is one of the largest in Europe. It contains an important network of  7 roadside verges managed, 2 wildlife habitats, including County acres of rough grassland. 0.5km Wildlife Sites, which support a diverse of mixed native hedgerow planted range of wildlife. Important species found include water vole, otter, bats,  2 acres of topsoil stripping grizzled skipper and dingy skipper butterflies, great crested newt, barn  5 barn owl boxes installed on owl, and black poplar. The WEI offers trees. Bird and bat boxes installed a great opportunity to properly integrate business, industry and  2 camera traps installed – people with wildlife in a working providing data on woodcock, fox landscape and has the potential to and badger become an exemplar site for the successful integration of social, The Future economic and environment outcomes. Our first priority is to secure funding The North Wales Wildlife Trust has to fully establish the project beyond been working with partners to the current development phase. We establish a ‘Living Landscape’ Scheme then aim to deliver the identified for the Wrexham Industrial Estate. actions on the ground and, through best practice examples, enable Partnership landholders to undertake sustainable The North Wales Wildlife Trust has wildlife-friendly land management been working in partnership with into the long term. We also aim to Wrexham County Borough Council continue and expand our engagement (WCBC), Buglife, Butterfly with local communities, seeking to Conservation (BC) Wales and Natural empower them to get more involved Resources Wales. Liaison with in the management of their local businesses and other landholders on green spaces. We also aim to work the estate has enabled us to map closely with WCBC to develop an wildlife enhancement opportunities overarching strategy for the industrial and provide land management advice estate that can be incorporated into in a mutually beneficial way. the Wrexham Local Development Plan. Learning This project aims to demonstrate how economic development and sustainable land management can go hand-in-hand, benefitting wildlife, people and businesses. By enhancing habitats and protecting key wildlife corridors, species can be conserved and barriers preventing dispersal can be removed with landholders involved Image © Clare Williams / BC in a positive and sustainable way.

For more information visit: https://www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/wrexham-industrial- 24 estate-living-landscape The Eastern Valley Uplands

Delivery of ecosystem services and sustainable upland management

Background Highlights The uplands of South East Wales are  Commoners Associations engaged dominated by large areas of upland  Heather cut in fire risk areas 4ha common. A key habitat is upland  Fire breaks created 4.5km heath which has traditionally been  Bracken control 8ha managed by local commoners for  Dry stone walls repaired 343m grazing. However, hill farming is not  Stock proof fence repaired 9km currently viable and this has resulted  Cattle grids replaced 5 in reduced levels of management,  Reed beds created 0.6ha habitat loss and bracken  Peat bog restored 10ha encroachment. This project has  Production of a Natural Resource investigated methods to address this Management Plan and a situation. Landscape Crime Toolkit  Wildlife Sites advisory sheets 6 Partnership  Volunteers and land managers The project was managed by a trained 43 partnership comprising: Caerphilly,  Outcomes of Police led Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen County operations: Sec 165 issued 2, Borough Councils and commoners Sec 59 warnings 8, Traffic associations with support from Gwent Offence Reports 5, Off-roaders Police, Gwent Wildlife Trust, stopped from entering commons - Blaenavon World Heritage Quads 10, Motorbikes 147, 4x4s Environment Volunteer Group, 14 Natural Resources Wales, Treadlightly Wales and South Wales Fire and The Future Rescue Service. The Partnership recognises that it must build on the Project’s success. Learning This will require the strengthening of Strong links have been developed the Partnership and identifying the with commoners and communities resources to deliver the Natural who are now more aware of the Resource Management Plan and the opportunities the uplands present in Landscape Crime Toolkit. An terms of economic regeneration, application for Rural Development tourism, wildlife and ecosystem Programme funding is currently in services provision. development.

Organisations such as Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have also learned from this collaborative approach. They are now making plans to reduce landscape crime because of its negative impacts on the commons and their sustainable future.

Image © Torfaen County Borough Council

For more information visit: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk/en/WorldHeritageSite 25

Mid Wales Red Squirrel Project

Expanding and protecting the unique population of red squirrels in Mid Wales

Background Highlights Red squirrels have rapidly declined  A Trap Loan Scheme (TLS) set up since the 1950’s. In Wales, there are with a network of 8 volunteer only three remaining red squirrel coordinators and over 70 populations: in Anglesey, around the members. Free training is Tywi Forest; in mid Wales; and in the provided in live trapping Clocaenog Forest in north eastern technique and dispatch Wales. The main threat to the red squirrel is the grey squirrel  4 camera traps erected, some introduced to the UK in the late with regular red squirrel visits 1800s.  Project website, leaflet and The Mid Wales Red Squirrel quarterly e-newsletter Partnership (MWRSP) was established in 2002. In 2009, a conservation plan  Public drop-in events, stands at for red squirrels in Wales was local agricultural shows and talks approved by Welsh Government. The to community groups partnership initially focused on research, and now shifted to  Over 1060 grey squirrels conservation action. In 2014, the dispatched in year one Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) successfully applied  2000 volunteer hours in the first for funding to deliver a 5 year Mid 18 months Wales Red Squirrel Project, on behalf of MWRSP. The Future Continue to develop the TLS, enlisting Partnership further volunteers to the scheme. A Partners include the Wildlife Trust of Heritage Lottery Funding application South and West Wales (WTSWW), submitted as part of the UK wide ‘Red Brecknock Wildlife Trust, Powys, Squirrels United’ project. In the long Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire term, after the period of project County Councils, Natural Resources funding, it is hoped that the TLS will Wales, private forestry companies, be sustained as it works through a Biodiversity Information Service for network of volunteers. Powys and Brecon Beacons National Park, West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre and the National Trust.

Learning The project operates through a network of volunteer coordinators.

Image © Becky Hulme / WTSWW

For more information visit: www.midwalesredsquirrels.org 26

Alyn and Chwiler Living Landscape

Improving habitat connectivity and local links to wildlife in the Alyn and Chwiler Living Landscape, Denbighshire/Flintshire

Background Highlights The river Alyn is a tributary of the  Planted 125m of native hedgerow Dee and the Chwiler is a tributary of the , both of these rivers are  Put in place fencing to prevent known for their biodiversity and their livestock from entering a SSSI tributaries are no exception. For several years there have been various  Protected 245m of ditches to small projects focussed on the river improve the habitat for water valleys separately and for one specific voles reason such as water voles. The living landscape project enables us to work  Fenced 5 acres of young trees to at a landscape scale and with local prevent grazing by livestock landowners to improve habitats and the connections between them. The  Trained 19 volunteers to survey area supports a range of important for water voles habitats including riverine and ancient woodland habitats and priority  Advised 24 landowners on land species such as dormice, otter, lesser management horseshoe bat and a wide range of plant species. The Future The project has funding until Partnership November 2017 when we will The project is a partnership between hopefully have secured more funding North Wales Wildlife Trust, Flintshire to continue this positive work. There and Denbighshire County Councils, is a strong group of people moving Clwydian Range and Dee Valley this project forwards to create a AONB, Natural Resources Wales, and network of linked up habitats whilst North East Wales Wildlife. The project also connecting local people to the is running alongside the Alyn Valley landscape in which they live. Many of Himalayan balsam project and carries the actions in the project also have a forward work by the Wheeler water positive impact on river quality, such vole project and North Wales as fencing off riverbanks and ditches dormouse project in the past. and removal of invasive non-native species. Learning The project was developed over a number of years and included the production of a scoping report that engaged with landowners, identified opportunities and informed a successful WREN grant application. This has enabled work to be focussed on areas where work will join up and provide the most benefit to wildlife.

Image © Flintshire County Council

For more information visit: www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes 27

Long Forest Hedgerow Project

To support schools, community groups, landowners and businesses to take an interest in their local hedgerows and help maintain them in the Brecon Beacons National Park

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For more information visit: Website: www.keepwalestidy.org/longforest/materials Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/keep_wales_tidy/collections/72157631751991860/ Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUcPgv9O9SE