Biodiversity boost for Prestatyn nature gateway
A gateway to a nature haven will have a new lease of life this summer.
Work has commenced to boost the biodiversity benefits of the entrance to Coed y Morfa, at Prestatyn.
Denbighshire Countryside Rangers and Nature for Health Volunteers are working to expand the wildflower meadow area on the right as you enter Coed y Morfa to park.
The group are extending the meadow area further back by clearing the area of scrubland and readying the soil for a wildflower/grass mix, which includes 25 different species such as cowslip, yellow rattle, ragged robin, tufted vetch, meadow foxtail and slender-creeping Red-fescue.
This extended area will complement the existing wildflower site next to the entrance road.
Increasing the wildflower growth area will help provide a boost for local pollinators and Coed y Morfa wildlife that feed off insects.
Creating wildflower sites is important as since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadow habitats impacting on vital pollinators such as bees who help bring food to households.
Countryside Ranger Sasha Taylor said: “Creating areas such as this is important as it provides a highway for insects and animals across the county to help repopulate other nearby sites by carrying seeds from one to the other.
“It’s also great for the local community here as they will see this area providing a lifeline for flowers enabling future generations to enjoy this site alongside the positive support they are bringing for local nature.”
Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “Wildflower meadows are crucial for supporting our local nature that has been impacted by the effects of Climate Change. As we return more wildflowers to the land they will help increase diversity and colour for communities to enjoy and better support pollinators at risk who help put food on our tables.
“Given the time they need to establish, all of our meadows will be for the equal wellbeing of residents and wildlife to both enjoy now, and most importantly, for generations of the Prestatyn Community to come.”