Celebrating Welsh Heritage: Local Pupils Help Restore Native Woodland

A significant step in preserving Wales’ natural heritage has taken place in St Asaph, as pupils from Ysgol Esgob Morgan planted the first trees at the developing Green Gates Nature Reserve. This initiative not only strengthens local biodiversity but also celebrates the deep-rooted connection between Wales and its native landscapes.

Green Gates Nature Reserve is set to become a thriving 70-acre sanctuary for wildlife, with all trees grown from locally sourced seeds at the on-site nursery. The nursery, a testament to sustainable Welsh environmental efforts, aims to produce over 5,000 trees and 5,000 wildflowers each year to enrich the area’s natural habitats.

Among the species being reintroduced to the Welsh landscape are Oak, Alder, Willow, and Silver Birch, as well as the rarer Wild Service and Spindle trees. These trees, nurtured from seed in the heart of Denbighshire, are now being planted by local pupils with the support of the Council’s Biodiversity Team. This hands-on approach ensures that the next generation of Welsh conservationists gains firsthand experience in restoring and protecting their environment.

The initiative is supported by volunteers from the North Wales Wildlife Trust, Working Denbighshire, and local nursery teams, creating a community-driven effort to restore native woodlands. Over 4,000 trees will eventually take root across the site, reinforcing the importance of maintaining Welsh woodland traditions.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, highlighted the significance of this project: “It’s wonderful to see local children engaging with nature and playing a key role in planting trees that will grow for generations to come. Using trees grown in our St Asaph nursery helps preserve local genetic diversity and contributes to Wales’ commitment to tackling climate change and protecting its natural beauty.”

In addition to tree planting, the nature reserve will include restored and newly created ponds, wetland areas, grasslands, and scrub habitats. A new brownfield site will be developed to support rare and important Welsh wildlife, including insects and wildflowers, while a specially designed wildlife barn will provide a refuge for bats and nesting birds. The site has also been recognised by Natural Resources Wales as a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest for its population of great crested newts.

Accessibility is a key part of the reserve’s design, with plans to establish a permissive pathway and a raised viewing area, allowing local residents to engage with their environment in an immersive and meaningful way.

This project forms part of Denbighshire County Council’s commitment to restoring natural habitats and supporting Wales’ biodiversity goals. Funding has been provided through the UK Government and Denbighshire’s Climate and Nature Recovery Programme, with additional support from the Welsh Government’s Local Nature Partnerships Cymru ENRaW project.

As the trees take root, the Green Gates Nature Reserve stands as a symbol of Welsh resilience, conservation, and community spirit—ensuring that the nation’s landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come.