Public engagement starts for new Community Nature Space

Plans by Denbighshire County Council are in development for an additional community nature space in Rhyl to boost benefits for wildlife and the surrounding local community.

This work supplements three other community nature spaces being established by the Council this year at St Asaph, Henllan and Clocaenog, which were announced in October 2023, and tree planting at schools throughout the county that was announced in December 2023.

The additional area for developing into a community nature space is land adjacent to Ffordd Elan Park at Llys Benig on the Park View Estate in east Rhyl.

This season, the areas developed by the Council will focus on providing stronger habitat spaces for nature to benefit from as well as community spaces for residents young and old to enjoy and learn from local wildlife.

As well as nature resilience and biodiversity, the work supports the drive to reach net carbon zero by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed) by trees.  Developing the spaces will also provide other community benefits such as improved air quality, urban heat cooling, physical and mental wellbeing, and areas of mixed interest for education and play.

The Community Nature Spaces Project has received funding from an £800,000 grant from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Across all of the Denbighshire sites in the project for 2024, nearly 16,000 trees will be planted, which will include fruit trees and hedgerows.

A survey period until 22nd January is seeking the views of residents regarding the creation of the new community site in Rhyl.  A drop-in event at the site will also take place between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 13th January, at which local residents can view the land and discuss their thoughts on the proposals with staff and councillors.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are continuing to grow and develop our successful Woodland Creation Project which over the last two years has seen some fantastic areas for nature and communities created in Rhyl, Prestatyn, Ruthin, Corwen and the surrounding areas, with nearly 17,000 trees already planted so far.

“These sites are not just to bring back habitats for our local nature but also to support the communities surrounding them, to give residents something to be proud of and that’s why this year’s work will be known as the Community Nature Spaces project.

“We want to hear your views on the proposed plans including preferences for a chosen celebration tree, ideas for information signs and any other ideas you think would suit the land.

“We are also keen to hear if residents would like to get involved with the tree planting day and any other volunteering or training opportunities.”

To access the survey and further information on the proposed development, please visit the link below: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/763

Residents can also go to Rhyl library to complete the survey in paper format, if required.