Work begins to create new county nature reserve

Development is underway to create a nature reserve at Green Gates, Cwttir Lane, St Asaph, which will eventually grow into a 70-acre site supporting local biodiversity and helping nature recovery.

Groundworks have begun to shape the site into a vital support for local nature.

The St Asaph nature reserve development is part of the Council’s response to protect and restore local nature habitats to contribute to the nature recovery goal.

Increased hedgerow and tree cover will also contribute to continuing efforts to tackle climate change and contribute to the council’s net carbon zero goal by increasing carbon absorption.

Work has begun on the formation of ponds and wetlands, creation of wildlife habitat including earth mound hibernacula, a wildlife barn for the roosting of bats and birds, and planting of trees and wildflowers grown on-site at the County Tree Nursery, along with deer fencing protection. Community access for leisure, wellbeing and education will also be established by constructing paths and boardwalks.

new brownfield site, which is a Priority Habitat, is also planned to be developed and will help to support a variety of rare and important wildlife – such as insects and wildflowers. The site has also been identified by Natural Resources Wales as a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest for great crested newts.

Permissive pathways will be created to allow visitors to access and enjoy the site and a raised viewing area will also be developed.

The Council has already established a local provenance tree nursery on the Green Gates site.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said, “It is fantastic to see this important project start to develop into what will be a vital asset for supporting Denbighshire’s local nature as well for community wellbeing, education and leisure.”

This work on the site is funded by UK Government Funding and also the Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature grant as part of the Council’s work with the Local Nature Partnership.