Work starts to breathe life into new Community Nature Space
Groundwork has started to map out the development of a new Community Nature Space in Rhyl to help 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.
Initial works are taking place at land adjacent to Ffordd Elan Park at Llys Brenig on the Park View Estate in east Rhyl, to eventually create a space to provide stronger habitat spaces for nature to benefit from as well as community spaces for all residents to enjoy and learn from local wildlife.
As well as nature resilience and biodiversity, this work supports the drive to reach net carbon zero by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed) by trees.
Developing this Rhyl space will also give 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.
Work on all the planned county sites for 2024 will see nearly 16,000 trees planted, which will include fruit trees and hedgerows.
Current groundwork at Llys Brenig includes the creation of a pond and wetland area to support local wildlife, and the installation of new fences around the area pond and around the site boundary, and preparation for future footpath construction.
On February 28 and 29, the main planting of 1,885 trees will take place at the site and anyone wishing to come and help from the local community would be is more than welcome. Please email climatechange@denbighshire.gov.uk to make arrangements if you are interested in volunteering time to help out with tree planting.
Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are really grateful for all those who have contributed to the acquisition of this site and the development of this project and it is fantastic to see work starting to breathe life into what will be a great community asset for both residents and local nature.
“I know the teams working to bring this site to life are really keen to hear if residents would like to get involved with the tree planting days and any other volunteering or training opportunities and I would encourage those interested to have a go.”