Work is underway by the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley National Landscape team, in conjunction with Denbighshire County Council, to develop a supportive haven for nature and communities on the Clwydian Range.
Nearly 18,000 native, broadleaved trees have been planted at Moel y Plâs, near Llanarmon yn Iâl, by rangers and volunteers from the surrounding communities to help create new diverse, species-rich habitats, and works are underway to restore moorland, improve ffridd, create wetland habitat and maintain woodlands (including mixed native broadleaved, upland oak woodland and a wet woodland coppice).
This development is part of the Council’s work to tackle the Climate Change and Ecological Emergency declared in 2019 and its drive to become a Net Carbon Zero and more Ecologically Positive local authority by 2030.
Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity, and climate change exacerbates this by limiting species’ ability to access more favourable habitats.
For this project, woodland and hedgerow creation has been designed to improve connectivity between existing surrounding habitat as wildlife corridors.
The woodland creation project has received funding out of an £800,000 grant awarded to Denbighshire County Council from the UK Government.
Alongside the current site set-up and leading volunteer events, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape ranger team will continue to manage the site in the long term as part of its role to ensure that the environment of the area of outstanding natural beauty is improved and protected and that the land is made more accessible.
To support the wellbeing benefits for visitors, rangers will maintain accessibility along Rights of Way to assist walkers using the Offa’s Dyke National Trail and local footpaths that run through the site.
Stiles are being upgraded to kissing gates with easy-access latches and larger boxes in line with the National Landscape objectives to make the outdoors a more inclusive and accessible space to improve community wellbeing and visitor experience.
Boundary fencing has also been replaced to ensure it is livestock-proof ready for seasonal grazing on the site.
New waymarkers and fingerposts will ensure paths are easily navigable and interpretation panels will help visitors engage with and understand the value of the surrounding landscape.
Contractors and materials, wherever possible, have been sourced locally to support local businesses and reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “The work around Moel y Plâs will help our county build stronger resilience against the impact of climate change against our nature as we move into the future. It is important we make the most of what we have to try to reverse the loss of natural habitats over the years to make sure our local nature has that vital chance to survive and ultimately thrive going forward.
Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “This is a fantastic area on the Clwydian Range that is steeped in history and will provide such an improved supportive home for nature that is found on the hills.
“The rangers and the volunteers are doing a great job in also making this site accessible for walkers visiting the local area to help them enjoy the benefits of the land and I look forward to seeing the finished result.”
