Rhyl biodiversity projects
A number of projects in Rhyl have looked at improving the town’s biodiversity to support nature and provide welcoming areas for residents and visitors.
The projects are part of the Council’s commitment to becoming Net Carbon Zero and more Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.
Maes Gwilym Nature Reserve was created as part of the Council's Woodland creation project.
Maes Gwilym Nature Reserve.
Volunteers, Council staff and local members planted 2,500 trees at the site as well as enhancing the woodland area.
New paths were constructed using recycled material and finished with limestone dust. To restore the wetland area a pond on site was designed to hold a low level of water. It is known as an Ephemeral wildlife pond which provides the optimum conditions for many species.
A new bird hide has also been established on the site enabling visitors to enjoy the local wildlife in the area which includes several red and amber listed bird species.
Hedgerows were also planted alongside encouraging existing and new areas for wildflower meadows. Seating areas were introduced and damaged fencing and gates were replaced.
At Rhyl Coronation Gardens, nearly 3,000 trees (including wildlife hedgerows to help nature recover) have been planted around the site area by Council staff local community volunteers, school children and with support from local ward members.
Other areas in Rhyl including Cambrian Walk, Fern Avenue and Fford Elan Park have undergone an increase in trees on the land totalling over 2,000.
Ysgol Dewi Sant pupils joined with Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside, Biodiversity and Climate Change teams to create new areas of trees and hedgerows on the school grounds.
Nearly 2,000 trees including individuals and hedgerow trees now have a new home at the school grounds.
Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl students have also worked with Countryside Service staff to improve a section of hedge at the Rhyl Cut near the College campus.
Students were guided in how to do hedgelaying which allows a hedge to be partially cut and laid down at an angle which results in regrowth of the hedge coming from the bottom and allows the hedgerow to thicken at the base providing a dense habitat for biodiversity.
Over in Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve, work has opened up access to a former community orchard and nearby pond. Working alongside volunteers and students from the local college, Countryside staff cleared the area, installed new paths to link to the main reserve and installed a bridge to provide access into the orchard.
Nearby water courses have been cleared out to allow water voles the chance to flourish at the nature reserve.