A new development in Denbighshire which won a recent civil engineering award has generated another success story – as a new haven for wildlife.
Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside Service, which has responsibility for the landscaping and future management of the Glan Morfa/ Marsh Tracks site in Rhyl, have introduced a mix of new habitats and which include open water, reed beds, wildflower meadow and woodland. In turn, this has attracted a wide variety of wildlife.
The site is now wardened, and with less reported disturbance by motorbikes the benefits are clear to see. Skylarks, oystercatcher and the normally very shy ringed plover are currently nesting at the site.
Countryside Officer, Garry Davies said: “I am delighted with the rapid transformation and how the site has positively responded to the landscaping.
“The project was designed to increase the biodiversity of the site and given time to mature the whole area will be transformed into something spectacular”.
The entire area consists of 85 acres and is strategically located to connect ‘Communities with Nature’ and to provide an ‘outdoor classroom’ facility for nearby schools.
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: ‘’The project is well placed to deliver many of the issues highlighted in The BIG Plan and particularly so when we talk about health and well – being, volunteering opportunities and the learning of new skills.
!The Council, in partnership with the BTCV and the Marsh Tracks Board , are currently embarking on a training course where placements will be given the opportunity to acquire transferable skills with a possibility of somebody being employed at the site.’
“As always Community Involvement is essential for the future sustainability of the site and the Countryside Service will be working closely with Rhyl Communities 1st to organise various events and volunteering opportunities that are suited to all.
For further information please contact Jim Kilpatrick at Denbighshire Countryside Service, on 01745 356197.
