Latest news with #DenbighshireCountrysideServices
Rhyl Journal
4 hours ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Rhuddlan Nature Reserve unveils new wildflower meadow
The habitat at Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is expected to benefit pollinators and contribute to ongoing conservation work in the area. Denbighshire Countryside Services has partnered with the Rhuddlan Reserve Management Advisory Group to deliver the wildflower meadow, continuing a collaboration that began in 2011.A new meadow taking shape at Rhuddlan Nature Reserve (Image: DCC) Over the years, the nature reserve has had several site developments, making it a haven for nature and the community. These include two wildflower meadows, three wildlife ponds, a 300-metre hedgerow, and an orchard of heritage species. They have also planted 6,000 trees, created wildflower seeded verges, built two picnic areas, and set up a pond dipping platform. The Dementia Group in the area also helped to set up a dementia-friendly part of the meadow will benefit polllinators and enhance biodiversity (Image: DCC) This includes sensory trees, wildflowers, traditional Welsh oak timber seating, and historic landscape features such as dry-stone walls and laid hedges. Volunteers and country rangers recently created the wildflower meadow to provide another area for visitors to enjoy. The new feature is made from wildflower earth and turf, which will support pollinators and the other wildlife at the site. Countryside ranger Vitor Evora said: "It's been great to provide an additional wildflower meadow habitat on the nature reserve as these are a vital habitat we need to support our pollinators and the wildlife that feed off the insects in this type of area. "It will also be a feature full of variety and colour for those visiting the reserve to enjoy." Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire's cabinet lead member for local development and planning, said: "The volunteers and rangers have made a real positive difference to this part of Rhuddlan Nature Reserve, and we are grateful for their dedicated work to improving biodiversity in the area and also visitor experience for those dropping by the reserve." Volunteers also helped to build a wattle fence around the boundary of the new meadow.
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Little Tern colony in Denbighshire is ready for arrivals
The Gronant Dunes Little Terns Colony, which has been a sanctuary for the threatened species for more than two decades, is prepared to care for the birds and educate visitors. Denbighshire Countryside Services, the North Wales Little Tern Group, and volunteers have completed the setup. A 3.5km perimeter fence and a 3km electric fence have been installed to protect the birds from predators. These will be removed at the end of the season to maintain the area's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A visitor centre and bird hide have also been set up for the season. Last year, the colony recorded 166 breeding pairs and 158 fledglings, a slight increase from 2023. In 2024, two avocet chicks were successfully bred at Gronant for the first time. North Denbighshire coastal ranger Claudia Smith said: "We have already seen the Little Terns start to arrive here and we are ready to protect and support them throughout this breeding season. "None of what we do here would be possible without also the support of all the volunteers who help us." She added: "Wardens are now on site, operating from the visitors centre who as well as protecting the birds, will be available to talk to visitors to the site and also collect information about this year's colony." Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport and biodiversity champion, said: "For over two decades, countryside teams alongside volunteers have worked very hard to protect this site to make the colony a real area of significance for protecting the future populations of the Little Terns. "Everyone involved can be immensely proud of what they do to maintain this bustling colony on Gronant Dunes." Anyone interested in supporting the colony and other coastal projects can contact Ms Smith at
Leader Live
16-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Little Tern colony in Denbighshire is ready for arrivals
The Gronant Dunes Little Terns Colony, which has been a sanctuary for the threatened species for more than two decades, is prepared to care for the birds and educate visitors. Denbighshire Countryside Services, the North Wales Little Tern Group, and volunteers have completed the setup. A 3.5km perimeter fence and a 3km electric fence have been installed to protect the birds from predators. These will be removed at the end of the season to maintain the area's status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A visitor centre and bird hide have also been set up for the season. Last year, the colony recorded 166 breeding pairs and 158 fledglings, a slight increase from 2023. In 2024, two avocet chicks were successfully bred at Gronant for the first time. North Denbighshire coastal ranger Claudia Smith said: "We have already seen the Little Terns start to arrive here and we are ready to protect and support them throughout this breeding season. "None of what we do here would be possible without also the support of all the volunteers who help us." She added: "Wardens are now on site, operating from the visitors centre who as well as protecting the birds, will be available to talk to visitors to the site and also collect information about this year's colony." Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport and biodiversity champion, said: "For over two decades, countryside teams alongside volunteers have worked very hard to protect this site to make the colony a real area of significance for protecting the future populations of the Little Terns. "Everyone involved can be immensely proud of what they do to maintain this bustling colony on Gronant Dunes." Anyone interested in supporting the colony and other coastal projects can contact Ms Smith at
