£574,850 has been secured by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to undertake the second phase of the Restore the Thaw Landscape project, which has been benefiting wildlife, landowners and communities over the last three years.
Building on the success of the first phase, the project will work alongside a wide range of existing and new partners to deliver landscape-scale nature recovery across the River Thaw catchment.
A wide variety of biodiversity improvements will be delivered along the River Thaw, its tributaries and surrounding landscapes. Planned work includes creating and enhancing ponds and wetlands, restoring river habitats and floodplains, improving conditions for species such as water voles, and monitoring wildlife, including beavers.
The project will also focus on restoring species-rich grasslands, creating and managing wildflower meadows, planting 20,000 native trees, restoring hedgerows and woodlands, and beginning work to identify and restore areas of peatland.
Mel Stewart, Restore the Thaw Project Manager, said: “The project is all about making networks and connections – both for wildlife and people. We’ve got so many interesting works to look forward to, including tree planting and wildflower meadow restoration that will benefit bats, adders and bugs, through to river and pond improvements that will benefit water voles, otters and newts.
“We’ve been working with local communities across the Vale, including community groups, schools, and local landowners, and we are keen to expand on this work in this exciting next phase.”
The project will continue to connect people with the landscape through a strong programme of community engagement, including school sessions, public events and citizen science opportunities. It aims to engage hundreds of local people, support new partnerships, and provide training in green skills for volunteers, landowners and farmers.
The Restore the Thaw project is funded by the Nature Networks Fund, which is delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales as well as the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Woodland Trust.
The Nature Networks Fund aims to strengthen the resilience of Wales’ protected land and marine sites, support nature’s recovery and encourage communities to get involved in nature conservation.
For those who are interested in supporting the project - either as a volunteer, as a group, or those who have identified potential projects that may need funding (e.g. hedgerow planting or pond creation) - please contact Mel Stewart at mjstewart@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or visit https://participate.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/hub-page/restore-the-thaw
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