A LANDFILL tax grant scheme is set to enhance a nature reserve that gives refuge to great crested newts.

Conservation charity Wild Ground has been awarded funding by the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme that will be used to improve the eight-hectare Glascoed reserve near St Asaph.

The open-access site was created in 2000 after the semi-aquatic protected species was displaced by the construction of St Asaph Business Park which it neighbours.

It has 14 ponds, improved grasslands, ditches, two planted woodland compartments and mature trees in pre-existing hedgerows, with wildlife including redwings, fieldfares and barn owls, red foxes, badgers and roe and fallow deer.

Habitat work will see the construction of a new pond and ragwort removal, as well as an upgraded bird hide, gates, fences and stiles.

The North Wales charity aims to support habitats for amphibians and reptile and provides ecological training opportunities, professional skills development and ecological consultancy services.

Wild Ground will also use the funding at three sites in Aberderfryn, Stryt Las and Brandie Brook near Wrexham, including to remove litter and repair damage caused by graffiti and camping.

Emma Ellis, reserve officer, said: “It has been great being able to spend more time on the site. It has allowed us to get to know the regular users who enjoy the sites”.

A number of wildlife-themed activities are planned for the four sites, including volunteering, community events, education and training days according to Covid-19 guidelines.

For more information and to keep up-to-date with the projects, visit the Wild Grounds Facebook @WildGroundTirGwyllt and Twitter @WildGroundNW pages.