GROUNDWORK has started to map out the development of a new community nature space in Rhyl to help boost benefits for wildlife and the surrounding community.

This work supplements three other community nature spaces being established by Denbighshire County Council this year at St Asaph, Henllan and Clocaenog, and tree planting at schools throughout the county.

Initial works are taking place at land adjacent to Ffordd Elan Park at Llys Brenig on the Park View Estate in east Rhyl.

This will eventually create a space to provide stronger habitat spaces for nature to benefit from as well as community spaces for all residents to enjoy and learn from wildlife.

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As well as nature resilience and biodiversity, this work supports the drive to reach net carbon zero by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed) by trees.

Developing this Rhyl space will also give other community benefits such as improved air quality, urban heat cooling, physical and mental wellbeing, and areas of mixed interest for education and play.

Land at Ffordd Elan was brought back into community use after the its sale from developers to Denbighshire County Council was completed in late 2023.

Cllr Brian Blakeley, who died aged 82 in October 2022 and who represented the town’s Tynewydd ward, was hailed by many as a “driving force” behind the purchase of the land.

The area was used by residents as open space and was designated for community use in the Unitary Development Plan, but was fenced off in 2007 before a legal disagreement ensued.

In 2021, the developer, Anwyl Group, began having discussions with Denbighshire County Council, and eventually reached an agreement to sell the land to the local authority.

The Community Nature Spaces Project has received funding from an £800,000 grant from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Work on all the planned county sites for 2024 will see nearly 16,000 trees planted, which will include fruit trees and hedgerows.

Current groundwork at Llys Brenig includes the creation of a pond and wetland area to support wildlife, and the installation of new fences around the area pond and around the site boundary, and preparation for future footpath construction.

On February 28 and 29, the main planting of 1,885 trees will take place at the site and anyone wishing to come and help from the community would be is more than welcome.

You can email climatechange@denbighshire.gov.uk to make arrangements if you are interested in volunteering time to help out with tree planting.

Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: “We are really grateful for all those who have contributed to the acquisition of this site and the development of this project.

“It is fantastic to see work starting to breathe life into what will be a great community asset for both residents and local nature.

“I know the teams working to bring this site to life are really keen to hear if residents would like to get involved with the tree planting days and any other volunteering or training opportunities and I would encourage those interested to have a go.”