Locla biodiversity boosted by pupils from Rhyl school

Students from Christ the Word in Rhyl joined Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity team to enhance a wildflower meadow on school grounds.

The meadow was originally created last April and is part of broader efforts to increase biodiversity on the site.

These efforts include the development of hedgerow and woodland areas.

Ellie Wainwright, biodiversity officer, said: "It was great to return to Christ the Word as the children and staff are so enthusiastic for supporting the local nature around their school grounds.

"Increasing the diversity of wildflowers in this meadow will enhance the support this meadow gives, providing a sanctuary for local wildlife to thrive and survive in.

"Developing the meadow will also give current and future pupils a fantastic place to study nature on the doorstep of their own school."

Together, pupils and biodiversity officers worked to add 200 plants to the meadow.

The wildflowers will provide vital food sources for pollinators such as bees.

Species planted included oxeye daisy, self-heal, red campion, field scabious, fox glove, wild carrot, meadow buttercup, cat’s-ear, and knapweed.

260 metres of hedgerow and 14 standard trees were planted on the school grounds to increase tree canopy cover and support biodiversity.

The new trees and hedgerow will also help to create a wellbeing area for outdoor learning and reflection.

Plants for the meadow were supplied by the council’s tree nursery in St Asaph and the Woodland Skills Centre in Bodfari.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s head of planning, public protection and countryside services, said: “It’s great that these children have had the opportunity to learn about all the benefits a wildflower meadow can bring through our Biodiversity team and well done to them all for rolling up their sleeves to help develop and improve such an important asset for supporting their local nature.”