Work under way to tackle invasive plants in Denbighshire

Surveys are underway to map and manage non-native plants on Graig Fawr, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) between Meliden and Dyserth, as part of the Clwydian Limestone Links Project.

The Clwydian Limestone Links Project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme and is being delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.

It aims to improve the resilience and condition of five SSSI limestone grassland and woodland sites in Denbighshire.

Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport at Denbighshire County Council, said: "Supporting and improving our local biodiversity is vitally important and a priority of the council.

"The project will enhance the habitat connectivity within and between the protected sites by managing nature corridors through the creation and restoration of habitats that link them and limiting the effects that these invasive species are having."

A key concern at Graig Fawr is cotoneaster, a fast-spreading garden plant that can quickly dominate rare limestone grasslands and outcompete native species.

While cotoneaster flowers attract bees and its berries are eaten by birds, its aggressive growth threatens the unique habitats found on the hillside.

Ecologists, supported by an Industrial Ropes Access Trade Association (IRATA) certified team, have begun surveying the limestone outcrop overlooking the Prestatyn Dyserth Way. 

They are working to identify the species and density of cotoneaster present on Graig Fawr, along with other non-native invasive species such as holm oak and red valerian.

The Clwydian Limestone Links Project is a partnership between Denbighshire County Council, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, the North Wales Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, and private landowners.

The project aims to increase the extent of the limestone grassland habitats and improve the condition of the plants and fauna in the area.