Biodiversity has been given a boost in north Powys after a town council was awarded a £2,000 grant to improve its habitats.

Welshpool Town Council says five separate areas in the town will benefit from enhanced wildflower sowing having been awarded the grant by the Powys Nature Partnership’s Local Places for Nature Fund.

The Council’s Environment Working group together with the Operations Manager have identified key locations and by working with Powys County Council plan to achieve even more for people and nature, they say.

The news comes after the council was awarded a separate grant towards a wildlife garden at Burgess Road recreation area, and just weeks after the release of a new biodiversity action plan for the area.

"We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this grant," said Alison Davies Town Mayor.

"Over the past months we have been working positively with Powys County Council to achieve a better outcome for Welshpool and our environment.

"This grant will go some way towards reaching the goals set out in our Biodiversity Action Plan.

"The award includes the installation of signage and interpretation, so that along with the wildflowers there is means of identification."

Part of the biodiversity action plan released last month set out how the council can provide opportunities for pollinators, such as on road verges and paths, alongside the creation of new habitats such as local orchards, native hedges, wildflower meadows or other areas of wildlife-friendly green space that exist within the area.

The town council says the grant will be used to trial several methods of wildflower sowing and cultivation at: Little Henfaes Lane playground, the Country Park playground, Burgess Road recreation area, land around the cattle docks and motte and bailey castle, as well as the area behind the Tourist Information Centre.

In collaboration with Powys County Council wildflowers will also be sown on adjacent to main car park, they say.