A 40-acre patch of country land near the Powys/Shropshire border has been bought by a group of local residents for environmental restoration.
A small community in Penygarnedd, Llanrhaeadr, have purchased 40 acres of upland pasture with the intention of restoring the biodiversity and enhancing the tree cover as well as creating a resource and asset for the wider community.
The initiative was motivated by the need to return some biodiversity to the upland areas, which became a priority for the community as they explored ways to do so.
With the Welsh landscape being altered by the economic pressures of farming, wetlands have been gradually drained, and in some areas hedges have seen a decline.
This affects birds, plants and animals that inhabit these wetland areas – an issue that has been worsened by climate change upsetting the balance of biodiversity.
By re-wilding the area, the residents of Penygarnedd hope to re-build soil and increase the landscape’s ability to absorb water, adding to the wetland habitat and restoring the landscape’s biodiversity.
Resident and group member Steven Jones said: “We have been busy hedging and tree planting over this first winter for the project, but there will many more opportunities and take part in and help shape the venture.
“We are developing three trails around the site, a short medium and longer one, which take in the main features and make visiting and exploring easy for everyone. There is plenty more planned as well, building a roundhouse as a bird hide and picnic stop, compost toilet, interpretation boards and improved access and parking.
“There are also regular events on themes of wildlife identification, as well as work to extend and enhance the natural features already present. It may only be a small area, but it embodies hopes, ideas and am actively exploration of what we can achieve to help regenerate our landscapes and make them more resilient to the challenges and shocks of climate change whilst bringing us closer together as a community.”
A new Community Interest Company has been created to manage the community woodland.
For more information visit https://dolydd-gobaith.cymru/
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