A community-led project to design and create a peri-urban wetland in the village of Cwmtyleri, Blaenau Gwent, has helped local residents connect with nature and improve their well-being.
Funded by Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) Resilient Communities Grant Programme, which launched in June last year, the project provides communities with opportunities to restore and enhance nature in their local areas, particularly in Wales’ most disadvantaged communities.
A ‘green team’ comprising four young people who were at risk of long-term unemployment began working on the 600m2 of wetland in January 2023, with the ambition to enhance biodiversity in the area, provide a valuable accessible green space for local residents to enjoy and make the area more attractive for the community and visitors.
As part of the wetland, a large pond was created to provide a wet natural habitat for amphibians, birds and invertebrates such as dragonflies.
An accessible boardwalk has also been installed, leading to a seated area where residents can sit and take in the views from across the valley.
Three bog areas have been created which have the capacity to hold a large amount of water for slow release during periods of heavy rain. A selection of native water-loving plants are due to be added in the coming weeks, helping to create a buffer from surface water runoff.
The wetland is also being used as an educational resource for the local school with workshops provided by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. In addition to classroom learning, pupils have had the opportunity to get hands-on through working with puddle clay and helping to create the willow fencing, boardwalk and pond and bog areas.
Posted On: 23/01/2024
More on: