Major nature recovery boost for north Pembrokeshire

Nature recovery across the northern section of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park area looks set to be boosted by up to 25% over the next 12 months.

The Nature Networks programme - Cysylltu Natur - will help connect species-rich habitat to nationally and internationally protected sites, fostering a more resilient environment in which wildlife can flourish.

The project will also support farmers and smallholders who use traditional farming techniques to conserve nature on their own land and commons.

Species expected to benefit from the project include horseshoe and barbastelle bats, dormice, harvest mice, chough, willow tits, marsh fritillary and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, southern damselflies, adders and lichens.

The project will also support farmers and smallholders who use traditional farming techniques to conserve nature on their own land and on commons, while invasive non-native species that threaten Sites of Special Scientific Interest and waterways will be carefully monitored and controlled

The project also aims to create opportunities for people from under-represented groups and disadvantaged communities to actively engage in nature conservation activities. 

The announcement was made this week after the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park secured a grant of £244,450 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund bolstered by an extra £5,00 from the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust.