Work is underway to connect a Rhyl community with a new wellbeing-boosting nature site, set to be completed by December.
The development of the new Community Nature Space next to Ffordd Elan Park at Llys Brenig on the Park View Estate makes progress over the summer along with three other similar sites at St Asaph, Henllan, and Clocaenog.
The Community Nature Spaces Project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aims to establish havens for nature and provide access to green spaces for the local populations.
Earlier this year, a new wetland area was created with remarkable results.
A variety of wildflowers now bloom in the surroundings, attracting a multitude of pollinating insects.
The site is also home to a thriving wood, thanks to Ysgol Bryn Hedydd Year 4 pupils, who planted over a thousand trees with the help of countryside rangers and volunteers.
Contractors are nearing completion of a footpath skirting the site, enabling seamless access from Llys Brenig and Ffordd Elan.
This path will enable the community to reap the benefits of being in nature once the site opens.
Cllr Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: "It's fantastic to see this site really flourishing after all the hard work that everyone involved with the area put into the acquisition of the land.
"I’ve watched the ducks already enjoy this new community nature space and I can’t wait to see the local community enjoy walking around the site as it will really help their mental and physical wellbeing and enable them to learn about local wildlife."
The Rhyl nature space promises further benefits for the community – improved air quality, urban heat cooling, and spots for education and play.
Connected with nearby sites at Maes Gwilym, The Green, Fern Way, and the adjacent park at Ffordd Elan, it will form a green network that offers wildlife-friendly corridors within the suburban neighbourhood.
Efforts to reduce the county’s carbon footprint receive support from these developments, with an increased amount of carbon being sequestered by the newly planted trees.
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