An old countryside management skill is boosting nature support at a Rhyl site.

Denbighshire Countryside Services has crafted a nature haven next to the Ffordd Elan playground.

The area, comprising a nature pond, wildflowers, trees, and hedgerows, is already attracting diverse butterfly and moth species.

Countryside rangers make sure the site provides seasonal support to local wildlife from nearby housing estates.

This month, rangers and volunteers skilled in traditional land crafts have increased the site's biodiversity support and appearance.

They have employed hedge-laying, a centuries-old practice, to rejuvenate the hedgerows by partially cutting and laying the stems at an angle to encourage regrowth and fill gaps.

This skill, once widely used by farmers and landowners for winter boundary management, was replaced by mechanical hedgerow maintenance.

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However, studies show that the traditional method is more effective for hedgerow regeneration.

As the hedges appear fresher and younger, the method also allows the hedgerow base to thicken, providing a denser habitat for thriving biodiversity.

Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, and biodiversity champion, said: "Hedgerows are essential habitats for wildlife, and this will make such a big difference to the role this site carries out for supporting nature.

"It’s great to see also how this additional work is freshening up the appearance of the site which community members walking past will appreciate as well."

This initiative is expected to increase biodiversity support at the site and improve its appearance for the surrounding communities.