Preparations are underway for the creation of a new nature reserve in St Asaph.

Denbighshire County Council's planning committee has given the green light for a 40-acre nature reserve at Green Gates, Cwttir Lane.

This is part of a larger project that will eventually see the reserve expand to 70 acres.

The council declared a climate change and ecological emergency in July 2019, and this development is part of their response to protect and restore local natural habitats.

The increased hedgerow and tree cover will also help achieve the council's net carbon zero goal by absorbing carbon.

Plans have already been approved for a 30-acre section of the nature reserve.

The habitat creation will involve restoring existing ponds  (Image: Denbighshire County Council)

The site also includes the council's tree nursery, which produces around 5,000 trees and 5,000 wildflowers annually to support local nature habitats.

The planning committee has agreed to demolish existing buildings and change the use of the 40 acres from agricultural land to a nature reserve.

The habitat creation will involve restoring existing ponds, creating new ponds, establishing a wetland area, and creating woodland and grassland habitats.

Waste materials from the demolished buildings will be used to create a new brownfield site, a priority habitat that will support a variety of rare and important wildlife, including insects and wildflowers.

The site has been identified by Natural Resources Wales as a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest for great crested newts.

The project will also see the construction of a permissive pathway and engineering works to create a raised viewing area.

Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: "This is an important piece in the development of a 70-acre nature reserve that will become a strong asset for the county in supporting our local wildlife, plants and trees, as well for community wellbeing, education and leisure.

"We’ve already seen the positive impact the tree nursery, located on this site, is having in protecting and supporting local nature and recovery.

"This development of the land around the nursery will restore habitats supporting rare and important wildlife.

"The replacement of species poor grassland to species rich grasslands, wetlands, woodland and scrub habitats is an essential step to meeting our continuing goal to increase biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration."

The project is funded by the Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature grant as part of the council’s work with the Local Nature Partnership.

Additional funding has also been provided from Denbighshire’s Climate and Nature Recovery Programme.