Latest news with #LandfillDisposalsTaxCommunitiesScheme
Powys County Times
29-07-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
£50,000 Montgomery Canal project to conserve rare plants
A rare plant conservation project is underway at the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool. The project will focus on controlling invasive species, protecting canal banks, dredging, planting and improving hedgerows, and installing 'leaky dams' to manage water flow and reduce erosion. Invasive plants such as water soldier will be removed using a volunteer-operated weed-cutting boat to protect native species and prevent further spread. The £50,000 scheme is being delivered by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales. David Morgan, development manager for Glandŵr Cymru, said: "The Montgomery Canal is nationally important for floating water-plantain and grass-wrack pondweed, species that are vulnerable to pollution and competition from invasive species. "The work that we will be able to carry out as a result of this funding will improve the health of the canal and allow these rare plants to flourish. "Up to five miles of natural habitat each side of Welshpool are being restored. "The brilliant volunteers who are taking on this work will be trained in invasive species control and hedgerow planting, and will help support the long-term sustainability of this area after the work is completed." An underwater barrier will be installed at Abbey winding hole to protect the bank, and the area will be dredged to maintain navigability for the Heulwen Trust's trip boat, which serves vulnerable and less able adults and children. Five leaky dams are being installed at Belan, south of Welshpool, and volunteers will work alongside contractors to plant and lay hedgerows. It will be supported by the Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: "I am very pleased that this further grant has been awarded to help improve the biodiversity of the canal. "Maintaining the 13 miles either side of Welshpool which have already been restored is an important task.
Leader Live
26-07-2025
- General
- Leader Live
New mindful meadow opens near Felin Puleston in Wrexham
The six-hectare site, near the Felin Puleston Outdoor Centre on Hafod Road and just outside the city centre, has been developed by National Trust Cymru. The project is designed to help people connect with nature while supporting wildlife and environmental goals. Katie Rees-Jones, volunteer and community officer at Erddig, said: "It has been important for us to work together with community groups who will access the space to ensure we create somewhere that meets their needs along with those of the wider public. "We all need to find some respite at times from the pressures of daily life and the mindful meadow gives everyone the opportunity to find some space, beauty and peace." The meadow was created over 18 months by Erddig's ranger, volunteer, and community teams in collaboration with groups including Chester National Trust volunteers, Erddig Youth Club, Erddig Grow, Stepping Stones, We Mind the Gap, Wrexham Young Carers, Kim Inspire, Adferiad, and Ysgol Clywedog. A once-overgrown area has been transformed into an accessible space for relaxation and exploration. The team restored 250 metres of pathway and planted around 40 native trees, including oak, rowan, and field maple. Hedgerows of hawthorn and spindle now line the site. Two hectares of meadow have been revived, with one section reseeded using a conservation mix of wildflowers such as yellow rattle, eyebright, yarrow and red clover to attract birds and pollinators. The other section has been scarified, cut, and left to regenerate naturally. At the centre of the meadow stands a steel and stone sculpture by artist David Setter. The artwork by David Setter in the Mindful Meadow at Erddig, Wrexham (Image: National Trust Images Paul Harris) The artwork, made of stacked positivity rocks, symbolises community support and the power of place to uplift individuals. The site is free to enter and open daily from dawn until dusk. READ MORE: Flintshire zoo park celebrating birth of adorable camel calf Steven Dorsett, area ranger for Erddig, said: "With over 97 per cent of the UK's hay meadows lost since the 1930s, protecting and restoring these habitats has never been more urgent. "Hay meadows are vital for biodiversity, supporting a rich variety of wildflowers, pollinators and endangered species. "They also play a key role in improving soil health, capturing carbon and sustaining traditional farming practices. "Beyond its ecological value, this mindful meadow offers a peaceful space for people to reconnect with nature, and we look forward to the community using it." The project was made possible through funding from the Welsh Government's Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action. National Trust Cymru also partnered with Public Health Wales's Hapus project, which promotes mental wellbeing across Wales.
Leader Live
07-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Pedal Power cycling lessons at Alyn Waters Country Park
Pedal Power has received a boost from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme funding administered by the WCVA. The all ability cycling service, run by registered charity Cycling 4 All based at Alyn Waters Country Park, Wrexham, offers fun, therapy, and achievement for all abilities. The Learn to Ride sessions start on Saturday, August 2 and run for five weeks, between 10am-noon, open to all ages. Bring your own bike and helmet if you have them, or Pedal Power have some available if needed. Read more: Parents/carers are asked to stay with their children during the session and wear suitable footwear as the session may involve some running around. The cost is £8 per session, or you can book a block of five sessions for £35. You will receive a free helmet when booking a block of five sessions. For more information, email or to book a session follow the links below. Book 1 session here: Book 5 sessions here: Cycling 4 All is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and has a fleet of standard and specialist bikes including trikes, hand-cycles, wheelchair bikes and side-by-side bikes. There is a traffic-free cycle track around the park where our customers can enjoy the benefits of cycling in a safe and secure environment. Pedal Power is also asking for donations of unused, unwanted bikes in good condition to be part of their Bike Swap initiative. The bike swap aims to help reduce the number of bikes that end up as waste in landfill. Find out more about Cycling 4 All and all ability cycling service Pedal power by visiting or find them on Facebook - Pedal Power Wrexham.
