Mawr Biodiversity Project

The project aims to increase the biodiversity and improve ecosystem resilience in Ffordd Ellen in Craig Cefn Parc and Garnswllt Field, Garnswllt. These two areas have been identified to develop and transform, benefitting the local communities by providing an area of green space accessible to all to embrace the joys of nature on their doorstep.

The land in both areas is owned by Mawr Community Council so full permission has already been approved. The project in both areas will incorporate growing areas, orchard, wildflowers, wild zone, fruit trees, bush islands, wildlife habitat areas, wildlife corridors and bog gardens.

The funding will be used to employ a project coordinator who will oversee the running of the Mawr Biodiversity Project/Prosiect Bioamrywiaeth Mawr and the development of the land into nature areas for education, recreation, relaxation and socialisation for the communities of Craig Cefn Parc and Garnswllt.

Volunteers will be recruited and trained from the community assisting in the maintenance of the sites, growing and picking of the produce from the trees, bushes and raised beds. They will develop key skills and knowledge in the requirements of gardening along with life skills in co-operation, organisation and communication.

The Project Coordinator will work with the local community and volunteers to determine the best method of distributing the produce grown to members of the local area. This could encompass a number of different methods, dependent on the needs of the communities of Garnswllt & CCP. The produce will be seasonal and will ensure there is produce throughout the year with a mixture of succession and companion planting, for example quicker growing radishes between carrots.

In increasing the biodiversity, native species will be selected such as apple and pear trees. The project will work with the Local Nature Partnership, Natural Resources Wales and Local Places for Nature Officer from One Voice Wales to ensure the selection of species are carefully chosen to reflect the heritage of the areas.