Funded by the Rural Development Programme work on an enhancement scheme for Withybush Woods is due to start shortly.
The Pembrokeshire County Council owned woodland - part of the Victorian garden of Withybush House demolished in the 1940s – is popular with the public.
Just to the north of Haverfordwest, it comprises a one kilometre circular walk around a pond and attracts over 36,000 visitors a year.
The scheme aims to re-create elements of the historical garden and its water features - which originally comprised two ponds - while enhancing its biodiversity.
Work will include de-silting the main pond to return it to it's former size, re-establishing the lost lower pond and creating a new 180 metre path.
It is also intended to re-point the old stone bridges and coppice the now very mature willow and alder trees while removing non-native plants. The work will also include the enlargement of the existing car park.
It is anticipated that the project will help the area achieve Green Flag status – a nationally recognised benchmark for publicly accessible spaces held by Scolton Manor Country Park also managed by the Authority.
The local community will be actively involved in planting around 175 trees and over 600 mixed wild flower bulbs.
County Councillor Cris Tomas, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Welsh Language said:
“I am delighted that this scheme, identified some time ago, is now about to start. It will enhance opportunities for nature to flourish and people to enjoy this natural environment. It is heartening to see people volunteering their time to get involved and enhance the area."
“Preliminary work will be starting soon and visitors to the woods may experience some disruption including the partial closure of some of the paths. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”
The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. It has also received funding through the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme.