A new project that aims to improve water quality, habitat connectivity and biodiversity within the Alun and Chwiler river catchments in North East Wales, 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.
The Woodlands for Water Project is being delivered by North Wales Wildlife Trust in partnership with the Welsh Dee Trust as part of their Water Wise Farming Programme. The programme provides advice and funding needed to keep nutrients and soil in the areas where they benefit the farm business and out of the river where they damage freshwater biodiversity. The project will support farmyard infrastructure such as concrete yards, clean & dirty water separation as well as providing advice and support on improving soil health.
New woodland creation and woodland management plans will be supported, including shelterbelts, natural river bank protection and support for agroforestry schemes using tree cages. On steep marginal land, usually dominated by gorse and bracken, we will be promoting the innovative method of ‘no-fence tree planting’ where trees are planted in protective micro-sites to escape browsing by livestock. Neglected hedgerows will be restored by filling in gaps, double fencing and the demonstration of a new method of rejuvenating hedgerows mechanically, known as wildlife hedgelaying.
Through these innovative approaches to woodland creation and the enhancement of wooded habitats on farms, there will be lasting benefits for farm productivity, water quality and biodiversity within the Afon Alun and Afon Chwiler.
There will also be opportunities to volunteer on practical tree planting activities as well as survey work to monitor water quality and threatened species and habitats. If you’re located within the project focus area and interested in finding out more about how the scheme might support your landholding please see the project website: https://bit.ly/2HWl5vh
