Two Powys woodland projects have received nearly £300,000 in grant money from the Welsh government.
A project at Lake Vyrnwy and another just south of Machynlleth were two of 10 projects across Wales that will receive nearly £2 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with the Welsh Government to “create, restore and enhance woodlands”.
Hafren Dyfrdwy who manage the area around the lake were awarded £206,300 to deliver “good quality, well-designed and managed resilient woodlands” at Lake Vyrnwy.
The ‘Llyn Efyrnwy (Lake Vyrnwy) Accessible Forest (LEAF)’ was awarded the money to improve access to the reservoir and improve biodiversity.
It will make the Campbell Trail easier to access while the Reservoir View Trail will have drainage and surface improvements installed.
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New direction way-markers will be installed to connect the Lake Vyrnwy walking trails with national trails and the Dyfnant Forest.
John Telford, rural estates property manager at Hafren Dyfrdwy, which manages the site, said: “The project will enhance the visitor experience for all, connecting people to the rich history of the valley and the natural environment, while allowing those with mobility issues to enjoy the area as well.”
Meanwhile charity Coetir Anian received a £90,462 grant for its ‘Woodland connections in the Llyfnant catchment’ project to the south of Machynlleth.
The project will create a “50-hectare mosaic structure ranging from dense thicket to high canopy forest, with gaps, glades, and a dynamic woodland edge connected to neighbouring woodland through wood pasture”.
Katy Harris, project director at Coetir Anian said: “We are a small charity managing Bwlch Corog, an upland site near Machynlleth. We restore habitats for biodiversity and provide opportunities for the local community to be involved, including volunteering and activities for children and young people.
“Our woodland is a special place – our ancient semi-natural oak wood, a classic example of Wales’ temperate rainforest, is home to rare birds, insects and lichens. The grant will help us to expand our area of native woodland, restore a larch plantation and plant trees on our ffridd (wood pasture) slopes.
“With the help of volunteers, we will open up an overgrown permissive footpath, making a circular trail through our woodland for all to enjoy.”
Ten hectares of the site will be continuous, ecologically-rich, native broadleaf woodland.
They have said they are aiming for it to “be accessible and engaging for the local community, especially younger generations who will become custodians of the landscape” and will see twice-yearly woodland community events and will offer free transport, refreshments, waterproof clothing, and bilingual communications.
Minister for Climate Change, Julie James welcomed the latest investment and said: “I am delighted to see such a high level of interest in The Woodland Investment Grant, which will help us to grow our National Forest network across Wales.
“We want to encourage more people to use and get involved in their local woodlands and green space. This funding for a further ten projects will help us all to reconnect with nature both for our own well-being and to help protect our natural environment and the wildlife it supports.”
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