Local Places for Nature programme helping residents boost biodiversity and learn countryside skills
CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council is continuing to expand community-led environmental projects across the county through the Welsh Government-backed Local Places for Nature programme.
The initiative, funded by the Welsh Government, supports partnerships between housing providers, schools, community groups and local specialists to improve biodiversity while encouraging residents to take part in practical conservation work.
Recent projects have included improvements to housing estates in partnership with Wales & West Housing. Work has involved introducing pollinator-friendly grassland management, planting native bulbs and trees, and installing bug hotels to encourage wildlife.
Tenants and residents have taken part in the schemes, while estates teams have received equipment and guidance to help manage the areas for wildlife in the future.
In Llanelli, the programme has also supported improvements at North Dock as part of celebrations marking 25 years of the Millennium Coastal Path.
New wildflower bench planters have been installed, created by the council’s Skills Hub and planted with native coastal species. The project also features wood carvings by local sculptor Simon Hedger, inspired by wildlife and characters from the Mabinogion.
The scheme was delivered in partnership with the council’s Outdoor Recreation Service, alongside volunteers and local contractors.
Traditional countryside skills are also being revived through a series of hedgelaying projects taking place across the county. The most recent site along the Tywi Valley Path near Llandeilo has involved students from Ysgol Bro Dinefwr.
The work has been supported by local hedgelayer Malcolm Edwards, combining hands-on training with public engagement to help people learn traditional techniques while improving wildlife habitats.
Over the past year, funding from the programme has helped restore more than 700 metres of hedgerow across four sites, with at least 70 local people taking part.
Well-managed hedgerows play a key role in linking habitats, supporting wildlife and storing carbon, while also contributing to the character of the Welsh landscape.
The Local Places for Nature programme is delivered locally through the Carmarthenshire Local Nature Partnership, supporting small community projects that help nature thrive in towns, villages and rural areas.
Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen said partnership working had been key to the programme’s success.
“Local Places for Nature demonstrates how partnership working can deliver real benefits for both communities and the natural environment,” he said.
“From housing estates and public spaces to countryside paths, these projects are helping to improve biodiversity while giving people opportunities to get involved, learn new skills and take pride in their local areas.
“We are grateful to our partners, volunteers and local specialists for their commitment and enthusiasm, and to Welsh Government for supporting this important work across Carmarthenshire.”
