Nature in Johnstown gets a boost thanks to Postcode Lottery players

Local nature conservation charity Wild Ground is launching a new project this autumn to help wildlife on two nature reserves in Johnstown. This has been made possible thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery through a Green Community Grant.

Stryt Las and Aberderfyn nature reserves in Johnstown are home to a wealth of wildlife including amphibians, birds, butterflies and dragonflies. They are located in the heart of residential areas, creating ideal opportunities for local people to engage with nature in a hands-on way. Both reserves feature a mosaic of habitats including ponds, woodland and grassland, and both are accessible for the public to visit and enjoy spending time in nature.

Over the course of a year, Wild Ground will offer weekly volunteering sessions in Johnstown, providing opportunities for local people to get involved in nature conservation through tasks such as woodland management, pond maintenance, wildlife surveys, and helping to keep the sites accessible for the public. The volunteering sessions are friendly and supportive, and they provide a chance to learn new skills and make new friends while helping wildlife.

The project will also make practical improvements to the nature reserves for wildlife, including tree planting, the restoration of ponds on Stryt Las which have been impacted by invasive non-native species, and the creation of fencing on Aberderfyn to protect wildlife against unauthorised vehicle access, which causes damage to sensitive habitats.

Charley Dutton, Senior Reserves Lead for Wild Ground, said “We’re delighted to have received funding to support this important work, thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery. Our Johnstown nature reserves are havens for wildlife located on the doorsteps of local residents, and we’re looking forward to making these sites even better for wildlife with the support of local people.”

To find out more about getting involved in the project, visit Wild Ground’s website https://www.groundworknorthwales.org.uk/wild-ground/ or get in touch at [email protected] or on 01978 757524.