Work is underway for the creation of a new Denbighshire based nature park.

Phase one has started on the development and regeneration of woodland and parkland surrounding Bodelwyddan Castle.

Funded by the UK Government, renovation work at Bodelwyddan Park will see the reopening of park lands, woods and orchards to the public once again.

Nearly one and a half miles of new disabled friendly limestone topped pathways have been developed across land from the bottom of the parkland, connecting right up to the woodland.

These paths will weave their way through newly planted woodland areas and wildflower meadows developed to help local biodiversity, complemented with views of Bodelwyddan Castle and the Vale of Clwyd. An old grounds orchard has been opened up to also walk through, interpretation boards will be provided along the paths to explain the surrounding land and new seating will be provided.

Hedgerows will be planted along new boundary fencing to also support local nature on the parkland. Access for the parkland Roe deer herd will be provided at key points in the new boundary fencing.

Work has taken place to preserve the historic First World War trenches at the top of the parkland with a new fencing enclosure protecting the site.

Woodland paths are also set to be restored with new limestone topping to improve access for visitors to Bodelwyddan Park along with new signage in the area and the parkland.

Special protective fence enclosures have been built in the woodland to protect tree and plant areas including the old Victorian Orchard from deer to allow certain species to flourish stronger going forward.

A new parking area has also been created near the bottom entrance off the A55 for people visiting the park. Work on the first phase is scheduled to be completed in May.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “We are really pleased to see Bodelwyddan Park starting to take shape and are looking forward to being able to welcome back the public to this fantastic area to support their physical and mental wellbeing by walking through such a rich variety of park parkland.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Council Biodiversity Champion, added: “The regeneration of the parkland will provide vital support that our local wildlife needs to survive going forward and will also give Denbighshire residents and visitors a great place to visit to experience the nature our county has to offer.”

A gateway to a nature haven will have a new lease of life this summer.

Work has commenced to boost the biodiversity benefits of the entrance to Coed y Morfa, at Prestatyn.

Denbighshire Countryside Rangers and Nature for Health Volunteers are working to expand the wildflower meadow area on the right as you enter Coed y Morfa to park.

The group are extending the meadow area further back by clearing the area of scrubland and readying the soil for a wildflower/grass mix, which includes 25 different species such as cowslip, yellow rattle, ragged robin, tufted vetch, meadow foxtail and slender-creeping Red-fescue.

This extended area will complement the existing wildflower site next to the entrance road.

Increasing the wildflower growth area will help provide a boost for local pollinators and Coed y Morfa wildlife that feed off insects.

Creating wildflower sites is important as since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadow habitats impacting on vital pollinators such as bees who help bring food to households.

Countryside Ranger Sasha Taylor said: “Creating areas such as this is important as it provides a highway for insects and animals across the county to help repopulate other nearby sites by carrying seeds from one to the other.

“It’s also great for the local community here as they will see this area providing a lifeline for flowers enabling future generations to enjoy this site alongside the positive support they are bringing for local nature.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “Wildflower meadows are crucial for supporting our local nature that has been impacted by the effects of Climate Change. As we return more wildflowers to the land they will help increase diversity and colour for communities to enjoy and better support pollinators at risk who help put food on our tables.

“Given the time they need to establish, all of our meadows will be for the equal wellbeing of residents and wildlife to both enjoy now, and most importantly, for generations of the Prestatyn Community to come.”

A helping hand has been given to nature lining a popular path in Denbighshire.

Denbighshire Countryside Service and Nature for Health Volunteers have given nature along the Prestatyn Dyserth Way a new lease of life thanks to a traditional woodland craft.

Coppicing work has been carried out next to the old disused railway line, near to Y Shed at Meliden, on Hazel trees.

The woodland skills technique sees the Hazel tree cut to ground level to support the regeneration of new stems from the base to encourage the rejuvenation of the tree.

Carrying out this technique alongside the Prestatyn Dyserth Way also helps support nature in the area. Coppicing allows more light to hit the land around the trees giving other plant species more support, causing a chain reaction that increases the range of plants and wildlife in a woodland area.

Countryside Ranger Sasha Taylor said: “We have also been able to create habitat piles from the Hazel offcuts we have from the coppicing alongside the path. These are important for supporting biodiversity growth in this area as they will provide food and also shelter for local nature to thrive and survive.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Council Biodiversity Champion, said: “This traditional work is important for supporting future biodiversity growth. All credit to the volunteers and Countryside staff for helping nature flourish along this great route for local communities to enjoy.”