New habitat flows strong support for Rhyl nature

A new habitat is taking shape to support nature at a Rhyl reserve.

Denbighshire Countryside Services recently completed work on a new pond habitat area at Bruton Park Community Woodland Nature Reserve.

The pond development  was funded through the Nature for Health project that is funded by grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Work at the site included excavation, bentonite clay lining and fencing for protection from dogs.

The area is situated near to a pond project that was completed in 2024, helping extend this habitat support for local nature and diversifying the look of the reserve and woodland for the surrounding communities and visitors to the site.

Countryside rangers with the support of Nature for Health backed volunteers have carried out wildflower plug planting around the banks of the new pond to provide a strong lifeline for local nature.

The group have planted a variety of species that are suited for growing in an aquatic environment.

This includes gypsywort, a wetland plant commonly found along the edges of lakes, ponds, streams, canals and marshes that thrives in damp conditions. Gypsywort provides a vital source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.

Knapweed was also planted near the new pond which will provide a constant source of nectar for butterflies and bees.

Alongside the existing pond, this new addition will provide a boost for supporting newts at Bruton Park Nature Reserve, specifically the Great Crested species which is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

Countryside Ranger Sasha Taylor said: “These aquatic habitats are vital to the invertebrate population as well as a range of amphibians. We hope the Great Crested newts around this site will benefit from this development alongside the likes of dragonflies and other invertebrates that rely on a suitable body of water for part of their life cycle.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for environment and transport, added: “Bruton Park Community Woodland has become a fantastic place for supporting local wildlife and the wellbeing of local residents who visit the site to walk around the many paths.

“This great piece of land in Rhyl provides us with such a brilliant opportunity to protect and preserve our local nature for the local community to enjoy and we are looking forward to seeing how this new pond can boost support Great Crested Newts going forward.”