Tree planting brings fresh life to two Rhyl outdoor spaces

Work has taken place to improve two public outdoor areas in Rhyl for the benefit of local residents and nature.

Denbighshire County Council’s Climate Change team, Countryside Services and Streetscene have come together to plant over 600 trees at public access green spaces at Walnut Crescent in the Park View Estate and the approach to Violet Grove Park in the Trellewelyn Estate.

This work is funded by the UK Government through the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has granted Denbighshire County Council £278,600 for nature recovery works across the county.

The planting will see a mixture of hedgerow and standard trees develop at both sites to provide new habitats to support local nature.

Species planted include silver birch, holly, hazel, aspen, field maple, rowan, downy birch, dog rose, holly, guelder rose, hawthorn, sessile oak, wild cherry, hornbeam and hawthorn.

Seven standard size trees were planted and a hedgerow created at Walnut Crescent. Nest boxes for birds, bats and hedgehogs will also be installed at this site.

A longer hedge was planted at Violet Grove alongside 10 fruit trees, plus seven deciduous trees.  An area at the site will also be managed as a wildflower meadow to support pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

The extra trees at both areas will bring benefits to the local community. As well as trapping carbon, and providing habitat for insects and food for birds and bats, the trees can filter harmful pollutants from the air, act as natural air conditioners, reducing urban temperatures, and provide areas of shade. 

The fruit trees are all local provenance Welsh heritage varieties, including the Rhyl Beauty apple and Denbigh plum, to help conserve these rare local species in their area of origin for cultural importance as well as biodiversity.  And, in time, these trees will provide free nutritious snacks for residents. 

Tree roots and foliage can also intercept heavy rain, decreasing the amount of water entering drainage systems and helping to prevent localised flooding.

Walking amongst trees is also proven to be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of people.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “We are grateful for the partnership work between the different services that have helped breathe new life into both of these public access outdoor areas in Rhyl. This work will create such a boost for nature on these estates and also provide a real benefit to the wellbeing of the communities in the area.”