National ‘Outstanding’ recognition for Rhuddlan Nature Reserve partnership

A partnership helping wildlife flourish and bringing people closer to nature at Rhuddlan Nature Reserve has earned national recognition with a Level 5 ‘Outstanding’ award.

The reserve was recently honoured in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category at the Wales in Bloom 2026 awards ceremony in Talgarth, Powys.

Denbighshire Countryside Services and the Rhuddlan Reserve Management Advisory Group have co-managed the site since 2011, working together to create a haven for nature and a welcoming space that supports community well-being.

Over the years, improvements have included two wildflower meadows, three wildlife ponds, 300 metres of hedgerow, wildflower-seeded verges and the planting of 6,000 trees. A heritage species orchard, two picnic areas and a pond dipping platform have also been introduced.

A dementia-friendly space has also been created, bringing together sensory features, trees and wildflowers with historic landscape features, including dry-stone walls and laid hedges, alongside traditional Welsh oak timber seating.

Wildlife is thriving at the reserve, with otters and water voles among the species spotted. Both are among the UK’s more rapidly declining mammals.

The It’s Your Neighbourhood scheme recognises volunteer-led community gardening groups focused on cleaning up and greening their local area. Wales in Bloom awarded the Rhuddlan partnership Level 5 ‘Outstanding’ in recognition of its work.

Anita Fagan, Chair of the Rhuddlan Reserve Management Advisory Group said: “My heartfelt thanks go to every committee member for the energy and commitment they bring to the reserve. Their positive, proactive approach makes a real difference, and I believe they consistently go above and beyond what is asked of them.

“I would also like to thank Denbighshire Countryside Services, its rangers and the fantastic volunteers who support them. Their dedication to caring for the reserve, alongside their responsibilities at other nature reserves across North Denbighshire, deserves real recognition.”

Councillor Will Price, Lead Member for Planning, Countryside and Safer Communities said: “Rhuddlan Nature Reserve shows what working together can achieve for wildlife and the local community. Countryside Services’ involvement in this partnership has helped support nature while creating a place that people return to and enjoy regularly.

“This national recognition celebrates the collective work behind the reserve. I look forward to seeing this important community space continue to thrive and develop in the years ahead.”

Notes for Editors:

Rhuddlan Nature Reserve is fully accessible for all. The site has been transformed into a place where wildlife can thrive and local people and visitors can enjoy recreation.

A short route takes visitors around ponds where birds nest each year and meadows recently improved in partnership with the local community and schools.

For information on entering the Wales in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ competition, visit https://www.walesinbloom.org/neighbourhood.html