Biodiversity Projects in Wales

In Wales, these projects below exemplify how biodiversity action plans are translated into tangible conservation efforts - restoring habitats, protecting species, connecting ecosystems, and fostering community stewardship. They demonstrate a comprehensive approach that aligns legal obligations with ecological needs and societal goals, ensuring a resilient, biodiverse future for Wales.

1. Peatland Restoration at the Brecon Beacons

• Overview: This large-scale ecological restoration project focuses on rewetting degraded peatlands within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

• Objectives: To enhance carbon sequestration, restore natural habitats, improve water quality, and support rare species such as the hen harrier and lapwing.

• Implementation: Involved blocking drains, re-establishing natural hydrology, and planting native vegetation.

• Impact: Improved habitat quality and increased biodiversity; contributed to Wales's commitments to climate change mitigation and peatland conservation.

Find out more about the restoration project here.

2. Saltmarsh and Estuarine Habitat Restoration in the Dee Estuary

• Overview: This project aimed to restore and expand saltmarsh habitats along the Dee Estuary, supporting wintering and migratory birds.

• Objectives: To increase habitat extent, improve ecological connectivity, and bolster populations of species like the common shelduck and redshank.

• Implementation: Reinstated natural tidal flow, replanting of native saltmarsh species, and removal of invasive plants.

• Impact: Enhanced biodiversity and increased resilience of estuarine ecosystems to sea-level rise.

Learn more about the Habitats - Dee Estuary

3. Reintroduction of the Eurasian Beaver in South Wales

• Overview: A pioneering project aimed at reintroducing the Eurasian beaver as a natural ecosystem engineer in a designated river catchment.

• Objectives: To restore natural flood management, improve habitat diversity, and support native species like otters and waterfowl.

• Implementation: Translocation of beavers from populations in Scotland or Europe, with ongoing monitoring.

• Impact: Early signs indicate improved river habitat complexity and increased biodiversity, alongside benefits for ecosystem services.

Read more about the re-introduction of Beavers into South Wales here

4. Restoration of Coastal Heathlands at Gower Peninsula

• Overview: This habitat management project seeks to reverse decline of the rare coastal heathland habitats.

• Objectives: To reduce scrub encroachment, promote native heathland plants such as heather and gorse, and support species like the Dartford warbler and nightjar.

• Implementation: Controlled grazing, scrub clearance, and invasive species removal.

• Impact: Preservation of a nationally important habitat, supporting diverse flora and fauna and maintaining traditional land-use practices.

Find out more about the Gower Commons Initiative

5. Wildflower Grassland Creation on Urban Sites in Cardiff

• Overview: Urban biodiversity enhancement through the development of native wildflower meadows on city council-managed land.

• Objectives: To increase pollinator habitat, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve city resilience.

• Implementation: Converting lawn areas to native meadows, installing pollinator-friendly planting, and creating small urban green corridors.

• Impact: Improved insect diversity, increased public awareness, and creation of accessible nature spaces.

Find out more about the Wildflower project from Local Nature Partnerships in Cardiff

6. Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) around Pembrokeshire

• Overview: Designation and management of marine protected areas to conserve key habitats and species in Welsh waters.

• Objectives: To protect vulnerable marine habitats like seagrass beds and rocky reefs, and species such as the otter, black bout, and rare fish.

• Implementation: Restrictions on fishing practices, boat regulations, and habitat monitoring.

• Impact: Improvements in marine biodiversity, increased fish stocks, and support for sustainable sea use.

Take a look at Marine Conservationists in Pembrokeshire to find out more

About Green Council Biodiversity Solutions:

Green Council Biodiversity Solutions helps town and parish councils meet their biodiversity and sustainability duties with confidence. From concept to delivery, we support every stage of your project: design, procurement, planting, and ongoing maintenance.

Whether you're creating a Biodiversity Action Plan, developing community green spaces, or enhancing wildlife habitats, our expert team ensures your initiatives align with environmental regulations and local priorities.

In addition, we offer innovative vertical growing systems - ideal for small or urban spaces - enabling councils to maximise biodiversity and visual impact where ground space is limited.

Practical, creative, and council-focused, Green Council is your trusted partner for delivering impactful, nature-rich spaces that benefit both communities and the planet.

Contact us today to see how we can help with your biodiversity duties