The most recent expansion of temperate rainforest in the UK has been announced by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW).
The project includes the improvement of habitats and recreation of temperate rainforest at Trellwyn Fach near the Pembrokeshire coast, which will then be connected to other nearby fragments.
It's part of a wider programme of nature-based projects to remove carbon from the atmosphere and help nature recover. Other rainforest restoration projects have been announced in Devon, North Wales and the Isle of Man.
Rainforests used to span large swathes of Britain's west coast, but the majority of these valuable arboreal habitats – which possess huge potential for storing carbon – have been lost through deforestation. Today only small fragments remain.
The project at Trellwyn Fach, and other projects around the UK, aim to help reverse this loss.
At the moment, there is little biodiversity at the 146-acre site, which largely comprises semi-improved rye grasslands that were grazed by sheep. The southern tip connects with a remnant of Celtic rainforest known as Gwaun Valley woodland, while the northern end runs onto open moorland on Dinas mountain.
Overall, the potential to improve habitats for wildlife is high, says the WTSWW, who plan to combine planting and natural regeneration to buffer the existing woodland and to support the wider connectivity of remnant Celtic rainforest in the landscape. Two-thirds of the site will become broadleaved woodland.
"This site is ideally situated in the Gwaun valley, already connected to Celtic rainforest remnants and giving us the opportunity to buffer and extend this amazing habitat as well as improving access for the local community," said Sarah Kessell, Chief Executive at WTSWW. "These are exciting times!”
Communities in Pembrokeshire will be closely involved in the project, with plans for volunteering, opportunities for education and employment, and improved access to nature.
The Trust’s conservation team will monitor changes in biodiversity through habitat and species surveys including breeding bird surveys and butterfly transects.
A bridleway runs across the bottom of the site and there is scope to connect walking trails up to Dinas mountain to improve public access from the nearby village of Llanychaer.
The project at Trellwyn Fach is part The Wildlife Trusts’ Atlantic rainforest recovery programme, which is supported by a £38 million donation from Aviva.
“We’re proud to see the Wildlife Trust add another site to the rainforest restoration project, helping Wales become more climate ready," said Leah Ramoutar, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Aviva.
"The site in Trellwyn Fach will connect with existing examples of this precious habitat, reestablishing natural corridors to benefit wildlife and add more natural beauty to this stunning part of Wales.
"It will also provide flood resilience to nearby homes and businesses as well as green jobs and volunteering opportunities to the local community.”
Main image: Oak forest at Coed Crafnant in North Wales. Credit: Ben Porter, 2020 Vision
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