We’ve worked with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's Biodiversity Team to improve a large green space in Trefechan.

The area is commonly used as a shortcut through Maple Crescent, but its location and frequent use have led to issues such as fly-tipping, litter, and anti-social behaviour like off-road vehicles and fires.

The biodiversity team planted 10 Downy Birch trees along the main path to create a proper walkway for everyone and added two benches for people to relax and enjoy the area. They also installed three bee habitat towers made from local Welsh wood to help pollinators and boost biodiversity.

There are now playful new features, like a wooden snail, a grasshopper, and a fox totem pole. A magnifying post, rubbing posts with nature designs, and a bug hotel give children chances to learn about wildlife while having fun.

A Welsh heritage orchard has also been planted, with eight local apple trees and a cariad cherry. The orchard will offer free fruit to the community and wildlife, and the spring blossoms will attract pollinators and add colour to the space.

We want to say a huge thank you to the Biodiversity Team for completing this project under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents sharing their appreciation for the improvements and telling us that children are enjoying the new natural play features.

From here on in, we'll take the lead by adding this area to our management plan. This plan will include how to manage grass in the area to benefit biodiversity, and how to care for the trees and orchard. We'll also be working with the local community to undertake litter picks, monitor fly-tipping and encouraging ownership to ensure that the space remains a place everyone can enjoy.