Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve, on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, is part of the second largest active sand dune system in Europe. Covering over 487 hectares and holding several protected site statuses, it supports rare and endangered species. But it is under increasing pressure.
Invasive species including Sea Buckthorn and Himalayan Balsam are overwhelming habitats, reducing species-rich flowering grassland and making areas inaccessible to both wildlife and visitors.
The nature reserve is building on its previous Reconnecting Nature project to expand nature recovery across the dunes. Activities will include:
- implementing nature-friendly grazing methods for cattle with the use of virtual fencing
- developing a citizen science mobile app to engage, inspire and educate volunteers, local communities and visitors
- delivering volunteer engagement days to support habitat restoration and reconnect fragmented areas
- creating a shared database to build capacity and inform climate resilience across the wider sand dune network
Sasha Ufnowska, Reserve Manager at Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve, said: "This project gives us the means to tackle the pressures on nature head on. By restoring the habitats that make Merthyr Mawr Warren so special we can ensure it remains a thriving, wildlife-rich reserve for generations to come."
This project was awarded funding through the Nature Networks Fund, distributed by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.
