A major conservation project aimed at protecting damaged woodland in North Cardiff has secured £346,000 in funding from the Welsh Government’s Nature Networks fund.
The two-year project, dubbed ‘Routes to Resilience’, will tackle the growing problem of unauthorised trails that have been damaging important woodland habitats across the area.
Cardiff Council will be working alongside several key partners including Natural Resources Wales, the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC and the Breedon Group. Local community groups will also play a vital role in the project.
The main goals of the initiative include creating a core network of official trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, while reducing the overall number of paths cutting through sensitive woodland areas. This will help protect local plants and wildlife that have been affected by the increasing number of unofficial routes.
“The desire to get outdoors and explore Cardiff’s woodlands is understandable – having so much nature on our doorstep is part of what makes Cardiff special – but they’re fragile environments and the digging of unauthorised trails in these areas is doing some significant damage,” said Councillor Jennifer Burke, Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events.
The project will focus on natural regeneration of former trail areas, removing invasive species and planting native trees and plants. Community engagement will be a key part of the strategy to discourage people from creating new unofficial trails.
Local residents will also have opportunities to get involved through volunteer training sessions and community workdays. These will help people develop useful skills including trail maintenance, species identification and habitat monitoring.
The initiative aims to strike what Councillor Burke calls “a healthy balance between accessibility and protecting the flora and fauna that call the woods home.”
For those who enjoy Cardiff’s woodland areas, the project promises to improve the experience for everyone while ensuring these natural spaces remain protected for future generations.atural spaces-ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and thriving for generations to come.
