Plas Newydd builds new bee-friendly environment

* Members of the team working on the project.

A popular historic Llangollen attraction is lending a helping hand to local nature.

Denbighshire County Council’s Biodiversity team joined staff and volunteers at Plas Newydd to help create a stronger natural habitat for local pollinators to enjoy.

The historic home to Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby and gardens is maintained by the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Plug planting was carried out in the orchard and woodland area of Plas Newydd’s grounds as part of the site’s new Bee Friendly status which aims to support the recovery of bees and other pollinators.

The wildflowers will help create a more colourful, diverse and stronger biodiversity around the grounds for local nature and visitors to enjoy.

They will also provide bees and other pollinators with food through the year which supports our own food chain. Taking away this habitat reduces support for nature’s pollinators, impacting on our own food chain as they support the growth of most of our fruit and vegetables.

* Both staff are volunteers are involved.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion said: “Plas Newydd is a great location for visitors and the local community to enjoy thanks to its rich history. It is also a fantastic place for nature to thrive thanks to the work carried out to maintain the beautiful gardens surrounding the house.

“The plug planting work carried out to increase the number of wildflowers on the site will really help tackle the nature emergency and encourage more nature back into the local area for residents to enjoy.”

* Do you already have or would you like help creating a Bee Friendly area in your garden or on your land? The Council’s Biodiversity Team can offer advice and support in creating your Bee Friendly area and applying for Bee Friendly status. Please contact biodiversity@denbighshire.gov.uk to find out more. 

More information about the Bee Friendly Scheme and how you can get involved can be found at: Wales Biodiversity Partnership - Bee Friendly (biodiversitywales.org.uk)