AN AMBITIOUS three-year Nature Recovery project is drawing to a close, having taken impressive strides in protecting and enhancing the fragile ecosystems of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Designed to safeguard coastal habitats and enhance biodiversity in farmland adjacent to the iconic coastline, Connecting the Coast works in close collaboration with local farmers and landowners.
The project’s results are impressive: the reappearance of coastal wildflowers like centaury and sheep’s bit where conservation grazing has been implemented - and the appearance of scarce arable plants, such as weasel’s snout and bugloss, in crop margins that have been left unsprayed.
Connecting the Coast has achieved several significant milestones in its mission to restore and protect habitats: almost 19,000 meters of fencing safeguarding over 80 hectares of coastal slopes; over 50 hectares of hay meadows and 50 hectares of species-rich permanent pasture.
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The new hay meadows are thriving, offering sanctuary to pollinators and birds, while species-rich pastures are helping to secure soil health and protect carbon stocks. These biodiversity-rich areas form vital buffers in the coastal ecosystem, offering increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Connecting the Coast has received financial support from the Welsh Government's Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places fund. The project is committed to deepening conversations with both farmers and the Welsh Government to secure sustainable farming support and ensure that nature recovery remains a top priority in Pembrokeshire and beyond.
Project Officer Clare Flynn said: “At the heart of Connecting the Coast is a strong partnership with the local farming community and landowners, ranging from large dairy farms to smallholders with just a few fields – and we’ve been met with overwhelming support and a warm welcome from everyone.”
Although applications for funding are now closed, further information about the project can be obtained by emailing Clare at [email protected].