A new space for both residents and nature to enjoy is taking shape at Clocaenog.

Work began on the Clocaenog Community Nature Space behind the old village school building earlier in the year with the support of the neighbouring farmer who allowed access through his fields.

This area is one of four new community nature spaces – alongside similar areas at Rhyl, St Asaph and Henllan that Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside Service and Climate Change teams are creating in the county this year to boost benefits for both local wildlife and residents’ wellbeing.

The Community Nature Spaces work, alongside woodland creation work this year at schools across the county, has received funding from the UK Government.

During Easter, 18 trees were planted at the site by Countryside Rangers to increase the land’s support for the Council’s drive to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by contributing to the amount of carbon sequestered (or absorbed) in vegetation and soils.

Over the summer, the site has seen further work by rangers and contractors which includes he installation of a footpath, fencing and an entrance gate, two benches, one picnic table and the establishment of a pond area.

Wildflowers will also eventually cover ground around the pond area to help support local nature around the village.

This Autumn, the site will see further work which will include the planting of boundary hedges and four fruit trees to benefit both nature and the surrounding community.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This is a great project that is creating a stronger species-rich habitat for nature to benefit from as well as a brilliant community space for the local school pupils and residents to enjoy and learn from wildlife that will visit this land.

“This new community nature space in the village will also bring other benefits including improved air quality, urban heat cooling and opportunities to support community physical and mental wellbeing by dropping by this great new addition.”