Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has secured funding from the Nature Networks programme for an ambitious initiative aiming to boost nature recovery across 25 per cent of the northern section by 2025.

Thanks to a grant of £244,450 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, bolstered by £5,000 from the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, the Cysylltu Natur 25x25 project will help foster a more resilient environment for wildlife.

Species expected to benefit include horseshoe and barbastelle bats, dormice, harvest mice, chough, willow tits, marsh fritillary and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, southern damselflies, adders and lichens.

The Park Authority already supports farmers and smallholders using traditional farming techniques to conserve nature. By utilising cutting-edge virtual fencing technology alongside infrastructure improvements, it’s hoped that farmers will be able to make full use of their land, using nature-friendly practices.

Another key aspect will be the control of invasive non-native species that threaten Sites of Special Scientific Interest and waterways throughout the area.

Delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government, the project also aims to create opportunities for people from under-represented groups and disadvantaged communities to actively engage in nature conservation activities.