Gwynedd

Peillwyr Gwynedd – Protecting Pollinators and Green Spaces
Gwynedd Local Nature Partnership has undertaken various initiatives to support biodiversity across the county. Following the adoption of Cyngor Gwynedd’s Climate and Nature Emergency Plan in March 2022, the Partnership structured its annual work programme to address biodiversity loss and assist pollinators.

The ‘Peillwyr Gwynedd’ (Gwynedd Pollinators) initiative was developed as a collaborative programme involving multiple stakeholders. Key projects within this initiative included modifying roadside verge management, establishing wildflower meadows, and supporting community-led conservation activities.

Green Road Verges – A New Approach
One of the key projects was the ‘Ymylon Gwyrdd Gwynedd’ (Green Verges) programme. Gwynedd Council manages thousands of miles of roadside verges, which have traditionally been maintained through frequent cutting, limiting the presence of native wildflowers and habitats for pollinators.

Following examples from Torfaen, the Partnership implemented a ‘cut and collect’ approach, which allows native vegetation to develop while maintaining the verges. Investment was directed towards specialist equipment, and staff training sessions were conducted to introduce the revised cutting techniques. The project was highlighted during the 2023 National Eisteddfod in Pen Llŷn, raising public awareness of the revised verge management approach.

Wildflower Meadows and Community Involvement
The ‘Ffrindiau’r Peillwyr’ (Friends of the Pollinators) programme was established alongside the verge management project to support additional community initiatives.

• School Wildflower Meadows: 22 primary schools across the Llŷn and Eifionydd area received wildflower meadows and educational workshops on pollinators and biodiversity.
• Town and Community Council Projects: Porthmadog and Pwllheli Town Councils received support to develop biodiversity-focused green spaces, including tree planting and orchard establishment.
• Menter y Plu, Llanystumdwy: A community-led project developed a garden and allotment space behind a local pub to promote community engagement with nature.
• Wern Mynach, Barmouth: Volunteers restored a former waste site into a wetland habitat by constructing a pond and planting native species beneficial to amphibians and pollinators.
• Cuddfan y Foryd, Caernarfon: A fire-damaged bird hide was replaced with an accessible structure made from repurposed materials, improving access to wildlife observation opportunities.
• Gardd Gymunedol yr Heliwr, Nefyn: Volunteers removed invasive plant species to establish a community garden used for food production and educational purposes.

Protecting Welsh Honeybees
The Llŷn and Eifionydd Beekeepers’ Association received funding for educational materials and new hive equipment to support the conservation of Welsh black bees. This initiative aimed to safeguard local bee populations and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.

Future Prospects
Gwynedd Local Nature Partnership has implemented multiple biodiversity-focused initiatives through investments in equipment, training, and community projects. These efforts contribute to habitat restoration and increased public engagement in conservation activities.

Ongoing collaboration among stakeholders is expected to support the continuity and expansion of these initiatives, contributing to long-term biodiversity improvements in Gwynedd.