Projects to protect wildlife, restore habitats and strengthen biodiversity

TWENTY-EIGHT projects across Wales have secured more than £15 million to protect wildlife and restore biodiversity on land and at sea.

The funding, totalling £15,186,716, has been awarded through the Nature Networks Fund, with individual grants ranging from £50,000 to £1 million. Projects include efforts to protect the brown long-eared bat, restore vital wetland habitats and safeguard threatened plant species.

The scheme is delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). It aims to strengthen the resilience of protected sites and accelerate nature recovery across the country.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for climate change, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to international targets such as 30by30, increasing the scale and pace of delivery to protect Wales’s natural heritage.

“By supporting these projects, we are not only preserving precious ecosystems but also empowering communities to become stewards of their local environments. The Nature Networks Fund is a crucial tool in our response to the nature emergency.”

The latest round of funding will focus on improving connectivity between protected sites, creating stronger ecological networks where habitats and species can thrive and adapt to environmental pressures.

Since launching in 2021, the Nature Networks Fund has supported 147 projects with a combined investment of more than £54 million.

Among the successful projects, the Bat Conservation Trust has been awarded £249,630 for a Wales-wide initiative to protect the brown long-eared bat, often known as the “whispering bat”. The project will support woodland management, tree roost surveys, improved data collection and community engagement activities.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has secured £823,320 to safeguard vulnerable plant species. The funding will expand the National Seed Bank of Wales, which currently conserves just 11% of Welsh flora, and support improvements at the 150-hectare Waun Las National Nature Reserve.

Meanwhile, wetland charity WWT will receive £548,406 to restore habitats at WWT Llanelli and along the Tir Morfa coastline. The project aims to improve conditions for wildlife, including internationally important wintering birds, while also supporting climate resilience in the wider Burry Inlet.

Andrew White, Director of Wales at the Heritage Fund, said: “To protect Wales’ habitats and wildlife, we need long-term, sustainable action built on genuine collaboration. These awards reflect both the scale of ambition behind the Nature Networks Fund and the vital role communities play in creating a more resilient future for nature.”

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resources Management and Policy at NRW, added: “We are delighted to see such a strong range of high-quality projects receiving support. From marine and coastal environments to rivers, wetlands and terrestrial habitats, the breadth of ambition across Wales is inspiring.

“These initiatives use innovative approaches to tackle some of our most pressing nature and climate challenges, helping to maintain, restore and enhance protected sites while building resilient ecological networks.”

The programme forms part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework “30 by 30” target, which aims to protect and effectively manage 30% of land, freshwater and marine environments by 2030.

Below is a full list of projects being funded. 

£50,000 – £250,000 grants: 

• Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum Community Interest Company awarded £249,584, Pembrokeshire 
• Merthyr Mawr Estate awarded £249,929, Bridgend 
• Fieldwork Studio CIC awarded £248,414, Bridgend 
• Carmarthenshire County Council awarded £209,950, Burry Port 
• Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts awarded £249,898, Bangor 
• British Trust for Ornithology awarded £249,968, Bangor 
• Denbighshire County Council awarded £247,225, Mold 
• The Penllergare Trust awarded £194,600, Swansea 
• Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland awarded £249,988, Welshpool 
• Cyngor Gwynedd awarded £250,000, Caernarfon 
• Zoological Society of London awarded £249,991, Isle of Anglesey 
• Friends of the Upper Wye awarded £174,633, Hay on Wye 
• The Bat Conservation Trust awarded £249,630, Ceredigion 
• Tir Natur awarded £222,030, Ceredigion 
• Llanymynech Golf Club awarded £249,998, Oswestry 

£250,000 – £1million 

• Milford Haven Port Authority awarded £959,180, Pembrokeshire 
• The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty awarded £998,766, Bangor 
• The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust awarded £548,406, Wales-wide  
• Black Mountains Land Use Partnership awarded £995,152, Black Mountains 
• The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust awarded £952,350, Powys 
• The Zoological Society of London awarded £997,771, Llŷn Peninsula 
• The National Botanic Gardens of Wales awarded £823,320, Carmarthenshire 
• Monmouthshire County Council awarded £999,974, Gwent 
• The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales awarded £926,905, Wales-wide 
• Vale of Glamorgan Council awarded £574,850, South Wales 
• Brecon Beacons National Park Authority awarded £999,758, Brecon Beacons 
• Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust awarded £921,700, Powys 
• Welsh Dee Trust awarded £942,746, Denbighshire 

Major emergency response in town centre after concerns raised for man in water

A MAN has died after being recovered from the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest today (Tuesday, Mar 17), Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at approximately 10:50am following reports concerning the safety of a man seen in the water near the town library.

A major multi-agency response was launched, involving multiple police units, several fire engines, a specialist water rescue team, and an ambulance.

The town centre was temporarily sealed off while crews dealt with the incident, with access restricted across the Old Bridge and nearby pedestrian crossings.

The Herald understands that members of the public raised the alarm after spotting the man in the river.

Following the recovery operation, the man was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police have since confirmed that he has died.

His next of kin have been informed.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and HM Coroner has been notified.

Community organisations in Pembrokeshire encouraged to apply for new grants supporting skills and job access

LOCAL Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies are urging charities and community groups across Pembrokeshire to apply for a new round of funding aimed at helping people gain skills and access employment.

The latest round of the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) Community Matters Fund has opened, offering grants to grassroots organisations supporting people who are struggling to find work or return to employment.

Delivered in partnership with Localgiving, the spring funding round will distribute £250,000 to projects designed to build skills, confidence and experience in an evolving jobs market.

Funding can support initiatives such as CV workshops, interview coaching, work placements and training opportunities. Projects helping people develop practical skills in sectors including construction, engineering, digital industries and clean energy are also eligible.

The fund is targeted at those facing barriers to employment, including young people not in education, employment or training, individuals with health conditions or disabilities, armed forces veterans, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those returning to work after time away due to caring responsibilities or illness.

Registered charities and non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for grants of up to £5,000. Constituted community groups without a charity number can apply for up to £2,000.

The funding is available to eligible organisations across the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.

Samuel Kurtz said: “This fund offers a valuable opportunity for local groups to secure support to help people gain confidence, training and work experience. I would encourage any eligible organisation in Pembrokeshire to consider applying.”

Paul Davies added: “Helping people into work and supporting them to develop new skills is vital for both individuals and our local economy. Pembrokeshire has many excellent community groups delivering this kind of support, and I hope they will take full advantage of this funding to expand their work.”

The application window opened on Monday (Mar 16) and closes at 5:00pm on Thursday (Apr 23). Successful applicants will be notified in May, with funding distributed later that month.

Further information is available via the National Grid Electricity Distribution Community Matters Fund website.