The Radnorshire Wildlife Trusts have celebrated the success of their Local Wildlife Sites Project, which has seen a year of surveying and inspiring collaborations that have strengthened local conservation efforts.

The project is funded through the Welsh Governments Local Places for Nature scheme through The Powys Nature Partnership.

Local Wildlife Sites are areas of land with ‘substantive nature conservation value’. As changes in land use have eroded the natural habitats that once covered Powys, Local Wildlife Sites are now ‘islands’ in a ‘sea’ of intensively managed urban and rural landscapes, supporting a wealth of wildlife, both common and rare.

Over the past year, the Local Wildlife Sites project visited 41 potential Local Wildlife Sites, confirming 12 and providing habitat management advice where needed. 19 detailed site reports have been submitted, with nine already approved.

Surveys took place in a diverse range of habitats, from riverine woodlands with cascading waterfalls and nesting dippers to ancient yew-filled churchyards and a castle mound rich in biodiversity. Each visit helped to build a clearer picture of the region’s ecological health and identify key conservation priorities.

Habitat management advice included invasive species control like Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), protecting waterfowl nests, managing riverbank erosion and pollution, creating habitat piles, woodland creation and hedgerow restoration.

Beyond surveying, Fiona Stone, Local Wildlife Sites Project Officer, attended various events to share knowledge and engage with conservation professionals and the public.

The project officially concluded with a Social Evening & Awards Ceremony, recognising successful Local Wildlife Sites applicants, dedicated landowners, and passionate volunteers. The event featured a photography competition for the best Local Wildlife Sites photograph, judged by local otter surveyor Will Lewis. Jerry Kent won first place in the species category, while Penny Nicholson took first in the landscape category.

“This project wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of so many people,” Fiona Stone said. “A huge thank you to all the landowners, volunteers, surveyors, and experts who contributed their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Your efforts are making a real difference in preserving and enhancing our local wildlife. Although the LWS project is coming to an end, the work of protecting these special places continues.”

The Trust is keen to support more sites being designated as Local Wildlife Sites and are continuously looking for future funding to continue this work.

For more information about Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and how you can support their work, please visit www.rwtwales.org