A NEW project funded by the North Wales Wildlife Trust and Natural Resources Wales is set to protect and enhance the wildlife-rich countryside located on the east side of Anglesey.

The Anglesey Fens Living Landscape Project will see a range of events and volunteer activities take place throughout 2019, all designed to help nature beyond the boundaries of nature reserves and into the wider landscape.

As part of Anglesey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the project area lies between Llangefni, Pentraeth and Moelfre.

It is a landscape of gently undulating valleys containing delicate fen wetlands in the lower areas and a range of land-uses elsewhere including farmland and caravan parks.

The area is rich in wildlife including star species such as barn owls, red squirrels, water voles, fly orchids and the rare Southern damselfly.

The Anglesey fens - a special type of wetlands fed by mineral-rich water - once stretched over a much wider area but due to drainage and poor water quality, they are now few in number and their iconic plants and animals are at risk of being lost.

The project will work to join up these areas of fen and improve water quality, helping wildlife move around the landscape and find new places to live and feed.

Henry Cook, Anglesey Fens Living Landscape Officer for North Wales Wildlife Trust said: "This region is home to a wealth of iconic species and I’m looking forward to working with local communities so that we can create a more connected and healthier environment for people and wildlife to live in together.

"There will be opportunities to restore wetlands, help create wildflower meadows, plant trees and detect where rare species live.”

Molly Lovatt, Natural Resources Wales added: “Key to this project is providing local communities, groups and volunteers with the chance to get out into the countryside and making a difference to the landscape on their doorstep."

"This work will build on recent work to restore Anglesey’s fenlands – a wildlife habitat of huge importance. Fens don’t just store carbon, they also harbour a wealth of wildlife.

"They also help store water and can reduce the risk of flooding in nearby areas. And they help purify water supplies.”

For more information, see the project website: https://www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/anglesey-fens-living-landscape