Local Places for Nature is a capital grant scheme run by Welsh Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, intended to fund projects which enhance nature ‘on your doorstep’.

WTSWW, in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, have been awarded just over £200,000 to undertake habitat improvement work and accessibility improvement work at Goodwick Moor Nature Reserve, Pembrokeshire.

Goodwick Moor is a 15 hectare reserve with areas of reedbed, floodplain mire, and wet woodland.

Species present on the reserve include Buzzard, Otter, and Water Vole, as well as various invertebrates and birds.

The project will create a large area of open water and a 500m boardwalk, which will overlook the newly created pool.

Areas of open water are beneficial for a variety of species, including waders, amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. This will improve biodiversity of the site.

The boardwalk will allow public access to the reserve again, following the closure of the previous boardwalk in 2019 due to health and safety concerns.

The new boardwalk will follow a different, slightly shorter route than before, allowing more space for the protection of wildlife, whilst also creating an immersive experience for users.

The project is to be completed by the end of March 2023. Nathan Walton, reserves manager, says…

“I am very pleased to be able to utilise LPfN Challenge Funding to improve and enhance the open water features of Goodwick Moor. This will greatly improve habitats for amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and other species associated with aquatic environments. The new boardwalk will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the wetland reserve and will overlook the new pool.”