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Biodiversity and wildlife Wildlife Wildlife Where You Live WWYL Community news

Helping People to Help Wildlife

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre, near Lampeter, is calling for four more Ceredigion communities to put their names forward if they want to work together to improve the local environment, for wildlife and for their enjoyment.

 Wildlife Where You Live’ (WWYL), which is managed by Denmark Farm Conservation Centre, helps people to identify and implement environmental improvements that make a real difference to their community. WWYL is a three year programme funded by The Big Lottery Fund, Environment Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Demonstration projects are taking place at Denmark Farm as well as partnerships in 12 rural Ceredigion communities.

Eight communities are already on board around the county. After surveying their sites and monitoring various habitats and species, these communities are undertaking practical action plans for the remainder of the project. WWYL provides community activities and training, advice and a modest amount of funding for facilitation and capital costs to create wildlife improvement projects.

This is funding for just four more communities to take part in WWYL. If you have a vision for helping the wildlife in and around your community you can obtain a simple ‘Expression of Interest’ form by e-mailing info@denmarkfarm.org.uk or phoning 01570 493358. The deadline to return completed forms is 23rd March 2012. Anyone interested can also come and have a chat on the 11th February from 10am-Midday at the People’s Market in Victoria Hall, Lampeter.  Staff will be on hand with information and an opportunity to make your very own bird box.

Jen Horgan, of Llanilar, says “I was very pleased when I heard that Llanilar had been chosen as one of the villages to benefit from Wildlife Where You Live.  I grew up in rural Pembrokeshire with its rich fauna and flora and have always loved looking at wildlife, so this project sounded right up my street.  I have not been disappointed! During the past year many people from our community have participated in the activities.  One beautiful summer evening we walked round the village and along the river Ystwyth looking at interesting flowering plants and lots of rabbits along the way!  On another occasion, with the help of Red Liford, we spent an evening cataloguing the many plants in the churchyard.  There was an excellent turnout for the pond dipping event and an unusual species was found. We have decided to focus our future activities on the Millennium Lake and on bats in the churchyard. This project has made us more aware of the wildlife in our area and has also been great fun. I can thoroughly recommend it.”

 Dr. Angie Polkey, WWYL Senior Project Officer said “We know that enjoying nature helps people to have a better quality of life. The natural environment also provides resources and educational opportunities. ‘Wildlife Where You Live’ is a wonderful chance for communities to bring nature to their doorstep – and make the most of what’s around them.”

  
Photos: Pond dipping at Millennium Pond, Llanilar taken by Chloe Griffiths
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