Learners study sustainable craft at Rhyl nature reserve
Countryside Rangers have helped Coleg Llandrillo students learn a traditional sustainable fencing craft at a Rhyl nature haven.
Denbighshire Countryside Services welcomed Public Services students from the Rhyl campus to Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve recently for a session on how to carry out ‘Hazel Hurdling’.
Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve was honoured at the recent Wales in Bloom 2024 awards ceremony after receiving the class ‘Thriving’ under the Wales in Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.
Rangers and volunteers supported by Nature for Health have worked to improve the site both for nature and for the enjoyment of the local community.
Hazel was recently coppiced at the nature reserve and nearby Bruton Park to promote regeneration of new stems from the base to rejuvenate the tree.
This technique helps boost biodiversity by creating new habitat piles for local wildlife to use and letting more light hit the woodland floor, giving other plants the chance to thrive.
Coppicing allows a chain reaction that comes together to increase the number of plants and animals in a woodland area.
Countryside Ranger Vitor Evora explained: “It’s been great to have the students with us to help us create more hazel hurdles to improve the look of the reserve for Rhyl community.
“We have enjoyed helping them learn how to craft the hazel offcuts from coppicing into the sustainable fencing. They were great in understanding how to carry out the technique using the flexible and uniform branches to create each panel using what is a Neolithic-period skill.
“Once all finished and in place they will bring a natural nature-friendly look to enhance areas around the site.”
Public Services lecturer Cara Baker said: “Level 1 and Level 2 learners from Public Services supported Vitor, a Denbighshire ranger, in the creation of natural hedgerows made from willow. These will support the promotion of habitats in the Brickfield Nature Reserve.
“Learners not only learned a new skill but they contributed to a long-lasting element of their community which they are all extremely proud of.”
Melanie Reid, College Liaison and Engagement Officer, said: “The learners have done an amazing job. I walk around Brickfields regularly and have heard first-hand from locals how great the fencing and hedging looks.”
Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Council Biodiversity Champion, said: “It is fantastic to local students getting stuck in to support the nature reserve on the doorstep of their own college. They all should be proud of the positive difference they have helped make at Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve.”