Today, The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) reveals plans to restore lost Atlantic rainforest in Pembrokeshire.

The project at Trellwyn Fach, which is part of The Wildlife Trusts’ Atlantic rainforest recovery programme, is being supported by a £38 million donation from Aviva.

Rainforest restoration forms part of a wider programme of nature-based projects to remove carbon from the atmosphere and support nature’s recovery, funded by Aviva’s donation.

The 146 acre site, situated next to the village of Llanychaer offers little diversity, with a majority of nearby fields being of semi-improved rye grassland.

WTSWW’s plans to improve the wildlife value of the new nature reserve, with around two-thirds of the site to become broadleaved woodland through planting and natural refernation to buffer the existing woodland and to support the wider connectivity of remnant Celtic rainforest in the landscape.

Sarah Kessell, chief executive at WTSWW comments on the project, saying:

“This site is ideally situated in the Gwaun valley, already connected to Celtic rainforest remnants and giving us the opportunity to buffer and extend this amazing habitat as well as improving access for the local community.”

Communities across Pembrokeshire are set to be closely involved in the lost Atlantic rainforest project, with plans for volunteering, educational and employment opportunities, as well as improved access to nature.

The Trust’s conservation team will monitor changes in biodiversity through habitat and species surveys throughout the project.