Local Wildlife Sites are areas of land with ‘substantive nature conservation value’. As changes in land use have eroded the natural habitats that once covered Powys, LWS are now ‘islands’ in a ‘sea’ of intensively managed urban and rural landscapes. Alongside our statutory protected sites (SACs etc.), they support a wealth of wildlife, both common and rare.
Over the past year, the LWS project visited 41 potential Local Wildlife Sites (pLWS), confirming 12 and providing habitat management advice where needed. 19 detailed site reports have been submitted, with nine already approved.
Surveys took place in a diverse range of habitats, from riverine woodlands with cascading waterfalls and nesting dippers to ancient yew-filled churchyards and a castle mound rich in biodiversity. Each visit helped to build a clearer picture of the region’s ecological health and identify key conservation priorities.
Habitat management advice included invasive species control like Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), protecting waterfowl nests, managing riverbank erosion and pollution, creating habitat piles, woodland creation and hedgerow restoration.
Beyond surveying, Fiona Stone (LWS Project Officer) attended various events to share knowledge and engage with conservation professionals and the public. Some of these events include The RWT Barnes Memorial Lecture on rewilding, The Biodiversity Information Service Recorders Forum and Rhayader By Nature’s Ancient Trees & Lichens Walk.
The project officially concluded with a Social Evening & Awards Ceremony, recognising successful LWS applicants, dedicated landowners, and passionate volunteers. The event featured a photography competition for the best LWS photograph, judged by local otter surveyor Will Lewis. Jerry Kent won first place in the species category, while Penny Nicholson took first in the landscape category.