Thanks to funding through BMW’s Recharge in Nature project in partnership with National Parks UK, landowners in the upper Afon Dyfrdwy river catchment will benefit from work to upgrade field boundaries to more wildlife and climate-friendly hedgerows and tree planting work. Strategic fencing work will also encourage the formation of rank grassland to act as natural water filters.
Co-ordinated by the National Park Authority, the benefit of this scheme is far reaching. As well as providing robust and durable stock control structures and natural shelter, hedgerows provide a safe corridor for wildlife to get around; and play their part in supporting the journey to net zero due to their carbon storage capability. They also act as a natural barrier to slow down rain infiltration and reduce the levels of sediments and phosphates released into watercourses.
By reducing the level of phosphates released from agricultural land into nearby Llyn Tegid, thus improving water quality, rare and internationally important species such as the glutenous snail and the gwyniad fish species will continue to thrive. This work will also go some way to reduce the occurrence of blue-green algal bloom in the lake.
Rhys Owen, the National Park Authority’s Head of Conservation and Agriculture said:
“We’re very grateful to BMW for their support and contribution to this valuable work. As well as the clear benefits to the natural environment and biodiversity, this scheme also supports the local economy through the employment of local contractors.”
Chris Brownridge, CEO, BMW UK, commented:
“Sustainability and community are at the heart of our business and, with biodiversity and the health of nature more important than ever, we’re delighted to support a range of local projects within the National Parks, helping preserve these precious landscapes for future generations. The UK’s amazing National Parks are far more than just green spaces, they act as vital hubs for communities as places of learning and wellbeing.
“This partnership is part of a wider decarbonisation and circularity strategy that’s been committed to by the BMW Group; taking responsibility for developing new solutions for our vehicles and beyond. The National Parks projects takes this a step further in helping communities and nature thrive in harmony, supporting both people and the environment simultaneously.”
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Notes to Editors
- BMW’s Recharge in Nature project is co-ordinated in partnership with National Parks UK to support nature restoration, wellbeing and projects encouraging more sustainable tourism. Projects will be supported in all 15 of the UK’s National Parks, across the three-year partnership with BMW.
- BMW’s Recharge in Nature is funding an enhancement of the electric vehicle charging network across the UK National Parks, announced in October last year. The installation of Pod Point recharging posts at key locations within the National Parks will support access to these beauty spots for the lowest emitting and quietest vehicles, as well as to support local communities in their shift to the new technology.
- For more information about BMW Group UK and the Recharge in Nature Project visit: bmw.co.uk/nationalparks
- For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Gwen Aeron Edwards, Communications Officer for Planning and Land Management on gwen.aeron@eryri.llyw.cymru or 01766 770 274 / 07887452467.