Cosmeston to benefit from Network Rail funding
1,350 trees will be planted at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park after the local wildlife haven secured funding from Network Rail’s The Greater West Programme.
The planting will see a two-hectare extension to the Southern edge of Cogan Wood that will include a mixed selection of fruit trees.
The majority of the planting will be carried out by a contractor, with some trees also being planted by the Cosmeston Wildlife Group and volunteers.
The volunteers, alongside the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s onsite Ranger Service, will help maintain the extension in the coming years.
Cllr. Jonathan Bird, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said:
“The funding received from Network Rail through The Greater West Programme will greatly benefit the biodiversity at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park.
“The planting of trees has many social, environmental, and health and well-being benefits and should provide an added feature to the Country Park that already attracts over 250,000 visitors per year.”
Emmanuel Deschamps, Environment Manager for Network Rail, said:
“It is fantastic to be able to support this project. A new habitat will be created for a whole range of species. Projects like this are vital in creating green spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy.”
Network Rail’s The Greater West Programme is a biodiversity offsetting scheme that supports the delivery of habitats planting and enhancement projects on third party land.
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, with some areas designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest to protect the rare and diverse plant and animal species.
The country park opened to the public in 1978 and gained Local Nature Reserve status in May 2013.