What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of plants and wildlife around us. Significant work is taking place in Conwy's parks and green spaces to conserve, manage, increase and enhance biodiversity through local projects and good management practices. Projects often involve schools, countryside wardens, residents, friends and community groups working together to promote biodiversity through practical actions and environmental education.
Find out more about Local Places for Nature.
What are Biodiversity Areas?
Biodiversity Areas are areas of parks and green spaces that are managed for the benefit of wildlife. There are more than 75 of these areas across Conwy which are managed by Conwy County Borough Council with the support of Community and Town Councils. Look out for wooden posts with a pink common knapweed flower symbol, marking these areas.
The grassland areas are managed as a 'meadow', allowing the grass to grow long in the spring and summer. We then cut it after the flowers have set seed in late summer.
Why are meadow areas so good for wildlife?
Grassland that is left to grow long in the summer is much better for wildlife than short mown grass, because:
- Wild flowers have a chance to grow and flower during the summer.
- The flowers attract insects such as bees and butterflies to pollinate them.
- After pollination, the plants can then set seed and return next year.
- Gradually, over time, the grassland will become richer in meadow flower.
- Butterflies lay their eggs in meadows, and caterpillars feed on the long grass.
- Seed eating birds, such as goldfinches, have plenty of food in meadows.
- Small mammals such as voles and field mice make their homes in meadows, which attracts other animals to feed on them, such as barn owls and kestrels.
Other practices and initiatives that help conserve and enhance biodiversity in our parks and green spaces
- Running events and activities that raise the awareness of biodiversity.
- Reducing use of damaging products such as weed killers.
- Recycling green waste.
- Not using peat in production of our bedding plants.
- Sustainable woodland management.
- Habitat creation and management - woodland plantings, hedge planting, pond creation and regeneration.
- Establishing a tree nursery, growing native species from seed.
Biodiversity areas in Conwy Leaflet (PDF)