11,000 trees to be planted boosting biodiversity in North Wales
Before we go any further, let's clear one thing up. To pronounce Nannerch is "Nannac".
Nannerch is an 11-hectare hillside site in the Clwydian and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For years, the site has been used for livestock grazing.
Protect Earth took over the tenancy of the site in July 2023 to contribute to the biodiversity already found in the Clwydian and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
About Nannerch including how the land was used before
Nannerch is an 11-hectare site on a hillside in the middle of the Clwydian and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Most of the site is currently semi-improved grassland grazed by livestock for many years. There are a few rocky outcrops, and the surrounding landscape is quite rugged and spectacular, with the bracken-covered slopes of Moel y Parc dominating the landscape to the west. There are also some interesting areas of gorse and scrub to the north and south of the main planting areas.
The site includes areas of lowland dry acid grassland. Lowland acid grassland typically occurs on nutrient-poor soils and develops when heavy grazing slowly eliminates heather. These areas on Nannerch are not particularly botanically rich but appear to have some interesting grassland fungi. Near Nannerch are fragments and patches of ancient woodland with Oak, Ash, Wild Cherry, and Hazel - reminders of the diversity that would have thrived here centuries ago. We are excited to reintroduce more species to the area, providing more company for these woodland fragments.
What are Protect Earth's plans?
While making a development plan for the site, Steve the Ecologist consulted with several local community members, including neighbouring landowners and residents, Flintshire Archeological Trust, Nannerch Community Council, Flintshire County Council, Scottish Power (who own the power lines), the team managing the AONB, and National Resources Wales. This was done to introduce everyone to Protect Earth and the charity's mission, outline what would be done on Nannerch, and get feedback from these community members.
The site is approximately 11 hectares, with Protect Earth planting around 11,000 trees on nearly 8 hectares with a mix of native broadleaf species. The main woodland creation will be Oak over Hazel, with Birch, Aspen, and Wild Cherry areas. The periphery of the woodland will be Rowan, Hawthorn and Crab Apple. The objective (as with most of our planting projects) is carbon sequestration and developing wildlife habitat.
Eventually, the site will be predominately woodland while also including a mix of other habitats – scrub, open grassland, gorse, and bracken – providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The main woodland will eventually provide habitat for western Oakwood bird species, including the quintessential trio of this habitat: Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, and Wood Warbler. These are all summer migrants who spend their winters in Africa. Sadly, their numbers are all declining.
The tree species on the periphery of the woodland will provide a source of nectar in early spring for newly emerged butterflies, along with a source of fruits and berries for birds and other wildlife in autumn and winter.
Areas of scrub, bracken and gorse will provide habitat for summer warblers, butterflies, and other invertebrates.
The areas classed as lowland dry acid grassland will not be planted. The grasslands will remain rich in fungi and become more botanically interesting as the heavy grazing and livestock are removed from the site. The grasslands will also continue to provide foraging areas for badgers currently found on site.
In years to come, Nannerch will flourish into a space the community can be proud of supporting considerable biodiversity.
