Gregynog, one of Wales' leading country estates located near Newtown, has been awarded £246,966 through the Welsh Government's Nature Networks Fund for its Welcome Home to Nature programme.

The funding will support nature recovery and encourage more public access to some of Wales' most special natural environments.

Gregynog's project is one of 17 in Wales set to benefit from Welsh Government conservation funding totalling £3.78 million.

The investment in the National Nature Reserve and two areas of Special Scientific Interest at Gregynog will make a huge difference. Specifically, the funding will allow for the repair and improvement of rutted tracks, the creation of a new accessible path around the lily pond, the restoration of the pond to create a bird hide, and the installation of bird boxes with the help of Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.

Additionally, new signage, pathways, and mapping will be added to all walks on the estate, a children's playground and covered picnic benches will be installed, and meadow flowers and specimen trees will be planted along the drives.

The Nature Networks Fund is delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.

Gregynog’s chair Carole-Anne Davies said:

“We are very proud of our team and their work on the ‘Welcome Home to Nature’ programme. The project allows us to enhance and broaden visitor access and experience, as well as protect and nurture our richly biodiverse reserve as a haven for nature.

“It also helps consolidate our partnerships, opening up further potential for collaboration and helping us to reveal and share Gregynog’s magic with more people than ever – exploring the joy that comes with integrating nature, science and creativity.”   

Ruth Jenkins, head of natural resource management policy at Natural Resources Wales, said:

“We are delighted to see these projects, each driving forward the practical action needed to address what is one of the most urgent challenges of our times.

“These projects will seek to recover species and habitats through collaboration among a wide range of land owners and organisations. They are all superb and diverse examples of the exciting restoration and community engagement that is a critically needed step to bring about the recovery of nature in Wales.”