Vale of Glamorgan Council has launched its Restore the Thaw Landscape project, a three-year programme of work to make biodiversity improvements along the River Thaw, its tributaries and surrounding landscapes.

The project aims to benefit local wildlife, landowners and the community, and will provide various opportunities for organisations, community groups, and volunteers to partake in the conservation work.

Alongside monies from the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Project Zero fund, the project received funding from the Waterloo Foundation and Nature Networks, a fund delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.

The Nature Network Fund aims to strengthen the resilience of Wales' protected land and marine sites, support nature's recovery and encourage communities to get involved in nature conservation.

Mel Stewart, Restore the Thaw Project Manager, said: "The Restore the Thaw project is all about making networks and connections, both for wildlife and people.

"We've got so many interesting projects to look forward to, including tree planting and wildflower meadow restoration that will benefit bats, adders and bugs, and river and pond improvements that will benefit water voles, otters and newts.

"We are really keen to engage community groups, schools, and local landowners with the work, and will have ample opportunities for community involvement along the way."

Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: "I'm thrilled to see the Restore the Thaw project officially launch. This is an exciting programme of work, that I hope will raise public awareness of the importance of conservation and instil a sense of guardianship.

 "There will be many opportunities for the community to get involved in the work, including surveys, citizen science projects, conservation work parties and River Thaw festivals."

 Anyone interested in getting involved with the Restore the Thaw project, either as a volunteer or as a group, should contact Project Manager, Mel Stewart by emailing [email protected] to register their interest.