Cwrt Henri riverbank operation a success

A huge operation to clear a Carmarthenshire riverbank of invasive plants has been hailed a success.
Volunteers spent a day cleaning up the banks of the River Dulas in Cwrt Henri.
The aim was to clear rubbish and the highly invasive Himalayan Balsam from the site.
Staff from the county council led Tywi Afon y Oesoedd project were joined by volunteers from Trinity University College’s outdoor pursuits course, and Tidy Towns officers.
Hilary Foster from the Environment Agency and Gethin Thomas from the Rivers Trust also attended.
The students learnt that Himalayan Balsam is a highly invasive non native species.
Its rapid growth allows it to out-compete all other plant species that grow on the river bank.
By removing the plants before they set seed the students helped to ensure a more diverse collection of native species will grow and thrive.
Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd Volunteer Officer Helena Burke said: “We are grateful to the landowners in Cwrt Henri who gave us permission to access the river and to the students for helping to tackle such a big problem.
“We hope that the work carried out will have a positive impact on the biodiversity in the area.”
Course Tutor Graham Harvey said: “The students enjoy using the landscape for outdoor activities but it is also important that they are aware of environmental issues that affect the local landscape, which is why they are volunteering for this project.”
County Council Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd project was bringing a real boost to the Tywi Valley.
He said: “I am delighted that so much proactive work is being carried out, with real benefits being seen in the Tywi Valley.”
The Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd team is based at the Tywi Centre at Dinefwr Farm, Llandeilo.
For further information email post@tywiafonyroesoedd.org.uk or call 01558 824271.
Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd is a £2.4 million Landscape Partnership Scheme led by Carmarthenshire County Council.
It is aimed at conserving the area’s landscape, biodiversity and history, as well as creating a legacy for future generations.
The project has received £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £557,378 through the Rural Development Plan for Wales which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
It has also received funding from the Countryside Council for Wales, and support from the National Trust and Menter Bro Dinefwr.
Tidy Towns is a Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative, delivered in partnership by Carmarthenshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy.

Clean-up: Students and Tidy Towns officers who worked to clear rubbish from the River Dulas.

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