Case study list

Denbighshire County Council

01/01/2009

Brickfield Pond was the first site in North East Wales to be designated a Local Nature Reserve. It is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the natural features and wildlife and to promoting its enjoyment by local people.

The scheme includes short, level disabled-friendly walks close to the centre of the seaside town of Rhyl. There is also a circular walk around the perimeter of the Pond that is available and accessible for all. The Pond is visited by many species of bird and wildfowl and facilities include accessible jetties for fishing and picnic tables. The site also includes a fitness trail to encourage walking, cycling, jogging and running.

The scheme has averaged about 66,000 visits per annum from the public over the last 3 years. These figures include organised visits by local schools. Denbighshire County Council's Countryside Service provides a series of information packs linked to the National Curriculum for visitors to Brickfields Pond.

The scheme is funded by Denbighshire County Council and the Countryside Council for Wales. Previous funding has come from a number of different sources including European Objective 1, Adfywio, Species Challenge Fund, Forestry Commission Wales and local industry.

The key factors in the success of the scheme are the partnership approach, the investment and levering in of resources in a countryside facility bordering a Communities First area and the linkage with other key priorities such as improving access for the disabled and promoting physical activity.