Management change for Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will continue to help safeguard Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve after its management lease comes to an end on 31 December 2020.

National Nature Reserves are areas of the countryside where special examples of Britain’s habitats and wildlife are protected.

NRW will continue its work at Merthyr Mawr, which is home to the highest dune in Wales known as the Big Dipper, through the Sands of LIFE dune rejuvenation project.

The project aims to revitalise sand dunes by recreating natural movement and rejuvenating habitats, which are home to some of UK’s most rare wildlife.

Merthyr Mawr is a haven for wildlife and the dune system extends to 840 acres - the size of 340 international rugby pitches.

Although NRW’s lease to manage the conservation of this protected site is coming to an end, both NRW and Merthyr Mawr Estate remain committed to safeguarding this special habitat.

NRW is now working with the estate to create a Nature Reserve Agreement for the future management of the site’s special features and to maintain its National Nature Reserve status.

Cabinet member for education and regeneration Charles Smith

Merthyr Mawr Warren is also supported by the ‘Dunes 2 Dunes’ project, led by Bridgend County Borough Council, which aims to increase biodiversity, improve habitats, restore paths and boundaries, and educate visitors.

Earlier this month, Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club, which has also received support from ‘Dunes 2 Dunes’, won the title of Outstanding Environmental Project of the Year 2021 at the Golf Environment Awards for its work to restore and enhance the internationally important dune landscape along the Kenfig National Nature Reserve coastline.