Powys town pledges to embed biodiversity in its decision making

A Powys town council has pledged to embed biodiversity into its decision making and raise awareness of its importance.

Rhayader Town Council recently produced, adopted and published its 2026-2028 Biodiversity Action Plan

In the plan, the town which is the first on the banks of the River Wye 20 miles from its source, pledges to consider the impacts of biodiversity when reviewing planning applications and to create a and management plan.

They also agree to allocate finances within the annual budget to support initiatives, to arrange further training and more information for councillors and to work with others including the community and the school in a biodiversity project at the Weirglodd.

The council’s website will be used to provide information and raise awareness of the importance of gardens as habitats for wildlife and the members will develop further signage and interpretation boards in partnership with the Rhayader Tourism Partnership.

To help safeguard principal species and habitats they will continue to work with Powys County Council on mowing regimes, to ensure wildlife friendly maintenance of hedges and boundaries and to continue to enhance communal areas at its allotments to support wildlife. The council will also continue to plan flower beds and planters with pollinator friendly plants.

Town clerk Julie Stephens said; “To restore and create habitats and resilient ecological networks the council will create new pollinator pitstops throughout the town, develop a biodiversity plans for the Weirglodd site when it is transferred to the town council to include a new sensory garden area for the benefit of wildlife and for residents health and well being.

“Also include new flower planting on field edges, put in additional native hedging wgere appropriate and install bird boxes and bug houses.

“The council will work with others to further develop the community orchard, work with Rhayader by Nature to develop projects, One Voice Wales biodiversity officer to develop projects and seek grant funding for additional projects.”

To tackle negative pressures on species and habitats they will monitor invasive species, continue to improve recycling, manage compost at the allotments, manage land without pesticide and other chemicals, encourage litter picking by the town caretaker and encourage organic cultivation principles at the allotments.

In the plan the council also vows to use, improve and share evidence and work with other organisations, support the capacity of other groups, awards grants for local biodiversity projects and provide information on its website for the community.

A copy of the biodiversity action plan can be found on the Council website at https://rhayader.gov.wales/