Maelgwn Nectar Bar

Cinnabar caterpillars on ragwort

Cinnabar caterpillars on ragwort © Mike Mosey

Maelgwn Nectar Bar

Working together to bring nature back

Our new 'bar' in Llandudno Junction is the bees knees!

In partnership with housing association Cartrefi Conwy, the Maelgwn Nectar Bar Project was launched in October 2022.  Led by a small team of Trust volunteers from our Conwy Valley local branch, this unloved strip of ground bordering Victoria Drive, a busy residential street next to the former Maelgwn School in Llandudno Junction was cleared of unwanted vegetation and litter.  Local community groups, residents of all ages, councillors, friends and neighbours were all invited to come along and get involved, encouraging a sense of ownership and understanding of what we were aiming to achieve. It was planted and sown with species that will provide food and shelter for butterflies and other wildlife and to look appealing to local residents too.

Reds, yellows, purples ... within the first year we have seen a colourful array of poppies, calendula, dandelions and toadflax, to name just a few.  Cinnabar moths found the ragwort and their stripey caterpillars proved how quickly nature will move in when given an opportunity.  This nature-friendly border has taken very little maintenance and has cost nothing (all seeds and plants have been kindly donated by volunteers, friends and neighbours). A little time, effort and enthusiasm can achieve a lot!

The group will continue to improve the nectar bar, bringing the local community closer to nature and making it a place for all to enjoy.  Could you do something similar in your neighbourhood?  We can all do something to provide for local wildlife so why not start today with one of the ideas on our website.

Lots of local people walk this route and it’s an opportunity to make it more attractive to them and to local wildlife
Mike Mosey, volunteer
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