Ecological Survey in relation to the Cynefin Green Health Hub

Description

Cynefin is an area of farmland on the edge of Carmarthen town comprising a variety of different areas/habitats including a small woodland, large river-side field/flood plain (river Towy) and an uncultivated field. It is approx. 8 acres in total. The Cynefin site is on the Llansteffan Road opposite Rhyd-y-Gors school, Johnstown. It consists of 5 complimentary areas: A small woodland campfire A large salt marsh field adjacent to the river Towy Enclosed ‘garden’ at Alton House Large wild meadow area for planting and re-wilding, with well-established willow structures Mountain bike skills track UWTSD has been successfully awarded money from the Shared Prosperity Fund under the community section. In taking this award forward UWTSD will support and elevate community mental health and wellbeing, by delivering a variety of engaging activities and innovative interventions through development of a Green Health and Wellbeing Hub at our Cynefin Centre. Working in partnership with Coed Lleol. Small Woods Wales and involving other local organisations including Hywel Dda HealthBoard, Natural Resources Wales and Carmarthenshire County Council, the project will utilise and develop the natural green spaces at the site to enhance the health and wellbeing of a range of beneficiaries. The project will have additional impact by making the site more accessible to the community and visitors. To develop a green health community hub that supports the mental and physical wellbeing of a range of different organisations, groups and individuals in the Carmarthen area. A key objective is to enhance the Cynefin area/ eco system and requires a professional ecology survey of the area to the undertaken. The following 5 objectives will frame project development: to create a local nature/outdoor space to improve health and wellbeing activities that meets the needs of local people and groups and is accessible during the week (at specified times) at weekends, evenings and holiday periods. to liaise with local groups, schools and organisations to develop sustainable green-health projects bespoke to specific group needs to work closely with established charities, community groups and social prescribing teams to increase green health participation with hard to reach and marginalised groups to undertake research to inform the development of future Green Health & Wellbeing Hubs to establish closer links between UWTSD, its One Health partners and the local community Scope of works The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is seeking to appoint suitably qualified and experienced provider, to conduct an ecological survey. Process The project implementation and progress against outcomes. Impact The achievements against objectives, assessment of broader outcomes and impacts of the project, unintended consequences, next steps. The field study ecological assessment to begin after the 1st April 2024 and the report to be completed by 31st May. The Survey will be need to focus on three areas Part 1 A full ecological assessment of the overall site (8 acres approximately) to include the different areas/habitats/ eco systems at Cynefin and identify existing biodiversity. Part 2 An ecology focused site management plan for the adjacent/different areas that further promotes the biodiversity of the site alongside its sustainable recreational/educational use. Part 3 Recommendations for sustainable recreational / educational use.