A North Wales nature reserve managed by ARC has won the small-scale ‘Project of the Year’ 2019 in biodiversity awards from the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).

The White Lion Nature Reserve in Penymynydd, Flintshire, was created in partnership with housing developer Redrow and is home to great crested newts among other species.

The Big Biodiversity Challenge and Awards is in its sixth year.  The award judges were impressed with the partnership approach, community focus, ecological output and legacy of the project.

At the award ceremony a keynote speaker from the British Ecological Society chose it as one of her stand-out projects.

The White Lion Reserve is a 0.8 hectare site maintained by ARC with wildlife and people in mind.  It is located within a Redrow development of 85 family homes.

The development was shaped by the natural environment and carefully landscaped to preserve habitats and enhance biodiversity.

The Reserve is home to five native amphibian species along with mammals, birds and invertebrates such as the rare mud snail.

Guided walks, species surveys and pond-dipping sessions delivered by ARC are a popular feature of life for the local community.