Site Address:  Ty Llys, High St, Heol-y-Cyw, Bridgend CF35 6HR

Project Overview

In early 2024, Emroch Landscapes Limited was appointed as the principal contractor to deliver a transformational biodiversity scheme at Heol-y-Cyw Playing Field, on behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council, in partnership with the Bridgend Local Nature Partnership and Coychurch Higher Community Council.

Funded by the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature programme, the scheme aimed to restore a section of the playing field into a thriving wetland and woodland habitat while retaining its value for sports and recreation.

Our Role & Scope of Works

As the main contractor, Emroch Landscapes was responsible for the full delivery of the scheme, which included:

Groundworks & Hydrology

• Creating a new attenuation pond to manage surface water runoff from the field.
• Reprofiling the landscape to form wetland basins and improve drainage capacity.

Habitat Creation

• Planting wet woodland species and wildflower meadows to support pollinators and wildlife.
• Establishing diverse native planting zones suitable for a range of invertebrates, birds, and amphibians.

Access & Infrastructure

• Installing new footpaths and boardwalks for all‑weather access through sensitive ecological areas.
• Providing new benches, picnic furniture and a sculptural bee column designed by Will Nash to serve both aesthetic and ecological functions.

Collaboration & Site Management

• Working closely with the council and local stakeholders to ensure the scheme balanced ecology with community use.
• Maintaining live public access and safeguarding existing sports pitches throughout the works.
  
  

Key Objectives Achieved

Enhancing Biodiversity

• We delivered a carefully designed habitat supporting bats, amphibians, and pollinators, in particular solitary bees that are vital to the UK’s natural ecosystem.

Natural Flood Management

• Our team successfully integrated sustainable drainage features (SuDS) to reduce waterlogging on the field and improve climate resilience.

Accessible Community Space

• We provided a welcoming, well-structured natural space with thoughtful landscaping, seating, and walkways to encourage public interaction with the environment.

Retained Recreational Value

• Despite the environmental enhancements, we ensured the two existing sports pitches and general recreation space were fully retained and unaffected.

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge: Balancing biodiversity enhancement with public use

Solution: We maintained open play areas and worked around ongoing use of the site to minimise disruption.

Challenge: Sensitive wetland creation in a previously flat, compacted playing field

Solution: Our team utilised careful grading, pond construction and specific soil profiles to ensure successful establishment of wetland and wildflower areas.

Challenge: Delivering within a tight timeframe and budget

Solution: We coordinated closely with the council, suppliers, and local artists to deliver all features—including the bee column sculpture—on schedule and within budget.

Outcome & Community Impact

The completed scheme now offers:

• A functioning wetland that naturally manages water and attracts wildlife.
• An educational and accessible environment where residents can engage with nature.
• A lasting green legacy for the village of Heol-y-Cyw that contributes to Bridgend’s wider biodiversity goals.

Feedback from the local authority and community stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive. The project is now being used as a blueprint for other nature-based schemes across the borough.

Conclusion

At Emroch Landscapes, we’re proud to have delivered a project that showcases the value of green infrastructure and sensitive landscaping in a multifunctional public space. The Heol-y-Cyw Wetland Scheme is a prime example of how we integrate environmental responsibility, technical expertise, and community engagement into every job we undertake.

This project reflects our ongoing commitment to:

• Delivering high‑quality landscape construction
• Supporting biodiversity and sustainable drainage
• Creating inclusive, accessible public spaces

For more information about our ecological landscaping and wetland creation capabilities, please get in touch with the team at Emroch Landscapes Limited.