A PWLLHELI nature reserve is one of 15 across the county which “will benefit” from a partnership between the council and a tidal lagoon energy firm.

Lôn Cob Bach will now be maintained after Tidal Lagoon Power, which is responsible for the bid to build the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, entered into an agreement with Gwynedd Council.

A six-month pilot project is now underway, during which 15 existing nature reserves across Gwynedd will be maintained and first steps taken to identify sites where the natural environment may be improved.

Tidal Lagoon Power said the relationship has nothing to do with its ongoing battle to build the world’s first tidal lagoon in south Wales, rather to “invest in nature alongside lagoons”.

Cllr Dafydd Meurig, Cabinet member for environment, welcomed the partnership agreement after the council withdrew its “non-statutory” maintenance of nature reserves last year.

“Due to the significant cuts in funding we receive to deliver local services, the council had to take the difficult decision last year to stop the non-statutory work of maintaining nature reserves within our area,” said Cllr Meurig.

“This was not a decision we were eager to introduce, and we are therefore pleased to work on a pilot project to maintain healthy functioning ecosystems within the county.

“We hope this unique partnership with Tidal Lagoon Power will continue beyond the pilot period and enable the council to continue delivering for our communities.”

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