Supporting one of Caerphilly’s most important wetland habitats, and strengthening Catnic’s long‑term biodiversity commitments
A team of eight Catnic volunteers joined Caerphilly County Borough Council’s countryside rangers on 21 April for a dedicated conservation day at Penallta Marsh, a nationally significant wetland habitat and a vital stronghold for the Marsh Fritillary, one of Wales’s rarest butterflies. Their work forms part of Catnic’s wider commitment to delivering net‑positive biodiversity gains across the communities in which we operate.
Protecting a Fragile Habitat
Volunteers spent the day removing invasive bramble, bracken and young willow and birch saplings that had begun to encroach on areas of Rhôs pasture, a scarce and declining habitat across Wales. This practical work helps maintain the open, tussocky grassland structure essential for species such as Devil’s‑bit Scabious, the sole food plant of the Marsh Fritillary caterpillar.
This aligns with Caerphilly’s conservation guidance, which highlights that the Marsh Fritillary’s abundance has fallen by 60% and its distribution by 40% over the last 30 years. Protecting and restoring its habitat is now critical.
Supporting the Marsh Fritillary
The Marsh Fritillary is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species, protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. With adults typically travelling no more than 100 metres from where they emerge, the species relies on a connected network of healthy wet meadows.
By improving habitat quality at Penallta Marsh, volunteers helped strengthen a crucial “stepping‑stone” site linking other Marsh Fritillary populations across the landscape, directly supporting long‑term species recovery.
“I didn’t realise how rare the Marsh Fritillary is until today. Learning about the species and then physically helping to protect its habitat made the experience really meaningful. I’d love to come back in the autumn to continue the work.”
Community Action with Real Impact
The group also received an engaging talk from Caerphilly’s biodiversity team, Ben Sands, Kerry Galey and Liam Way, who explained the conservation tools used on site and how targeted management supports long‑term ecological resilience.
Their enthusiasm and commitment made a tangible difference to the marsh’s ecological health, and many volunteers expressed interest in returning in the autumn to continue the work.
“Penallta Marsh is a special place, and seeing our team contribute to its protection was incredibly rewarding. This kind of hands on conservation work is exactly what our biodiversity commitments are about, supporting local habitats, strengthening ecological resilience, and giving our people the chance to make a real difference.”
Connecting to Catnic’s Wider Biodiversity Commitment
This volunteer day is a practical expression of Catnic’s Protecting & Expanding Biodiversity pillar, one of the four core pillars of our Sustainability Commitment. Across our operations, we are committed to delivering net‑positive biodiversity gains through robust environmental management, protecting and enhancing habitats for local wildlife, and creating nature‑rich spaces that support pollinators while also offering calming, green environments for our community. The work at Penallta Marsh reflects these principles in action: strengthening local ecosystems, supporting wildlife corridors, and giving employees meaningful opportunities to connect with nature and contribute to community wellbeing.
