Awarded £1.1million in 2016, Ynys Cybi i’w Thrysori – Our Island Gem is focused on Ynys Cybi, a small rocky island off the western coast of Anglesey.

This rugged landscape has been called home by countless different communities across the centuries and played a significant role in the region’s defence, migration and trade.

Once a Roman stronghold, today Ynys Cybi is a key transport hub and the western gateway welcoming visitors to Wales.

To protect this special place, this landscape partnership has 21 projects addressing a number of actions recognised as priorities by the local community. The partnership involves representatives from the local area including over 40 stakeholders.

One focus of the project is to improve understanding of the character of the landscape and its benefits to the community, including improving people’s wellbeing, quality of life and the local economy.

Some of the projects will manage and enhance the characteristic heathland habitat through clearing scrub and longer-term management solutions. Others focus on linking communities with the coast and country parks by developing easy access footpaths and new walks and trails.

A new 'code of conduct' and site guide will encourage and enable sustainable behaviour among outdoor activity providers.

Working closely with landowners is central to the project to better manage the land, including coastal heathland, and control invasive species. The scheme will develop a volunteer programme to recruit and train more people to ensure the land is managed sustainably in the long-term. 

A lasting legacy

The Landscape Partnership scheme will run until 2025, though the project is planning beyond this point to ensure the legacy of the scheme is continued.

Find out more on the Isle of Anglesey County Council website.