Slash Pond
A community-led reserve delivering meaningful outcomes for nature recovery
Slash Pond Community Nature Reserve is a distinctive wetland and woodland site in the heart of Broad Haven, just metres from the seafront. Formerly an opencast culm mine, it has evolved into a green oasis and biodiversity hotspot, centred around a large pond and surrounded by willow-dominated woodland. The reserve also holds National Forest for Wales status, recognising its wider environmental value. https://wales365uk.sharepoint.com/sites/msteams_cfe7cf/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc={A9B7E431-6C00-47B9-B7B9-7E4DD3A42B42}&file=WBP Webpage Content.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true
The site features an impressive mix of semi-natural habitats, including standing open water, broadleaved semi-natural woodland, grey willow and blackthorn/hawthorn scrub, as well as marginal vegetation, swamp and semi-improved grassland. Surveys indicate that habitats are in good condition, with clear evidence of a diverse native species assemblage, supported by direct records of birds, otters, moths and eels.
Why it matters
Slash Pond demonstrates clear biodiversity value, with an important concentration of priority habitats and species within a relatively small footprint. While invasive non-native plants are present, their extent is limited and under active management, supported by routine monitoring including citizen science-based water quality testing.
Well managed, routinely monitored and highly valued, the reserve is a cherished local asset. Strong community-led governance, supported by a dedicated volunteer group and long-term stewardship, exemplifies the bottom-up approach to conservation that Naturfa status represents. Overall, Slash Pond presents an outstanding example of how locally driven action can deliver meaningful outcomes for nature recovery.
Get in touch
Interested in learning more about recognised sites or exploring case studies?
Contact us at 30x30inWales@gov.wales