BARRY schoolchildren will soon have first-hand experience of natural wildlife as Cadoxton Pond is being preserved and improved by Dow Corning Ltd.

The company has joined with Glamorgan Anglers Ltd and the Environment Agency Wales, using the expertise of the Wildlife Trust South and West Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales and local charity Vision 21, to protect the area for future generations.

And as an added boost, the project has just been awarded more than £50,000 in Objective 2 funding.

The work is being carried out on a 24 acre site of marshland along the bed of the old Cadoxton River.

A recent flora and fauna study revealed that there are species of animal and plant life that are rare in other parts of the principality, including the Peregrine Falcon, the Harvest Mouse and the Sweet Grass reed.

Work has already started on reshaping the pond into a fishing amenity and the construction of boardwalks, but has been postponed until the end of February due to the wet weather conditions.

Dow Corning's Managing Director, Terry Strange said: "This is the largest community environmental project we have ever undertaken. We believe the restoration will benefit everyone who lives and works in the community."

There will be a small building erected to provide shelter, toilet facilities and an education centre on the plot of land.

The project is due to be completed before the end of the year.

Welsh Secretary, Peter Hain, is due to visit in the near future.

He said: "In taking forward this exciting project, Dow Corning is showing that modern industry can exist side by side with local communities to create a better environment."

Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith said: "Dow Corning has always realised the important role it plays in the Barry community.

"This scheme must be applauded."