Nearly a quarter of a million pounds will be spent on improving the woodland at Porthkerry Country Park.
The Barry beauty spot, which includes over 220 acres of mixed woodland and grassland, became a part of the National Forest of Wales last November.
It's also home to a number of specialist species, some of which - according to Vale Council - may be lost forever without support.
Vale Council says the money from The Woodland Investment Grant Scheme (TWIG) will improve the park's biodiversity and access through maintenance and management works.
Extensive conservation work will also take place to restore and protect vital habitats, ensuring the woodland at Porthkerry continues to thrive.
Deputy council leader Bronwen Brooks, who is also the cabinet member for sustainable places, said: "Thanks to the support from Welsh Government via the TWIG scheme, we can develop our plans for vital conservation work and community outreach."
"Porthkerry Country Park is an important part of our local history and landscape. With this funding, we can help ensure a brighter future for the Vale's wonderful ancient woods."
The TWIG scheme, delivered by the National Lottery's heritage fund, awarded a grant of £249,676 to support a number of key improvements in Porthkerry's wooded areas, including:
- Woodland management works to maintain, enhance, and create a more robust and resilient woodland.
- Effective management of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed. which needs specialist removal
- Installing of a 900m footpath made from type 1 aggregate to improve access to the woodland trails for all visitors and to reduce the degradation and erosion of surrounding areas from trampling and footfall
- More engagement with community members and local schools in woodland biodiversity and habitat management projects
- Buying new tools and equipment for volunteers and partners to effectively undertake required tasks
An artist will be commissioned to work with schools in the Vale on designing and creating a new sculpture trail within the woodland.