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The extent and connectivity of Inland Rock and Cliff in NPT has hardly changed for hundreds of years. However, there has been some deterioration in the condition of Craig y Llyn in recent decades. Inland Rock and Cliff Exposed crags, scree The State of Nature in Inland Rock and Cliff in Neath Port Talbot The extent and connectivity of Inland Rock and Cliff in NPT has hardly changed for hundreds of years. However, there has been some deterioration in the condition of Craig y Llyn in recent decades. Invasion of scree and cliff by Sitka Spruce regenerating from seed that has rained in from surrounding plantations has become a significant problem and traffic pollution originating from the nearby Rhigos Mountain Road may also be a problem. The construction of a zipline above nearby Llyn Fawr is a reminder that many upland cliff habitats in South Wales are under pressure from tourist developments. Overall, we have assessed the resilience and state of nature in Inland Rock and Cliff in Neath Port Talbot as fair. OVERVIEW The north-facing sandstone cliffs of Craig y Llyn above Llyn Fach are the most important example of this type of habitat in Glamorgan and although this habitat only supports a small proportion of NPT’s priority species, there is a community of northern boreal and arctic-montane plants here which has a unique place in the county. For example, species such as Cowberry, Crowberry, Lesser Meadow-rue, Stone Bramble, Fir Clubmoss, Wilson’s Filmy-fern, Oak Fern, Brittle Bladder-fern, Beech Fern, Parsley Fern, Mountain Male-fern, Black Rock-moss and Stiff Apple-moss are either only found here or are very uncommon elsewhere in NPT. Smaller north-facing outcrops such as those at Craig y Pant in the Neath Valley and above Cymmer in the upper Afan Valley also support interesting bryophyte assemblages with Hill Notchwort, Trunk Paw-wort and Neat Silk-moss and the only occurrence of Lanceolate Spleenwort in NPT. In the past these habitats have provided breeding grounds for Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Whinchat and Ring Ouzel, although the latter has not bred in the county for over 50 years. Actions for the recovery of Inland Rock and Cliff habitats in NPT Responsibility for these actions lie with all of us and as such, we have not sought to assign actions to particular organisations or groups. Instead, it is our hope that this document will provide the guidance and inspiration for anybody, or any group or organisation, to undertake the actions that are within their capability to deliver. The Secretariat of NPT LNP (NPT Council) are providing a facilitation role to support, collate and monitor work towards these actions. If you would like to discuss your potential involvement in delivery of these actions, please get in touch with biodiversity@npt.gov.uk . Remove invasive tree species Remove any conifers which have self-seeded onto the cliff features e.g. at Craig y Llyn SSSI Monitor breeding birds Monitor breeding birds on this habitat Monitor important plant species Monitor the important plant species (as detailed in the overview) that can be found in this habitat. ©Richard Pryce ©Vaughn Matthews FERNS The crags of Craig y Llyn are home to a number of fern species that are scarce or rare in south Wales and of conservation concern. One of them is Wilson’s Filmy-fern, a small plant with thin, translucent fronds that form a mat on shady, vertical rocks. This Atlantic species is confined to humid ravines and north-facing cliffs in south Wales and is only known from Craig y Llyn in NPT. That is also true of Mountain Male-fern, a northern montane species at the southern limit of its British range in Glamorgan. Other ferns worthy of note here are Oak Fern and Beech Fern. These two Boreo-temperate species make attractive displays in the hardy plant communities of Craig y Llyn and have few other locations in the county. KESTREL The Kestrel is now Red Listed in Wales following a widespread decline across the country. The reasons for this decline are thought to be related to increased mortality with juvenile birds unable to find sufficient insect food, predation by Goshawks and also poisoning by rodenticides. The Kestrel was once a fairly common breeding resident in NPT, its main habitat being rough grassland, where it preys on voles, and also coastal areas. For many years they bred in the roof of the Fords factory near Jersey Marine (now Bay Studios) and on some inland cliffs but the species has declined dramatically in recent years with few breeding records. CLUBMOSSES NPT has 3 species of clubmosses; Alpine, Fir and Stag‘s-horn. They are integral and iconic features of the county’s upland biodiversity. Contrary to their misleading name, they are not mosses at all but vascular plants which are related closely to ferns. In the past, when the high ground of NPT was dominated by moderately-grazed, unimproved moorland and dwarf-shrub heath, Fir and Stag’s-horn Clubmoss species would have been relatively widespread. Today, they are uncommon in the intensively grazed uplands of NPT. Fir Clubmoss is only found on north-facing sandstone ledges and scree and in banks of un-grazed dwarf-shrub heath in conifer plantations. Alpine and Stag’s-horn Clubmoss are confined to these banks of heather and bilberry in plantations. Alpine Clubmoss, which is our rarest clubmoss, occurs at its UK southern limit in NPT. All our clubmoss species are vulnerable and endangered. CASE STUDY CRAIG Y LLYN Craig y Llyn SSSI consists of two north-east-facing hollows that were cut by Pleistocene ice or snow into the edge of the Pennant Sandstone Plateau and also includes the lake below, Llyn Fach. Here, the high cliffs, ravines and flushes support many montane species such as Wilson's Filmy Fern, Fir Clubmoss, Oak-fern, Mountain Male-fern and a number of upland bryophytes which are otherwise uncommon in south Wales. Llyn Fach has a suite of uncommon aquatic species that are associated with upland oligotrophic lakes such as Water Lobelia, Quillwort and Floating Bur-reed. Many of these species are near or at their southern distribution limit in Britain in this site. Analysis of the pollen preserved in Ffos Cenglau has yielded data on the post-glacial sequence of woodland types in South Wales. Llyn Fach and its surrounds are managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) who organise surveys and monitoring of the lake and grassland habitats which inform management decisions. For example, survey rafts are used to monitor the population of Water Vole that has recently been discovered here and occasional, humane trapping is carried out to remove predatory American Mink. Other management practices include the introduction of cattle in summer for conservation grazing, scrub clearance and the removal of encroaching conifers (mostly Sitka Spruce) which are regenerating onsite. WTSWW is also working towards increasing the public understanding of the importance of the species at this reserve and reducing anti-social behaviour.

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are regarded as a significant threat to biodiversity. There are a group of 14 invasive neophyte species and groups that we believe are of particular concern in NPT. Invasive Non-Native Species in NPT Invasive non-native species (INNS) are regarded as a significant threat to biodiversity. In the UK, all INNS are neophytes, i.e. non-native species that have been introduced into the British flora since 1600AD. Currently, the number of naturalised neophytes in Britain outnumbers the number of native species, but most neophytes have little impact on biodiversity and many may actually add something to it on a local scale. However, there are a group of 14 invasive neophyte species and groups that we believe are of particular concern in NPT. Of these, Himalayan Balsam (or Indian Balsam), Japanese Knotweed and Rhododendron are notorious, but each species in this list has a significant impact on one or more of our principal habitats (see Table 2). Other potentially invasive species in the county such as Lupin, Chinese Bramble, American Skunk Cabbage and Henry’s Honeysuckle could pose a threat in the future. Several other neophyte species which are abundant and aggressive competitors, particularly in early successional or ruderal environments, include some Stonecrop species, Bilbao Fleabane and Hoary Mustard, but none of these have significant effects on local biodiversity. Similarly, there are a number of garden throw-out species which are widespread and persistent in the county, notably Dotted Loosestrife and Montbretia, which we believe are not having significant effects on biodiversity at present. Interesting problems are posed by some garden plants that have become established and/or naturalised in some habitats where they might cross fertilise and hybridise with native species. Two significant examples are given by Spanish (and Hybrid) Bluebell and the silver-blotched leaf form of Garden Yellow Archangel. The extent to which Spanish/Hybrid Bluebell has hybridised with native Bluebells and the effect that this may have on the genetic purity of local native Bluebell populations is largely unknown. At the moment there is little evidence that there is cause for concern but it seems prudent to eradicate naturalised Spanish/Hybrid Bluebells from areas where they could hybridise with native Bluebells e.g. in ancient woodland and hedgerow. Similarly, it would be wise to control naturalised populations of Garden Yellow Archangel, which is much more vigorous and competitive than our native Yellow Archangel. With regards to invasive non-native fauna in NPT, we have records for a number of species, including: American Mink Grey Squirrel Red-eared Terrapin Egyptian Goose Of these, perhaps the most common is the Grey Squirrel, which is ubiquitous across NPT and commonly seen across our parks, gardens and woodlands. The Grey Squirrel is a North American species, which is highly competitive with the native Red Squirrel, as well as transmitting a disease (Parapoxvirus) which has decimated the Red Squirrel populations in Wales. Red Squirrels were once found across the whole of NPT but by 1999 they had disappeared from the county and from much of Wales as a whole. This decline in the Red Squirrel has been attributed to the Grey Squirrel, though habitat loss, road traffic and other predators are also likely to have had an impact. Likewise, a similar correlation can be seen between the decline of the Water Vole and the spread of the American Mink, which has been blamed for the decline of Water Vole in other areas across the UK. We do not have substantial evidence of other non-native fauna causing significant problems in NPT, though this is not to say it is not occurring. Brief descriptions of the INNS of most concern in NPT and a summary of their main impacts is given below. A wider list of INNS problematic across the whole of Wales has been collated and details of this list can be found on the Wales Biodiversity Partnership website. The Distribution of INNS (of particular concern) in NPT habitats The table below shows the occurrence of 18 INNS in the NPT’s major terrestrial and freshwater habitat categories. Note that waterweeds are listed as separate species except for Nuttall’s and Canadian Pondweed which are included together. A number of significant issues are clear from this analysis: (i)All the major terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in NPT have INNS in them. (ii)Cotoneaster, Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed are represented in more than half of these habitats while Buddleia and Rhododendron are also widely distributed. (iii)Urban habitats contain the most INNS and are likely to be the source of INNS in other habitats. For example a number of Cotoneaster species have spread from amenity planting on industrial estates, parks and gardens. Rhododendron has also spread uncontrollably in areas like Margam Park. (iv)Of the remaining habitats, coastal ecosystems supports the most INNS, e.g. Crymlyn Burrows. Species Woodland Heathland and Moorland Semi-Natural Grassland Open Mosaic Enclosed Farmland Urban Freshwater Wetland Inland Rock and Cliff Coastal Sitka Spruce x x Sea Buckthorn x x Rhododendron x x x x x Parrot's Feathers x x Nuttal's/ Canadian Pondweed x x New Zealand Pigmyweed x x Michaelmas Daisy x x Japanese Rose x x x Japanese Knotweed x x x x x Holm Oak x x Himalayan Honeysuckle x x x Himalayan Balsam x x x x x x Garden Lady's-Mantle x x Curly Waterweed x x Cotoneaster x x x x x x Canadian Goldenrod x x Buddleia x x x x

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We need to understand how nature is coping in NPT, so that we can protect our wild places. Assessing the state of nature in NPT is the first step towards a healthy environment. It will help us plan actions to provide future generations with an inspiring place to live. The State of Nature in NPT We need to understand how nature is coping in NPT, so that we can protect our wild places. Assessing the state of nature in NPT is the first step towards a healthy environment. It helps us plan actions to provide future generations with an inspiring place to live. The State of Nature 2019 (A Summary for Wales) report revealed some sobering statistics which included evidence for a decline of 41% in the abundance of species in the last 50 years, with 17% of Wales' species currently at risk of extinction. In order to understand local trends and pressures, and to guide action to aid recovery, Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership (NPT LNP) has undertaken an assessment of the State of Nature in the county, linked with a Nature Recovery Action Plan. Using the evidence available to us, we have made an assessment of the state of nature of the habitats of NPT. We have grouped these habitats into 11 broad habitat categories. Sadly, of these 11 habitat categories, only two are in good state. It will require urgent action to improve the state of nature in NPT. Discover more about each habitat by clicking the links below. Habitats in NPT have been classified into 11 broad categories and each of these has been divided further into sub-categories or specific habitats. Some of these habitats support large numbers of priority species yet their biodiversity is threatened by pressures such as development and neglect. The collective resilience of these habitats is a good indicator of the state of nature in NPT. Of the 11 broad habitat categories, nine are assessed to be in less than good state and five are assessed as poor. Woodland and Open Mosaic Habitats in the county have been assessed as good, with the caveats that there are problems with invasive non-native species in both and many biodiverse Open Mosaic Habitats are threatened with development. Resilience of each habitat is colour-coded below; Red (Poor ecosystem resilience), Amber (Fair ecosystem resilience) or Green (Good ecosystem resilience) Heathland and Moorland Read More Marshy grassland, heathland, moorland and ffridd (coed cae) Semi-natural Grassland Read More Mesotrophic grasslands, restored coal waste, amenity grassland and levels Wetland Habitats Read More Fens, bogs, springs and seepages Coastal Habitats Read More Sand dunes, saltmarsh, estuary, intertidal sand and mud, man-made structures Marine Habitats Read More Inshore/ subtidal marine habitats Freshwater Read More Lakes, reservoirs and ponds, rivers and streams, canals Inland Rock and Cliff Read More Exposed crags, scree Urban Read More Gardens, hard engineering, parks, green infrastructure Enclosed Farmland Read More Arable land, improved grassland, drystone walls and boundaries Woodland Read More Oak woodland, wet alder/ willow woodland, riparian corridor woodland, plantation, scrub, hedgerow Open Mosaic Habitats Read More On previously developed land, on spoil, on industrial land Habitat Map This habitat map of NPT shows the distribution of different habitat types across the county. It is a Phase 1 map , constructed from 2021 aerial imagery. Priority Species We have put together a list of 237 priority species from a comprehensive dataset of field records provided by members of the NPT LNP over the last 20 years. In our database, we link each species in the list only with the habitat(s) in which it occurs in NPT. For example, as far as we can tell from our records, the Marsh Fritillary butterfly only breeds in marshy grasslands in NPT and can only be cross-referenced to this habitat in our database, even though it may breed in other habitats (e.g. sand dunes) elsewhere. This allows us to make an evidence-based assessment of priority species diversity for each habitat in NPT. Invertebrates (e.g. butterflies and moths) make up the largest proportion of our priority species. A full list of NPT’s priority species is given in Appendix 2 (Appendices). Numbers of priority species found in the various broad habitat types. The importance of woodlands, coastal habitats, grasslands, and open mosaic habitats for priority species in NPT is clear. Reviewing the State of Nature of NPT The State of Nature in NPT will be reviewed again in 2028. The actions and the priority species list will be reviewed each year in the first meeting of the New Year of the NPT Local Nature Partnership. If you would like to help deliver a particular action in the plan, recommend a new action, suggest a review or take part in the review process, please get in touch.

Data may be collected through this website to enable us to get in touch with you or return your message. As Secretariat of NPT LNP, Neath Port Talbot Council Countryside and Wildlife Team are the Data Controllers for this website. Privacy Policy About us This website is owned and operated by the Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership (NPT LNP). The NPT Local Nature Partnership (NPT LNP) is made up of representatives from a wide range of organisations plus individuals with an interest in local wildlife and land management. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in biodiversity and wildlife conservation in NPT. The Steering Group for NPT LNP is drawn from the key organisational members to include representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council, Natural Resources Wales, SEWBReC, one non-governmental organisation and one community group/ unaffiliated member, plus the chair of the LNP. Neath Port Talbot Council provides the Secretariat for NPT LNP. 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Amendments We may update this policy from time to time by publishing a new version here. Last edited 30/6/25

Check out this page to find out about nature and wildlife events, volunteering and activities in Neath Port Talbot, South Wales. These events are run by the Local Nature Partnership and its members. What's On Upcoming Nature Events in NPT Multiple Dates 18 Feb 2026, 18:30 – 19:30 NPT for Nature Webinar Series Session 2: Frogs and Toads in the UK – ID and Ecology / Microsoft Teams Webinar RSVP 18 Feb 2026, 18:30 – 19:30 Microsoft Teams Webinar Discover the hidden world of the UK’s amphibians and reptiles in this seven‑part online series. From frogs, toads and newts to lizards and snakes, we’ll explore how to identify each species, understand their ecology, and learn the survey skills needed to find them in the wild. +5 more 11 Mar 2026, 19:10 – 21:00 To Antarctica and back with Arctic Terns - a Gower Ornithological Society event / See GOS website RSVP 11 Mar 2026, 19:10 – 21:00 See GOS website Dr Chris Redfern will talk to us about Arctic terns. Arctic terns are renowned for the global scale of their migration. The routes taken by individuals can be determined using small electronic ‘geolocators’ attached to a leg ring. These devices have been fitted to Arctic terns ... 15 Apr 2026, 19:10 – 21:00 Cudyll Cymru – a new dawn for monitoring raptors in Wales - a Gower Ornithological Society event / See GOS website RSVP 15 Apr 2026, 19:10 – 21:00 See GOS website Charlotte will talk to us about Cudyll Cymru, BTO’s Welsh Raptor Monitoring Project. Her role for the last couple of years has been to develop and co-ordinate raptor population monitoring efforts and obtain greater understanding of the populations of some of our commoner species in particular. Volunteer Opportunities in NPT Below are some of the current volunteer opportunities in NPT - if you like the sound of one, click the link to find out more. Afan Environment Volunteers Work days on 1st Wednesday of the month in the Afan Valley, including habitat management and wildlife surveys. Learn more. Bryncoch Environment Group Nature activities in the locality of Bryncoch, including toad patrols and litter picks. Learn more. Crymlyn Burrows Rare plant monitoring, beach cleans, invasive species control. Keep an eye out for upcoming events here . Learn more. Friends of Craig Gwladus Volunteer work parties and events at Craig Gwladus Country Park. Learn more. Friends of the Earth NPT A small friendly local group who campaign on issues which affect the environment in NPT Learn more. Upland Water Vole Project 2025-2028 Help to find water voles in the uplands of Glamorgan. Learn more. South Wales Miners Museum Help required to help visitors discover the nature of Afan Forest Park. Contact Jeff Lewis-Jones. Learn more. Afan Angling and Conservation Club Management of the River Afan, including works to remove barriers to fish migration. Learn more. Bryn Residents Action Group (BRAG) Work parties in and around the village of Bryn, including Bryn Tip LNR. Learn more. Coed Cadw Woodland management activities at Woodland Trust woodlands in the county. Learn more. Friends of Gnoll Country Park Volunteer work parties and events at Gnoll Country Park. Learn more. Glamorgan Bat Group Bat surveys and research, affiliated with Bat Conservation Trust. Learn more. NPT Wildlife A place to find out about wildlife and nature in Neath Port Talbot. Learn more. Working with Nature NPT Nature activities and volunteering across NPT. Learn more. Buglife Natur am Byth Buglife Cymru is working with partners and communities across Swansea Bay to undertake timely and specific conservation interventions for 13 rare species identified as being at risk of local, and regional extinction. Learn more. Butterfly Conservation Marsh Fritillary surveys and habitat management in locality of the Dulais valley. Learn more. Coed Lleol Workshops and volunteering at sites across NPT Learn more. Friends of Jersey Park Volunteer work parties and events at Jersey Park. Learn more. Gower Ornithological Society Bird-focussed walks, talks and surveys in Swansea and NPT. Learn more. Lost Peatlands Wildlife surveys, assisting with conservation tasks and supporting at events. Learn more.

The sheer diversity of species in OMH habitats, and the large number of Section 7 species among them, qualifies these habitats as some of the most important biodiversity resources in the county. However, they are vulnerable to re-development, habitat destruction and species losses. Open Mosaic Habitats On previously developed land, on spoil, on industrial land The State of Nature in Open Mosaic Habitats in Neath Port Talbot Open mosaic habitats support a significant proportion of the priority species in NPT. This, along with the sheer diversity of species often found in these habitats, and the large number of Section 7 species among them, qualifies these habitats as some of the most important biodiversity resources in the county. However, they are vulnerable to re-development, habitat destruction and species losses. They are also susceptible to successional changes through scrub encroachment by native woody species and invasive non-native species such as Buddleia and Cotoneasters. The role played by open mosaic habitats as refuges for Section 7 species should not be underestimated and there is an urgent requirement to find solutions compatible with development and the maintenance of their biodiversity in the future. e.g. designation of biodiversity refuge areas for protection and management. Because of their uncertain future, it is difficult to assess the long-term resilience of these habitats. However, attributes such as diversity, extent and connectivity currently score well, so the status quo resilience and the short-term state of nature in open mosaic habitats in NPT has been assessed as good. Maintaining this in the long term will require careful, sympathetic planning. OVERVIEW Most of the coastal zone of NPT has been altered radically by the development of heavy industry, perhaps more than any other part of Wales. This has resulted in the loss of large amounts of biodiverse habitats such as sand dunes, coastal marshes and fens. However, when such industrial land is cleared, the open mosaic habitats that are created can provide opportunities and refuge for uncommon species. Basil Thyme is a good example of an otherwise rare Section 7 species in Wales that has benefitted from the creation of coastal, open mosaic habitats in NPT such as on Baglan Energy Park. Other notable species found here include Lapwing, Linnet, Shrill Carder-bee, Small Blue, Dingy Skipper, Inclined Ditrichum (a moss), Autumn Lady’s Tresses, Common Cudweed, Deptford Pink, Marsh Helleborine, Sticky Stork’s-bill, and Yellow Bartsia. This remarkable open mosaic habitat supports the highest diversity of species in NPT, including numerous Section 7 species. In addition, inland spoil and quarry habitats provide refuges for priority and Section 7 species such as Adder, Grass Snake and numerous uncommon beetles, ground bugs, solitary bees and other pollinators. These sites are often designated as ‘brownfield’ and are therefore vulnerable to development. However, many of these sites in NPT are designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) although this does not always protect them from development. Other threats include inappropriate reclamation/ remediation, tree planting, planting with crop biofuels, absence of management, lack of recognition of their value and invasive non-native species. Open mosaic sites provide habitats for a quarter of NPT’s priority species, including 18 Section 7 species. They provide refuge for numerous species that are vulnerable and they are an asset for wildlife conservation. Actions for the recovery of Open Mosaic habitats in NPT Responsibility for these actions lie with all of us and as such, we have not sought to assign actions to particular organisations or groups. Instead, it is our hope that this document will provide the guidance and inspiration for anybody, or any group or organisation, to undertake the actions that are within their capability to deliver. The Secretariat of NPT LNP (NPT Council) are providing a facilitation role to support, collate and monitor work towards these actions. If you would like to discuss your potential involvement in delivery of these actions, please get in touch with biodiversity@npt.gov.uk . Management A coherent management strategy for biodiverse open mosaic sites is needed so that refuge habitats can be provided for rare and declining species. Long-term biodiversity management should be built into planning and a move away from default, amenity-planting of non-native shrubs is required Protection Continue to protect OMH sites to prevent loss to development, inappropriate reclamation, tree planting, biofuel planting etc. Awareness Raising Lack of awareness of the importance of these sites for biodiversity is a significant threat to these habitats. Take action to raise awareness of their importance where possible Rare Species Monitoring Continue to monitor the rare and protected species which can be found on open mosaic habitats in NPT, e.g. Deptford Pink, Basil Thyme and Shrill Carder Bee © Mark Hipkin © Barry Stewart © Charles Hipkin SHRILL CARDER BEE This very rare bee is only found in a handful of places in the UK with NPT being a stronghold in South Wales. It’s a bit tricky to identify but with a good look you may see the main features: pale blond in colour, with a dark brown band between the wing bases and a ginger tail. The queens fly very fast creating a high-pitched buzz. The coastal grasslands of NPT are an important area for the species. They favour wildflower habitats such as sand dunes, with plants with long corolla such as Red Bartsia. LAPWING Lapwings are a scarce and declining breeding species in the County and are more common on passage and in winter. There have been no recent breeding records in the uplands with breeding sites confined to coastal areas, particularly open mosaic habitats on previously industrialised land, which is often ephemeral. There were a minimum of 8 pairs breeding in the old BP site at Baglan Bay in 2019 and probable breeding at Llandarcy. However, numbers have declined significantly in these sites in recent years. The general decline in lapwing breeding numbers across Wales has been linked to changes in farming policy and practice. BASIL THYME A beautiful, small, violet-flowered member of the Sage family that is now very scarce in Britain and considered to be vulnerable in Wales. It is largely a southern species, usually associated with calcareous grassland but it has undergone a significant decline in this habitat in Britain in recent decades as a result of grassland improvements and intensive grazing. It is exclusively coastal in its distribution in NPT where it is a rare species of dune grassland. However, large populations of this species occur in open mosaic habitats on previously industrialised land near Baglan Dunes and these may be the largest populations of this species in Wales. Development of these sites in the future poses a significant challenge to the conservation of this species in NPT and Wales. Where to explore open-mosaic habitats in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see open mosaic habitats on previously developed land in NPT Open Mosaic Habitat Projects in NPT BRYN TIP LNR Bryn Tip is a Local Nature Reserve, designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) for its 'open mosaic habitats on previously developed land'. Once a coal tip, now it is a haven for people and wildlife in active management. cOLLIERY SPOIL INVERTEBRATE SURVEYS Surveys of colliery spoil sites across NPT were undertaken in 2018 in order to contribute to an increased understanding of colliery spoil habitats and their associated invertebrate fauna. Habitat management has taken place in recent years at one of the sites, Cwm Nanto. dEPTFORD PINK MONITORING Since 1997, the size of the NPT population of the scarce Deptford Pink has been estimated each year by counting individual flowering plants. This enables the LNP to monitor the health of the population. CASE STUDY MORFA TIP Morfa Tip is a large mound of landfill built mostly of furnace slag and other industrial by-products from Margam Steelworks (now Tata Steel). The original, unlined tip, which dates back to the 1970s, released significant amounts of caustic leachate, much of which drained into nearby Margam Moors. With the introduction of stringent landfill regulations, the site was eventually decommissioned, capped and covered in an impermeable liner. Following this, in line with new environmental regulations linked with planning regulations, a program of ecological (biodiversity) surveys was initiated and the remediation and development of this open mosaic site has been monitored and recorded each year ever since. To date, a total of 640 species has been recorded on Morfa Tip and immediate, peripheral areas. These include mammals (5), reptiles (5) birds (80), invertebrates (98) bryophytes (71), macroscopic fungi (22), lichens (22) and vascular plants (337). One of the most significant ecological developments on this 93ha site over the last 2 decades has been the accumulation of windblown sand originating from Morfa Beach and the remnant areas of dune which lay to the west of the tip. This has given rise to a dune-like landscape which continues to evolve and now supports a rich assemblage of vascular plant species. Notable among them are orchids such as Autumn Ladies-tresses, Bee Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Green-veined Orchid, Early Marsh-orchid and Southern Marsh-orchid. Other species of note include Round-leaved Wintergreen, Variegated Horsetail and two scarce neophytes, Bugseed and French Bartsia. A system of pools and ditches on the capped tip provide habitat for a diversity of aquatic species such as Thread-leaved Water Crowfoot, Small Pondweed and Stoneworts, while a well-developed emergent flora there includes Reeds, Bulrush, Grey Clubrush, and Pink Water-speedwell, among others. Dune grassland with colourful species such as Wild Thyme, Kidney Vetch, Common Stork's-bill, Dove's-foot Cranesbill and Viper's Bugloss occur around the base of the landfill where winter annual, semi-fixed dune species like Hutchinsia may also be found. Large areas on the east side of the tip are dominated by coarse grasses such as Wood Small-reed and Sea Couch. On the bare, damp sandy mud which lay to the west of the capped tip a fascinating community with Frog Rush and Cavernous Crystalwort has developed. The potential for the development of new, species-rich dune slack systems on Morfa Tip is eagerly anticipated. Already there are several areas that support Creeping Willow communities with Round-leaved Wintergreen and remarkable populations of the scarce fungus, Foxy Fibrecap. Priority fauna species associated with Morfa Tip include Shrill Carder-bee, Lapwing and Brown Hare.

This site is the place to find out information about the Neath Port Talbot (NPT) Local Nature Partnership, the state of nature in NPT and our Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP). Conserving, protecting and enhancing the nature of Neath Port Talbot in South Wales Read a pdf of the State of Nature of NPT NPT Local Nature Partnership Conserving, protecting and enhancing the nature of Neath Port Talbot We achieve our aims by creating partnerships between people that protect and care for nature in NPT, gathering information on the conservation of species and habitats in NPT, supporting the development of projects that are contributing to the aims of the Partnership, developing new projects to address local priorities and providing an advisory function on the subject of the state of nature and nature recovery in NPT. Read more THE STATE OF NATURE IN NPT An assessment of the State of Nature of our county has revealed that nature in NPT is in trouble and at risk from threats such as climate change and development. Urgent actions are required to improve the resilience of NPT’s biodiversity, in particular the coastal, heathland and moorland and semi-natural grassland habitats. Read More HOW CAN YOU HELP? Nature conservation begins at home and there are steps we can all take, wherever or whoever we are, to help preserve the natural heritage of NPT. Read More Our Nature Recovery Action Plan An assessment of the state of nature in NPT is the first step towards achieving a sustainable, healthy environment, which will provide all of us and future generations of NPT with an inspiring place to live. The actions that are suggested on this website are our road map to this; our Nature Recovery Action Plan. Read More NPT nature in numbers 21 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) 950 Hectares of protected land 70 Section 7 Species 21 UK Red Listed breeding birds Follow us Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Wed 18 Feb NPT for Nature Webinar Series Session 2: Frogs and Toads in the UK – ID and Ecology / Microsoft Teams Webinar RSVP 18 Feb 2026, 18:30 – 19:30 Microsoft Teams Webinar Discover the hidden world of the UK’s amphibians and reptiles in this seven‑part online series. From frogs, toads and newts to lizards and snakes, we’ll explore how to identify each species, understand their ecology, and learn the survey skills needed to find them in the wild. +5 more Wed 11 Mar To Antarctica and back with Arctic Terns - a Gower Ornithological Society event / See GOS website RSVP 11 Mar 2026, 19:10 – 21:00 See GOS website Dr Chris Redfern will talk to us about Arctic terns. Arctic terns are renowned for the global scale of their migration. The routes taken by individuals can be determined using small electronic ‘geolocators’ attached to a leg ring. These devices have been fitted to Arctic terns ... Wed 15 Apr Cudyll Cymru – a new dawn for monitoring raptors in Wales - a Gower Ornithological Society event / See GOS website RSVP 15 Apr 2026, 19:10 – 21:00 See GOS website Charlotte will talk to us about Cudyll Cymru, BTO’s Welsh Raptor Monitoring Project. Her role for the last couple of years has been to develop and co-ordinate raptor population monitoring efforts and obtain greater understanding of the populations of some of our commoner species in particular.

Semi-natural grassland is one of the county’s most important biodiversity resources. Unfortunately, it is also the habitat that has suffered the greatest decreases in extent, condition and connectivity. Semi-Natural Grassland Mesotrophic grasslands, restored coal waste, amenity grassland and levels The State of Nature in Semi-Natural Grassland in Neath Port Talbot Semi-improved, mesotrophic grassland supports almost one fifth of NPT's priority species and is one of the county’s most important biodiversity resources. Unfortunately, it is also the habitat that has suffered the greatest decreases in extent, condition and connectivity. This is particularly true for species-rich hay meadows which are scarce, disconnected and often badly managed or neglected. Broken connectivity in these habitats has had a significant negative effect on the distribution of priority species such as Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth and numerous priority plant species such as Meadow Thistle, Wood Bitter-vetch, Petty Whin and Dyer’s Greenweed. In view of this we have assessed the resilience and state of nature in semi-improved grasslands in NPT as poor. OVERVIEW Semi-improved grasslands in NPT provide habitats for a fifth of the county’s priority species. Most of these habitats are neutral, mesotrophic grasslands such as hay meadows, roadside verges/roundabouts, alluvial meadows, levels and restored grassland on coal spoil. If marshy grassland (which is included in the Heathland and Moorland category) is added, then the proportion of priority species is greater than one quarter, which is very significant. Traditionally managed hay meadows are rare in NPT, but the biodiverse Hafod Wennol SSSI meadows (and neighbouring areas) north of Pontardawe are exemplary with key indicator/priority species such as Large-flowered Eyebright, Greater Butterfly-orchid, and Greater Burnet. The inventory of biodiverse neutral grassland in NPT is augmented to some extent by an extensive network of roadside verges and roundabouts, some of which support diverse, colourful mesotrophic grassland communities. Good examples are found along Fabian Way (A465) near Jersey Marine, along Central Avenue near Baglan Energy Park, on the Saltings Roundabout near Neath and on Harbour Way in Port Talbot (near the steelworks) where colonies of Small Blue Butterfly can be found. Large amounts of restored grassland on coal spoil occur in the county. Good examples can be seen on Bryn Tip, the restored Selar opencast grasslands near Blaengwrach and restored grasslands in the upper Dulais Valley. Some of these sites have complex habitat mosaics and a rich diversity of grassland species, often with key indicator species such as Bee Orchid, Common Spotted-orchid, Carline Thistle, Pignut and Rough Hawkbit. The plight of species-rich grasslands in NPT is a major concern. Land use changes, development, agricultural improvement and neglect have all played a role in the disappearance of these habitats in the county over the last 70 years. Reversing this trend will require a step change in attitudes, recognition of their intrinsic value and changes in management practices. Sympathetic stewardship, habitat creation, roadside verge management and restoration can all play a part in this. Actions for the recovery of Semi-Natural Grassland habitats in NPT Responsibility for these actions lie with all of us and as such, we have not sought to assign actions to particular organisations or groups. Instead, it is our hope that this document will provide the guidance and inspiration for anybody, or any group or organisation, to undertake the actions that are within their capability to deliver. The Secretariat of NPT LNP (NPT Council) are providing a facilitation role to support, collate and monitor work towards these actions. If you would like to discuss your potential involvement in delivery of these actions, please get in touch with biodiversity@npt.gov.uk . Semi-natural grassland status in NPT Survey areas where understanding of semi-natural grassland status is poor to establish a baseline of the resilience of this habitat for these areas Semi-natural grassland conservation strategy Establish a strategy for semi-natural grassland management and restoration in NPT NPT Bee Friendly Continue to increase the area and extent of land managed as wildflower grassland, including roadside verge, on land managed by members of the partnership. Encourage similar management to take place on others' land Hay meadow management Establish meadows at large sites such as Gnoll Country Park and Margam Country Park, as well as on private land. These will have the added benefit of raising awareness of the plight of hay meadows. Conservation grazing on special sites Continue to take steps to establish or maintain conservation grazing on special sites where appropriate e.g. Bryn Tip LNR and Resolven Floodplain Meadows. Investigate funding for a shared mobile handling system and fencing technologies Town and Community Councils Engage with Town and Community Councils to knowledge share and support change of management on their land, to encourage semi-natural grassland Burial grounds for nature Engage with churches and cemeteries to change mowing regimes to increase the extent and area of wildflower and waxcap grasslands VOG, Bridgend and NPT Meadows Group Continue to support the meadows group to take action in NPT to manage semi-natural grassland habitats © Charles Hipkin GREATER BURNET Greater Burnet is a species of mesotrophic grasslands, particularly on flood plains, but it is also found in roadside verges and dune grasslands. It is quite tall and very conspicuous when it is in flower with its almost black, wind-pollinated flowerheads. It is widely distributed in the Neath and upper Tawe Valleys where it is an important indicator of semi-improved, mesotrophic grassland. Its scattered distribution in the upper Neath Valley between Resolven and Glyn Neath suggest that the bottom-lands here were predominantly alluvial grasslands before they were drained and improved for grazing. ROESEL'S BUSH CRICKET This attractive cricket is a relatively new addition to the NPT fauna. It was reported by a member of the public in 2019 from the Skewen area. A medium sized cricket they are brown to yellow with a green shade with three pale spots on the thorax and a cream-coloured margin around the sides of the pronotum. Females are identified by their large ovipositor (which looks like a sting but is totally harmless). The males have a very distinct song (striadulation) which is continuous and very high pitched. The species is currently expanding its range from south-east England north and west, possibly due to climate change as they do best in hot summers. GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHID This large, striking orchid is a key indicator of traditionally managed, neutral, mesotrophic grassland in south Wales. It is currently known from only two grassland sites in NPT, both in the northern sector of the county. The number of individuals that appear varies greatly from year to year, which is fairly typical of hay meadow orchids. The flowers emit a heavy scent, particularly at night when they attract the attention of large moths, such as hawkmoths, which feed on the nectar contained in the flower’s deep spur. The survival of this priority species in NPT is completely dependent on the continued management of the grasslands in which it is found as hay meadows. Where to explore semi-natural grassland in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see semi-natural grassland habitats in NPT Semi-Natural Grassland Projects in NPT VOG, Bridgend and NPT Meadows Group A cross-boundary Meadows group providing support to those wishing to create, restore or manage meadows through networking and peer support. BUGLIFE NPT B-Lines A three year project working along B-Lines Networks in NPT to create and manage habitat for pollinators with local communities. Wildflower verge management Management of roadside verges for biodiversity taking place at various sites throughout the county. MAGNIFICENT MEADOWS PROJECT The Plantlife Magnificent Meadows project has supported the formation of community meadows across the county, for example, at Glantawe Riverside Park. Rheola floodplain meadows Management through conservation grazing and hay cuts, and monitoring of the floodplain meadows near Rheola, where Greater Burnet can be found. SHRILL CARDER BEE STRATEGY A strategy for the conservation of the endangered Shrill Carder Bee was launched in 2020, covering the Kenfig- Port Talbot population. CASE STUDY NPT Bee Friendly In recent years, the loss of wildflower grassland habitat and the pollinating insects they support has become an issue of public concern. NPT Council has a responsibility to address nature and climate emergencies such as this and is also committed to protect, conserve and enhance our natural environment under the terms of the Corporate Plan , Biodiversity Duty Plan , NPT Nature Recovery Action Plan and The Action Plan for Pollinators in Wales . A new approach to managing the verges and grasslands of NPT has been approved by the County Council’s Regeneration and Sustainable Development Cabinet Board on 30th July 2021 and is being progressively implemented by NPT Council as resources allow. The aim of this scheme is to increase the area and extent of wildflower grassland (i.e. roadside verges and larger meadow areas which are managed to encourage wildflowers and pollinating insects) in NPT County Borough. Traditionally, local authority-managed roadside verges in NPT are all cut every 2-3 weeks during the growing season i.e. late March to end September and the arisings are mulched and dropped on top of the grass. This fertilises the soil, encouraging further grass growth. As of 2021, at certain locations with the Streetcare Services Section, NPT Council will be changing this management and instead encouraging the growth of wildflowers and reducing the frequency of required cuts through the use of ‘cut and collect’ machines. Road verges such as Harbour Way, Fabian Way and Saltings Roundabout are included in this scheme, along with many new areas around the county. Read more here.

NPT is characterised by: (i) a coastal region which lies west of the M4 Motorway and curves around the eastern part of Swansea Bay from Crymlyn Burrows to the Kenfig rivermouth, (ii) 3 main river valleys, the Neath (Nedd), Afan and Upper Tawe, and (iii) an extensive upland landscape. Landscape and Geology NPT is characterised by: (i) a coastal region which lies west of the M4 Motorway and curves around the eastern part of Swansea Bay from Crymlyn Burrows to the Kenfig rivermouth, (ii) 3 main river valleys, the Neath (Nedd), Afan and Upper Tawe, and (iii) an extensive upland landscape which rises to 660m on Craig y Llyn, the highest point in the county. Its central feature is the Vale of Neath which divides the county conveniently into northern and southern sectors: The southern sector is extensively wooded with conifer forests but also contains large blocks of deciduous woodlands such as those between Briton Ferry and Baglan. Most of the natural features of its coastal strip, which once included pristine dunes and wetlands, have been altered by industrial development. Near Resolven, the north-west facing flank of the Vale of Neath is drained by some significant streams such as the Melincwrt Brook, whose valleys supports significant assemblages of lower plants. Much of the Afan Valley which lies between Pontrhydyfen and Abergwynfi was mined for coal before it was afforested with conifers. The largely rural northern sector includes the Clydach, Dulais and upper Tawe valleys. It contains the large conifer plantations of Crynant and Rheola and a number of ancient woodlands such as Maesmelin and Dyffryn Woods, Craig Gwladys, Tyn yr Heol Woods and Cwm Du Glen. The waterfall valleys of the Pyrddin and lower Nedd Fechan which occur along the border between NPT and Powys are part of the internationally important Celtic Rainforest and Atlantic woodland ecosystems that define the headstreams of the River Neath. Much of the landscape of the northern sector is dominated by heathland and moorland and most of the county’s Common Land and species-rich marshy grasslands are found here. The geology of NPT is dominated by the South Wales Coalfield. Its most prominent rock outcrops, such as those of Craig y Llyn, are formed of sandstone. Calcareous outcrops are almost completely absent from NPT but there is a minor influence of carboniferous limestone near Rhyd yr Fro. Rocks of the Millstone Grit series are found in the waterfall valleys of the Nedd Fechan and Pyrddin near Breconshire.

Do you, your group or organisation have an idea that could positively impact nature and the local community in your area? If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you! We have grant funding available for projects that contribute to long-term nature recovery in Neath Port Talbot. This has been funded by the Welsh Government Local Places for Nature Fund. Continue reading below to find out more. NPT LNP Grant Fund 2026/2027 Do you, your group or organisation have an idea that could positively impact nature and the local community in your area? If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you! We have grant funding available for projects that contribute to long-term nature recovery in Neath Port Talbot. This has been funded by the Welsh Government Local Places for Nature Fund. This fund will be reopening in Spring 2026 ready for the new financial year starting 1st April 2026. Continue reading below to find out more. Key Grant Criteria: The grant scheme funds capital costs only – this means no revenue costs can be included such as staff/volunteer time and venue hire Applications can be for up to £10,000 The project location must be accessible to members of the public in order to receive grant funding. This can be for part of the year, or all year round, including only open for events Applicants should indicate how their project will deliver lasting benefits for biodiversity and how it improves local’s access to nature, especially if ongoing management will be required after grant funding is spent Recipients must agree to maintain the project outcomes for a minimum period of 5 years at their own cost, as a criteria of funding from the Welsh Government Items that do not qualify for funding include: Non-native planting Signage Landscaping, including gravel Patio slabs Fencing Benches and seating Revenue costs including staff/volunteer time and venue hire If you have any questions or would like to submit an Expression of Interest, please email us.

Woodland and hedgerows provide habitats for almost 40% of the priority species in NPT. Fortunately, there have been few major changes in the diversity, extent and connectivity of this habitat in the county in the last 20 years and the large area of woodland represented is particularly significant. Woodland Oak woodland, wet alder/ willow woodland, riparian corridor woodland, plantation, scrub, hedgerow The State of Nature of Woodland in Neath Port Talbot Woodland and hedgerows provide habitats for almost 40% of the priority species in NPT. Their value for biodiversity is enormous. Fortunately, there have been few major changes in the diversity, extent and connectivity of this habitat in the county in the last 20 years and the large area of woodland represented is particularly significant. However, there are important concerns about the occurrence of INNS such as Rhododendron in some woodland habitats, which precludes an assessment of excellent. Accordingly, the resilience and state of nature in woodland in NPT has been assessed as good. OVERVIEW Woodland accounts for 40% of the land area of NPT making it one the most wooded counties in Wales. Most of this is conifer plantation, but a considerable amount of ancient deciduous woodland survives, particularly in the Vale of Neath. Significantly, over a third of NPT's Priority Species occur in its woodland. Conifer forests have a poor diversity of flowering plants but some mature Sitka Spruce coupes have a luxuriant bryophyte ground flora of species normally associated with upland oak woodland. In addition, many species of birds have benefitted greatly from conifer plantations in NPT. Clear-felled and pre-thicket areas provide breeding habitat for Tree Pipit and Nightjar while mature conifer forests support breeding populations of Common Crossbill, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Goshawk and Honey Buzzard. In contrast, the wooded corridors along the main river systems often support a diverse flora with Wych Elm, Small-leaved Lime, Ash, Alder, Sycamore and Hazel and colourful vernal, ground floras populated by lots of ancient woodland indicator species such as Bluebell, Primrose, Wood Anemone, Yellow Archangel, Sanicle, Toothwort, Pignut and Ramsons. Cwm Du Wood near Pontardawe and much of the riparian corridor between Aberdulais and Glynneath provide good examples. In the Vale of Neath, Meadow Saxifrage occurs along the shaded riverside edges of these woods where it was known back in the early 19th Century. Sessile Oak woodland with Holly and Rowan predominate on the steeper sides of the Neath, Afan and upper Tawe Valleys. Good examples in the Neath Valley can be seen above Baglan, Tonna, Cadoxton and Cilfrew. Although these woodlands support a less diverse ground flora than those along the rivers, they provide important habitats for woodland mammals (e.g. Badger), birds (e.g. Wood Warbler) and invertebrates. Of particular note is the remarkable discovery of a Blue Ground Beetle population in Maesmelin Wood and more recently in some other Sessile Oak woodlands in the vicinity. Nationally important assemblages of Atlantic bryophytes are found in the woodlands, waterfall areas and ravines in the Pyrddin and Nedd Fechan Valleys, parts of which are in NPT. Upland, valley oak woodlands in the vicinity also provide habitats for the few Pied Flycatchers that still breed in the county. The steep, wooded ravine of the Melincwrt Valley supports ancient Sessile-oak Woodland with a rich flora of lower plants, which includes a small population of Tunbridge Filmy-fern. Ancient species-rich hedges occur throughout NPT, typically on raised banks along old parish lanes. Good examples can be seen along the Bwlch Road between Cimla and Cwmafan, along Fairyland Hill between Llantwit and Mosshouse Reservoir and in numerous places in the northern sector of the county, e.g. Cilebebyll, Godre’r graig, Rhyd y Fro and along the Gwrhyd Road. They form an important connectivity network for wooded habitats in the county. Actions for the recovery of Woodland habitats in NPT Responsibility for these actions lie with all of us and as such, we have not sought to assign actions to particular organisations or groups. Instead, it is our hope that this document will provide the guidance and inspiration for anybody, or any group or organisation, to undertake the actions that are within their capability to deliver. The Secretariat of NPT LNP (NPT Council) are providing a facilitation role to support, collate and monitor work towards these actions. If you would like to discuss your potential involvement in delivery of these actions, please get in touch with biodiversity@npt.gov.uk . Long Eared Owls in NPT Work with partners to protect and enhance the habitat for Long Eared Owl in the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, using evidence gathered by the LNP grant-funded project to survey for LEO undertaken in 2024. Habitat network in the coniferised uplands Protect the habitat network in the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, which includes a network of wildflower grassland along forestry roads, heathland blocks and habitat created by the forest cycle itself e.g. clearfell. Raise awareness of these habitats and species and work with land managers to ensure their protection and restoration. Invasive non-native species removal Pursue opportunities to remove invasive non-native species such as Japanese Knotweed, Cherry Laurel and Himalayan Balsam from protected woodlands Invasive non-native species fly-tipping Education programme to raise awareness of the damage caused by dumping garden waste and within NPTC teams to enable them to recognise INNS in fly-tipped material and deal with them appropriately. Blue Ground Beetle Continue to raise awareness of the population and undertake habitat management to protect the population Ancient Tree Recording Record ancient and veteran trees in the county via the Ancient Tree Inventory to determine where further protection may be required. Celtic Rainforests in NPT Determine the extent of current and potential temporate rainforest habitat in NPT Increase the resilience of protected woodland habitats Undertake management to increase the overall ecosystem resilience of our woodland habitats, including hedgerows. An example of a key method of this would be to remove invasive non-native species such as Rhododendron and Cherry Laurel from our woodlands. Riparian Corridor Woodlands Identify riparian woodlands that are not yet protected and designate as SINC or TPO woodlands as appropriate. PINE LONG-HORNED HOVERFLY This gorgeous hoverfly, with fiery red hairs that make it look like a burning ember, is only found at one location in Wales – among the tall pine trees of Margam Park. It was first recorded there in 2019. It’s larvae inhabit water-filled rot holes of conifers and adults can be found basking in the spring sunshine on pine tree trunks. WOODLAND FUNGI Woodlands are important habitats for fungi and local conifer forests support a large diversity of these fascinating organisms. More than 130 species of macrofungi have been found in Sitka Spruce forests in NPT and Beech woods, such as those in Briton Ferry Woods and Glyncastle Forest, often contain diverse communities. BLUE GROUND BEETLE The Blue Ground Beetle has declined dramatically in Britain over the last 100 years, but it seems to have a stronghold in South Wales. The recent discovery of this striking beetle in Maesmelin Woods and a few other oak woodlands in the Neath Valley is a significant success story for biodiversity in NPT. It seems likely that more populations of this beetle will be discovered in the county. Where to explore woodlands in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see woodland habitats in NPT Woodland Projects in NPT Blue Ground Beetle PROJECT Awareness raising, survey and habitat management works in the area of the endangered blue ground beetle. brynau Farm Ancient woodland management and tree planting to extend and buffer the existing woodland. Woodland Officer A Woodland officer (hosted by NPT Council) supports woodland restoration, creation and management in the county. Craig gwladus Habitat enhancement and management at Craig Gwladus Country Park, with elements of community engagement. Woodland management Upland oak wood management at Blaenant y Gwyddyl for pied flycatcher. CASE STUDY Biodiversity in the Welsh Government Woodland Estate (WGWE) The Biodiversity in the WGWE project grew out of a webinar given by Dr Charles Hipkin , which highlighted that the plantation landscape has largely been neglected by species recorders. The biodiversity of these plantations, which contain large areas of open, species-rich, non-forest habitats, is currently managed in accordance with the best evidence available. However, this is largely dependent on and limited by habitat and species surveys by specialist recorders, which needs to increase. The aim of this project was to draw links between Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the array of local experts in NPT and Rhondda Cynon Taff and, although the relationship between the land management sections of NRW and the project are still being forged, the contacts made during the project have helped to build a strong, collaborative foundation in Welsh best practice and sustainable management of the WGWE. The project had a wide reach through a well-received webinar on the Distribution and Dynamic of Biodiversity in the WGWE which was joined by over 200 people from a range of sectors and counties. The project identified key areas of habitat within the WGWE including willow scrub supporting important epiphytic, hyperoceanic bryophyte and lichen communities, remnant broadleaved woodland, biodiverse roadside verges and deep peat. The importance of the WGWE in supporting key indicator and priority species such as Ivy-leaved Bellflower, Alpine Clubmoss, Stag’s-horn Clubmoss and Fir Clubmoss was also highlighted. Closing remarks in the webinar (reproduced below) sum up some of the outcomes from the project: 'Although this was a brief, pilot-scale project, it has delivered on lots of important outcomes. Not least among these has been the assessment of what we know about biodiversity in the WGWE and, equally, where the gaps in our knowledge are. Given the extent of the coniferised WGWE in counties like NPT and Rhondda Cynon Taff, it is clearly of great importance to make these assessments and fill in the gaps. Furthermore, the project has brought to the attention of lots of people, the role of the WGWE as a refuge for species that are declining in the South Wales bio-landscape and/or at the edge of their biogeographical range. More detail is required going forward.’ Dr Charles Hipkin, Chair of the NPT Local Nature Partnership