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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

There are significant challenges for nature in the urban landscape and species are threatened by, amongst other things, loss of nesting sites, lack of connectivity and inappropriate habitat management (e.g. mowing through flowering season). Urban Habitats Gardens, hard engineering, parks, green infrastructure The State of Nature in Urban Habitats in Neath Port Talbot There are significant challenges for nature in the urban landscape and species are threatened by, amongst other things, loss of nesting sites, lack of connectivity and inappropriate habitat management (e.g. mowing through flowering season). Although most urban areas in NPT contain wildlife habitat, in many areas this is not by design and there is a need for more areas to be specifically managed and maintained for nature in urban areas. Many species in urban habitats have decreased significantly in NPT in recent decades e.g. swifts and hedgehogs. Urban habitats support 13 priority species and, accordingly, their diversity has been assessed as fair. Connectivity between urban landscapes is good, but it is difficult to frame this specifically in terms of good habitat connectivity. For example, the level of connectivity between gardens for species such as Hedgehog and Slow Worm is unknown. Most of the urban habitats in NPT are not managed with biodiversity in mind and there are regular losses of habitat as a result of human activity e.g. loss of nest sites for swifts as repairs take place on buildings, therefore their condition is poor. Taking all of this into account, the state of nature and resilience of Urban Habitats in NPT has been assessed as fair . OVERVIEW Urban Habitats, such as buildings, parks and gardens, support 5% of NPT's Priority Species although none of them are specific to this broad habitat category. Nevertheless, since Urban Habitats make up more than 15% of the land surface of NPT, there is a significant potential here to enhance biodiversity through the creation and management of nature-friendly networks of gardens, parkland and buildings. They are particularly important habitats for birds that utilise the eaves of houses for nesting places, and bat species that make their homes in roof spaces and dilapidated buildings. Other important species such as Hedgehog and Slow Worm are commonly associated with urban gardens. Urban Habitats can also play a significant connectivity role, e.g. parks can provide ‘stepping stones’ of habitat in amongst urban features, while grassy commons, verges and hedges may be important for connecting these habitats throughout urban areas. Bee-friendly gardens can play a crucial role in the conservation of pollinators. The Hedgehog is an iconic garden species that has been recorded in most urban settlements in NPT and a few gardens may also provide opportunities for Badger and Otter. Margam Park is one of the best bat sites in the UK, providing roosting sites and foraging habitat for 14 of the 18 UK bat species. Breeding populations of Herring Gull, House Sparrow, and House Martin can be found on buildings in suitable places, while Swift have undergone significant decreases in numbers over the last 50 years. Toads breed in Cwm-Clydach pond before dispersing to neighbouring gardens and fields for the rest of the year. Along the coastal conurbations of Sandfields and Aberavon, rare bumblebees including the Brown Banded Carder and Shrill Carder Bees can be found foraging on patches of wildflowers. As a result of the COVID Lockdowns in 2020, the NPT LNP noticed an increase in public interest in nature conservation as people became more aware of the nature in their local areas. This is an important opportunity to encourage appropriate action and raise awareness of ways in which local people can assist nature locally without causing inadvertent harm. Actions for the recovery of Urban 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 . Increase connectivity in the urban landscape Increase connectivity for nature between urban habitats, particularly safe routes for species vulnerable to road death e.g. hedgehog Swift Recovery Breeding populations of Swifts in NPT are declining. The current status and distribution of Swift in the county needs to be assessed and appropriate action should be undertaken to halt this decline NPT Bee Friendly Continue increasing the extent of roadside verges in active management for wildflowers and expand the scope by engaging with town and community councils Parks, Amenity Grassland and Cemeteries Undertake an assessment of the biodiversity value of parks and amenity grassland in NPT and identify opportunities to enhance habitat, for example, through grassland management or pursuing pollinator-friendly planting in landscaping Bee Friendly Streets Encourage nature-friendly gardening in urban areas NPT for Nature Continue to provide support for people taking action for nature in the county through the sub-group of the LNP, NPT for Nature Green Infrastructure Increase the installation of green infrastructure e.g. green roofs, living wall © Vaughn Matthews © Vaughn Matthews HEDGEHOG The Hedgehog is well recorded in most of the urban areas of NPT, although many of these records are from road deaths. The perils of crossing roads, along with other pressures such as barriers between gardens and the use of toxic slug pellets are contributing to the decline of this iconic species. A trend for 'tidy', low maintenance gardens is leading to additional habitat loss for the 'gardeners' friend'. SWIFT This summer visitor breeds in mainly urban areas in NPT however numbers recorded as confirmed breeders have declined in recent years. This decline is thought to be due in part to a loss of nesting opportunities as buildings are renovated to modern standards. The provision of nest boxes or integral swift bricks in suitable buildings may help to increase available nesting sites. COMMON TOAD The Common Toad is another species susceptible to road deaths in NPT, when in spring, they migrate across urban areas in their hundreds to their breeding ponds. The case study below provides an account of how members of the LNP are working to ameliorate this. Although Toads are likely to be well distributed in NPT, they are under- recorded. Urban Projects in NPT NPT Bee Friendly A scheme 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. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE A number of green infrastructure projects are taking place across the county, for example, green roofs were recently installed on containers at Craig Gwladus Country Park. toad patrols Bryncoch Environment Group have been undertaking a toad patrol every spring since 2006 to rescue toads on roads in Bryncoch. Read more in the case study below. Stepping stones nature reserves Creation of habitat through Welsh Government Local Places for Nature funding e.g. through 'grey to green' schemes such as Stepping Stones Nature Reserves. SWIFT MONITORING PROJECT A collaborative project by members of NPT LNP to monitor and record swifts in NPT, to determine breeding locations of swifts around the county and inform where conservation should be focussed. CASE STUDY BRYNCOCH TOAD PATROL Although associated with water, toads and other amphibians actually spend most of the year on land. When they are not at their breeding ponds, they disperse into the surrounding countryside. However, each spring, toads return to their spawning ponds in large numbers. They favour deeper and bigger ponds than frogs and are quite loyal to particular sites. This means they often have to travel long distances, often through urban areas where they have to cross roads on their journey. Every year since 2006, during the toad migration season (around March), members of the Bryncoch Environment Group (BEG) are out each night to rescue toads on local roads as they travel to their breeding ponds. In the first year of this operation 970 toads were rescued while 799 were rescued in 2019. Over the last 13 years thousands of amphibians have been saved by BEG members assisted by a large number of volunteers who are concerned for the decline in toad and frog numbers in recent decades. One of the main problems that the BEG have to overcome is the rescue of large number of toads that fall into drainage gully pots on the sides of roads, from which the toads are unable to escape. As a result, during their “toad patrol” the volunteers spend a lot of their time lifting the gully pots and rescuing toads with fishing nets. The rescued toads are then put into buckets and transported directly to their spawning pond. To reduce the time spent checking every gully pot, the group applied to the LNP for funding to purchase ‘toad ladders’, specially designed structures which sit in the gully pots and allow toads to escape after falling in. The LNP was able to purchase ten ladders for the group which were installed in gully pots around Bryncoch.

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. NPT LNP Terms of Reference Definition: For the purposes of the Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership, ‘nature’ shall mean all living organisms and the ecological complexes (including non-living elements and processes) of which they are part. It includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems; the resilience of ecosystems; the services they provide to society and the way in which humans interact with nature. 1.0 Purpose The Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership will: Co-ordinate, promote and record existing and new actions to conserve, promote and enhance nature in Neath Port Talbot, taking account of local and national priorities and keeping the terms of reference set out below. The Partnership will seek to achieve its aims by: 1.1Promoting partnership working between key organisations and individuals that protect and enhance nature in Neath Port Talbot. This will include networking and sharing best practice to promote efficient delivery of actions across partner organisations. 1.2To gather information relevant to the conservation of species and habitats in the Neath Port Talbot area, to formulate plans (“the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan”) from the national and local priorities identified in the Nature Recovery Plan, State of Natural Resources Report and Area Statements to effect conservation, and to deliver actions identified in the LNRAP. 1.3Involving key partners and stakeholders in the development and implementation of Local Nature Recovery Plans for the Partnership through the establishment of working groups and consultation with other existing groups. 1.4To make recommendations for the review of local practices for forestry, agriculture, mineral extraction, industry, business, tourism, parks and other local Council land, etc. in order to look for opportunities to enhance the potential for wildlife. 1.5Supporting the development of projects undertaken by individual organisations that are contributing to the aims of the Partnership and developing new projects to address local priorities. 1.6Monitoring the delivery of nature recovery actions, evaluating progress towards implementation of local plans and revising them as necessary. 1.7Identifying opportunities for integrating the conservation, promotion and enhancement of nature into other policy areas, plans and projects throughout Neath Port Talbot 1.8To link in with regional and national plans, policy and action, as appropriate e.g. Well-Being Plans and Area Statements). 1.9To provide an advisory function on the subject of the state of nature and nature recovery in Neath Port Talbot and, wherever possible, take an evidence-based approach to facilitate this i.e. through presence on strategic steering groups and advice to community councils etc. 2.0 Status The Partnership is a collaborative forum and has no standing as a legal entity. The Partnership will have no authority over any of the functions, duties or responsibilities of the member organisations. Each partner is jointly and equally empowered to establish and implement actions to deliver the aims of these plans in partnership with the others. The Partners will exercise their functions so as to secure compliance with the requirements of all relevant legislation and policy e.g. UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015), Environment (Wales) Act (2016), Nature Recovery Action Plan (Wales) and Action Plan for Pollinators (Wales). 3.0 Membership The membership of the Partnership will comprise committed volunteers, local nature experts, voluntary and public bodies, agencies and owners of locally significant natural habitats in Neath Port Talbot. Members of the Forum are entitled to become members of the charity Neath Port Talbot Biodiversity Action. 4.0 Administration, Finance and Employment One of the Partners will act as host organisation [this is currently Neath Port Talbot Council] and will take responsibility for employment of any staff and administration of any assets or core funds on behalf of the Partnership. The host organisation will maintain a mailing list with which to inform LNP members of news and events concerning biodiversity in Neath Port Talbot. We will not circulate private sector jobs due to the potential for conflicts of interest with members of the LNP. Privacy Policy. Where individual partners take the lead on a project they will resource the project with the appropriate staff, equipment, finance etc. and may administer project – specific funds under the banner of the Partnership if necessary. They will ensure completion of the project and its timely reporting. Routine matters such as sign off of new or revised plans, funding matters and direction of the work of any person employed will be delegated to a Steering Group 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. A Chairperson and Vice-Chair for the LNP will be elected by members annually. If the Partnership terminates and there are funds or assets in the name of the Partnership these will be transferred to a member organisation continuing the project or return to the original funders. 5.0 Decision Making and Partner Responsibilities Roles and Responsibilities of All Partners: The Partners agree to work together to deliver effective action to conserve and enhance nature in Neath Port Talbot, making best use of available resources through collaborative action. To further the aims of the Partnership as a whole, and not just the aims of individual partner organisations. To assist the Partnership Steering Group in determining annual priorities for the Partnership work programme. To promote, implement and report on actions contributing to the aims of local plans. Identify projects which member organisations can undertake or contribute to in order to meet the aims of local plans and disseminate this information within the member organisation. To identify resources (financial or in-kind) which member organisations can contribute to assist in delivering core administration of the Partnership or specific nature recovery projects. To report on progress through the Partnership’s officer. Frequency of Meetings and Quorum The Steering Group will communicate as necessary in person or via email. There should be a minimum of 3 members of the steering group present in order to be quorate. Decisions will be made by consensus where possible, or by simple majority. The Chair will hold a casting vote in the event of a tied decision. There will be an opportunity for the full Partnership to meet at least six times a year. Additional meetings may be held as resources permit at the discretion of the Steering Group. Recommendations at full Partnership meetings should be made by consensus where possible, or by simple majority. The Partnership’s Officer should endeavour to draw relevant agenda items to the attention of relevant members to ensure adequate opportunity for expert representation at meetings on specific topics. The Chair will hold a casting vote in the event of a tied decision. Working groups will meet as necessary under the direction of the Steering Group and will comprise sufficient members to ensure delivery of the group’s aims with the best knowledge and expertise available locally. The Partnership Officer can invite other organisations or individuals to attend meetings in an advisory capacity as appropriate. Any potential conflict of interest a member has in an agenda item must be declared at the beginning of the meeting. They may be asked to leave the meeting whilst this item is being discussed. 6.0 Equal Opportunities and Data Protection All individuals / groups / businesses working with the Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership will be assessed on their involvement with nature recovery actions alone, without distinction of gender, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions. The Partnership will recognise and respond to issues of language, disability, race, gender, age and culture. If sensitive information is discussed at meetings (for example regarding protected species) it will only be passed to members on a need to know basis and regarded as strictly confidential. Notwithstanding 6.1 & 6.2 (above) the Partnership Officer must comply with the relevant policies of the host organisation. [i] Neath Port Talbot Council is currently the host organisation.

Freshwater ecosystems are well represented in NPT and many of the specific habitats in this category support a large diversity of plants and animals. This includes important aquatic and marshland communities which contribute to the overall connectivity of marsh, fen and swamp in the county. Freshwater Lakes, reservoirs and ponds, rivers and streams, canals The State of Nature in Freshwater in Neath Port Talbot Freshwater ecosystems are well represented in NPT and many of the specific habitats in this category support a large diversity of plants and animals. This includes important aquatic and marshland communities which contribute to the overall connectivity of marsh, fen and swamp in the county. Many are in good or reasonable condition but there are local concerns with mine water pollution, eutrophication and the occurrence of invasive non-native species. While river water quality has undoubtedly improved in recent decades, and this has benefitted populations of salmonid fish and their predators (e.g. Otter), more improvements in water quality are required. The resilience of and state of nature in freshwater ecosystems in NPT has been assessed as fair . OVERVIEW Freshwater ecosystems provide habitats for a fifth of NPT’s priority species, many of which are associated specifically with this habitat. Specific habitats in this category include rivers and tributaries, canals, lakes, reservoirs, reens and dykes, and numerous ponds and pools scattered throughout the county. Key priority species include Otter, Water Vole, Great Crested Grebe, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Grass Snake, Great Crested Newt, Atlantic Salmon, Brown and Sea Trout, Fen Raft Spider, Flowering Rush, Quillwort, Water Lobelia, Floating Bur-reed and Whorled Water-millfoil. Among the larger freshwater water bodies in NPT, Llyn Fach is unique in being the only significant oligotrophic tarn in Glamorgan. The occurrence here of an aquatic community that includes Water Lobelia, Quillwort and Floating Bur-reed gives the site a very distinctive montane feel. In addition, the recent discovery of a population of Water vole, hitherto believed to be extinct in the county, has confirmed the importance of this site for the county’s biodiversity. Other large lakes and reservoirs in NPT include Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir, which is an important site for wintering wildfowl and a breeding habitat for Great Crested Grebe. The Neath, Swansea and Tennant Canals support diverse aquatic and emergent vegetation and provide crucial connectivity between a number of fen, swamp and marsh habitats in the county (e.g. Crymlyn Bog, Pant y Sais Fen). Notable plants include Flowering Rush, Greater Spearwort, Marsh Cinquefoil and Mare’s-tail which are otherwise scarce in NPT. All the common damselflies and dragonflies are found here as well as other more notable species such as the Variable Damselfly and Beautiful Demoiselle. The occurrence of Fen Raft Spider at its only site in Wales on the Tennant Canal is particularly significant. The reens on Margam Moors contain a number of scarce aquatic plants such as Arrow-head and Frogbit. The River Afan and River Neath, and their tributaries, are notable for their fish populations particularly salmonids such as Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout and Sea Trout but also for populations of European Bullhead and European Eel. Common Sandpiper, Dipper and Spotted Flycatcher are among a number of characteristic bird species associated with these rivers and Otter have made a welcome comeback in recent decades. Meadow Saxifrage, a plant which has undergone a significant decrease in Wales is still frequent along the banks of the River Neath between Aberdulais and Glynneath. The waterbody status of the main watercourses in NPT have been recorded as Good/Excellent by the Water Framework Directive. However, there are still a number of local issues that are of concern on its rivers and canals, e.g. invasive non-native species, mine water pollution, sewerage discharge and other eutrophication problems. Actions for the recovery of Freshwater 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 . Pond surveys Record ponds across the county, determining information on condition where possible e.g. through water quality testing. This will help to determine where management, protection and connectivity improvements may be required. Pond Restoration Restore degraded ponds where necessary Pond Creation Create ponds in appropriate locations, particularly where it will increase connectivity between water bodies. River Restoration Restoration of rivers / streams where possible Combined Sewer Outputs Work with responsible agencies to CSO overflow pollution where possible across the county. Natural Flood Management Undertake natural flood management projects in high flood risk areas where appropriate Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Encourage the use of SUDS such as swales and rain gardens, particularly in new developments and urban centres to create habitat, reduce pollution and alleviate flood risk Mine Water Pollution Reduce mine water pollution across the county OTTER Increases in the national Otter population in recent decades are viewed by most people as a welcome indicator of the renewed natural health and vigour of our riparian habitats. The widespread occurrence of Otter spraint on riverside rocks and other stone structures reveal the widespread occurrence of Otter on NPT's rivers and canals. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that numbers have decreased in recent years and there are indications of occasional persecution. SALMON All the major river systems in NPT have Salmon in them. It is becoming more obvious that Salmon are in crisis throughout the UK as well as Wales with suggested figures of a decline of 70% in 25 years (Atlantic Salmon Trust). Read more in the case study below. The video above shows a salmon migrating through the Green Park Weir fish pass in 2015. DIPPER Dippers occur on fast-flowing, unpolluted streams and are seen regularly on most river catchments in the county all year round. In 2019 there were a minimum of 12 confirmed breeding locations in NPT. Current studies of this amber-listed species include a ringing program being conducted on the River Afan and its tributaries, aimed at increasing our knowledge of local breeding success and survival rates over time. Where to explore freshwater habitats in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see freshwater habitats in NPT Freshwater Projects in NPT RECONNECTING OUR RIVER- THE RIVER AFAN LNP members undertake valuable works to enhance the health of the river ecosystem; removing barriers to fish migration through the Re-connecting our Rivers project, pollution reduction projects, invasive non-native species control natural flood management A number of natural flood management projects are taking place across the county, enhancing and creating habitat whilst preventing flood risk. DIPPER NEST BOX MONITORING Funding from the LNP enabled nest box creation and erection and monitoring has begun of the dipper population on the River Afan. otter road death hotspots Monitoring of otter road death hotspots is pinpointing areas where action should be taken to mitigate for this danger where possible. POND RESTORATION Various pond restoration projects are taking place across the county, for example, at Jersey Park and at The Gnoll Country Park. water framework directive Regular monitoring of the health of our rivers takes place via the Water Framework Directive. CASE STUDY THE ATLANTIC SALMON IN NPT The Atlantic Salmon is an anadromous fish with a lifespan up to 13 years. It is becoming more obvious that Salmon are in crisis throughout the UK as well as Wales with suggested figures of a decline of 70% in 25 years (Atlantic Salmon Trust). The River Afan and River Neath within NPT are not considered principle Salmon rivers and as such there is less data available to confirm a decline. However the data that is available from anglers and Natural Resources Wales suggests that the local figures support the crisis theory. The first recorded rod-caught Salmon for more than a hundred years on the River Afan was in 1988. There has been modest increases since then with last season’s figures (2021) of 19 Salmon. All were returned unharmed. The water quality in the river is in no doubt improved and better now than it has been for decades and therefore should encourage these fish to spawn if they make it back from their feeding grounds and migration. Although it would appear that the River Afan is holding its own as a small river, with so few fish returning it is difficult to be optimistic. The River Neath Salmon figures over the last 11 years show a significant decrease where in 2011 recorded 77 Salmon caught decreasing to 16 in 2020. Survival of smolts and post-smolts seems to be the issue for all our rivers in South Wales. Rate of survival to returning adults have dropped from 15% in the 80’s to just 3% in more recent times. There is no doubt that the demise of the Salmon is down to a number of factors, from pressure in the marine environment to their breeding efficiency in fresh water. Losses can be quite high ‘in-river’ due to the combination of man-made barriers and predation by birds/ Otters. For this reason future focus is more and more about downstream migration of smolts and their progress over the numerous weirs. For the present, attempts to reduce the decline in population, by various legislation and water catchment initiatives is in place but the fact is that these magnificent creatures are in real danger of becoming just another statistic. Afan Valley Angling and Conservation Club

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. NPT LNP Constitution Adopted 17/12/20 1. Name The name shall be the Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership hereinafter called the “Partnership”. 2. Aims and Objectives The primary objective of the Partnership is to further the conservation, awareness and enhancement of nature in Neath Port Talbot. A primary mechanism of this is to implement the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan. In particular: Promoting partnership working between key organisations and individuals that protect and enhance nature in Neath Port Talbot. This will include networking and sharing best practice to promote efficient delivery of actions across partner organisations. To gather information relevant to the conservation of species and habitats in the Neath Port Talbot area, to formulate plans (“the Local Nature Recovery Action Plan”) from the national and local priorities identified in the Nature Recovery Plan, State of Natural Resources Report and Area Statements to effect conservation, and to deliver actions identified in the LNRAP. Involving key partners and stakeholders in the development and implementation of Local Nature Recovery Plans for the Partnership through the establishment of working groups and consultation with other existing groups. To make recommendations for the review of local practices for forestry, agriculture, mineral extraction, industry, business, tourism, parks and other local Council land, etc. in order to look for opportunities to enhance the potential for wildlife. Supporting the development of projects undertaken by individual organisations that are contributing to the aims of the Partnership and developing new projects to address local priorities. Monitoring the delivery of nature recovery actions, evaluating progress towards implementation of local plans and revising them as necessary. Identifying opportunities for integrating the conservation, promotion and enhancement of nature into other policy areas, plans and projects throughout Neath Port Talbot To link in with regional and national plans, policy and action, as appropriate e.g. Well-Being Plans and Area Statements). To provide an advisory function on the subject of nature recovery i.e. through presence on strategic steering groups and advice to community councils etc. 3. Membership Membership is open to all committed volunteers, local nature experts, voluntary and public bodies, agencies and owners of locally significant natural habitats. Anyone with an interest in biodiversity is welcome to join. There is no annual subscription for membership. Membership of the partnership is limited to three representatives of a particular organisation (this does not preclude members of an organisation attending in another organisation’s representative capacity, or separate department of that organisation). All Members of the Partnership shall have the following benefits: to be notified of and granted access to all Meetings of the Partnership and to participate in debates at Meetings to attend seminars, conferences or other events or functions organised by the Partnership to receive a copy of the Constitution of the Partnership and copies of documents produced and circulated by the Partnership The Partnership has the ability to create various Sub Groups or Interest Groups which run parallel to the Biodiversity Partnership. These groups may be formed at any time. Each Sub Group will serve to look at certain areas of work in greater detail and inform the Partnership as necessary. Routine matters such as sign off of new or revised plans, funding matters and direction of the work of any person employed will be delegated to a Steering Group Sub Group drawn from the key organisational members to include such representatives as those organisations providing financial support, the statutory body, one non-governmental organisation, one community group and the chair and secretariat of the LNP. Biodiversity Action is a Sub Group of the Partnership. Biodiversity Action is a registered charity and as such, is eligible to apply for funding for biodiversity related projects. All Members of the Partnership are eligible to nominate themselves as Board Members of Biodiversity Action. 4. Officers of the Partnership The Chairperson and Vice-Chair shall be appointed by the Members. The Chairperson must be independent and impartial during Partnership meetings and whilst in the role of Chairperson. For agenda items in which the Chairperson has a conflict of interest, they must declare it and the Vice-Chair should take the role of Chairperson for that particular item. The appointment of Chairperson and Vice-Chair will be decided by Partnership Members every three years. This appointment will be made during the first meeting of the year. Neath Port Talbot Council provide the Secretariat for the Partnership. This service was offered at the time of the formation of the Partnership and has not changed since. The LNP Coordinator provides this role. 5. Voting Members shall be entitled to one vote each. Where a resolution is proposed at a meeting, the decision shall be made by a show of hands of all members present at the meeting and entitled to vote. Where it is proposed that a vote be taken to elect a new Chairperson for the Partnership, or that the Constitution be amended, each Member shall be entitled to vote by submitting a vote either to the LNP Coordinator in writing and in a sealed envelope at any time prior to the commencement of the meeting, or by ballot at that meeting. In the case of equality of votes, either on a show of hands or on a poll, whoever is the Chairperson shall be entitled to a casting vote, which shall be his/her second vote. 6. LNP Meetings The Partnership shall hold meetings, which all Members shall be entitled to attend, approximately six per annum. The agenda for each meeting shall be circulated by email, to each member. Agenda items duly received by the LNP Coordinator within one week of a meeting, shall be considered for discussion. 7. Minutes The LNP Coordinator shall keep and circulate, via email, minutes of all: proceedings at meetings; including; the names of those present at the meeting the resolutions proposed at the meeting the decisions made at the meeting; and the reasons for those decisions (where appropriate). 2. The LNP Coordinator shall also circulate, via e-mail, any relevant information such as consultation documents and events, for example, which may be of interest. 8. Termination of Membership Membership should be terminated in writing, or verbally, to the LNP Coordinator. An alternative contact should be provided if appropriate or possible to do so. 9.Dissolution of the Partnership The Partnership shall be dissolved if a two thirds majority of members agree at a special meeting convened for that purpose with at least two weeks notice to all members. In considering a resolution to dissolve the Partnership, account shall be taken of new legislation, guidance from the Welsh Government and from organisations represented on the Partnership. If it is agreed to dissolve the Partnership, the meeting shall determine the disposition of any assets of the Partnership, and the Board Members of Biodiversity Action invited to meet to consider its future. If it is proposed to establish a new group with similar objectives, members of the Partnership shall be invited to join the new organisation."

NPT is fortunate to have a number of important wetland sites which added together support a fifth of the county’s priority species. Specific habitats in this category include fen, swamp, and ombrotrophic mires (bogs). Wetland Fens, bogs, springs and seepages The State of Nature in Wetland in Neath Port Talbot Lowland fen habitats in NPT support diverse communities of plants and animals and are generally well connected to other lowland wetland systems. However, their condition is poor in places with evidence of eutrophication and pollution and also problems with successional scrub encroachment and invasive non-native species, e.g. Rhododendron on Pant y Sais Fen and Sea Buckthorn in the marsh and fen habitats near Kenfig Marshalling Yards. Some upland wetland systems such as Gors Llwyn are in reasonable condition but the loss of other upland wetland habitats through neglect, afforestation, development and agricultural improvements has compromised their connectivity. Overall, wetland habitats in NPT are small, fragmented and not well connected. In view all this, the resilience of wetlands as a whole in NPT is viewed as significantly less than good and, consequently, their state of nature has been assessed as poor . OVERVIEW NPT is fortunate to have a number of important wetland sites which added together support a fifth of the county’s priority species. Specific habitats in this category include fen, swamp, and ombrotrophic mires (bogs). Fen habitats dominated by reeds and other tall graminoids are well represented in NPT with Crymlyn Bog (east of the Glan y Wern Canal) and Pant y Sais Fen being preeminent examples. Slender Cottongrass, a nationally rare Red Data Book species, is found at both sites along with a long list of other notables like Greater Spearwort, Least Bur-reed, Lesser Bulrush, Mares-tail, Marsh Cinquefoil, Mash Fern, Marsh Lousewort, Royal Fern, Saw-sedge and Yellow Loosestrife. Smaller areas of fen-like habitat occur in many places between Jersey Marine and Aberdulais which are connected by the Tennant Canal and large patches of Reed-dominated marshland also occur on and near the grazing marsh between Neath and Tonna and on Margam Moors. An interesting fragment of coastal fenland occurs in the vicinity of Kenfig Marshalling Yards, near Morfa. Cyperus Sedge, Round-headed Club-rush, Saw-sedge and Tubular Water-dropwort are found here, the latter at one of its few sites in South Wales. All these habitats are important for marshland birds such as Cetti’s Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Marsh Harrier, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Water Rail as well as reptiles such as Grass Snake and Common Lizard. Insects are well represented too and particularly damselflies (e.g. Variable Damselfly) and dragonflies (e.g. Hairy Dragonfly). The population of Fen Raft Spider on the Tennant Canal between Crymlyn Bog, Pant y Sais and Red Jacket clearly benefits from the connectivity between fen and aquatic habitats here. Large areas of ombrotrophic mire are uncommon in NPT, but parts of Gors Llwyn near Onllwyn have a raised bog structure. Tufted Sedge and Greater Tussock-sedge are conspicuous on this site, which also contains Marsh Lousewort, Marsh St John’s-wort and an interesting inland population of Marsh Helleborine. Swampy tall herb fen areas here and in ecologically connected habitats nearby have huge populations of Bogbean with Bottle-sedge, Water Horsetail and Yellow Loosestrife. Decades ago, in post-war years, Globe Flower also occurred on Gors Llwyn but it has not been seen in recent times. The lowland raised bog at Fforest Goch near Rhos is also notable for the range of wetland communities it contains, which includes a population of Bog Notchwort, a liverwort that is rare in South Wales. Smaller areas of flushed boggy ground are widespread in the moorland landscapes of the upper Dulais Valley and in the Gwrhyd area between Cwmllynfell and Rhyd-y-Fro where Greater Tussock-sedge, Many-stalked Spikerush, Marsh St John’s-wort and White Sedge are found. During the last 70 years, extensive areas of upland habitat on deep peat in NPT have been ploughed, drained and planted with conifers. This has contributed to substantial losses of wetland habitat in the county, which now only represent 1% of the county's land area. However, some fragments of wetland habitat survive within plantations and projects aimed at recovering other lost peatlands are in progress. Actions for the recovery of Wetland 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 . Peatland Restoration Opportunities to restore degraded peatlands should be pursued whenever possible Protect and Restore Protect and restore wetland habitat where possible. Fforest Goch Bog SSSI Appropriate vegetation management needs re-instating at this site as the bog is currently in unfavourable condition Water Vole Protection Protect the upland Water Vole populations from the threat of American Mink (c) Steve Dixon WATER VOLE Water Voles were not an uncommon feature of wetland and aquatic habitats in NPT 60 years ago, but they have undergone a catastrophic decline in recent decades. Loss of habitat and predation by American Mink have probably played important roles in this. However, a significant Water Vole population has been discovered recently in wetland areas inside upland conifer plantations in the county. Peat bog habitat restoration projects are now incorporating management for water voles and monitoring the populations here. The video above shows a Water Vole caught on camera at Llyn Fach by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. SPHAGNUM Sphagnum (also known as bog moss or peat moss) is a bryophyte genus which contains a number of species that are characteristic of wet areas including peatlands and flushes. The typical growth form of these important plants consist of branches, called fascicles, which are held in groups along the stem, and an active growing centre, called the capitulum, at the top. Sphagnum can absorb and hold many times its own dry weight in water and is the ecosystem engineer for peatland habitats. FEN RAFT SPIDER This is the UK's largest spider and one of the rarest. This striking species reaches up to 23mm in body size and has a distinctive pale stripe along its flanks. These ferocious predators, which are capable of catching and eating stickleback fish, are found at very few sites in the UK, including the Tennant Canal near Jersey Marine. They are usually seen in summer, characteristically basking on floating and emergent vegetation. In some years they occur in relatively large numbers. Where to explore wetland in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see wetland habitats in NPT Wetland Projects in NPT LOST PEATLANDS PROJECT A National Heritage Lottery Fund funded large-scale peatland restoration project in the uplands of NPT and RCT. The project is restoring habitat, inspire & empower local communities & visitors to discover & learn about their heritage. WETLAND MANAGEMENT Wetland management is taking place at various important sites across the county, for example, at Gors Llwyn SSSI, Red Jacket Fen and at Pant y Sais Fen. CASE STUDY LOST PEATLANDS PROJECT The ‘Lost Peatlands of South Wales’ project is delivered by the Lost Peatlands Partnership comprising NPT Council (Lead) , RCT Council , NRW , Swansea University and Coed Lleol (Small Woods) . The project is providing an exciting programme of environmental improvements and community activities between 2021 and 2025. Once referred to as the ‘Alps of Glamorgan’, the upland area between NPT and RCT in the South Wales Valleys was historically an open moorland landscape of boggy peatland. Today, commercial forestry plantations and renewable energy wind farms are a defining feature of this landscape, but large pockets of peat remain. Peat is invaluable in terms of water storage, carbon storage and as a wildlife habitat. The conservation of peatlands is a critical factor in climate change mitigation and the reversal of biodiversity losses. The main aim of the Lost Peatland Project is to restore and manage more than 490 hectares of this historic landscape and habitats, including heathland, grassland and native woodland. One particular focus will be the direct restoration of 256 hectares of previously afforested peat bogs and pools. Habitat improvements will encourage many local wildlife species currently in decline to thrive again. These include birds like the Skylark and Nightjar; invertebrates like the Dark Green Fritillary and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterflies; and mammals, including the elusive Water Vole. Peat restoration works will be closely monitored and will inform important ongoing research by Swansea University to guide best practice restoration techniques and to understand impacts on biodiversity, water quality and CO2 emissions. Access to this remarkably wild landscape will also be made easier through improved, guided footpaths and interpretation. As part of the project, local people will also be able to experience, learn about and get involved with the heritage on their doorstep through a variety of free activities, events, schools outdoor learning programmes and volunteering opportunities. People will be able to gain new outdoor skills and knowledge via dedicated training programmes. Families and adults will also be able to join or be referred to the project’s health and wellbeing activity programmes.

Pant y Sais Fen is an area of reed-dominated wetland which has almost contiguous connectivity with Crymlyn Bog, the largest lowland fen in Wales. Combined, they make up one of the most important wetland habitats in south Wales. < Back Pant y Sais Fen and the Tennant Canal Ffen Pant y Sais a Chamlas Tenant Pant y Sais Fen is an area of reed-dominated wetland which has almost contiguous connectivity with Crymlyn Bog, the largest lowland fen in Wales. Combined, they make up one of the most important wetland habitats in south Wales. Darn o wlyptir llawn corsydd yw Ffen Pant y Sais sydd, o ran cysylltedd, bron yn cydgyffwrdd â Chors Crymlyn, sef y ffen iseldir mwyaf yng Nghymru. Gyda’i gilydd mae’r ddau yn ffurfio un o’r cynefinoedd gwlyptir pwysicaf yn ne Cymru. Crymlyn Bog has been designated as an internationally important Ramsar and SAC site. Access to Pant y Sais is easy from the village of Jersey Marine, where a boardwalk circuit allows you to view some of its typical wildlife. In late spring and early summer you can view and listen to a variety of fenland birds such as Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Reed Bunting. Water Rail are sometimes heard squealing in the reeds and even venture out on to the boardwalk now and then during quiet periods in the morning and evening. Common Lizards are occasionally seen basking on the boardwalk and Grass Snakes are sometimes spotted moving through the vegetation. Pant y Sais is also a good place to look for dragonflies and damselflies, including uncommon species such Hairy Dragonfly, Variable Damselfly, Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly, Ruddy Darter and Black Darter. Lots of colourful wetland plants inhabit the fen such as Bog Bean, Marsh Lousewort, Cross-leaved Heath and Ragged Robin. Insectivorous Sundew grows on the Bog Moss that occurs along the boardwalk and Blunt-flowered Rush is common in many places. Spectacular displays of Royal Fern and occasional clumps of Narrow Buckler-fern are very conspicuous in summer, and Pant y Sais is also one of the few wetland sites in Britain where the very rare Red Data Book species, Slender Cotton-grass, can be found. Running along the side of Pant y Sais Fen and Crymlyn Bog, the Tennant Canal is an important wetland connectivity channel in NPT and is one of its most biodiverse freshwater habitats. Pike are common in the canal and aquatic plants like Mare’s-tail, Fan-leaved Crowfoot, Unbranched Bur-reed and water lilies are conspicuous here. The diverse emergent vegetation along its banks supports a colourful flora with Flowering Rush, Marsh Cinquefoil, Greater Spearwort, Yellow Iris, Purple Loosestrife, Yellow Loosestrife, and Great Willowherb. Also conspicuous along the banks of the canal are the huge leaves of Water Dock and large clumps of Greater Tussock-sedge, Greater Pond-sedge and Tufted Sedge. One of the most important members of the Tennant Canal fauna is the large, semi-aquatic Fen Raft Spider, which hunts on the surface of the water. Fen Raft Spiders are rare in Britain and the Tennant Canal population is the only one in Wales. Dynodwyd Cors Crymlyn yn safle Ramsar o bwys rhyngwladol ac yn Ardal Cadwraeth Arbennig. Ceir mynediad hwylus i Bant y Sais o bentref Jersey Marine, lle mae llwybr pren cylchol yn caniatáu i ymwelwyr weld peth o fywyd gwyllt nodweddiadol y safle. Ar ddiwedd y gwanwyn a dechrau’r haf gellir gweld a chlywed amrywiaeth o adar y ffen megis Telor y Cyrs, Telor yr Hesg, y Troellwr Bach, Telor Cetti a Bras y Cyrs. Weithiau mae Rhegennod Dŵr i’w clywed yn gwichian yn y cyrs a hyd yn oed yn mentro allan ar y llwybr pren bob nawr ac yn y man ar adegau tawel yn y bore a chyda’r nos. Ambell waith, gwelir Madfallod Cyffredin yn torheulo ar y llwybr pren ac weithiau gwelir Nadroedd y Gwair yn symud trwy’r llystyfiant. Mae Pant y Sais hefyd yn lle da i chwilio am weision y neidr a mursennod, gan gynnwys rhywogaethau anghyffredin fel Gwas y Neidr Blewog, y Fursen Las Amrywiol, y Fursen Dinlas Fach, y Wäell Rudd a’r Wäell Ddu. Mae llawer o blanhigion gwlyptir lliwgar yn tyfu yn y ffen megis Ffa’r Gors, Melog y Waun, Grug Croesddail a Charpiog y Gors. Mae Gwlithlys Pryfysol yn tyfu ar y Migwyn a geir ar hyd y llwybr pren ac mae Brwyn Blaendon yn gyffredin mewn sawl man. Mae arddangosfeydd trawiadol o Redyn Cyfrdwy ac ambell glwstwr o Farchredyn Cul yn amlwg iawn yn yr haf a Phant y Sais yw un o’r ychydig safleoedd gwlyptir ym Mhrydain lle gwelir Plu’r Gweunydd Eiddil, sy’n rhywogaeth brin iawn yn y Llyfr Data Coch. Mae Camlas Tenant wrth ochr Ffen Pant y Sais a Chors Crymlyn yn sianel bwysig o ran cysylltu gwlyptiroedd yn CNPT ac mae’n un o’r cynefinoedd dŵr croyw mwyaf bioamrywiol yn y sir. Mae penhwyaid yn gyffredin yn y gamlas ac mae planhigion dyfrol fel Rhawn y Gaseg, Crafanc-y-frân Gwyntyllog, y Cleddlys Di-gainc a Lilïau’r Dŵr yn amlwg iawn yma. Mae’r llystyfiant amrywiol sy’n codi o’r dŵr ar hyd glannau’r gamlas yn cynnal fflora lliwgar gan gynnwys Brwyn Blodeuog, Pumnalen y Gors, y Llafnlys Mawr, Gellesg, Llysiau’r-milwr Coch, y Trewyn, a’r Helyglys Pêr. Yn ogystal, mae dail enfawr Tafol y Dŵr a chlystyrau mawr o’r Hesgen Rafunog Fawr, Hesgen y Dŵr Fawr a’r Hesgen Duswog i’w gweld yn amlwg ar lannau’r gamlas. Un enghraifft bwysig o ffawna Camlas Tenant yw Corryn Rafft y Ffen, sef corryn mawr, lled-ddyfrol sy’n hela ar wyneb y dŵr. Mae Corynnod Rafft y Ffen yn brin ym Mhrydain a’r boblogaeth ar Gamlas Tenant yw’r unig un yng Nghymru. Gallery Previous Next

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 a genuine interest in biodiversity and wildlife conservation in NPT. NPT Local Nature Partnership 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. What is a Local Nature Partnership? 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. Wherever possible, we take an evidence-based approach to facilitate this through our presence on strategic steering groups and by providing advice to community councils. NPT LNP is responsible for the assessment of the State of Nature in NPT , which will be reviewed every five years. Actions related to the Nature Recovery Action Plan will be reviewed each year in the spring meeting of the NPT LNP. Our Aims To protect existing habitats, restore former habitats and where appropriate create new habitats. To halt the loss of biodiversity in NPT and increase habitat and ecosystem resilience. To educate people about the importance of wildlife habitats and conserve the flora and fauna they contain. To influence and encourage activities that are more sensitive to the needs of local biodiversity. To advise on appropriate actions that will conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity in NPT. Our Partners Friends of Neath Abbey Ironworks Glamorgan Bat Group West GlAMORGAN fLORA - A GROWING RESOURCE The West Glamorgan Flora website is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the wild plants, fungi, bryophytes, and lichens of West Glamorgan (covering Neath Port Talbot and Swansea). Created by the Chair of NPT LNP Dr Charles Hipkin alongside Barry Stewart of Celtic Wildflowers , the site brings together detailed species information, photographs, and distribution maps, making it easy to explore the rich biodiversity of the area. Visitors can search by species name or nptlnp A new look for npt lnp! We’re excited to unveil the new logo for the Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership ! This design reflects the unique character of our county—where industrial heritage meets natural beauty. The logo brings together elements of our rich history and the vibrant landscapes we work to protect, symbolizing the harmony between people, wildlife, and place. Our aim was to create a visual identity that celebrates both the resilience of nature and the community’s commitment to cons nptlnp 🌿 Nature Unearthed at Margam Country Park – A Day to Remember! 🌞 We had a fantastic time at the Nature Unearthed event on Sunday 13 July 2025 , at the stunning Margam Country Park . The weather... nptlnp News

The coastal edge of NPT sweeps around Swansea Bay, from Swansea University Bay Campus near Jersey Marine, to Morfa Beach at the mouth of the River Kenfig. Two hundred years ago this coastal strip was composed of pristine sand dunes, but much of that has since been lost to industrial development. Only Crymlyn Burrows and Baglan Burrows, which are situated on either side of the Neath river mouth, survive as significant areas of sand dune ecosystems in NPT today, although smaller areas of dunes also occur in the vicinity of Aberavon and Morfa. < Back Sand Dune Systems of Baglan Burrows and Crymlyn Burrows Systemau twyni tywod Twyni Baglan a Thwyni Crymlyn The coastal edge of NPT sweeps around Swansea Bay, from Swansea University Bay Campus near Jersey Marine, to Morfa Beach at the mouth of the River Kenfig. Two hundred years ago this coastal strip was composed of pristine sand dunes, but much of that has since been lost to industrial development. Only Crymlyn Burrows and Baglan Burrows, which are situated on either side of the Neath river mouth, survive as significant areas of sand dune ecosystems in NPT today, although smaller areas of dunes also occur in the vicinity of Aberavon and Morfa. Mae arfordir CNPT yn ymestyn ar hyd Bae Abertawe, o Gampws y Bae Prifysgol Abertawe ger Jersey Marine i Draeth y Morfa wrth geg afon Cynffig. Ddau gan mlynedd yn ôl, roedd y llain arfordirol hon yn dwyni tywod dilychwin, ond collwyd llawer o’r rhain o ganlyniad i ddatblygu diwydiannol. Heddiw, Twyni Crymlyn a Thwyni Baglan, ar bob ochr i geg afon Nedd yw’r unig ardaloedd sylweddol o ecosystemau twyni tywod sydd wedi goroesi yn CNPT, er bod darnau llai o dwyni hefyd yng nghyffiniau Aberafan a’r Morfa. Access to Crymlyn Burrows is easy from the Bay Campus, where there is a Pay and Display car park. Baglan Burrows can be accessed from the coast path near Brunel Dock in Briton Ferry or from the northern end of Aberavon Beach. Both are distinguished by their dynamic, accreting sand dune systems, which sets them apart from many other dunes in Glamorgan and allows them to support diverse mobile sand communities of plants and animals. Strand line and foredune areas are well developed at both sites, where there are large amounts of Sea Rocket, Prickly Saltwort and Sea Sandwort and occasionally, scattered plants of Frosted Orache. Moving inland, the mobile foredunes have conspicuous populations of Sea Holly, Sea Bindweed, Dune Pansy and Sea Spurge. Dune Fescue, an uncommon grass in Britain, is also found here with Sand Cat’s-tail in amongst the Marram Grass. Sea Stock, which is now a rare plant on Crymlyn Burrows, can still be found in large numbers on Baglan Burrows. This Red Data species, which in the UK is found only in south Wales and the south west of England, is a very significant feature of our dune systems. Further inland the more fixed areas of dune have a very diverse collection of colourful grassland species, which include Pyramidal Orchid, Heath Violet and Kidney Vetch, which is particularly abundant on Crymlyn Burrows. Butterflies such as Small Blue, Brown Argus and the much larger Dark-green Fritillary fly in these biodiverse grasslands in summer. Unfortunately, many of the diverse dune slack systems that were found on these dunes 50 years ago have been lost. In the 1970s, Fen Orchid, Early Marsh-orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Marsh Lousewort, Marsh Arrowgrass and Round-leaved Wintergreen featured in slack systems on Crymlyn Burrows, but none of these occur there now. However Early Marsh-orchid and Marsh Helleborine can still be found on Baglan Burrows, where there are also significant populations of Yellow Bartsia, Cyperus Sedge, Distant Sedge and Dotted Sedge. Plans and tentative preparations have been made to recreate new dune slacks on Crymlyn Burrows. Of the birds you are likely to see on the dunes, Stonechat, Linnet and Skylark are particularly conspicuous and, in late spring, Cuckoo are often seen and heard. Winter sometimes brings a Short-eared Owl or Hen Harrier hunting over the dunes, while the strand line areas are good places to look for Snow Bunting at that time of year. Wading birds such as Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher and Curlew occur in varying numbers along the shore line, but the large winter feeding flocks of Sanderling that used to congregate on Crymlyn Burrows until recently have disappeared, probably as a result of relentless disturbance. In spring, small groups of Terns, including Little Tern, can usually be seen flying over the sea close to the shore, and Whimbrel are also seen on passage in spring and early autumn in most years. Space does not permit a detailed description of the invertebrate fauna of these dunes but you can expect to see the carabid beetle, Broscus cephalotes , hiding under washed-up debris along the strand line, as well as Sand Digger Wasps and sometimes hundreds of Snake Millipedes. Dune Villa flies are also seen commonly resting on the sand on warm summer afternoons. People are often surprised by the diversity of fungi that occur on our dunes. You might find the Common Bird’s-nest fungus after a careful search of woody debris on the strand line where Dune Brittlestem is common. Less common is the little Dune Inkcap which grows in close association with Marram Grass. Among many other species that occur in the more fixed grassy areas are the beautiful lilac coloured Sordid Blewit and the white Dune Dapperling. Ceir mynediad hwylus i Dwyni Crymlyn o Gampws y Bae, lle mae maes parcio Talu ac Arddangos. Gellir cael mynediad i Dwyni Baglan o lwybr yr arfordir ger Doc Brunel yn Llansawel neu o ben gogleddol Traeth Aberafan. Nodweddir y ddau safle gan systemau twyni tywod cronnus, dynamig, sy’n golygu eu bod yn wahanol i nifer o dwyni eraill ym Morgannwg ac mae hyn yn caniatáu iddynt gynnal planhigion ac anifeiliaid mewn cymunedau tywod symudol amrywiol. Ceir ardaloedd traethlin a chyn-dwyni datblygedig ar y ddau safle, lle mae nifer mawr o Hegydd Arfor, Helys Pigog a Thywodlys Arfor i’w gweld ynghyd ag ambell enghraifft wasgaredig o’r Llygwyn Ariannaid. Yn nes at y tir, mae’r cyn-dwyni symudol yn gartref i boblogaethau amlwg o Gelynnen y Môr, y Taglys Arfor, Trilliw’r Twyni a Llaethlys y Môr. Yn ogystal, mae Peisgwellt y Twyni, sy’n fath anghyffredin o laswellt ym Mhrydain, yn tyfu yma ynghyd â Rhonwellt y Tywyn ynghanol y Moresg. Mae’r Murwyll Arfor, sydd bellach yn blanhigyn prin yn Nhwyni Crymlyn, yn dal i fod yn niferus yn Nhwyni Baglan. Mae’r rhywogaeth Data Coch hon, sydd i’w chanfod yn ne Cymru a de-orllewin Lloegr yn unig yn y Deyrnas Unedig, yn nodwedd bwysig o’n systemau twyni. Yn nes at y tir, mae ardaloedd o dwyni mwy sefydlog yn cynnwys casgliad amrywiol iawn o rywogaethau glaswelltir lliwgar, sy’n cynnwys y Tegeirian Bera, Fioled y Rhos a’r Blucen Felen, sy’n arbennig o doreithiog yn Nhwyni Crymlyn. Yn ystod yr haf, gwelir gloÿnnod byw megis y Glesyn Bach, yr Argws Brown a’r Fritheg Werdd, sy’n llawer mwy o faint, yn hedfan trwy’r glaswelltiroedd bioamrywiol hyn. Gwaetha’r modd, mae llawer o’r systemau llaciau tywod amrywiol a oedd yn rhan o’r twyni hyn 50 mlynedd yn ôl wedi cael eu colli. Yn y 1970au, roedd Tegeirian y Fign Galchog, Tegeirian-y-gors Cynnar, Caldrist y Gors, Melog y Waun, Saethbennig y Gors a Glesyn-y-gaeaf Deilgrwn i’w canfod yn systemau llaciau Twyni Crymlyn, ond nid oes dim o’r rhain yn tyfu yno bellach. Fodd bynnag, mae modd gweld Tegeirian-y-gors Cynnar a Chaldrist y Gors o hyd yn Nhwyni Baglan, lle ceir hefyd boblogaethau sylweddol o’r Gorudd Melyn, yr Hesgen Gynffonnog, yr Hesgen Blodau Pell a’r Hesgen Fannog. Lluniwyd cynlluniau a pharatoadau petrus i ail-greu llaciau tywod newydd yn Nhwyni Crymlyn. O ran yr adar sy’n debygol o gael eu gweld yn y twyni, mae Clochdar y Cerrig, y Llinos a’r Ehedydd yn amlwg iawn a thuag at ddiwedd y gwanwyn, mae’r Gog i’w gweld a’i chlywed yn aml. Weithiau, daw ambell Dylluan Glustiog neu Foda Tinwyn i hela uwchben y twyni yn y gaeaf, ac mae ardaloedd y traethlin yn fannau da i chwilio am Freision yr Eira ar yr adeg honno o’r flwyddyn. Mae adar hirgoes megis Pibydd y Mawn, y Cwtiad Torchog, y Rhostog Gynffonfraith, y Bioden Fôr a’r Gylfinir i’w canfod i raddau gwahanol ar hyd ymyl y traeth, ond mae’r heidiau mawr o Bibyddion y Tywod a arferai ymgasglu i fwydo yn Nhwyni Crymlyn tan yn gymharol ddiweddar wedi diflannu, fwy na thebyg o ganlyniad i aflonyddu di-baid. Yn ystod y gwanwyn, mae grwpiau bach o Fôr-wenoliaid, gan gynnwys y Fôr-wennol Fach, i’w gweld yn aml yn hedfan dros y môr yn agos at y lan, a gwelir Coelgylfinirod hefyd ar eu taith yn y gwanwyn a dechrau’r hydref bob blwyddyn bron. Nid oes digon o le yma i gynnwys disgrifiad manwl o ffawna infertebratau’r twyni hyn ond gellir disgwyl gweld y carabid, Broscus cephalotes , yn cuddio o dan weddillion sy’n dod i’r lan ar hyd y traethlin, yn ogystal â Gwenyn Meirch sy’n tyrchu yn y tywod a channoedd o Nadroedd Miltroed weithiau. Mae’n gyffredin gweld clêr Villa modesta yn gorffwys ar y tywod ar brynhawniau twym yn yr haf. Mae pobl yn aml yn rhyfeddu at yr amrywiaeth o ffyngau sydd i’w canfod yn ein twyni. Gallech weld ffwng Nyth Aderyn o chwilio’n ofalus trwy’r gweddillion pren ar y traethlin lle mae Coesynnau Brau Moresg yn gyffredin. Mae’r Cap Inc Twyni Bach, sy’n tyfu’n agos at y Moresg, yn llai cyffredin. Mae sawl rhywogaeth arall i’w canfod yn yr ardaloedd glaswelltog mwy sefydlog, gan gynnwys lliw lelog hyfryd Lepista sordida a ffwng gwyn Pertyn y Twyni ( Lepiota erminea ). Gallery Previous Next

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NPT for Wildlife is a sub-group for the NPT Local Nature Partnership, which is aimed at engaging with enthusiastic community groups and individuals that want to make a difference for nature in NPT, but perhaps need a hand to get going. NPT for Nature NPT for Nature is a sub-group for the NPT Local Nature Partnership, which is aimed at engaging with enthusiastic community groups and individuals that want to make a difference for nature in NPT, but perhaps need a hand to get going. We meet once every 3 months to discuss our important species and habitats in NPT, provide advice to anyone looking to start a project, and give ideas for activities and events that you can organise or participate in with your communities. It’s also a great place to connect with other people in NPT who care about nature and make some new friends! If you are interested in learning more about Welsh wildlife and ecology, want to meet like-minded people in your area or get involved in volunteering locally, please come along to our next meeting! PREVIOUS MEETINGS SUBSCRIBE Sign up to receive NPT nature news and updates. This will add you to the NPT LNP mailing list, which you can unsubscribe from at any time. Which mailing list would you like to join? * Required NPT for Nature (community action for nature) Full LNP Mailing List (professional, policy, NRAP etc.) I have read and understood the Privacy Policy Subscribe Thanks for joining us!