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

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.

The marine habitats of NPT are defined in this document as the inshore, subtidal and surface seawaters of Swansea Bay off the coast of NPT to a distance of 12 nautical miles. The seabed here consists of sandstones and mudstones overlain by sand, gravel and mud. Marine Habitats Inshore/ subtidal marine habitats The State of Nature in Marine Habitats in Neath Port Talbot At present we have insufficient data to give a robust assessment of the resilience and state of nature in the marine habitats of NPT. Attributes such as extent and connectivity can be assumed to be good. However, the 2018 Water Framework Directive interim assessment rated the overall and ecological status of our local coastal water to be moderate and it failed on chemical status. We conclude from this that the condition of our marine habitats is poor. Furthermore, issues such as pollution and invasive non-native species continue to threaten ecosystem resilience. At this point, we can only conclude that the state of nature in marine habitats in NPT is poor . OVERVIEW The marine habitats of NPT are defined in this document as the inshore, subtidal and surface seawaters of Swansea Bay off the coast of NPT to a distance of 12 nautical miles. The seabed here consists of sandstones and mudstones overlain by sand, gravel and mud. The main habitats enclosed are suitable for marine mammals, fish and invertebrates but there are no rocky subtidal areas. Specific and detailed knowledge of the biodiversity of these habitats is lacking but surveys undertaken in 2013 found 6 infaunal groups dominated by polychaete worms and bivalves. Sabellaria alveolata reefs are formed in the bay, some of which are on man-made structures such as groynes. At least 55 species of fish and 38 species of shellfish have been recorded in the bay. These include some of international importance such as European Eel, Allis Shad, Twaite Shad and Sea Lamprey. The area is also an important nursery for flatfish and ray, while Herring are known to spawn in several places around the bay. It is possible that Sand Eel spawn here also. The bay has a year-round presence of Harbour Porpoise with annual mother-calf sightings in late summer-autumn and near-shore foraging has been noted in several places. Common Dolphin are sighted occasionally in summer and mid-winter, perhaps a reflection of the range expansion of the Celtic Sea population which has occurred in the last 15 years, and Grey Seals have been sited occasionally. Large and significant numbers of Great Crested Grebes are counted in the bay each winter from Aberavon Beach and Crymlyn Burrows. The marine ecosystem provides habitats for 24 of NPT’s priority species. Actions for the recovery of Marine 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 . River Pollution Work with partners to reduce pollution entering the marine environment via the rivers Evidence Building Most biological recording takes place in terrestrial habitats. Encourage and collate new records, for example, target marine fishing for biological records and encourage participation in national recording schemes such as The Great Eggcase Hunt. Issues such as litter and pollution should also be monitored Invasive non-native species management Investigate the possibilities of working with marine users to encourage correct biosecurity and ensure prevention actions are taken Motion for the Ocean Support relevant partners to declare a Motion for the Ocean for NPT © Jacob Bøtter HARBOUR PORPOISE Swansea Bay has year-round Harbour Porpoise presence, with annual mother-calf sightings in late summer-autumn. Regular near-shore foraging is also reported along the NPT Coastline. They are much smaller than native dolphin species and more difficult to spot. They do not often leave the water like dolphins but ‘breach’ with their back in a smooth arc. Porpoise have a very short beak making their head look blunt compared to a dolphin. HERRING Swansea Bay has several spawning sites for Herring. One of these is the sea defence area at the entrance of Port Talbot Dock. It is likely that the man-made structures provide and replicate the substrate required to allow gravel patches to form, creating the right conditions for a spawning site. Herring have different spawning points in the year; the Swansea Bay population spawns in February and March. Herring are not exploited commercially here. Due to their large numbers and fast reproductive cycle they are an important prey item within the marine ecosystem. They could be the reason for the high numbers of predators especially Great Crested Grebes we see in the winter. CASE STUDY GREAT CRESTED GREBE OVER-WINTERING SURVEYS The Great Crested Grebe is the largest and most familiar of the grebes that are found in the UK. Most people associate them with large freshwater lakes where breeding birds are sometimes seen displaying to each other in an elegant, courtship water dance. There are few breeding pairs in NPT but they occur regularly on Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir near Margam and the Borrow Pits ponds near Glynneath, where adult birds can be observed with chicks, sometimes carrying the young birds, characteristically, on their backs. Much larger numbers of these beautiful birds gather in winter feeding flocks in Swansea Bay where they often occur in 3 separate groups of birds spread across the bay from Blackpill (Swansea) to Aberavon (NPT). Two of these groups are usually located in NPT, one off Crymlyn Burrows and the other off Aberavon Beach. The numbers of wintering birds in these flocks has been counted at regular intervals for over 10 years by local enthusiasts (British Trust for Ornithology, Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) Counts) and it is clear from these records that the bay is a very important winter feeding site with >700 individuals counted in some months. Often, the greater proportion of the bay's grebes occur in waters off NPT and those off Crymlyn Burrows, where numbers >400 have been recorded, appears to be very significant. Under Criterion 6 of the Ramsar Convention, wintering flocks of a waterbird species are considered to be internationally important if they contain 1% or more of the national population. This figure sets the Species Threshold Level, which for the Great Crested Grebe in UK is currently at 190. Numbers greater than this qualify a site to be of high international, conservation value. Clearly, the number of wintering Great Crested Grebe in Swansea Bay exceed this threshold by a large amount and, importantly, so does that part of the winter flock associated with NPT water. A key, limiting factor in this is the maintenance of sufficient shoals of fish on which these birds depend for food and that, in turn, is dependent on the good health and nutrient dynamics of the bay's marine ecosystem.

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

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.

This large park in the Afan Valley, 48 square miles in area, has lots of tracks and trails that allow visitors to experience nature at any time of year. A Visitor Centre is situated on the A4107 near Cynonville where there is a car park and other facilities including visitor information and refreshments. From here you can take a number of walks, many of which are suitable for families. < Back Afan Forest Park Parc Coedwig Afan This large park in the Afan Valley, 48 square miles in area, has lots of tracks and trails that allow visitors to experience nature at any time of year. A Visitor Centre is situated on the A4107 near Cynonville where there is a car park and other facilities including visitor information and refreshments. From here you can take a number of walks, many of which are suitable for families. Mae’r parc mawr hwn yng Nghwm Afan, sy’n 48 milltir sgwâr o ran ei arwynebedd, yn cynnwys nifer o lwybrau a thrywyddau gwahanol sy’n caniatáu i ymwelwyr fwynhau natur ar bob adeg o’r flwyddyn. Lleolir Canolfan Ymwelwyr ar ffordd yr A4107 ger Cynonville lle mae maes parcio a chyfleusterau eraill gan gynnwys lluniaeth a gwybodaeth i ymwelwyr. O’r fan hon, gallwch ddilyn sawl llwybr, llawer ohonynt yn addas i deuluoedd. One of the best and easiest will take you from the centre along a disused railway track, past the old Cynonville Halt towards Dyffryn Rhondda and Cymmer. Here, in spring and early summer, you can experience a chorus of birdsong from summer migrants like Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff, Blackcap and Garden Warbler, as well as all the common resident species such as Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Song Thrush, Blackbird and Robin. House Martins are frequently seen buzzing around in the mid-summer sky above Cynonville in the evenings. The banks and ditches along this track are full of mosses and liverworts, with carpets of beautiful Shining Hookeria in places and tufts of Fingered Cowlwort, a tiny hyperoceanic liverwort, on the bark of willow trees. Between Cynonville and Dyffryn Rhondda there are some biodiverse grassy areas on the coaly spoil of the levelled Dyffryn Tip; these are the Dyffryn Rhondda Railway Meadows. Devil’s-bit Scabious is common in the large meadow, its flowers often visited by the handsome wasp mimic hoverfly, Sericomyia silentis . Other conspicuous flowering plants to note here are Southern Marsh-orchid, Chicory and Pearly Everlasting. Look out for Adder that are sometimes found basking on the woodpiles. They are shy creatures, not aggressive and will always seek to move quickly away from you if they are disturbed. On sunny days you will see lots of butterflies, including Dark Green Fritillary which are on the wing in late spring and early summer. Other things to note in the vicinity include a large population of Round-leaved Wintergreen and further along towards Cymmer there is an established heronry. Goosander are often seen flying along the river in this part of the Afan Valley. Other areas of the forest park can be accessed from Rhyslyn, Gyfylchi, Abercregan, Glyncorrwg and Blaengwynfi. The Rhyslyn entrance in Pontrhydyfen has a large, free car parking area. Ash trees along the banks of the River Afan here have notable colonies of the Atlantic lichen, Sticta limbata, and little pools in the ditches along the tracks often have tadpoles and small numbers of Palmate Newts that usually predate them. Grey Wagtail and Dipper frequent the river hereabouts, where foamy water bounces off rocks covered in dark mossy cushions of River and Broadleaf Grimmia. In many parts of the park large amounts of Japanese Larch became infected with Ramorum disease and have been removed. The clear-felled areas that have resulted from this have become occupied by Nightjar and Tree Pipits, and on balmy summer evenings the churring sound of male Nightjars can often be heard in the Pelenna Valley. The River Afan has recovered significantly from the mine water pollution that turned its waters black and orange in the past. Now in much better condition, it is able to support populations of Brown Trout, Sea Trout and a run of Atlantic Salmon, although there are still issues with mine water pollution and eutrophication in some places. Most of the park is dominated by large stands of Sitka Spruce where Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Crossbill and Goshawk are found. These forests are often dark and sometimes impenetrable, but they have a large diversity of fungi which includes colourful species such as Fly Agaric and an assortment of Brittlegills like Ochre Brittlegill and the much rarer Russula fuscorubroides , one of NPT’s Priority Species. Bydd un o’r llwybrau gorau a hawsaf yn eich tywys o’r ganolfan ar hyd yr hen reilffordd, heibio i Arhosfan Cynonville tuag at Ddyffryn Rhondda a’r Cymer. Yma, gallwch fwynhau côr yr adar yn ystod y gwanwyn a’r haf, sy’n cynnwys mudwyr haf fel Telor yr Helyg, y Siff Siaff, y Telor Penddu a Thelor yr Ardd, yn ogystal â’r holl rywogaethau preswyl cyffredin megis y Titw Mawr, Titw Tomos Las, y Titw Penddu, Telor y Cnau, y Fronfraith, yr Aderyn Du a’r Robin. Ganol haf, mae Gwenoliaid y Bondo i'w gweld yn hedfan yn brysur gyda’r nos. Mae’r cloddiau a’r ffosydd ar hyd y llwybr hwn yn llawn mwsoglau a llysiau’r afu, gyda charpedi hardd o Hookeria Lucens mewn mannau a thuswau o’r Cwfl-lys Byseddog, sef math o lys yr afu pitw, hypergefnforol, ar risgl rhai o’r coed helyg. Rhwng Cynonville a Dyffryn Rhondda, mae Dolydd Rheilffordd Dyffryn Rhondda, sef llecynnau glaswelltog bioamrywiol ar rwbel glo Tomen y Dyffryn sydd wedi’i lefelu. Mae Tamaid y Cythraul yn gyffredin ar y ddôl fawr, lle mae’r pryfed hofran tebyg i wenyn meirch deniadol, Sericomyia silentis, yn ymwelwyr mynych. Mae planhigion blodeuol eraill sy’n werth eu nodi yn cynnwys Tegeirian-y-gors Deheuol, yr Ysgellog a’r Edafeddog Hirhoedlog. Cofiwch sylwi ar y Gwiberod sydd i’w gweld yn torheulo ar domenni coed o bryd i’w gilydd. Nid yw’r creaduriaid swil hyn yn ymosodol a byddant bob amser yn ceisio symud i ffwrdd yn gyflym os bydd rhywbeth yn tarfu arnyn nhw. Ar ddiwrnodau heulog, gallwch weld nifer o loÿnnod byw, gan gynnwys y Fritheg Werdd, sydd yn yr awyr ar ddiwedd y gwanwyn a dechrau’r haf. Ymhlith nodweddion eraill gwerth eu nodi yn y cyffiniau, mae poblogaeth fawr o Lesyn-y-gaeaf Deilgrwn ac ymhellach ar hyd y llwybr tuag at y Cymer, mae crëyrfa wedi’i sefydlu. Yn aml, gellir gweld Hwyaid Danheddog yn hedfan ar hyd yr afon yn y rhan hon o Gwm Afan. Gellir cael mynediad i rannau eraill o’r parc coedwig o Ryslyn, Gyfylchi, Abercregan, Glyncorrwg a Blaengwynfi. Mae maes parcio mawr di-dâl ger mynedfa Rhyslyn ym Mhontrhydyfen. Ceir cytrefi hynod o gen Iwerydd, Sticta limbata , ar goed ynn ar hyd glannau afon Afan yma, ac mae’r pyllau bach yn y ffosydd wrth ymyl y llwybrau yn aml yn cynnwys penbyliaid a niferoedd bach o’r Madfallod Dŵr Palfog sydd fel arfer yn eu bwyta. Mae’r Siglen Lwyd a Bronwen y Dŵr yn ymweld â’r afon yn yr ardal hon, lle mae dŵr ewynnog yn tasgu oddi ar greigiau lle ceir clustogau mwsoglyd o schistidium rivulare a schistidium platyphyllum . Mewn sawl rhan o’r parc, mae nifer mawr o Larwydd Japan a gafodd eu heintio ag afiechyd Ramorwm wedi cael eu clirio. Mae’r ardaloedd sydd wedi’u llwyrgwympo o ganlyniad i’r gwaith hwn bellach yn gartref i’r Troellwr Mawr a Chorhedyddion y Coed ac yn aml ar nosweithiau braf o haf mae’r Troellwyr Mawr gwryw i’w glywed yn troelli yng Nghwm Pelenna. Mae cyflwr afon Afan wedi gwella’n sylweddol ers y dyddiau pan fyddai llygredd dŵr o’r pyllau glo a’r mwyngloddiau yn troi ei dyfroedd yn ddu ac yn oren yn y gorffennol. Bellach, mae’r afon mewn cyflwr llawer gwell ac yn gallu cynnal poblogaethau o Frithyll, Sewin a rhediad Eog Iwerydd, er bod llygredd dŵr o’r pyllau glo a’r mwyngloddiau ac ewtroffigedd yn dal i achosi problemau mewn rhai mannau. Mae clystyrau o goed Sbriws Sitka yn nodwedd amlwg iawn yn y rhan fwyaf o’r parc lle mae’r Pila Gwyrdd, y Llinos Bengoch Fechan, y Gylfingroes a Gwalch Martin i’w canfod. Mae’r coedwigoedd hyn yn aml yn dywyll ac weithiau’n ddyrys, ond mae amrywiaeth mawr o ffyngau yn tyfu ynddynt, gan gynnwys rhywogaethau lliwgar megis Amanita’r Gwybed a chasgliad o Degyll fel y Tegyll Brau Melyn a’r Russula fuscorubroides llawer prinnach, sy’n un o’r Rhywogaethau â Blaenoriaeth yn CNPT. Gallery Previous Next

Join the NPT Local Nature Partnership by subscribing to our mailing list. You'll receive news and updates about upcoming meetings and events. Photo of the month Terms and COnditons 🌿 What was your favourite nature moment in Neath Port Talbot this month? 🌿 To celebrate the amazing wildlife, landscapes and natural beauty of Neath Port Talbot, we're launching our monthly Nature Photo of the Month competition! 📷 Share your favourite nature photograph taken in Neath Port Talbot during the past month in the comments on the social media post. 👍 The photograph with the most likes/reactions at the closing date will be crowned our Photo of the Month and will be: 🏆 Featured as the cover image for that month on our channels 📱 Shared across our social media platforms 🌐 Featured on the NPT Nature website Whether you've spotted wildlife, captured a stunning landscape, or simply enjoyed nature on your doorstep, we'd love to see your photos! 📅 Entries close at midnight on the final day of the month. Competition Rules By entering, you confirm that: You took the photograph yourself. The photograph was taken in Neath Port Talbot during the month of the competition. You own the copyright to the image. You grant Neath Port Talbot Local Nature Partnership (NPT LNP) a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the image for promoting nature and biodiversity activities, including on our website, social media channels, newsletters and other non-commercial communications. You have permission from any identifiable person appearing in the photograph. The photo does not contain offensive, inappropriate or unlawful content. Wildlife has not been disturbed, harmed or put at risk in the process of taking the photograph. If the image shows a protected species, sensitive habitat or nesting site, NPT LNP reserves the right to withhold precise location information. Winner Selection 🏆 The winner will be the eligible photograph receiving the highest number of likes/reactions on the competition post at the closing date. ❗ NPT LNP reserves the right to exclude entries that do not meet the competition rules or appear to have artificially inflated engagement. In the event of a tie, NPT LNP will select the winner. Privacy Notice By posting a photograph and commenting on this competition post, you consent to NPT LNP processing the personal information you choose to share (such as your name, profile and photograph) for the purposes of administering the competition and promoting the winning image. We will never sell your personal data. Information will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy: 🔗 View the NPT Nature Privacy Policy Subscribe here! 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. Full Name* Email* Organisation / group (if applicable) What is your interest in nature in NPT? Which mailing list would you like to join? * NPT for Nature (community action for nature) Full LNP Mailing List (professional, policy, NRAP etc.) I have read and accept the Privacy Policy Subscribe How you can help Volunteer with us Follow us

The most diverse woodland flora in NPT is found in the ribbons of woodland that occur along the banks of the River Neath between Tonna and Glynneath. Wych Elm is a common component of these riparian woodlands, with Ash, Sycamore, Alder, Hazel and Small-leaved Lime. < Back The Vale of Neath Riparian Woodland Corridor Coridor Coetir Glannau Afon Bro Nedd The most diverse woodland flora in NPT is found in the ribbons of woodland that occur along the banks of the River Neath between Tonna and Glynneath. Wych Elm is a common component of these riparian woodlands, with Ash, Sycamore, Alder, Hazel and Small-leaved Lime. Mae’r fflora coetir mwyaf amrywiol yn CNPT i’w canfod yn y rhubanau o goetir ar hyd glannau afon Nedd rhwng Tonna a Glyn-nedd. Mae’r Llwyfen Lydanddail yn gyffredin yn y coetiroedd hyn ar lannau’r afon, ynghyd â choed Ynn, Sycamorwydd, Gwern, Cyll a Phisgwydd Dail Bach. The ground flora is made up of numerous ancient woodland indicator species such as Bluebell, Woodruff, Ramsons, Wood Anemone, Yellow Archangel, Pignut, Sanicle, Wood Speedwell and Toothwort, a diverse assemblage not seen in other types of woodlands in the county. Primroses are particularly common in some parts, and Great Wood-rush, Soft Shield-fern and Hard Shield-fern are often conspicuous. Common Twayblade is also seen occasionally. There are numerous mosses and liverworts in these woodlands; Greater Featherwort, Lesser Featherwort, Hair pointed Feather-moss and Big shaggy-moss are characteristic species of the woodland floor, while Micheli’s Least Pouncewort, Western Pouncewort, Many-fruited Leskea and Blunt Feather-moss are the characteristic epiphytes on the trees along the riverside. A significant population of Meadow Saxifrage occurs all along the banks of the river in the riparian corridor, and near Resolven, Marsh Hawk’s- beard occurs in one of its most southerly locations in Britain. The sandy, alluvial soils that accumulate on the banks of the river also support attractive tufts of Bordered Thyme-moss, which is generally uncommon elsewhere. Dipper and Grey Wagtail are two of the most characteristic river birds in the Vale, but Common Sandpiper may also be seen bobbing in the shingle banks, where they make their nests. Kingfisher also breed here as do Spotted Flycatcher, which sit on riverside trees and dart out every now and then to catch insects. On fine evenings in summer you can watch Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin and Swifts feeding over the river and if you are very lucky you may even spot an Otter. Goosander and Mandarin Duck are among other river birds that you might see. Mae’r fflora daear yn cynnwys nifer o rywogaethau dangosol coetir hynafol megis Clychau’r Gog, Briwydd, Craf y Geifr, Blodau’r Gwynt, y Farddanhadlen Felen, Cneuen y Ddaear, Clust yr Arth, Rhwyddlwyn y Coed a’r Deintlys, casgliad amrywiol nas gwelir mewn mathau eraill o goetiroedd yn y sir. Mae Briallu yn arbennig o gyffredin mewn rhai mannau ac mae’r Goedfrwynen Fawr, y Wrychredynen Feddal a’r Wrychredynen Galed yn aml yn amlwg iawn. Gwelir y Caineirian o dro i dro hefyd. Mae nifer o fwsoglau a llysiau’r afu yn y coetiroedd hyn; mae’r Dueglys Mawr, y Dueglys Bychan, Cirriphyllum piliferum a’r Hylocomiadelphus triquertrus yn rhywogaethau nodweddiadol ar lawr y coetiroedd, tra bo’r Llychlys Cyffredin, Llychlys y Gorllewin, Leskea polycarpa a Homalia trichomanoides yn epiffytau nodweddiadol ar goed ar lannau’r afon. Ceir poblogaeth sylweddol o Dormaen y Gweunydd ar hyd glannau’r afon yn y coridor hwn, a ger Resolfen mae Gwalchlys y Gors yn tyfu yn un o’i leoliadau mwyaf deheuol ym Mhrydain. Mae’r pridd tywodlyd, llifwaddodol sy’n cronni ar lannau’r afon hefyd yn cynnal tuswau o’r Mnium marginatu m deniadol sy’n anghyffredin ym mhobman arall. Dau o’r adar afon mwyaf nodweddiadol yn y Dyffryn yw Bronwen y Dŵr a’r Siglen Lwyd, ond gellir gweld Pibyddion y Dorlan hefyd ar y cerrig mân ar ochrau’r afon lle maent yn nythu. Yn ogystal, mae Glas y Dorlan yn bridio yma, ynghyd â’r Gwybedog Mannog, sy’n eistedd yn y coed uwchlaw’r afon ac yn saethu allan bob hyn a hyn i ddal pryfed. Ar nosweithiau braf o haf gallwch wylio’r Wennol, Gwennol y Bondo, Gwennol y Glennydd a’r Wennol Ddu yn bwydo uwchben yr afon ac os byddwch yn lwcus iawn, fe allech chi weld Dyfrgi. Mae’r Hwyaden Ddanheddog a’r Hwyaden Fandarin ymhlith yr adar afon eraill y gallech eu gweld. Gallery Previous Next

A short walk from the village of Melincwrt, near Resolven, will take you along the Melincwrt Brook into a little nature reserve managed by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. It is an easy walk that takes you into the lower Melincwrt Valley as far as the photogenic waterfall, Sgwd Rhyd yr Hesg, which falls spectacularly into a jumble of sandstone boulders at its base. < Back Melincwrt Valley and Cwm Caca Dyffryn Melin-cwrt a Chwm Caca A short walk from the village of Melincwrt, near Resolven, will take you along the Melincwrt Brook into a little nature reserve managed by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. It is an easy walk that takes you into the lower Melincwrt Valley as far as the photogenic waterfall, Sgwd Rhyd yr Hesg, which falls spectacularly into a jumble of sandstone boulders at its base. Bydd taith fer ar droed o bentref Melin-cwrt, ger Resolfen, yn eich arwain ar hyd glan Nant Melin-cwrt i warchodfa natur fach sy’n cael ei rheoli gan Ymddiriedolaeth Bywyd Gwyllt De a Gorllewin Cymru. Mae’n dro hawdd sy’n eich arwain i mewn i ran isaf Dyffryn Melin-cwrt mor bell â rhaeadr ffotogenig Sgwd Rhyd yr Hesg sy’n disgyn yn drawiadol dros y casgliad o greigiau tywodfaen oddi tani. In places, the perpendicular walls of the valley are covered in mosses and liverworts, with sheets of Straggling Pouchwort draped over the wet rocks which are splashed by the cascading water, while Royal Fern clings on to the rock behind the waterfall. The path-side river bank is wooded with Wych Elm and Small-leaved Lime in places, and a rather inaccessible, north-facing vertical slab of rock here is covered with Tunbridge Filmy-fern in its only known location in NPT. The steep wooded sides of the valley are dominated by Sessile Oak, with a ground flora that includes Common Cow-wheat, Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. In previous decades, Pied Flycatcher bred in this woodland but they haven’t been recorded here in recent years. However, Grey Wagtail and Dipper are commonly found along the brook, and further upstream, above the waterfall, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart are often seen. The steep, gorge-like upper Melincwrt Valley, above the waterfall, is little explored, but wet rocks and splash zones there support interesting liverworts such as Compressed Flapwort and the exquisite Handsome Woolywort. Where the brook meanders through Cwm Caca there are banks of Ivy-leaved Bellflower and a large area of marshy grassland filled with rushes and bog mosses. Base-rich flushes in this vicinity have attractive swards of Thick-nerved Apple-moss, and small amounts of Beech Fern reside in the shade of rocky outcrops. Mewn mannau, gorchuddir waliau unionsyth y dyffryn gan fwsoglau a llysiau’r afu, gyda haenau o Godlys Traphlith wedi’u taenu dros y creigiau gwlyb lle mae’r rhaeadr yn tasgu a Rhedyn Cyfrdwy yn glynu at y graig y tu ôl i’r rhaeadr. Mae glan yr afon ar ochr y llwybr yn goediog gyda Llwyfenni Llydanddail a Phisgwydd Dail Bach mewn mannau, ac mae darn o graig fertigol sy’n wynebu’r gogledd ac sy’n anodd iawn ei gyrraedd wedi’i orchuddio gan Redynach Teneuwe Tunbridge, unig leoliad hysbys y rhywogaeth yn CNPT. Derw Mes Di-goes yw’r nodwedd amlycaf ar ochrau coediog serth y dyffryn, gyda fflora daear sy’n cynnwys Gliniogai, Clychau’r Gog a Suran y Coed. Mewn degawdau blaenorol, roedd Gwybedogion Brith yn bridio yn y coetir hwn ond nid ydynt wedi’u cofnodi yma yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf. Fodd bynnag mae Siglennod Llwyd a Throchyddion i’w canfod yn gyffredin ar hyd y nant ac ymhellach i fyny’r nant, uwchben y rhaeadr, mae Gwybedogion Mannog a Thingochion i’w gweld yn aml. Nid yw rhan uchaf Dyffryn Melin-cwrt a’i hochrau serth, fel ceunant, uwchben y rhaeadr wedi cael ei harchwilio’n fanwl, ond mae’r creigiau gwlyb a’r parthau lle mae’r dŵr yn tasgu yn cynnal mathau diddorol o lysiau’r afu megis yr Ysgol-lys Cywasg a’r Gwlanlys Hardd. Lle mae’r nant yn ymdroelli trwy Gwm Caca, ceir llethrau o Glychlys Dail Eiddew ac ardal helaeth o laswelltir corsiog llawn cyrs a migwynau. Mae’r llaciau tra-fasig yn y cyffiniau hyn wedi denu clystyrau o afal-fwsogl Philonotis calcarea ac mae ychydig o Redyn Corniog i’w canfod yng nghysgod y creigiau bargodol. Gallery Previous Next

Cwm Du Glen is close to Pontardawe Town Centre and may be accessed from a number of points, but most people use the main (signposted) trail which starts near Pontardawe Cross. The site is well known as an area of high aesthetic and biodiversity value with its steep-sided riparian woodland that dresses the lower section of the Upper Clydach Valley. < Back Cwm Du Glen Dyffryn Cwm Du Cwm Du Glen is close to Pontardawe Town Centre and may be accessed from a number of points, but most people use the main (signposted) trail which starts near Pontardawe Cross. The site is well known as an area of high aesthetic and biodiversity value with its steep-sided riparian woodland that dresses the lower section of the Upper Clydach Valley. Mae Dyffryn Cwm Du yn agos at Ganol Tref Pontardawe a cheir mynediad iddo o sawl man ond mae’r rhan fwyaf o bobl yn defnyddio’r prif lwybr (ag arwyddion) sy’n dechrau ger y Groes. Mae’r safle’n adnabyddus fel ardal werthfawr o safbwynt estheteg a bioamrywiaeth gyda’i choetir serth ar lannau’r afon sy’n gorchuddio rhan isaf pen Uchaf Cwm Clydach. Both sides of the Glen support semi-natural ancient deciduous woodland with a rich flora. Glanrhyd Plantation, which occurs above the Glen on the western side, is dominated by a mixture of native and non-native trees. More than 230 species of plants have been recorded in the Glen, which includes vascular plants (flowering plants and ferns) and a rich assemblage of bryophytes (approximately 90 species). The river is an important habitat for Dipper and Grey Wagtail and the occasional Kingfisher, which are commonly seen from the main access path. The occurrence of spraint on the riverside rocks indicates that the site is also used by Otter. Wet rocks on the banks support a diverse bryophyte flora which includes common, conspicuous species such as Overleaf Pellia, Great Scented Liverwort, Greater Water-moss and Flagellate Feather-moss, as well as nationally scarce species such as Beck Pocket-moss, Broad-leaf Grimmia and Yellowish Fork-moss. The riparian woodland that occurs along the banks of the river is dominated by Alder, with Ash and Wych Elm prominent in places. A number of notable ancient woodland indicator species such as Bluebell, Sanicle, Yellow Archangel and Wood Anemone are conspicuous here. Other conspicuous species include Remote Sedge, Pendulous Sedge, Great Wood-rush and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage. The steep-sided valley woodland is dominated by Sessile Oak but also includes Birch, Ash, Sycamore, Holly, Rowan, Beech and small amounts of Hazel. Neither Sycamore nor Beech are native in the glen, but both are represented by some large mature trees. Plant species in the herb layer here include Wood Sorrel, Enchanter’s Nightshade, Bluebell and various species of ferns. Palmate Germanderwort, an uncommon liverwort in South Wales, occurs on decorticated logs in the valley. Woodland on the east side, in the vicinity of Gelligron waterfall (and above), supports abundant Hard Fern and attractive patches of Wood Horsetail. A large sward of Great Horsetail occurs in the section above the waterfall where there is also a population of Common Cow-wheat. A good time to visit Cwm Du Glen is late spring and early summer when all our common woodland birds can be seen and heard, plus some notable migrants such as Wood Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher. Cwm Du Glen supports habitats which are suitable for roosting bats, and the whole site provides exemplary opportunities for feeding. Some nationally scarce moths such as Blomer’s Rivulet and Double Line were recorded by the Glamorgan Moth Recording Group in Cwm Du Glen in 2002. The Double Line is a BAP priority species which depends on the occurrence of Wych Elm in the Glen. Other moths of local significance which have been recorded in Cwm Du Glen include the Sharp-angled Peacock, Scorched Wing, Small Elephant Hawk-moth, Coronet and Beautiful Snout. Mae dwy ochr y Dyffryn yn cynnal coetir collddail hynafol lled-naturiol sy’n cynnwys cyfoeth o blanhigion. Cymysgedd o goed brodorol ac anfrodorol a geir yn bennaf ym Mhlanhigfa Glanrhyd, uwchben y Dyffryn ar yr ochr orllewinol. Cofnodwyd mwy na 230 o rywogaethau o blanhigion yn y Dyffryn, gan gynnwys planhigion fasgwlaidd (planhigion blodeuol a rhedyn) a chasgliad cyfoethog o fryoffytau (oddeutu 90 o rywogaethau). Mae’r afon yn gynefin pwysig ar gyfer Bronwen y Dŵr a’r Siglen Lwyd ac ambell Las y Dorlan, sydd i’w gweld yn gyffredin o’r prif lwybr mynediad. Mae’r baw dyfrgi a welir ar greigiau ar lan yr afon yn arwydd bod Dyfrgwn yn defnyddio’r safle hefyd. Mae’r creigiau gwlyb ar y glannau’n cynnal amrywiaeth o fryoffytau, gan gynnwys rhywogaethau cyffredin, amlwg fel y Ffrydlys Cyffredin, yr Afuad Mawr Pêr, y Dyfrfwsogl Mawr a’r plufwsogl Hyocomium armoricum , yn ogystal â rhywogaethau sydd i’w canfod yn anfynych ar lefel genedlaethol megis Fissidens rufulus , Schistidium platyphyllum a’r Fforchfwsogl Melynaidd . Prif nodwedd y coetir ar lannau’r afon yw coed Gwern, ynghyd â choed Ynn a Llwyfennau Llydanddail amlwg mewn mannau. Mae’n werth nodi bod nifer o rywogaethau dangosol coetir hynafol yn amlwg yma, megis Clychau’r Gog, Clust yr Arth, y Farddanhadlen Felen a Blodyn y Gwynt. Ymhlith y rhywogaethau eraill amlwg mae’r Hesgen Blodau Anghyfagos, yr Hesgen Bendrom, y Goedfrwynen Fawr a’r Eglyn Cyferbynddail. Derw Mes Di-goes yw nodwedd amlycaf y coetir ar lethrau serth y dyffryn, ond mae coed Bedw, Ynn, Sycamorwydd, Celyn, Criafol, Ffawydd ac ychydig o goed Cyll yma hefyd. Nid yw’r Sycamorwydd na’r Ffawydd yn frodorol i’r Dyffryn, ond cynrychiolir y ddwy rywogaeth gan rai coed llawn dwf mawr. Mae’r rhywogaethau yn yr haen lysiau yma yn cynnwys Suran y Coed, Llysiau Steffan, Clychau’r Gog ac amrywiaeth o rywogaethau o redyn. Mae’r Saetslys Palfog, sef math o lys yr afu sy’n anghyffredin yn ne Cymru, i’w ganfod ar foncyffion dirisgl yn y dyffryn. Mae’r coetir ar ochr ddwyreiniol y dyffryn, ger (ac uwchben) rhaeadr Gelligron yn cynnal Gwibredyn toreithiog a chlystyrau deniadol o Farchrawn y Coed. Ceir gweirdir helaeth o Farchrawn y Coed ar dir uwchben y rhaeadr lle ceir poblogaeth o’r Gliniogai hefyd. Mae diwedd y gwanwyn a dechrau’r haf yn amser da i ymweld â Dyffryn Cwm Du pan fydd modd gweld a chlywed ein holl adar coetir cyffredin, ynghyd â rhai adar mudol nodedig, megis Telor y Coed a’r Gwybedog Mannog. Mae Dyffryn Cwm Du yn cynnal cynefinoedd sy’n addas ar gyfer ystlumod sy’n clwydo ac mae’r safle cyfan yn cynnig cyfleoedd bwydo rhagorol. Cafodd rhai gwyfynod sy’n brin ar lefel genedlaethol, megis Crych Blomer a’r Wensgod Fawr, eu cofnodi gan Grŵp Cofnodi Gwyfynod Morgannwg yn Nyffryn Cwm Du yn 2002. Mae’r Wensgod Fawr, sy’n rhywogaeth â blaenoriaeth yn y Cynllun Gweithredu Bioamrywiaeth, yn dibynnu ar y Llwyfenni Llydanddail sy’n tyfu yn y Dyffryn. Mae gwyfynod eraill ag arwyddocâd lleol a gofnodwyd yn Nyffryn Cwm Du yn cynnwys y Seffyr Sgolpiog, yr Adain Ddeifiog, Gwalch-wyfyn Bach Helyglys, y Bidog Yswydd a Thrwynog y Rhos. Gallery Previous Next

The Neath Canal is the longest canal in NPT, stretching for Briton Ferry to Glyn Neath in the Vale of Neath, more or less following the direction of the Neath River, which it crosses in a small aqueduct near Clyne. < Back The Neath Canal Camlas Nedd The Neath Canal is the longest canal in NPT, stretching for Briton Ferry to Glyn Neath in the Vale of Neath, more or less following the direction of the Neath River, which it crosses in a small aqueduct near Clyne. Camlas Nedd yw’r gamlas hiraf yn CNPT ac mae’n ymestyn o Lansawel i Lyn-nedd ym Mro Nedd, gan ddilyn cyfeiriad afon Nedd i bob pwrpas, a’i chroesi ar hyd dyfrbont fach ger y Clun. It can be accessed easily from many points in the valley, such as Giant’s Grave, Melyn, Bridge Street (Neath), Cadoxton, Aberdulais, Resolven and Aberpergwm. In most places the tow paths allow easy walking, and for much of its length the canal supports a diverse flora and fauna which are easy to observe. However, some parts of the canal between Aberdulais and Resolven are in poor condition and the towpath is less accessible. A walk along the Neath Canal is rewarding at any time of year but it is particularly good for wildlife viewing in spring and summer. The stretch between Giants Grave and Neath is particularly good with colourful flowering plants such as Greater Spearwort, Common Valerian, Great Willowherb, Water Forget-me-not, Yellow Loosestrife, Purple Loosestrife and Meadowsweet. Otter are sometimes seen here early in the morning and Heron and Kingfisher are frequently encountered. Where there are banks of reeds the metronomic song of the Reed Warbler or the sudden burst of song from a Cetti’s Warbler is a common sound in spring and summer. Virtually all the common British damselflies and dragonflies are found along the canal, with spectacular displays in summer from the large and handsome Emperor Dragonflies patrolling their territories. Where the canal is shaded by trees, particularly between Tonna and Resolven, you may come across small groups of Beautiful Demoiselles. Dipper and Grey Wagtail are occasionally seen along the stretch between Tonna and Clyne, where you may also be lucky to see a pair of Mandarin Duck. Moorhen are common everywhere and are often seen scuttling across the large floating leaves of Yellow Waterlily which dominate much of surface water between Briton Ferry and Neath. Other aquatics such as Broad-leaved Pondweed, Curled Pondweed, Water Starworts, Spiked Water-milfoil, Rigid and Soft Hornwort, Ivy-leaved Duckweed and Unbranched Bur-reed are also common. Quiet observation of the water usually reveals the presence of fish such as Perch, Roach, Tench and Pike. In recent years, non-native terrapins have increased significantly and they can sometimes be seen basking out of the water in the canal near Giant’s Grave. Mae modd cyrraedd y gamlas yn hwylus o sawl man yn y cwm, megis Bedd y Cawr, Melyn, Stryd y Bont (Castell-nedd), Llangatwg, Aberdulais, Resolfen ac Aberpergwm. Yn y rhan fwyaf o fannau, mae’r llwybrau halio yn cynnig llwybr hawdd i gerddwyr ac mae’r gamlas, bron ar hyd-ddi, yn cynnal fflora a ffawna amrywiol sy’n hawdd eu gweld. Fodd bynnag, mae rhannau o’r gamlas rhwng Aberdulais a Resolfen mewn cyflwr gwael ac nid yw’r llwybr halio mor hawdd ei ddefnyddio. Mae’n werth cerdded ar hyd Camlas Nedd ar unrhyw adeg o’r flwyddyn ond mae cyfleoedd arbennig o dda i wylio bywyd gwyllt yn ystod y gwanwyn a’r haf. Mae’r rhan o’r gamlas rhwng Bedd y Cawr a Chastell-nedd yn arbennig o dda gyda phlanhigion blodeuol lliwgar megis y Llafnlys Mawr, Triaglog, Helyglys Pêr, Sgorpionllys y Gors, Trewyn, Llysiau’r-milwr Coch a’r Erwain. Gwelir dyfrgwn yma weithiau yn gynnar yn y bore ac mae’r Crëyr Glas a Glas y Dorlan i’w gweld yn aml. Yn y gwanwyn a’r haf, mae’n gyffredin clywed Telor y Cyrs neu Delor Cetti yn taro cân sydyn o’r gwelyau cyrs. Mae bron pob un o fursennod a gweision neidr cyffredin Prydain i’w canfod ar hyd y gamlas ac yn yr haf, gwelir gweision neidr hardd yr Ymerawdwr yn creu arddangosfeydd trawiadol wrth batrolio’u tiriogaeth. Yng nghysgod y coed, yn enwedig rhwng Tonna a Resolfen, fe allech ddod ar draws grwpiau bach o Forwynion Tywyll ar y gamlas. Gwelir Bronwen y Dŵr a’r Siglen Lwyd o bryd i’w gilydd ar y darn o’r gamlas rhwng Tonna a’r Clun, lle gallech fod yn ddigon ffodus o weld pâr o Hwyaid Mandarin. Mae Ieir Dŵr yn gyffredin ym mhobman ac i’w gweld yn aml yn sgrialu dros ddail mawr Lili’r-dŵr Felen sy’n nodwedd amlwg ar wyneb y dŵr rhwng Llansawel a Chastell-nedd. Mae rhywogaethau dyfrol eraill, megis y Dyfrllys Llydanddail, y Dyfrllys Crych, y Briglwydd, Myrdd-ddail Ysbigog, Cyrnddail Caled a Chyrnddail Meddal, Llinad Dail Eiddew a’r Cleddlys Di-gainc hefyd yn gyffredin. Fel arfer, mae modd gweld pysgod fel Draenogiaid, Rhufellod, Ysgretennod a Phenhwyaid trwy syllu’n dawel ar y dŵr. Yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf, mae nifer y terapiniaid anfrodorol wedi cynyddu’n sylweddol ac weithiau gellir eu gweld yn torheulo allan o’r dŵr ar y gamlas ger Bedd y Cawr. Gallery Previous Next

The coastal strip of NPT between Crymlyn Burrows and Morfa Dunes once supported a well-connected, biodiverse ecosystem with sand dunes, dune slacks and coastal fen. However, it has suffered huge losses in species-rich habitats in the last 100 years mainly as a result of industrial development. Coastal Habitats Sand dunes, saltmarsh, estuary, intertidal sand and mud, man-made structures The State of Nature in Coastal Habitats in Neath Port Talbot The coastal strip of NPT between Crymlyn Burrows and Morfa Dunes once supported a well-connected, biodiverse ecosystem with sand dunes, dune slacks and coastal fen. However, it has suffered huge losses in species-rich habitats in the last 100 years mainly as a result of industrial development. Unfortunately, much of what remains is also in a perilous position with an uncertain future, still threatened by development. Consequently, the unique wildlife communities and the dynamic mobile sand dune structures which have managed to survive remain vulnerable. Recent downward trends in the movements of wintering Sanderling (and other waders) on Crymlyn Burrows are also of concern. Several factors have contributed to changes in the biodiversity and resilience of coastal ecosystems in NPT: (i) lack of recognition in the past of the importance of sites such as Crymlyn Burrows and Baglan Dunes, (ii) lack of proper management of habitats containing species of high conservation value and (iii) no regulation of recreational activities in sensitive areas such as wader roosting sites in intertidal zones. In addition, there are a number of invasive non-native species that are established on Crymlyn Burrows, the most significant of which are Japanese Rose, Sea Buckthorn, a number of Cotoneaster species, Canadian Golden Rod, Michaelmas Daisy and Holm Oak. In view of all this the state of nature and resilience of coastal ecosystems in Neath Port Talbot has been assessed as poor. OVERVIEW Coastal ecosystems provide habitats for a third of NPT’s priority species and they represent one of the most important resources of biodiversity in the county. Important features include the partially fixed mobile dune systems on Crymlyn Burrows, Baglan and Morfa dunes. Species found here, such as Frosted Orache, Prickly Saltwort, Sea Stock, Sea Holly, Sea Bindweed, Sea Spurge and Ray’s Knotgrass depend on the availability of mobile sand environments and are restricted to these habitats. Also notable is a small population of Dotted Sedge, a rare and declining species, which occurs on Baglan Dunes in its only known site in Glamorgan. Unfortunately, Alder and Willow encroachment is currently threatening this population. Dune slacks contribute a large amount to the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems and were widespread in NPT’s dune systems at the end of the 19th Century. Even 40 years ago they were a significant feature of Crymlyn Burrows and Baglan Dunes. At this time Fen Orchid, Early Marsh-orchid, Marsh Helleborine and Adder’s Tongue were seen regularly on Crymlyn Burrows. However, species-rich dune slacks have all but disappeared in NPT, largely as a result of successional changes and neglect, and most of these species have become extremely rare in the county. A small area of dune slack with a large population of Marsh Helleborine survives on Baglan Dunes but it is also threatened by willow scrub succession. Until recently, intertidal areas on Crymlyn Burrows have provided a feeding and roosting site for nationally important numbers of wintering Sanderling and Ringed Plover. Unfortunately, the increasing use of these beaches for dog walking is now influencing the movements and behaviour of these birds and they appear to have deserted their favoured roosting sites. Several notable insects are found in coastal habitats in NPT including a number of butterflies such as Grayling, Wall Brown, Dingy Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Blue and Brown Argus. Other significant species include Shrill Carder-bee, Long-horned Bee and Black Oil-beetle. The strandline beetle, Nebria complanata was recorded regularly on Crymlyn Burrows in the past but has not been seen there recently. Salt marshes are a valuable component of coastal biodiversity. In NPT, this habitat is only extensive in the vicinity of the River Neath estuary where diverse communities containing Sea Wormwood, Sea Heath, Sea Lavender and Golden Samphire are found. The long tidal reach of the River Neath is also responsible for a substantial area of sea washed saltings between Neath town and Baglan Bay. During the highest tides, the large grazing marsh that occurs between Neath and Aberdulais is inundated with brackish water which influences the diversity and composition of this impressive and unique habitat. Actions for the recovery of Coastal 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 Active management of sand dune habitats is required, particularly the maintenance of mobile sand dune systems and the creation and maintenance of dune slacks Reducing disturbance to breeding and/or overwintering birds Breeding and/or overwintering populations of sanderlings and lapwings have both been declining as a result of disturbance from visitors. Work to protect these birds at Baglan and Crymlyn Burrows needs to be undertaken. Re-introduction of important plant species Re-introduce populations of species such as the Fen Orchid to sites where appropriate Invasive species removal Invasive species continue to threaten the condition of coastal habitats in NPT e.g. Japanese Rose. Undertake action to remove these species where possible Crymlyn Burrows Warden Ensure the continuation of the officer role for Crymlyn Burrows based at Swansea University Saltmarsh Identify opportunities for restoration of salt marsh along the River Neath, for example, through grazing projects Fungi on the Coast Undertake fungi surveys to increase our understanding of the fungal assemblages in the coastal zone Rare species monitoring Monitoring of rare plants along the coast is required to ensure populations are not declining e.g. Dune Wormwood and Dotted Sedge Rare plant species Promote the survival of important plant species through specific management e.g. removing the successional willow scrub which is threatening the Dotted Sedge (at Baglan Burrows). Connectivity for coastal habitats Work with partners to increase connectivity between coastal habitats e.g. creating wildflower habitat along Aberavon seafront SANDERLING Sanderling are small wading birds that breed in coastal tundra in the High Arctic. In winter they migrate southwards and significant numbers of them spend the winter in Britain, particularly where there are coastal beaches with long sandy shore lines. They rely on the availability of coastlines where they roost and feed on crustaceans, molluscs and marine worms. Recently, wintering numbers of sanderling have declined in the UK where this species is now amber-listed. Nationally important numbers have occurred in Swansea Bay between late summer and spring and they have been a notable feature of undisturbed sections of Crymlyn Burrows until recently. Unfortunately uncontrolled and sustained disturbance of winter populations are having a catastrophic effect on roosting and feeding flocks in NPT. SEA STOCK Sea Stock is one of a small number of Mediterranean plants that are found in Wales and has been known from coastal sand dunes in NPT for about 150 years. It is a nationally rare, Section 7 species and a European endemic that is growing at its global northern limit in the coastal sand dunes of NPT. It is found in mobile sand communities and is restricted to and specifically requires this specialised habitat in our area. For reasons that are not understood properly, population sizes of this attractive plant have varied greatly over the decades. Burial in sand after storm events and grazing by rabbits may play a part in this. The enormous population of Sea Stock that occurred on Crymlyn Burrows in the 1980s has dwindled to a handful of individuals in recent years. Larger populations are currently known from the remnant dune systems between Baglan and Morfa Tip. SMALL BLUE This is the smallest UK butterfly but can be seen in numbers where it occurs. The upper wing is a dusky colour with a hint of blue and the underwing is a very light brown-blue with obvious black spots, no orange as in the Common Blue. They rely solely on Kidney Vetch for their caterpillar food plant. Small Blues can be found all along the NPT coastal belt and at some inland sites, particularly where there is an abundance of Kidney Vetch. Where to explore coastal habitats in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see coastal habitats in NPT Coastal Projects in NPT CRYMLYN BURROWS SSSI A new management plan for Crymlyn Burrows has recently been put in place, to be implemented by the Swansea University Biodiversity Officer and NRW. The main aims of the plan will be to improve the condition of habitats there by removing or controlling invasive non-native species, dune slack scraping and the reintroduction of priority species such as Dune Wormwood and Sea Stock. morfa tip The creation of a new sand dune ecosystem on Morfa Tip is helping to increase the extent and connectivity of sand dune habitats, which have undergone catastrophic losses in the region over the last 100 years. The site is monitored annually. dynamic dunescapes 21 hectares of sand dune will be restored or recreated across NPT and Swansea. This project is also increasing public engagement with sand dune habitats in the county. whitford point Monitoring of species including lapwing, invasive species and visitor activity. Management of invasive non-native species and scrub clearance sanderling disturbance PREVENTION Disturbance of Sanderling and other waders at Crymlyn Burrows by dog walkers is currently under discussion to determine the best course of action to protect these feeding and roosting flocks. CASE STUDY MANAGEMENT OF CRYMLYN BURROWS SSSI When Swansea University developed its Bay Campus on brownfield land to the east of the city, it also took on responsibility for the neighbouring Crymlyn Burrows SSSI. This is one of the last undeveloped areas of Swansea Bay, designated for its diverse assemblage of sand dune and saltmarsh flora and invertebrates, among them some very rare species, including Fen Orchid, Field Wormwood and Strandline Beetle. Although undeveloped, the site faces numerous issues, not least the presence of invasive species and lack of grazing and historical management. While Japanese Rose is the most widespread and problematic of the invasive species found, there are over 50 non-native plants recorded in the dunes, with Sea Buckthorn, Holm Oak, Cotoneaster, Early Goldenrod, Michaelmas Daisy and Japanese Knotweed all having an impact (and the potential to spread much more widely). Although the site has always been used by local dog walkers, this has increased in recent years, and along with the 2500 students now living on campus, the risk of wildlife disturbance has increased significantly. Rabbits are the only grazing animals on the site and with no management prior to the opening of the campus, scrub and woodland has expanded significantly since designation, especially in the wetter areas. Fen Orchid has been lost to this succession and Strandline Beetles have not been recorded there since 1997. Management has initially focused on controlling invasive species, prioritising those that present the largest potential damage, where early management might prevent a larger future problem. Early attempts to hand dig Japanese Rose were unsuccessful, taking a lot of effort but with limited results – rhizomes can spread over a metre from the parent plant, and a small section left behind will regrow. Small (<2m), isolated patches of rose are now prioritised for spraying before they get too large, while larger areas are being dug and buried in situ using an excavator. This not only reduces the amount of Japanese Rose, but also creates valuable areas of bare sand for colonisation by dune wildlife. Regrowth is searched for and dug out by hand. As well as removing invasive species, attempts have been made to reduce the spread of native woodland and scrub into the dune grassland, with volunteers cutting back young birch, willow, alder and gorse along the woodland edge, although at a relatively small scale. In 2020 this was greatly expanded thanks to the help of the National Heritage Lottery Fund Dynamic Dunescapes project, clearing 0.5ha of woodland in wet dune slacks where fen orchid was last found. Trees were removed (and chipped for biomass) before the accumulated soil and leaf litter was scraped off, removing stumps and creating bare sand that flooded seasonally. A further new slack is planned in an area currently covered by Japanese Rose and if successful, it is hoped that Fen Orchid can be reintroduced. Wardening and awareness raising (through walks, events and signage) are helping to reduce disturbance, and a zoning scheme for access with dogs is planned. The location and aspect of the beach means that large quantities of rubbish collect along the 1.5km of shore. Beach cleans are carried out regularly and remove over 100kg of waste every month. Thanks are due to all the volunteers from the university and wider community, to the Dynamic Dunescapes project, and to Buglife’s B-Lines project that has helped to pay for the Japanese Rose burial.