These are some some of the interesting sites for nature that you can visit around NPT. There are many other sites to discover! Special Sites in NPT 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. Read More Bryn Tip Tomen y Bryn Bryn Tip is an area of grassland on the edge of the village of Bryn. In the early 20th century it was the site of the Bryn Navigation Colliery, once a busy and prosperous coal mine which provided employment for hundreds of people. Like many local mines, the colliery ceased operation in the 1960s, leaving behind an imposing, sharply pointed, pyramid-like tip of coal spoil. To stabilise it and render it safe from landslip, the tip was eventually landscaped into a lower mound shape, capped and seeded with a remedial grass and legume mixture. Since then, over the decades, Bryn Tip has developed into a species rich open mosaic site that is now designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Read More Conifer Plantations Planigfeydd Conifferau Woodland and scrub occupies about 40% of the land area of NPT and the greatest part of that is conifer plantation. Large blocks of conifer forest occur in Crynant, Rheola, Glyncastle, Margam and Afan Forest Park (which includes the Michaelston and Pelenna forests). Read More 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. Read More Gnoll Estate Country Park Parc Gwledig Ystâd y Gnoll The Gnoll Estate, once the 18th century seat of the entrepreneurial Mackworth family, sits prominently on a low hill overlooking Neath town centre. With its wooded landscape, 4 lakes and spacious grassland, it is today an important resource of urban greenspace and a popular venue for the town’s residents and visitors. There is plenty of wildlife to see here at any time of year. Read More 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. Read More 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. Read More Roadside Verges and Roundabouts Lleiniau Ymyl Ffordd a Chylchfannau As a result of changes in farming practises, modernisation and development, species-rich mesotrophic grasslands, such as traditional hay meadows, have become very rare in NPT and are a dwindling resource in Wales in general. Roadside verges can fulfil a similar role for biodiversity if they are managed properly and although they are not a perfect solution they are becoming important refuges for grassland floras and the insects that live in them. Read More 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. Read More Some notable ancient deciduous woodlands in the vicinity of Neath and Briton Ferry Rhai coetiroedd collddail hynafol nodedig yn ardal Castell-nedd a Llansawel Woodland occupies about 40% of the land area of NPT and although most of this is conifer plantation there is also a substantial amount of ancient, semi-natural Oak woodland. In most there are good paths and trails, and many of these woodlands can be accessed easily. Read More The Dulais Valley Marshy Grasslands Glaswelltiroedd Corsiog Cwm Dulais Species-rich marshy grasslands have suffered badly in Wales as a result of agricultural improvements, conifer afforestation, development, inappropriate management and neglect and, unfortunately, there are now few good examples of this extremely important habitat in NPT. However, some parts of the northern sector of the county, particularly in the Dulais and Aman Valleys, still retain marshy grasslands that support significant, biodiverse communities. Read More 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. Read More The Nedd Fechan and Pyrddin Valleys Dyffrynnoedd Nedd Fechan a Phyrddin From the little village of Pontneddfechan in the north-east corner of NPT, there is a very popular riverside walk that will take you into a temperate rainforest environment that is renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Parking is available along Pontneathvaughan Road and from there you can access the trail behind the Angel Inn which takes you into the lower Nedd Fechan Valley. Read More 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. Read More

Woodland and scrub occupies about 40% of the land area of NPT and the greatest part of that is conifer plantation. Large blocks of conifer forest occur in Crynant, Rheola, Glyncastle, Margam and Afan Forest Park (which includes the Michaelston and Pelenna forests). < Back Conifer Plantations Planigfeydd Conifferau Woodland and scrub occupies about 40% of the land area of NPT and the greatest part of that is conifer plantation. Large blocks of conifer forest occur in Crynant, Rheola, Glyncastle, Margam and Afan Forest Park (which includes the Michaelston and Pelenna forests). Coetir a phrysgwydd yw tua 40% o arwynebedd tir CNPT a phlanigfeydd conifferau yw’r rhan helaethaf o hynny. Ceir blociau mawr o goedwig gonwydd yn y Creunant, Rheola, Glyncastell, Margam a Pharc Coedwig Afan (sy’n cynnwys coedwigoedd Michaelston a Phelena). There is free public access via forest gates to all these places, although parking may be limited and access may be restricted to some places at certain times of year when forestry operations are taking place. For those who like walking or cycling, there is lots of interesting wildlife which can be looked for along forest roads and old railway tracks. From the Afan Forest Park visitors centre near Cynonville, where there is a large pay and display car park, there are numerous tracks and trails that will allow you to experience the plantation environment. Nearby, at Rhyslyn (Pontrhydyfen), parking is free. The mature forests in our plantations are mostly dominated by Sitka Spruce. They provide breeding habitat for birds like Crossbill, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Honey Buzzard, Common Buzzard and Goshawk, while conifer thickets and scrub areas have diverse bird assemblages that include Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat. Clear-felled areas are important for their breeding populations of Nightjar and Tree Pipit in summer and the occasional Great Grey Shrike in winter. This habitat is also important for small mammals (e.g. voles) and reptiles. A leisurely, early morning walk along the forest roads in any of our plantations, will allow you opportunities to see and hear lots of birds and maybe spot a Fallow Deer. Miles of forest roads and tracks cut through these plantations and the banks, ditches and verges along them provide habitats for a huge diversity of wildlife. Roadside verges are often rich in flowering plants, best walked on calm days in late spring and summer when you may see Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper and Small Heath butterflies, all of which are priority species in NPT. More commonly you will encounter large numbers of Common Blue, Ringlet and Meadow Brown. Later in summer, the Wild Angelica, Great Willowherb, Rosebay and Hemp Agrimony, which fill the tall herb layers, attract large numbers of hoverflies and bees, and large hawker dragonflies, particularly the Golden Ringed Dragonfly and the Southern Hawker, can often be seen patrolling their territories along the roadside edges. In high summer, Keeled Skimmer and Common Darter dragonflies are encountered commonly along forest roads. Lots of priority plant species are found in our plantations, such as Ivy-leaved Bellflower which is usually found on banks above wet ditches with Bog Pimpernel and Lesser Skullcap, as well as Alpine, Fir and Stag’s-horn Clubmoss, which occur mainly in moorland and heathy habitats in the high plateaux areas. Amphibians such as Common Frog and Palmate Newt are frequently encountered in the small ponds that occur in plantations, along with Broad-bodied and Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies. Darperir mynediad am ddim i’r cyhoedd trwy gatiau’r goedwig, ond gall fod prinder lleoedd parcio a gellir cyfyngu ar fynediad i rai mannau ar adegau penodol o’r flwyddyn pan fydd gwaith coed ar waith. I’r sawl sy’n hoff o gerdded neu feicio, mae llawer o fywyd gwyllt diddorol i’w weld ar hyd y ffyrdd coedwig a hen lein y rheilffordd. O ganolfan ymwelwyr Parc Coedwig Afan ger Cynonville, lle ceir maes parcio talu ac arddangos mawr, mae nifer o lwybrau yn caniatáu i chi fwynhau amgylchedd y blanhigfa. Mae modd parcio am ddim yn Rhyslyn (Pontrhydyfen) gerllaw. Coed Sbriws Sitka yn bennaf sydd yn y fforestydd llawn dwf yn ein planigfeydd. Maen nhw’n gynefin bridio i adar megis y Gylfingroes, y Llinos Bengoch Fechan, y Pila Gwyrdd, Boda’r Mêl, y Bwncath a Gwalch Marthin, tra bod casgliadau o adar amrywiol yn y prysgwydd a’r dryslwyni conifferau, gan gynnwys Telor yr Helyg, Telor yr Ardd a’r Llwydfron. Mae ardaloedd wedi’u llwyrgympo yn bwysig ar gyfer poblogaethau o Droellwyr Mawr a Chorhedyddion y Coed sy’n bridio yno yn ystod yr haf ac ambell Gigydd Mawr yn ystod y gaeaf. Mae’r cynefin hwn yn bwysig hefyd ar gyfer mamaliaid bach (e.e. llygod pengrwn) ac ymlusgiaid. Drwy fynd am dro hamddenol yn gynnar yn y bore ar hyd ffyrdd coedwig mewn unrhyw rai o’n planigfeydd bydd cyfle i weld a chlywed nifer o adar a gweld ambell Ddanas o bosib. Mae milltiroedd o ffyrdd a llwybrau coedwig yn croesi’r planigfeydd hyn ac mae’r cloddiau, y ffosydd a’r lleiniau ymyl ar hyd-ddynt yn gynefin i amrywiaeth eang o fywyd gwyllt. Mae’r lleiniau ymyl ffordd yn aml yn gyforiog o blanhigion blodeuol a’r adeg orau i gerdded yno yw ar ddiwrnodau tawel rhwng diwedd y gwanwyn a’r haf pan allech chi weld y Fritheg Berlog Fach, yr Argws Brown, y Gwibiwr Llwyd a Gweirloÿnnod Bach y Waun, sydd i gyd yn rhywogaethau â blaenoriaeth yn CNPT. Yn fwy cyffredin, byddwch yn dod ar draws nifer mawr o’r Glesyn Cyffredin, Iâr Fach y Glaw a Llwyd y Ddôl. Yn nes ymlaen yn yr haf, mae Llysiau’r Angel, yr Helyglys Pêr, yr Helyglys Hardd a’r Byddon Chwerw, sy’n llenwi’r haenau llysiau tal, yn denu nifer mawr o bryfed hofran a gwenyn, ac yn aml gellir gweld hebogwyr mawr, yn enwedig Gwas y Neidr Eurdorchog a Gwas Neidr y De, yn patrolio’u tiriogaeth ar hyd ochrau’r ffyrdd. Pan fydd yr haf yn ei anterth, mae gweision neidr y Picellwr Cribog a’r Wäell Gyffredin i’w gweld yn aml ar hyd y ffyrdd coedwig. Mae llawer o blanhigion sy’n rhywogaethau â blaenoriaeth yn ein planigfeydd, megis y Clychlys Dail Eiddew, sydd i’w ganfod yn aml ar fanciau uwchlaw ffosydd gwlyb gyda Gwlyddyn-Mair y Gors a’r Cycyllog Bach, yn ogystal â’r Cnwp-fwsogl Alpinaidd, y Cnwp-fwsogl Mawr a’r Cnwp-fwsogl Corn Carw, a geir yn bennaf mewn cynefinoedd gweundir a rhostir iach ar y llwyfandiroedd uchel. Gwelir amffibiaid megis y Broga Cyffredin a’r Fadfall Ddŵr Balfog yn y pyllau bach sydd yn y planigfeydd, ynghyd â gweision neidr y Picellwr Praff a’r Picellwr Pedwar Nod. Gallery Previous Next

Bryn Tip is an area of grassland on the edge of the village of Bryn. In the early 20th century it was the site of the Bryn Navigation Colliery, once a busy and prosperous coal mine which provided employment for hundreds of people. Like many local mines, the colliery ceased operation in the 1960s, leaving behind an imposing, sharply pointed, pyramid-like tip of coal spoil. To stabilise it and render it safe from landslip, the tip was eventually landscaped into a lower mound shape, capped and seeded with a remedial grass and legume mixture. Since then, over the decades, Bryn Tip has developed into a species rich open mosaic site that is now designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). < Back Bryn Tip Tomen y Bryn Bryn Tip is an area of grassland on the edge of the village of Bryn. In the early 20th century it was the site of the Bryn Navigation Colliery, once a busy and prosperous coal mine which provided employment for hundreds of people. Like many local mines, the colliery ceased operation in the 1960s, leaving behind an imposing, sharply pointed, pyramid-like tip of coal spoil. To stabilise it and render it safe from landslip, the tip was eventually landscaped into a lower mound shape, capped and seeded with a remedial grass and legume mixture. Since then, over the decades, Bryn Tip has developed into a species rich open mosaic site that is now designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Ardal o laswelltir ar gyrion pentref y Bryn yw Tomen y Bryn. Ar ddechrau’r ugeinfed ganrif, hwn oedd safle Pwll Glo Bryn Navigation, sef pwll glo prysur a ffyniannus a oedd yn cyflogi cannoedd o bobl. Fel llawer o byllau glo lleol, fe’i caewyd yn y 1960au, gan adael ar ei ôl domen sylweddol ar ffurf pyramid â chopa bigog. Er mwyn sefydlogi’r domen ac atal tirlithriadau, gwnaed gwaith tirweddu i greu ffurf is a mwy crwn cyn capio’r domen a hau cymysgedd o wair a chiblys i’w hadfer. Yn ystod y degawdau ers hynny mae Tomen y Bryn wedi datblygu’n safle mosaig agored cyfoethog ei rywogaethau sydd bellach wedi’i ddynodi’n Safle o Bwysigrwydd er Cadwraeth Natur (SINC). There is a surprising habitat diversity here which includes mesotrophic grassland, heathland, wet flushed areas and gorse scrub. Skylark and Meadow Pipit are common species on the upper grass-dominated slopes while Slow-worm and Common (Viviparous) Lizard are frequently observed basking on the edges of the gorse scrub, where there are breeding Linnet. Bryn Tip is probably the best site in NPT to see Dark-green Fritillary butterflies. In their larval stage, they feed on Common Dog-violet, which is abundant on the site, while the adults, which fly in late spring and early summer, feed on nectar of various plants but seem to like Marsh Thistle, which is also common on the tip. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Grayling also fly here as do more common butterflies such as Small Heath, Common Blue, Small Skipper, Ringlet and others. One of the most remarkable features of Bryn Tip is its huge population of Bee Orchids which numbered almost one thousand there in 2021. Southern Marsh-orchid also occurs in large numbers but Common Spotted-orchid is much less common. Carline Thistle, a characteristic thistle on coal spoil, is a conspicuous member of the dry, free-draining soils along the main track. Bryn Tip hosts a number of Sedge species, including Common Sedge, Grey Sedge, Pale Sedge, Pill Sedge, Spiked Sedge, Yellow Sedge, Glaucous Sedge and Green-ribbed Sedge. Yellow Sedge is particularly common in the flushed areas, where you will also find the beautiful Bog Pimpernel. Some of the more conspicuous, colourful tall herbs on the site are both Common and Fragrant Agrimony, Meadowsweet and Great Willowherb. The main conservation challenge on Bryn Tip is preserving its current grassland condition. Management includes the removal of invasive non-native plant species such as Cotoneasters and Himalayan Balsam and the employment of a sympathetic grazing regime. A wildlife tower has been recently added to the site in order to provide homes and roosts for various species, including bats. Mae amrywiaeth rhyfeddol o gynefinoedd yma, gan gynnwys glaswelltir mesotroffig, rhostir, llaciau gwlyb a phrysgwydd eithin. Mae’r Ehedydd a Chorhedydd y Waun yn rhywogaethau cyffredin yn y glaswellt ar y llethrau uwch tra bod Nadroedd Defaid a Madfallod (Bywesgorol) yn aml i’w gweld yn torheulo ar ymyl y prysgwydd eithin, lle mae’r Llinos yn bridio. Mae’n fwy na thebyg mai Tomen y Bryn yw’r lle gorau yn CNPT i weld y Frithog Werdd. Mae’r larfâu yn bwyta’r Fioled Gyffredin, sy’n doreithiog ar y safle, tra bo’r oedolion, sy’n hedfan ar ddiwedd y gwanwyn a dechrau’r haf, yn bwydo ar neithdar gwahanol blanhigion ond maen nhw’n hoff iawn, yn ôl pob golwg, o Ysgall y Gors, sydd hefyd yn gyffredin ar y domen. Gwelir y Fritheg Berlog Fach a’r Gweirlöyn Llwyd yn hedfan yma hefyd ynghyd â gloÿnnod byw mwy cyffredin megis Gweirlöyn Bach y Waun, y Glesyn Cyffredin, y Gwibiwr Bach, Gweirlöyn y Glaw ac eraill. Un o nodweddion mwyaf trawiadol Tomen y Bryn yw ei phoblogaeth enfawr o Degeiriannau’r Gwenyn, y cyfrifwyd bron mil ohonynt yno yn 2021. Mae Tegeirian-y-gors Deheuol yn niferus iawn yma ond mae’r Tegeirian Brych yn llawer llai cyffredin. Gwelir bod Ysgall Siarl, sy’n fath nodweddiadol o ysgall ar domenni glo yn tyfu’n amlwg yn y pridd sych, sy’n draenio’n dda, ar hyd ymyl y prif lwybr. Mae Tomen y Bryn yn gartref i nifer o rywogaethau o Hesg, gan gynnwys yr Hesgen Gyffredin, yr Hesgen Lwyd, yr Hesgen Welw, yr Hesgen Bengron, yr Hesgen Ysbigog Borffor, yr Hesgen Felen, Hesgen Lwydlas y Calch a’r Hesgen Ddeulasnod. Mae’r Hesgen Felen yn arbennig o gyffredin yn y llaciau lle mae planhigyn hardd Gwlyddyn-Mair y Gors i’w weld hefyd. Ymysg y llysiau tal, lliwgar ac amlycaf ar y safle, mae Llysiau’r Dryw a Llysiau’r Dryw Peraroglus, Erwain a’r Helyglys Pêr. Y brif her o ran cadwraeth Tomen y Bryn yw diogelu cyflwr y glaswelltir presennol. Mae’r gwaith rheoli yn cynnwys gwaredu rhywogaethau anfrodorol ymledol megis Cotoneaster a Jac y Neidiwr a defnyddio cyfundrefn bori sensitif. Ychwanegwyd tŵr bywyd gwyllt ar y safle yn ddiweddar er mwyn darparu cartrefi a mannau clwydo ar gyfer gwahanol rywogaethau, gan gynnwys ystlumod. Gallery Previous Next

The sound of screaming swifts has long signalled the arrival of summer in the UK. Migrating to our towns and cities in May, these stunning and agile birds are an iconic summer visitor. Unfortunately, like many of our other species, our swifts are struggling. Help us to help swifts in NPT. have you seen a swift? Tell us about your sighting below! submit a swift sighting Submit a sighting Help us record swifts in Neath Port Talbot! These charismatic birds visit our towns in the summer, migrating all the way from Africa. They rely on us for nesting sites, squeezing through tiny gaps in roofs to raise their chicks. But building renovation is causing nest sites to disappear. This, as well as declining insect numbers, has caused swifts in the UK to decline by 60% between 1995 and 2020. Submitting your sighting helps us monitor the local population, identify nest sites and locate where nest boxes could be fitted. Is it a swift? Swifts can sometimes be confused with other similar-looking birds, namely swallows, house martins and sand martins. Here are some key features to look out for to help you tell them apart: tell us about your sighting here Name Email What3Words for sighting* Number of swifts What was the swift(s) doing?* If entering or leaving a building, please let us know the exact location of the building (What3Words) and if there is any building work taking place there. Any other comments? By checking this box you agree that NPT LNP can forward this information to the NPT Swift group. Your data will be handled in line with our privacy policy * Are you happy for us to contact you about your sighting if we need further information? * Submit sightings from previous years Swift sightings in 2024 Swift sightings in 2025 Swift sightings in 2024 1/2

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

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

The actions that are suggested on this website are our road map to this; our Nature Recovery Action Plan. Nature Recovery Action Plan An assessment of the state of nature in NPT is the first step towards achieving a sustainable, healthy environment, which will provide all of us and future generations of NPT with an inspiring place to live. The actions that are suggested on this website are our road map to this; our Nature Recovery Action Plan. 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 NPT LNP . Actions for the recovery of all habitats in NPT The following actions apply to all habitats across NPT and are listed here to avoid repetition. For specific habitat actions, please click here . Planning Policy Conserve and enhance biodiversity through the planning process Tree Planting Prevent inappropriate tree planting in the county e.g. on important grassland habitats. Encourage natural regeneration in place of tree planting where possible Invasive non-native species Prevent the encroachment of INNS on important habitats in NPT Think before you fly Raise awareness of the dangers of flying drones to nesting birds and contact training companies to encourage the inclusion of species disturbance in their training for those who fly drones professionally Illegal off-roading Report damage to nature sites from illegal off-roading to the police Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) Investigate where ALAN is an issue in the county and determine where improvements could be made Nature Networks Improve the condition, connectivity and resilience of protected sites. Education and engagement Deliver education and engagement activities across all habitats to increase understanding and awareness of their importance for nature and for tackling the nature emergency Recording Continue to record species in NPT and submit to SEWBReC 30x30 Increase the amount of protected or in ‘other effective area based conservation measures (OECMs)’ land in NPT, in line with the 30x30 target and the Biodiversity Deep Dive recommendations. Recognition of Greenwashing Raise awareness of greenwashing and help people to recognise if a project is truly of benefit to nature. Actions for specific categories Click the links below to explore the actions for each category. Heathland and Moorland Read More Semi-natural Grassland Read More Wetland Habitats Read More Coastal Habitats Read More Marine Habitats Read More Inland Rock and Cliff Read More Urban Read More Freshwater Read More Woodland Read More Open Mosaic Habitats Read More Enclosed Farmland Read More Background In 2001 the NPT Biodiversity Forum (now known as the NPT Local Nature Partnership) launched its Biodiversity Action Plan for 2001-2005, which contained details and action plans for 80 species and 15 habitats. In common with most of the Local Biodiversity Action Plans produced in Wales and the rest of the UK at that time, few targets were met and in the decades that have followed, regional and national biodiversity in general has not fared well. In fact, for many important wildlife populations and their habitats, there have been significant losses. Yet, NPT still retains a variety of priority habitats, including 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and the county as a whole contains a significant number of Section 7 species and other priority species of local and national value. These precious, dwindling resources deserve our attention and in order to address this there has been a step change in wildlife recording in NPT in the last 20 years. This has helped us to build a large database of habitats and species and that, in turn, has allowed us to understand the biodiversity gains and losses in NPT. At this time, we need to understand how well or how badly nature is coping in NPT so we can protect the natural environment, preserve our wild places and make plans for the future. An assessment of the state of nature in NPT is the first step towards achieving a sustainable, healthy environment, which will provide all of us and future generations of NPT with an inspiring place to live. The actions that are suggested in this document are our road map to this; our Nature Recovery Action Plan.

Species-rich marshy grasslands have suffered badly in Wales as a result of agricultural improvements, conifer afforestation, development, inappropriate management and neglect and, unfortunately, there are now few good examples of this extremely important habitat in NPT. However, some parts of the northern sector of the county, particularly in the Dulais and Aman Valleys, still retain marshy grasslands that support significant, biodiverse communities. < Back The Dulais Valley Marshy Grasslands Glaswelltiroedd Corsiog Cwm Dulais Species-rich marshy grasslands have suffered badly in Wales as a result of agricultural improvements, conifer afforestation, development, inappropriate management and neglect and, unfortunately, there are now few good examples of this extremely important habitat in NPT. However, some parts of the northern sector of the county, particularly in the Dulais and Aman Valleys, still retain marshy grasslands that support significant, biodiverse communities. Mae glaswelltiroedd corsiog cyfoethog eu rhywogaethau wedi dioddef yn enbyd yng Nghymru o ganlyniad i welliannau amaethyddol, plannu coedwigoedd conifferau, datblygu, rheolaeth amhriodol ac esgeulustod, ac ychydig iawn o enghreifftiau da o’r cynefin eithriadol bwysig hwn sydd ar ôl yn CNPT, gwaetha’r modd. Fodd bynnag, mae rhai rhannau o sector gogledd y sir, yn enwedig yng Nghwm Dulais a Dyffryn Aman, yn dal i gynnwys glaswelltiroedd corsiog sy’n cynnal cymunedau bioamrywiol pwysig. Between Crynant and Banwen a number of grazed marshy fields have survived against all the odds. In several of them there are populations of Petty Whin, Dyers Greenweed and Saw-wort, all of which have declined greatly in the county over the last 50 years. A few marshy fields in the vicinity of Blaendulais (Seven Sisters) are notable for their Marsh Fritillary colonies, which are monitored carefully by Butterfly Conservation and volunteers every year. An exemplary, pony-grazed field near Seven Sisters Rugby Club supports one of the most diverse marshy grassland flora in NPT. Species there include Devil’s-bit Scabious, Fen Bedstraw, Heath spotted-orchid, Butterwort, Marsh Valerian, Marsh Lousewort, Marsh Arrow-grass, Meadow Thistle, Whorled Caraway, Large-flowered Eyebright, Bog Pimpernel, Bog Asphodel, Creeping Forget-me-not, Tall Thyme-moss and Intermediate Hook-moss. Fen Bedstraw is a very scarce species in south Wales and its occurrence here is very significant. So too are the occurrences of Meadow Thistle, Marsh Lousewort and Butterwort, all of which have limited distributions in the county. The widespread occurrence of Devil’s-bit Scabious in these meadows, in addition to their local connectivity and the presence in them of a diverse selection of nectar producing plants suitable for butterflies, has created conditions favourable for Marsh Fritillary meta-populations. The recovery of marshy grassland habitats in clear-felled Sitka Spruce coupes has also been successful in the Dulais Valley and this could open the way for a wider recovery of this endangered habitat in NPT. Identifying, protecting and maintaining these habitats in a favourable condition is a crucial challenge for NPT’s nature recovery action plan. An important part of this will be the implementation of effective, sympathetic grazing regimes and the education of local communities and all concerned about the value of this endangered habitat in the county. Rhwng y Creunant a’r Banwen, mae nifer o gaeau pori corsiog wedi goroesi er gwaethaf pawb a phopeth. Mewn nifer ohonynt ceir poblogaethau o Gracheithin, Melynog y Waun a Dant y Pysgodyn, sydd i gyd wedi prinhau’n sylweddol yn y sir yn ystod y 50 mlynedd diwethaf. Mae’n werth nodi bod cytrefi o Fritheg y Gors mewn ychydig o gaeau corsiog yng nghyffiniau Blaendulais, ac mae’r rhain yn cael eu monitro’n ofalus gan Gadwraeth Gloÿnnod Byw a gwirfoddolwyr bob blwyddyn. Enghraifft ragorol o hyn yw cae lle mae merlod yn pori ger Clwb Rygbi Blaendulais sy’n cynnal un o’r casgliadau mwyaf amrywiol o fflora glaswelltir corsiog yn CNPT. Ymhlith y rhywogaethau sydd i’w canfod yno mae Tamaid y Cythraul, Briwydd y Fign, Tegeirian Brych y Rhos, Tafod y Gors, Triaglog y Gors, Melog y Waun, Saethbennig y Gors, Ysgallen y Ddôl, y Garwy Droellennog, Effros Blodau Mawr, Gwlyddyn-Mair y Gors, Llafn y Bladur, y Sgorpionllys Ymlusgol, a mwsoglau Plagiomnium elatum a Scorpidium cossonii . Mae Briwydd y Fign yn rhywogaeth brin iawn yn ne Cymru ac felly mae ei phresenoldeb yma yn arwyddocaol iawn, fel y mae presenoldeb Ysgallen y Ddôl, Melog y Waun a Thafod y Gors, y mae dosbarthiad pob un ohonynt yn gyfyngedig yn y sir. Mae’r ffaith fod Tamaid y Cythraul yn tyfu’n helaeth yn y dolydd hyn, ynghyd â chysylltedd lleol y dolydd a’r amrywiaeth o blanhigion sy’n cynhyrchu neithdar addas ar gyfer gloÿnnod byw, a geir ynddynt yn darparu amodau ffafriol ar gyfer metaboblogaethau o Fritheg y Gors. Hefyd, mae adfer cynefinoedd glaswelltir corsiog mewn llanerchau lle cafodd coed Sbriws Sitka eu llwyrgwympo wedi bod yn llwyddiannus yng Nghwm Dulais a gallai hyn arwain at adferiad ehangach y cynefin hwn sydd mewn perygl yn CNPT. Bydd adnabod, amddiffyn a chadw’r cynefinoedd hyn mewn cyflwr ffafriol yn her allweddol o ran cynllun gweithredu adfer natur CNPT. Rhan bwysig o’r gwaith hwn fydd cyflwyno cyfundrefnau pori cydnaws ac effeithiol a dysgu cymunedau lleol a phawb sy’n ymwneud â nhw am werth y cynefin hwn sydd mewn perygl yn y sir. Gallery Previous Next

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

Woodland occupies about 40% of the land area of NPT and although most of this is conifer plantation there is also a substantial amount of ancient, semi-natural Oak woodland. In most there are good paths and trails, and many of these woodlands can be accessed easily. < Back Some notable ancient deciduous woodlands in the vicinity of Neath and Briton Ferry Rhai coetiroedd collddail hynafol nodedig yn ardal Castell-nedd a Llansawel Woodland occupies about 40% of the land area of NPT and although most of this is conifer plantation there is also a substantial amount of ancient, semi-natural Oak woodland. In most there are good paths and trails, and many of these woodlands can be accessed easily. Coetir yw oddeutu 40% o arwynebedd tir CNPT ac er mai planigfeydd conifferau yw’r rhan fwyaf, mae yna hefyd gryn dipyn o goetir Derw hynafol, lled-naturiol. Mae’r rhan fwyaf yn cynnwys llwybrau da ac mae llawer ohonynt yn cynnig mynediad hwylus. A significant block of ancient Oak woodland, managed by the Woodland Trust, occurs on the eastern flank of Drumau Mountain between Maesmelin and Dyffryn. Maesmelin Wood is famed for its Blue Ground Beetle population, a nationally rare woodland species and a priority species in NPT and the rest of the UK. Like nearby Darran Wood and Dyffryn Woods, Maesmelin Wood is dominated by Sessile Oak with abundant Holly, Silver Birch and Rowan. There are extensive networks of paths in these woods which allow you to experience wildlife in a tranquil environment. Tyn yr Heol Woods, which can be accessed from Dyffryn Road, is a beautiful valley woodland along the River Clydach near Bryncoch. In spring the colourful ground flora here is replete with Bluebell, Ramsons, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Wood Anemone and Yellow Archangel, and a walk through the woods from Dyffryn Road to Main Road in spring or early summer will allow you to experience this. Craig Gwladus Country Park is a woodland area above Cilfrew and Cadoxton, about 2 miles from Neath town. It has reasonable parking facilities, from which you can gain access to the old dram road. From there you can take a leisurely walk on a straight path below a steep and thickly wooded slope. As you walk west you will reach some stopping points that give great views of Neath and its surroundings. It is worth stopping to look at the extent of semi-natural deciduous woodland there is in this part of the county. Rocky outcrops of Pennant Sandstone can be seen on the south facing slope of the woodland and in some places, rocks dripping with seepage water are covered in bryophytes. Notable among them are the upland liverworts, Straggling Pouchwort and Notched Rustwort, and the impressive dark-green cushions of Mougeot’s Yoke-moss. In many places there are large swards of Great Wood-rush and smaller amounts of Hairy Wood-rush, a good indicator of ancient woodland. In late spring there are impressive displays of Bluebell, particularly in the Beech plantation that is reached as you walk east along the dram road and the whole area is alive with bird song from Robin, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. If you leave the dram road and head up into the steep woodland you will reach an upper path that takes you through the heart of Craig Gwladus’ ancient oakwood where there are some patches of Wood Anemone. Look out and listen for Wood Warbler if you are here in May or June. In historic times, there must have been a large, impressive and continuous forest of oak between Tonna and Baglan, which today, we see remnants of in Wenallt Wood, Tonna, Eaglesbush Valley and Briton Ferry. Eaglesbush Valley in Melyn Cryddan, is a Local Nature Reserve. A walk along Foundry Road follows the Cryddan Brook into the heart of the valley where ancient woodland clothes the steep east and north-facing slopes. Bluebell and Wood Sorrel are frequent here but there are also local patches of Wood Anemone and Dog’s Mercury, which are not common components of our valley oak woods. Where the public access road comes to an end there is an area of oakwood on the south-facing side of the valley with a field layer of Purple Moor-grass, which is a notable feature. On the other side of the valley, an uneven, narrow path takes you up into Cupola Wood, an ancient Sessile-oak woodland, with an understory of Bilberry and Heather, that is depicted on some of the earliest maps of Neath and its environs. Briton Ferry Woods (and the adjacent area of Baglan Woods) is an extensive block of forest, on the west facing slopes below Mynydd y Gaer, made up of ancient oak woodland mixed with Beech and Scots Pine plantations. A forest road, accessible from the back of Jersey Park in Briton Ferry will take you up through a very scenic Beech woodland into the Sessile-oak woodland which stretches around Myndd y Gaer to the northern end of Baglan. Woodland fungi are often abundant in these beechwoods in autumn. If you follow the forest road it will eventually take you to the old Cefn Cwrt Reservoir, which is surrounded by woodland on its northern and eastern flanks, with bilberry and heather, similar to that of Cupola Wood. Mae darn sylweddol o goetir Derw hynafol, a reolir gan Coed Cadw, ar lethr dwyreiniol Mynydd Drumau rhwng Maesmelin a Dyffryn. Mae safle Coed Maesmelin yn enwog oherwydd ei boblogaeth o’r Chwilen Ddaear Las, sef rhywogaeth goetir sy’n brin ar lefel genedlaethol ac sy’n un o’r rhywogaethau â blaenoriaeth yn CNPT ac yng ngweddill y Deyrnas Unedig. Yn yr un modd â Choed Darran a Choed Dyffryn gerllaw, coed Derw Mes Di-goes yw’r nodwedd amlycaf yng Nghoed Maesmelin ynghyd â choed Celyn, Bedw Arian a Chriafol toreithiog hefyd. Ceir rhwydweithiau helaeth o lwybrau yn y coetiroedd hyn sy’n caniatáu i bobl fwynhau bywyd gwyllt mewn amgylchedd tawel. Mae Coed Tyn yr Heol, y gellir ei gyrraedd o Heol y Dyffryn, yn goetir hyfryd ar lawr y dyffryn ar lan afon Clydach ger Bryncoch. Yn y gwanwyn, mae’r fflora daear lliwgar yma yn llawn Clychau’r Gog, Craf y Geifr, yr Eglyn Cyferbynddail, Blodyn y Gwynt a’r Farddanhadlen Felen, y gallwch eu gweld trwy gerdded o Heol Dyffryn i’r ffordd fawr yn y gwanwyn neu ar ddechrau’r haf. Ardal goetir yw Parc Gwledig Craig Gwladus uwchben Cil-ffriw a Llangatwg, ryw ddwy filltir o dref Castell-nedd. Mae cyfleusterau parcio rhesymol yno sy’n cynnig mynediad at yr hen dramffordd. O’r fan honno, gallwch gerdded yn hamddenol ar lwybr syth o dan lethr serth a choediog. Wrth i chi gerdded tua’r gorllewin, fe welwch arosfannau sy’n cynnig golygfeydd gwych dros Gastell-nedd a’r cyffiniau. Mae’n werth sefyll i gael golwg ar yr holl goetir collddail lled-naturiol sydd yn y rhan hon o’r sir. Mae brigiadau creigiog o Dywodfaen Pennant i’w gweld ar lethr y coetir sy’n wynebu’r de ac mewn rhai mannau, mae’r creigiau lle mae dŵr yn diferu wedi’u gorchuddio â bryoffytau. Mae’n werth nodi bod y rhain yn cynnwys llysiau’r afu ucheldir, y Codlys Traphlith a’r Rhydlys Hiciog, ynghyd â chlustogau gwyrdd tywyll trawiadol mwsogl Amphidium mougeotii . Mewn sawl man, gwelir tonnau mawr o Goedfrwyn Mawr a nifer llai o Goedfrwyn Blewog, sy’n ddangosydd da o goetir hynafol. Ar ddiwedd y gwanwyn, mae Clychau’r Gog yn drawiadol, yn enwedig yn y blanhigfa Ffawydd y gellir ei chyrraedd trwy gerdded tua’r dwyrain ar hyd y dramffordd, ac mae’r ardal gyfan yn seinio i gân y Robin, y Fronfraith, yr Aderyn Du, y Telor Penddu a’r Siff Siaff. Gallwch adael y dramffordd a cherdded i fyny i’r coetir serth i gyrraedd llwybr uwch a fydd yn eich arwain i ganol coetir derw hynafol Craig Gwladus, lle mae rhai clystyrau o Flodau’r Gwynt. Os byddwch yma ym mis Mai neu fis Mehefin, fe allech weld neu glywed Telor y Coed. Yn y gorffennol, mae’n rhaid bod coedwig fawr a thrawiadol o goed derw wedi ymestyn yn ddi-dor rhwng Tonna a Baglan, y mae ei gweddillion i’w gweld heddiw yng Nghoed y Wenallt, Tonna, Cwm Cryddan a Llansawel. Mae Cwm Cryddan, ym Melin Cryddan, yn Warchodfa Natur Leol. Mae modd cerdded ar hyd Heol y Ffowndri gan ddilyn Nant Cryddan i ganol y cwm lle mae coed hynafol yn gorchuddio’r llethrau serth sy’n wynebu’r dwyrain a’r gogledd. Gwelir Clychau’r Gog a Suran y Coed yma yn aml ond mae yma hefyd welyau lleol o Flodau’r Gwynt a Bresych y Cŵn, sy’n llai cyffredin yng nghoetiroedd derw’r dyffrynnoedd. Ym mhen pella’r ffordd fynediad gyhoeddus, mae coed derw yn tyfu ar ochr y cwm sy’n wynebu’r de lle mae cae o Laswellt y Gweunydd yn nodwedd hynod. Ar yr ochr draw, bydd llwybr cul ac anwastad yn eich arwain i fyny i Goed Cupola, sef coetir hynafol o goed Derw Mes Di-goes, gyda Llus a Grug yn tyfu odanynt, sydd wedi’i gynnwys ar rai o’r mapiau cynharaf o Gastell-nedd a’r cyffiniau. Mae Coed Llansawel (ac ardal Coed Baglan gerllaw) yn ddarn helaeth o goedwig, ar y llethrau sy’n wynebu’r gorllewin o dan Fynydd y Gaer, sy’n cynnwys coetir derw hynafol yn gymysg â’r planigfeydd coed Ffawydd a Phinwydd yr Alban. Bydd ffordd goedwig, y mae modd ei chyrraedd o’r tu ôl i Barc Jersey yn Llansawel, yn eich arwain trwy goetir Ffawydd hyfryd iawn i’r coetir Derw Mes Di-goes sy’n ymestyn o amgylch Mynydd y Gaer i ben gogleddol Baglan. Mae ffyngau coetir yn aml yn doreithiog yn y coedwigoedd ffawydd hyn yn yr hydref. Os dilynwch ffordd y goedwig, cewch eich arwain ymhen tipyn at hen Gronfa Ddŵr Cefn Cwrt, sydd wedi’i hamgylchynu gan goetir ar ei llethrau gogleddol a dwyreiniol lle ceir llus a grug yn debyg i Goed Cupola. Gallery Previous Next

From the little village of Pontneddfechan in the north-east corner of NPT, there is a very popular riverside walk that will take you into a temperate rainforest environment that is renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Parking is available along Pontneathvaughan Road and from there you can access the trail behind the Angel Inn which takes you into the lower Nedd Fechan Valley. < Back The Nedd Fechan and Pyrddin Valleys Dyffrynnoedd Nedd Fechan a Phyrddin From the little village of Pontneddfechan in the north-east corner of NPT, there is a very popular riverside walk that will take you into a temperate rainforest environment that is renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. Parking is available along Pontneathvaughan Road and from there you can access the trail behind the Angel Inn which takes you into the lower Nedd Fechan Valley. O’i fan cychwyn ym mhentref bach Pontneddfechan yng ngogledd-ddwyrain CNPT, bydd llwybr poblogaidd iawn yn eich arwain ar hyd ochr yr afon i amgylchedd fforest law dymherus sy’n enwog am ei fioamrywiaeth a’i olygfeydd hardd. Mae lleoedd parcio ar gael ar hyd Heol Pontneddfechan ac oddi yno gallwch gael mynediad i’r llwybr y tu ôl i Dafarn yr Angel a fydd yn eich arwain i ran isaf Bro Nedd Fechan. You are immediately transported into a Celtic landscape where the river forms the border between NPT and Powys. The thick bed of sandstone here, known as the ‘Farewell Rock', marks the end of the Coal Measures - it’s a farewell to coal. From here on you will see boulders of the Millstone Grit series in the river, one of the few places in NPT where this type of rock is exposed. Wych Elm, Small-leaved Lime, Ash and Alder line the river bank, which is rich in bryophytes and ferns. Ramsons, Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Wood Speedwell and Woodruff are conspicuous members of the riparian woodland flora, while Grey Wagtail, Dipper and Goosander are some of the birds you might encounter on the river. The mossy valley woodlands here are typical of the humid, upland Sessile-oak woodlands sometimes described as temperate rainforests. Pied Flycatcher are found here in spring and summer, one of their few remaining breeding sites in the county. The riverside trail eventually reaches a bridge which will take you across the river and allow you to follow the Nedd Fechan River into Powys. If you stay on the western, NPT, side, the trail now follows the Pyrddin River and quickly takes you to a point where you can view Sgwd Gwladys, one of the famous waterfalls in these headwater valleys. The cool, humid climate here creates perfect conditions for assemblages of Atlantic and hyperoceanic liverworts, such as Prickly Featherwort, Killarney Featherwort, Pearl Pouncewort and Toothed Pouncewort, and the steep, wooded slopes support a Celtic rainforest ground flora dominated by mosses such as Five-ranked Bog-moss which is found nowhere else in NPT. The flora in the vicinity of the waterfall is remarkable and includes a number of boreal species such as Marsh Hawk’s-beard, Beech Fern, Sharp-leaved Blindia, and Summer-moss. Below the dripping rock face there is a large colony of the beautiful Golden-head Moss and a small population of Welsh Poppy which has been known from this spot for many years and is probably in its only native location in the county. The Pyrddin Valley becomes difficult to follow above Sgwd Gwladys, and to reach the upper waterfall, Sgwd Einion Gam, you have to cross the river on foot, which is dangerous in places. This spectacular waterfall pours down into a dimly lit amphitheatre where the atmosphere is saturated with mist and spray and where Oak Fern and Stone Bramble, two more boreal species, grow in sheltered crannies. Byddwch yn camu ar unwaith i dirwedd Geltaidd lle mae’r afon yn ffurfio’r ffin rhwng CNPT a Phowys. Mae’r gwely tywodfaen trwchus yma, o’r enw ‘Craig Ffarwel’ yn nodi diwedd yr Haen Lo – yn ffarwelio â’r glo. O’r fan hon ymlaen fe welwch feini mawr cyfres Grut Melinfaen yn yr afon, un o’r ychydig leoedd yn CNPT lle mae’r math hwn o graig wedi dod i’r golwg. Mae Llwyfenni Llydanddail, Pisgwydd Dail Bach, coed Ynn a Gwern i’w gweld ar hyd y dorlan gyfoethog ei bryoffytau a’i rhedyn. Mae Craf y Geifr, Clychau’r Gog, Blodau’r Gwynt, Rhwyddlwyn y Coed a’r Friwydd Bêr yn aelodau amlwg o blanhigion y coetir ar lannau’r afon, ac mae’r Siglen Lwyd, Bronwen y Dŵr a’r Hwyaden Ddanheddog yn rhai o’r adar y gallech eu gweld ar yr afon. Mae coetiroedd mwsoglyd y dyffrynnoedd hyn yn nodweddiadol o goetiroedd Derw Mes Di-goes llaith yr ucheldir a ddisgrifir weithiau fel fforestydd glaw tymherus. Gwelir y Gwybedog Brith yma yn y gwanwyn a’r haf ac mae hwn yn un o’r ychydig safleoedd lle mae’r aderyn hwn yn dal i fridio yn y sir. Ymhen amser, bydd llwybr glan yr afon yn cyrraedd pont sy’n croesi’r afon ac yn caniatáu i chi ddilyn afon Nedd Fechan i mewn i Bowys. Drwy aros ar yr ochr orllewinol, sef ochr CNPT, mae’r llwybr bellach yn dilyn Afon Pyrddin ac yn eich arwain yn gyflym at fan lle gallwch weld Sgwd Gwladus, un o raeadrau enwog y dyffrynnoedd blaenddwr hyn. Yma, mae’r hinsawdd oer a llaith yn creu’r amodau perffaith ar gyfer casgliadau o lysiau afu Iwerydd a hypergefnforol, megis y Dueglys Pigog, Dueglys Iwerydd, y Llychlys Perlog a’r Llychlys Danheddog, ac mae’r llethrau coediog serth yn cynnal fflora daear y fforest law Geltaidd lle mae mwsoglau yn nodwedd amlwg, fel mwsogl migwyn Sphagnum quinquefarium, nad yw’n tyfu yn unman arall yn CNPT. Mae’r fflora ger y rhaeadr yn rhyfeddol ac yn cynnwys nifer o rywogaethau boreal megis Gwalchlys y Gors, y Rhedynen Gorniog, Blindia acuta , a Mwsogl yr Haf. O dan wyneb gwlyb y graig mae cytref fawr o fwsogl euraid hardd Breutelia chrysocoma a phoblogaeth fach o’r Pabi Cymreig sy’n hysbys yn y fan hon ers blynyddoedd, fwy na thebyg yn ei unig leoliad brodorol yn y sir. Mae’n mynd yn anodd dilyn Dyffryn Pyrddin uwchben Sgwd Gwladus, ac er mwyn cyrraedd y rhaeadr uwch, sef Sgwd Einion Gam, mae’n rhaid croesi’r afon ar droed, sy’n beryglus mewn mannau. Mae’r rhaeadr drawiadol hon yn gollwng i mewn i amffitheatr led-dywyll, laith a niwlog lle mae’r Rhedynen Dridarn a’r Gorfiaren, sef dwy rywogaeth foreal arall, yn tyfu mewn corneli cysgodol. Gallery Previous Next

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