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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

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

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

This site outlines how we can all take action for nature in NPT. NPT LNP members work hard to help nature recover but it doesn't have to stop there. Nature conservation begins at home and there are steps we can all take, wherever or whoever we are, to help preserve the natural heritage of NPT. How can you help? This site outlines how we can all take action for nature in NPT. NPT Local Nature Partnership members work hard to help nature recover in NPT but it doesn't have to stop there. Nature conservation begins at home and there are steps we can all take, wherever or whoever we are, to help preserve the natural heritage of NPT. In addition to the habitat actions, we have suggested actions here that we, as individuals, could take to help improve the State of Nature in NPT. Take a look at the action plans and see what you could do to help. If you'd like any further information or have any questions about any of the actions, get in touch . Join the Local Nature Partnership Anyone is welcome to join the NPT Local Nature Partnership to become part of our network working to help nature to recover in NPT. There are two options: Join NPT for Nature for community action for nature ideas, training and informal meetings where you can ask your nature questions and share your experiences. Join the full LNP to come along to our bimonthly meetings. These meetings are suitable for those who would like to contribute to the production of the Nature Recovery Action Plan. You are welcome to join both, in order to do so, simply subscribe to the relevant mailing list here . Volunteer with an LNP Partner Many of the partners of the NPT Local Nature Partnership offer volunteering opportunities. These can be varied, from peatbog surveys with the Lost Peatlands Project to balsam bashing with Afan Environment Volunteers. If you'd like to explore the volunteering activities currently available, click here. Be a voice for nature in your area If you have spotted somewhere in your local area that needs some care and attention, let someone know about it! Seen a mown area that could be managed as a meadow? Let NPT Council know by email and it could be added to the NPT Bee Friendly scheme. Let your local Councillors know that you are enjoying seeing nature in your area / would like to see more nature in your area. They are your voice in the local council and can help to improve management for nature in your area. Seen something damaging to nature in your local area? If it counts as a wildlife crime, report it to the police . If you are not sure, report it to the council . Species records for NPT are one of the most useful tools we have to assess how nature is faring in the county. Species recording is also a really enjoyable activity, getting you out exploring and observing nature when you have some free time. The best place to start is to watch this 'Introduction to Wildlife Recording ' webinar and do some species identification courses. Look out for upcoming courses on our calendar or you can do them in your own time online - one of our partners, the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, has a great array of training videos to help you. Record Nature in NPT Garden for Wildlife Making space for wildlife in your garden is an amazing way of helping nature in NPT. We have some large urban areas in the county and every little helps when it comes to helping our urban wildlife. These are some of our top tips below: Manage part of your lawn as a meadow or a short-flowering lawn Install a pond Install bird and bat boxes Plant pollinator-friendly plants Avoid peat compost and chemicals Avoid planting species which are invasive in the wild Remove Invasive Non-Native species such as Himalayan Balsam and Bamboo Put in a 'Hedgehog Highway' between yours and neighbours gardens There is much more information and guidance on the Wildlife Trusts website . Alongside your garden, you can make space for nature on your house too: Install bat and/or bird boxes. Swifts are in trouble in Neath Port Talbot due to loss of nest sites, a row of swift boxes on your house could make a real difference in your local area. Aim for higher energy efficiency by installing double glazing, solar panels, air source heat pumps etc. You can even look at installing 'green infrastructure' on your home, such as rain garden planters, a green roof or a living wall. Find out more about how you could achieve this here. 'Green up' your house Inspire Children to Love Nature Getting children out into nature is great for their wellbeing and great for nature; the more people who care about it from a young age, the more people will try to protect it. We have a few different NPT-based resources that you could use to help you learn all about...: Meadows The Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Peatlands Sand Snails Pollinators You can find these on our 'Resources for Educators' page . There are a few 'quick fixes for nature' that people often want to dive into to try and help nature, without realising that some of these can be very damaging in the wrong context. Learn more about these before taking action to ensure that your hard work will have the desired effect! Honeybee hives - honeybee hives can put a huge amount of pressure on wild bees through competition for food and disease. They should only be installed for food production with associated habitat creation and never as part of a nature conservation project. Read more about this here. Tree planting - tree planting can be very beneficial in the right place, but in the wrong place it could be very damaging to nature. For example, planting on meadows could lead to the loss of the meadow. Always look to plant the right tree in the right place . 'Wildflower' mixes - if you want to create a wildflower meadow, you should be very cautious with wildflower mixes that you can pick up in supermarkets. These are often non-native mixes with little benefit to native biodiversity. Instead you should look to create a meadow through management and if seeding is required, source native, local provenance seeds. Find out more here . Be 'in the know' about nature Volunteer Opportunities in NPT Below are some of the current volunteer opportunities in NPT - if you like the sound of one, click the link to find out more. Afan Environment Volunteers Work days on 1st Wednesday of the month in the Afan Valley, including habitat management and wildlife surveys. Learn more. Bryncoch Environment Group Nature activities in the locality of Bryncoch, including toad patrols and litter picks. Learn more. Crymlyn Burrows Rare plant monitoring, beach cleans, invasive species control. Keep an eye out for upcoming events here . Learn more. Friends of Craig Gwladus Volunteer work parties and events at Craig Gwladus Country Park. Learn more. Friends of the Earth NPT A small friendly local group who campaign on issues which affect the environment in NPT Learn more. Upland Water Vole Project 2025-2028 Help to find water voles in the uplands of Glamorgan. Learn more. South Wales Miners Museum Help required to help visitors discover the nature of Afan Forest Park. Contact Jeff Lewis-Jones. Learn more. Afan Angling and Conservation Club Management of the River Afan, including works to remove barriers to fish migration. Learn more. Bryn Residents Action Group (BRAG) Work parties in and around the village of Bryn, including Bryn Tip LNR. Learn more. Coed Cadw Woodland management activities at Woodland Trust woodlands in the county. Learn more. Friends of Gnoll Country Park Volunteer work parties and events at Gnoll Country Park. Learn more. Glamorgan Bat Group Bat surveys and research, affiliated with Bat Conservation Trust. Learn more. NPT Wildlife A place to find out about wildlife and nature in Neath Port Talbot. Learn more. Ty Banc Canal Group Volunteering and events on the Neath Canal, including biodiversity sessions. Learn more. Buglife Natur am Byth Buglife Cymru is working with partners and communities across Swansea Bay to undertake timely and specific conservation interventions for 13 rare species identified as being at risk of local, and regional extinction. Learn more. Butterfly Conservation Marsh Fritillary surveys and habitat management in locality of the Dulais valley. Learn more. Coed Lleol Workshops and volunteering at sites across NPT Learn more. Friends of Jersey Park Volunteer work parties and events at Jersey Park. Learn more. Gower Ornithological Society Bird-focussed walks, talks and surveys in Swansea and NPT. Learn more. Lost Peatlands Wildlife surveys, assisting with conservation tasks and supporting at events. Learn more. Working with Nature NPT Nature activities and volunteering across NPT. Learn more.

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

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

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 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.

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.

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. Swifts in NPT 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 swift sighting helps us monitor the local population, identify nest sites and locate where nest boxes could be fitted. Swift sightings in NPT 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: Submit swift records 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 How you can help swifts Put up a swift box If you are able to, putting a swift box or two up on your property can be a great practical way to help your local swifts. Record your sightings If you see a swift, let us know where it was so we can keep an eye on the populations in NPT. Use the form above to do so. Raise community awareness Tell your friends and family about the plight of our swifts and how they can help. Why not encourage your neighbours to put up boxes and create a swift street?

Resources for Educators Below we have some resources specific to Neath Port Talbot. Educators are welcome to use them to teach children about our amazing nature. Button Button Button Button Button

Heathland and Moorland provides habitats for almost 1/5 of NPT's Priority Species, but only a small proportion of it is in good condition. Large amounts of habitat have been lost due to land use changes and neglect and, apart from the northern sector of the county, overall connectivity is poor. Heathland and Moorland Marshy grassland, heathland, moorland and ffridd (coed cae) The State of Nature in Heathland and Moorland in Neath Port Talbot Heathland and Moorland provides habitats for almost one fifth of NPT's Priority Species, but only a small proportion of it is in good condition. Large amounts of habitat have been lost due to land use changes and neglect and, apart from the northern sector of the county, overall connectivity is poor. Marshy grassland and rhos pasture in particular have suffered badly and many species that were once widespread are now very scarce. In some places invasive non-native species are a significant problem. There is insufficient data available at this time to assess the health of our surviving ffridd habitats, but much has been lost to forestry plantation. In view of these issues the resilience and state of nature of heathland and moorland in NPT has been assessed as poor. OVERVIEW This broad habitat category consists of marshy grassland, acid grassland/ heathland and moorland and ffridd (coed cae). The upland landscape of NPT has changed significantly over the last 70 years. Much of the moorland and heath that was once extensive there has been planted with conifers and other parts have been converted to improved grazing land. However, some significant areas of moorland remain, particularly in the northern sector of the county, e.g. Gwrhyd, Sarn Helen. These habitats are often dominated by Purple Moor-grass, Sheep’s Fescue and other calcifuge grasses/ sedges with areas of dwarf shrub heath containing Heather and Bilberry. Petty Whin and Dyer’s Greenweed still survive in a few places and wetter areas often contain colourful swards of Bog Asphodel. Marshy grassland (including rhos pasture) is an important specific habitat in this category which can support unique and diverse communities of plants with Devil’s-bit Scabious, Saw-wort, Meadow Thistle, Heath Spotted-orchid, Whorled Caraway, Ivy-leaved Bellflower and Bog Pimpernel. A few marshy grasslands in the northern sector have Marsh Fritillary meta-populations. Where there is base-rich flushing, these habitats may also contain Butterwort, Marsh Valerian and Fen Bedstraw, which are all scarce species in NPT. Ffridd habitats have largely been planted with conifer plantations. They are important for bird species such as Cuckoo where they exist and invertebrates such as Dark Green Fritillary. Heathland and moorland fauna of conservation importance in NPT include Brown Hare, Skylark, Linnet, Cuckoo, Adder, Grass Snake, Hornet Robber-fly and a number of bees such as the Moss Carder Bee. The resilience of heathland and moorland in NPT is under pressure from lack of appropriate management, broken connectivity and invasive non-native species, e.g. Rhododendron, Sitka Spruce. Actions for the recovery of Heathland and Moorland 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 for Marsh Fritillary Maintain and enhance current management and monitoring of sites in the Dulais Valley and extend into additional sites where possible to continue to support the Marsh Fritillary meta-population Inventory of marshy grasslands Undertake an inventory of grasslands and assess their condition where possible. Identify opportunities for restoring sites Respect for Reptiles Raise awareness to prevent persecution of adders in areas where human/ adder interaction is more likely. Adder Recording Increase adder recording in the north of the county where understanding of populations and their distributions is low Prevent damage from tree planting Prevent tree planting on heathland and moorland habitats in NPT and raise awareness of the value of these habitats Restore heathland and moorland habitats Where possible, habitat creation and restoration should be considered. For example, clear-felled conifer coupes should be assessed for their potential in marshy grassland (or peatbog) restoration. Removal of invasive non-native species (e.g. Rhododendron, Sitka Spruce) from some sites is a matter of urgency Heathland and Moorland Highways Maintain the strips of heathland and moorland habitat which can be found in the coniferised uplands along forest road verges and banks. These remnant habitats need to be maintained with the appropriate management to maintain the species which can be found here e.g. clubmosses. Rare and important plant species Promote the recovery of key axiophytes including Globe Flower, Meadow Thistle and Dyer’s Greenweed. Re-introductions may be necessary if appropriate. Promote Connectivity of Marshy Grassland Work with partners to promote better connectivity between marshy grassland, to benefit species such as the Marsh Fritillary butterfly Ffridd / Coedcae Increase our understanding of the extent and condition of ffridd habitats in Neath Port Talbot. Work with partners to retore and protect it. MARSH FRITILLARY The Marsh Fritillary butterfly has undergone a significant decline in numbers in Wales and this picture is reflected in the dramatic loss of populations from NPT over the last 50 years. Its favoured habitat in the county is marshy grassland or rhos pasture with Devil's-bit Scabious, which the caterpillars feed on, and plants that provide nectar for flying adults, e.g. Meadow Thistle. Loss of appropriate habitat followed by broken meta-population connectivity have probably played a major role in the decline. IVY LEAVED BELLFLOWER Due to the large losses of its native habitats which have occurred in the last 100 years, Ivy-Leaved Bellflower is an endangered species of some concern. In NPT, it is found in a few unimproved marshy grassland and heathland habitats but also in humid banks above streams and ditches in conifer plantations where it is protected from intense grazing. The plight and conservation of this charming species has been ignored in Wales while it has continued to shrink in its abundance due to habitat loss. Populations in NPT require careful consideration and management. ADDER The Adder is the only venomous snake in the UK but is not an aggressive species. Adders are mostly found in areas of rough countryside with edge habitats. They are variable in colour but always have a distinctive dark zig-zag down the spine. The best way to find them is to move slowly along the edge of a path through bracken but even then you will need to be very quiet and have a keen eye to spot them. Adders unfortunately still suffer from some persecution in NPT. Where to explore heathland and moorland in NPT Publicly accessible sites where you can see heathland and moorland habitats in NPT Heathland and Moorland Projects in NPT HABITAT MANAGEMENT FOR MARSH FRITILLARY Habitat management projects such as the large-scale conservation grazing programme taking place in the Dulais Valley are helping to restore marshy grasslands suitable for supporting Marsh Fritillary meta-populations. WIND FARM HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLANS Habitat management plans covering these habitats are in place as part of mitigation for the Llynfi Afan and Pen y Cymoedd Windfarms. gwrhyd MEADOWS Habitat management agreement is in place for management of acid grasslands and marshy grasslands at Gwrhyd Meadows SSSI. Notable plant species recorded here include Ivy-leaved Bellflower. payment for results on common land This Project is investigating a potential payment system which aims to encourage positive action to conserve and enhance habitat on common land. CILYBEBYLL SSSI Discussions taking place to determine habitat management plan for Cilybebyll SSSI. Cilybebyll is of special interest for its species-rich grasslands and wet pastures, which are host to several uncommon plant species. CASE STUDY Monitoring and conservation management of Marsh Fritillary in NPT Historical records indicate that the Marsh Fritillary was widespread in NPT 50 years ago, with colonies scattered in both the northern and southern sectors of the county. At that time, species-rich marshy grasslands with Devil's-bit Scabious, Meadow Thistle, Heath Spotted-orchid and other significant species were more common in our landscape than today. The Marsh Fritillary has a limited dispersal ability and requires a network of connected habitats and colonies that allow some interchange between otherwise discrete colonies. At any one time within this meta-population network some habitats may not be occupied, but their presence and potential for colonisation is nevertheless a major factor in Marsh Fritillary meta-population dynamics. The significant losses of marshy grassland habitat that have occurred in Neath Port Talbot in the last 50 years have not only removed breeding grounds for this colourful butterfly but have also broken the habitat connectivity that is crucial for dispersal and meta-population maintenance. The availability of suitable marshy grasslands in an appropriately connected landscape is key to the success and conservation of the Marsh Fritillary in NPT. Under the leadership of Butterfly Conservation and a dedicated group of organised volunteers, a large amount of effort has been put into finding, surveying and monitoring Marsh Fritillary sites in NPT and neighbouring areas of Carmarthenshire. It has become clear that the Marsh Fritillary is largely, if not entirely, confined to the Dulais and Amman Valleys, in the northern sector of the county. Each year known and potential breeding sites in these areas are monitored for the presence of larval webs and their condition is assessed. Butterfly Conservation have also worked in partnership with Natural Resources Wales to reclaim and manage marshy grassland suitable for Marsh Fritillary in the Dulais Valley, on NRW owned land previously planted with Sitka Spruce or intensively grazed. An important part of the conservation management strategy throughout has been the organisation of sympathetic grazing regimes to keep habitats in a condition favourable for Marsh Fritillary. At present we have 7 occupied Marsh Fritillary sites in NPT as well as a number of suitable sites that have not been colonised. There are strong populations in the Dulais Valley in the vicinity of Blaendulais but the largest populations are found in the Amman Valley and particularly near Tairgwaith and Cwmgors. Connectivity analysis reveals that these habitats are parts of larger, complex meta-population networks that reside mainly in Dyfed and Powys.