Cwm Du Glen and Glanrhyd Plantation, to the north west of Pontardawe, hosted an open day event last weekend to introduce what will be Neath Port Talbot’s newest nature reserve.
Earlier this year, the Council agreed to designate the Plantation as a Local Nature Reserve in recognition of its biodiverse ecosystem and importance as a community resource. At the same meeting, it was agreed that the site would be managed in partnership between the Council’s Countryside and Wildlife Team, Coed Cymru, Pontardawe Town Council, Neath Port Talbot Parks Service and various third sector organisations. Legal agreements and notices are currently being drafted and the declaration is expected to be formalised in the next few weeks.
The designation follows a very busy year, during which funding to undertake a number of new initiatives and works to enhance and maintain the woodland has been secured from Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government, and Mynydd y Betws community fund. These included improvements to site access and infrastructure, a new entrance feature with designs by pupils from Cwmtawe Community School, increased signage and a programme of environmental, education and health-focussed events.
The Actif Woods Wales programme, designed to improve health in the local community, has also run a series of woodworking sessions at the site over the last year. In addition children from three local primary schools, Llangiwg, Alltwen and Rhydyfro have taken part in the John Muir Award. This required them to discover and explore the site, take action to help look after it, and share their experiences with parents and the local community.
The site’s new status should mean that this work will continue into the future to ensure the woodland remains in a good ecological condition and is a safe and welcoming place for the local community and visitors.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas OBE said:
“Cwm Du Glen and Glanrhyd Plantation is a beautiful place to visit and being designated a Local Nature Reserve will mean more than just a prestigious title. It will give the site and its wildlife extra protection, helping it to thrive and remain a haven for flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy.”
At the open day, visitors enjoyed a host of free activities including bushcraft and foraging, woodland art and craft, green woodworking, camp fire cooking, River-dipping, woodland wildlife walks and a sawmill demonstration.
The plantation welcomes visitors all year round. For more information visit www.npt.gov.uk/biodiversity
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