Baglan

The ward contains 6 individual SINCs. Four are brownfield sites. These occur when nature reclaims previously developed land. This has resulted in unique conditions for each site, often mimicking natural habitats such as sand dune. Baglan Bay is a large expanse of natural mobile dune system and saltmarsh at the tip of the Neath Estuary. WTSWW are currently managing much of this area. They also own Baglan Badger Sett. Other sites in the ward include important waterways and pockets of semi-natural ancient woodland SINCs. Most of the ward is within a BLine. Several hedgerows and grass verges are managed for biodiversity interest under NPT Bee Friendly.

On the hills Badgers are commonly seen visiting gardens. Linnets breed on the scrub habitat on the hillsides and flock to the coast in winter. The dunes are a stronghold for Sea stock while the grassland at Triangle Pond contains Deptford pink, both very rare plants. The whole industrial area provides breeding sites Lapwing, though the population here is declining. The coastal strip is an important area for pollinators and is home to rare Small blue butterflies, Brown-banded and Shrill carder bees. The estuary is important for Peregrine, Whimbrel, Cetti’s warbler, Curlew, Starling, Reed bunting and Otter.

Actions

1. Baglan has a number of grasslands managed as NPT Bee Friendly meadows and if more are established, Baglan could become the first NPT Bee Friendly meadow zone in NPT. Speak to the team to help us find sites.
2. The industrial area of Baglan is one of the most important sites for nature in NPT. The preservation of this diversity is very important. Increasing awareness of this amongst businesses in the park is a good place to start.