Cimla and Pelenna
There are several SINCs designated for their marshy grassland features and part of The Waun SINC is in the ward, which is designated for its mosaic of habitats. The industrial history of this ward has left some surprising benefits to biodiversity. The Tonmawr Minewater Treatment Works is a SINC for its scrub communities, lowland heath, reedbeds and its population of Adders. Cwm Blaenpelenna SINC is a former colliery site which has naturally regenerated and is an important habitat for invertebrates. Tyle’r Waun SINC is an example of blanket bog. Some of the road verges on the B4287 are managed for their biodiversity interest. Brynau Farm has recently been purchased by the Woodland Trust who will be carrying out woodland restoration and creation. A BLine covers the Cimla end of the ward.
Barn owls breed in the area. The urban areas of the ward are well connected with gardens and large street trees. These provide habitat for House sparrows and Pipistrelle bat species. Preswylfa Dingle SINC provides a green corridor with springtime display of flowering Bluebells. The open farmland is home to Brown hare, Foxes, Badgers and Red kite, Raven and Buzzards can often be seen flying overhead. The river Pelenna and its tributaries are important for Otter, Dipper and foraging bats. The plantations are home to birds such as Crossbill and Siskin. The areas that have been clear-felled are now home to a nationally important population of Nightjar. Brown hare, Hedgehog and Skylark can be seen on the farmland. The area is particularly important for Adders. The colliery spoil sites have nationally rare invertebrate invertebrates such as Small pearl-bordered fritillary. The blanket bog has specialist plants such as Common cotton-grass, Heather and Bilberry.
Actions
- The Friends of Gnoll Country Park are an active volunteer group taking care of The Gnoll Country Park. You can refer constituents who are interested in nature to volunteer with this group.
- The adder populations in this ward are unfortunately sometimes subject to persecution. Help to raise awareness of the need to respect and protect these magnificent creatures, who will only bite when threatened.
- Raise awareness of the incredible diversity of habitats and species which the ward can boast through walks and social media.
