Glynneath Central and East
The urban areas are restricted to the valley floor and fringed by pockets of ancient semi-natural woodland. The only SINC in the ward at the Lamb & Flag is a mixture of habitats on a former flood plain. A small area of the Coedydd Nedd a Mellte SAC, designated for its diverse woodland, is in the Ward. Parts of Dyffrynoedd Nedd a Mellte a Meol Penderyn woodland SSSI and Cwm Gwrelych and Nant Llyn Fach Streams geological SSSI are in the ward.
The river Neath and its tributaries are important for Otter, Dipper and foraging bats. Native woodland is home to Pied Flycatchers, Tawny owl, Great spotted woodpecker and bat species. Conifer plantations are home to Crossbill, Siskin and Goshawk. The farmland is good for Brown hare, Badger and Hedgehog. Species-rich grasslands contain plants such as Eyebright, Yellow rattle and Ragged robin. Reptiles use the open mosaic habitats.
Actions
- Look for locations for NPT Bee Friendly management around the ward i.e. sites where flowers would grow if mowing was paused for the summer
- The rich species diversity of this ward should be celebrated and conserved. You can encourage constituents to engage with the special sites of this ward through guided walks and promotion of the areas.
- Encourage landowners to manage land sensitively to nature. Some may wish to join the local Meadows Group, contact the team to find out more.
