Gwynfi and Croeserw
The north and south elevations of this valley are strikingly different. To the north extensive conifer plantations dominate. Unfortunately, they were planted on peat bog. There is a large project underway working to restore vast areas of bog, which will hold in carbon and get the landscape back to how it looked. To the south upland grassland covers the hillsides and valleys. In the village are 3 SINCs. Gwynfi Street, Scotch Street and Caroline Street are all designated for their acid grassland/heathland mix. There are also some remnants of ancient semi-natural woodland. Some of the ward is in a BLine. The Lost Peatlands project is managing a ‘Community Wild Space’ in the ward.
The conifer forests are home to Goshawk, Crossbill and Siskin. Water vole have recently been found in the wind farm area. This species is under serious threat from habitat loss and predation by non-native American mink. Finding this new population is very important. The river Avan and its tributaries are important for Otter, Dipper and Grey wagtail. The hills to the south are dominated by Purple moor-grass and rush pastures plus heathland with rocky outcrops. Habitat here is suitable for Skylark, Wheatear, Red kite and Brown hare.
Actions
- Support and promote the Lost Peatlands site and events which will be taking place over the next few years.
- Grassland and heathland habitats are often at risk of inappropriate tree planting, which can damage habitats and cause carbon release. Protect habitats such as this from tree planting schemes.
- Encourage people to learn about the biodiversity within the conifer plantations
