Neath East
This diverse ward consists of estuary, river, canal, industrial and urban, woodland, farmland and mosaic habitats. The Neath estuary at this point is mostly floodplain grazing marsh with mud and shingle banks. Landscaping in the industrial and urban areas provide green corridors for species to move through. The Square Pond SINC is designated for its mosaic habitats and diverse aquatic and emergent flora. The Neath Canal SINC also has great examples of aquatic flora. Garth Mor SINC is a small area of diverse woodland. Part of The Waun SINC is in the ward, designated for its mosaic of habitats. Eaglesbush Valley is a LNR where people can get easy access to nature. Most of the ward is in a B-Line.
Down on the saltmarsh birds such as Little egret and Lapwing can be seen. The roofs of industrial units make a great alternative to natural, cliff nesting sites for several gull species. Herring gulls have declined in their natural range but are making use of our roofs. The Victorian houses in Neath provide perfect nesting sites for Swifts. The river Neath and its tributaries are important for Otters which can even be found in the industrial areas. Bat boxes in Eaglesbush Valley are regularly checked by volunteers who recently found a maternity roost of Natterer’s bats. The hillside farmland is home to Brown hare.
Actions
- Encourage residents to visit and enjoy the nature at Eaglesbush Valley LNR and take part in volunteer events here.
- 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
- Our swifts are in trouble and you can help. Identify buildings in the ward where swift nest boxes can be erected to replace those lost when old buildings are upgraded. A swift project is running this year to fund these boxes, contact the team to find out more.
