Rhos
The Cilybebyll SSSI is designated for its species-rich grasslands and wet pastures. Forest Goch Bog is a rain fed bog. Lowland raised bog is a rare resource in Wales. The Caeau Ynysgeinon SINC is an area of diverse flora on an old tip. Fferm Alltwenganol SINC is designated for its close network of hedgerows and lowland meadows. Rhos Bends Bog is a SINC for its combination of marshy grassland and bog. There is a large block of ancient semi-natural woodland along the valley floor next to the river. From the valley floor the gentle slopes are mostly farmed with steeper inclines leading up to conifer plantation. Several areas of roadside hedges are managed for their biodiversity interest.
The river Tawe and its tributaries are important for Otter, Dipper, Kingfisher and bats. The bog areas have beautiful flowering plants such as Bell heather, Cotton-grass and Bog asphodel. The farmland is good for Hedgehog, Brown hare and Skylark. On the upland you can see Red kite, Buzzard and Raven. At dusk you may catch a glimpse of a Barn owl. The native woodlands have Tawny owl, Great spotted woodpecker and Wood warbler. Brown hare, Hedgehog and Skylark can be seen on the farmland.
Actions
- 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 landowners to manage land sensitively to nature. Some may wish to join the local Meadows Group, contact the team to find out more.
- 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
