Posted on: Friday 7 March 2025
There are hopes a local nature reserve in Cwmbran could be expanded following a successful bid for National Lottery Heritage funding.
The funding has been used to purchase a three-acre meadow and woodland area near Henllys Local Nature Reserve.
Work has begun to improve biodiversity at Coed Meyric Moel, including planting new hedging and developing natural wildlife corridors.
Yesterday, a workshop held by the community woodland group Llais y Goedwig identified 10 tree species at the site, including alder, ash, beech, birch, oak, sycamore, willow, hawthorn, hazel, and holly, and plants including bluebell, flowering ivy, hard fern, lesser celandine, wood anemone, and various mosses.
There are plans to create paths leading to Henllys Local Nature Reserve and a nature trail with help from Able, in Cwmbran, an organisation which supports people living with disabilities.
It's hoped the council can apply to Natural Resources Wales to incorporate the site into the local nature reserve in the future.
The project is being supported by Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen's Local Nature Partnership, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
On Tuesday, the partnership was presented with a council Civic Award in recognition of their work.
Partnership co-ordinator Veronika Brannovic said: "The area was previously owned by Gwent Wildlife Trust, so it’s already home to many species, including burnet companion moths, marbled white butterflies and plants including birds-foot and yellow rattle.
"We're hoping it will attract new species and is a valuable resource for the local community to connect with nature, either through volunteering, attending workshops or just spending time there."
A second workshop is due to be held on Thursday March 13, between 10am and 1pm. For more information, email veronika.brannovic@torfaen.gov.uk.
Find out more about Local Nature Reserves in Torfaen and how we're helping to combat climate change through nature conservation.
To get involved in nature conservation, visit the Local Nature Partnership website: https://bgtorfaenlnp.wales/en/