Restoring Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of plants, insects and animals, ecosystems and habitats in an area.  

Key habitats in Torfaen include ancient deciduous woodland, wetlands, species rich grassland and heather dominated upland heath.  

There are several notable species in Torfaen, including:  

• Around 20 UK priority species
• 136 species whose population levels are of concern
• 40 species of interest

What we’re doing  

• The council declared a joint Climate and Nature emergency in September 2021. The Climate and Nature Emergency Action Plan outlines a range of measures to protect and enhance local biodiversity and eco-systems
• Our County Plan includes a Well-being Objective to respond to the climate and nature emergency. Annual delivery plans outline how that is being achieved
• Our Green Infrastructure Strategy and Tree Strategy outlines how we plan to enhance and protect trees and green spaces
• Every three years we produce a report on how we have applied the Welsh Government’s Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty - The Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty Report 2020-2022
• We have also produced a plan setting out how we will co-ordinate the implementation of the biodiversity duty across the council
• We work closely with other organisations, including neighbouring local authorities, the Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Local Nature Partnership and the Gwent Green Grid Partnership

How you can help 

• Let some of your garden go wilder and introducing wildflowers
• Avoid replacing green areas with hard surfaces that don’t soak up water
• Create holes in fencing to enable animals like hedgehogs to move around
• Grow your own fruit and vegetables
• Get involved with a community orchard project
• Record wildlife in your locality and share the information via the South-East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre online recording system