RHONDDA CYNON TAF ACTION FOR NATURE PLAN
(c) SEWRT
At every level, learning more about our wildlife is important and fascinating. We need evidence to support our actions, but we also need to share what we learn with policy makers who often have little understanding of how special Rhondda Cynon Taf is. And we need to involve more local people in this journey of discovery. These awareness raising actions apply to all habitats and species in RCT.
1.
Promote membership of wildlife, environment and community groups
Maintain the LNP as a place to network, promote and connect those taking action for nature in RCT. Increasing the membership and support for groups helps them to grow and develop. It also means more local events and activities for more people to enjoy.
2.
Nature Isn't Neat
Take action to increase acceptance of the fact that nature isn't neat! e.g. brambles are good for urban birds and pollinators and resisting the urge to 'tidy' can provide vital homes for wildlife
3.
Celebrate Nature
The wildlife in RCT is amazing, but it is undervalued. We know we rely on wild places and natural processes for every aspect of our lives and we need to share our understanding and love of nature more widely.
4.
Understanding the Evidence
Use evidence to do the right thing, which isn't always the easy thing! For example, the current drive for tree planting could destroy valuable wildlife habitats locally, including carbon stored in soils. And it is unnecessary in RCT, where trees will grow naturally wherever they are allowed to, without the need for a plastic tube. We understand this from observation and accumulated evidence.
5.
The Great Outdoors
Promote opportunities to enjoy nature, to relax, learn, share skills, dance or whatever. Encourage respect and care for local places by involving people. Encourage people to follow the Countryside Code.
6.
Give nature a voice
Engage with NRW and the Area Statement, Public Service Boards and Valleys Regional Park to develop connecting decision makers with nature.
Bluebell Blues
How to capture that colour blue and immerse yourself in this spring-time glory.
An old schools project, outdoors in bluebells woods and fields with artists and a poet provides inspiration. Fabric and paint swatches couldn’t match the colour, Welsh names prompted stories, a dentist’s mirror to see inside the bell, words about what you can see, hear, smell and touch, and how being in bluebells affects your emotions and mood.
All of this distilled into poetry and pictures displayed for a month in the Pontypridd Art Gallery in the Muni. One magnificent artwork was in the entrance to Y Pant school for many years after.
But anyone can try this, develop your own creative skills and maybe if you are musical you could try a bluebell blues.
