RHONDDA CYNON TAF ACTION FOR NATURE PLAN
These actions are aimed at public authorities who would like to take positive action for their local environment, perhaps as part of their environmental and community responsibilities. Public authorities have a legal requirement under section 6 of the Environment Act to maintain and enhance biodiversity throughout all of their functions and to contribute to a 'Resilient Wales' under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. There are some simple changes you can make to contribute to this. Wales-wide goals can be found here and below we have suggested some additional actions for RCT.
1.
Manage Land
There are a number of ways you can help nature during the course of your land management. Go peat-free, avoid pesticides and herbicides, look after your trees, remove invasive species and avoid hedge cutting and tree works in bird nesting season. You could also join in with the #FollowtheButterfly campaign and start managing grassy spaces as wildflower meadows. Learn more from Plantlife.
2.
Sustainability helps wildlife
Taking steps to become more sustainable e.g. through energy and water efficiency, reducing transport, waste etc. All help wildlife locally and globally.
3.
Engage your employees
Utilise their knowledge and enthusiasm to identify your impacts on wildlife and how to address them. Why not schedule a meeting where your staff can share their ideas?
4.
Section 6 Biodiversity Duty
It is a requirement of the Environment Act that public bodies publish a Biodiversity Duty Plan and report. You can view the RCT Council Biodiversity Plan here for ideas and guidance is also available on the Wales Biodiversity Partnership website. This website will also give you ideas for action. Don't forget to use the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 resilience goals for inspiration too.
5.
Join the Community Action for Nature group
We are a subset of the RCT LNP and we meet four times a year to discuss potential action we could take for nature in our communities. Join the group by contacting us
6.
Start your journey to Net Zero
In Wales, the public sector is aiming to decarbonise by 2030. The route map for decarbonisation can be viewed here. Use this to help you plan your own route to carbon net zero. Plan to reduce other forms of pollution too to protect your local environment.
Case Study
Llanharan Community Council support for Brynna Woods
Llanharan Community Council have supported the Wildlife Trust South and West Wales since 2009 with an annual grant for Brynna Woods and Llanharan Marsh Nature Reserve.
Work is ongoing to increase the biodiversity and protect the nationally important Hazel Dormouse in the Reserve. Also local schools and members of the public are encouraged to visit the Reserve and engage with nature. The Council are currently looking at providing further funds to install a new outdoor classroom and wooden sculptures. In addition the Council are in discussion with WTSWW, Network Rail and RCT Rights of Way department regarding a proposed bridleway bridge into Brynna Woods NR. It is hoped that any design proposal will be sensitive to the Violet Oil Beetle habitat. Also the design may incorporate nature features and interpretation boards for the Reserve.
The Council sensitively manage some small areas in their ownership to increase the potential for nature. A project is being investigated to provide an amenity area, with an emphasis on nature, in damp woodland behind Brynna Community Centre. 'Green roofs' for bus shelters are also being trialled in the area.