First set up in 1998, the RCT Local Nature Partnership includes partners with a depth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the wildlife of the county. We work together to plan and deliver action for nature in the county. Membership is open to all. Contact us to become a member.

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The overall aim of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Action for Nature Partnership is “to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of Rhondda Cynon Taf”. Action for Nature is the partnership and plan for local nature and biodiversity action in RCT.

This overarching aim encompasses:

• Raise awareness of the biodiversity of RCT

• Record the biodiversity of RCT

• Protect the biodiversity of RCT

• Manage areas for the benefit of the biodiversity of RCT

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We achieve our aims by planning and taking action to conserve and enhance biodiversity in RCT. The partnership works together to identify locally important habitats and species, monitor them and take action to ensure their conservation, through practical works, education and awareness raising.

Our Action for Nature document is currently under review so please get in touch if you would like to get involved.

The partnership members identify, monitor and report on local nature via meetings and the Recorders Newsletter. This provides a valuable vehicle for biodiversity awareness raising across RCT and an invaluable source of information. As a result a network of managed habitat sites, linking biodiversity and communities has been developed through planning agreements. These are sites where local people and groups can experience and work to help record, manage, enhance and enjoy fantastic local biodiversity.

In the uplands a network of peat bog restoration associated with 7 windfarm schemes (which include the Lost Peatlands Project area) has been secured as a direct result of Action for Nature’s peat bog action plan. These sites collectively provide opportunities for landscape scale biodiversity, carbon sequestration, grass fire prevention and flood attenuation gains. It was local knowledge that originally alerted us to this ‘hidden’ peatland resource.
 

Another Action for Nature output is the multi-partner conservation grazing networks developed with local graziers. This has now developed with wildflower grassland management to realise 70 hectares of wildflower rich grassland and grass verge managed by ‘cut and collect’ and a further 50 hectares managed by conservation grazing. This land management experience has directly informed and help develop the Healthy Hillsides grass fire partnership project.

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The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales manages nature reserves in the area and runs volunteering and species recording events.

Species recorders specialising in invertebrates and fungi are discovering new species of importance on colliery spoil sites.

Butterfly Conservation and Tidy Towns have for many years maintained key marsh fritillary sites.

Glamorgan Bird Club have been working with householders protect the swifts in RCT.

Local volunteer groups such as Cynon Valley Organic Adventures and Friends of Tynant Woods work to help biodiversity and engage local people.

Plus many more!

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Some of our members are listed below:

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