RHONDDA CYNON TAF ACTION FOR NATURE PLAN
Below are some suggestions for research projects which would be beneficial for building our evidence base to help us conserve the nature of RCT. If you’d like to discuss these or if you have your own idea for a project, get in touch.
1.
Carbon Storage in Natural Habitats
Grasslands, heathlands, woodlands and peatbogs, as well as other natural habitats, all have value for carbon storage. We'd like to know how this works on a local scale in RCT, so we can base our climate change mitigation works on local evidence.
2.
Breeding Birds in RCT
There is much we'd like to learn about breeding birds in RCT, for example, where are our declining swift population nesting, or the secretive willow tit. Our members Glamorgan Bird Club can help you get started.
3.
Water Voles in the Uplands of RCT
A population of water voles has recently been discovered in the uplands of RCT and we'd like to know more about the distribution and dynamics of this population, in order to understand how best to protect it.
4.
Effects of Peatbog Restoration on Rivers
The Lost Peatlands project is a partnership project working to restore a large expanse of peat bog in the uplands of RCT. How will this effect our rivers? Will there be less flooding and pollution? We need help to find out!
5.
Celebrate RCT
We are looking for a media or comms student to help us interpret the incredible natural heritage of RCT, perhaps with a video, animation or artwork. We'd love to hear your ideas.
6.
Fantastic Ffridd
Ffridd is an important habitat in RCT, providing connectivity for wildlife up and down our valleys sides. Projects that highlight this and help us spread the word would be very valuable in helping us to protect this habitat from development or tree planting pressure.
Case Study
University of South Wales Woodland Regeneration Project
The powers of natural tree and woodland regeneration and colonisation are not widely understood or recognised. In Rhondda Cynon Taf historic aerial photos provide clear evidence of the increase in native woodland cover around urban areas and on many important Valley side ffridd, heathland, wetlands and rhos pastures.
To try and provide evidence of this natural woodland expansion a pilot approach to defining nature colonisation of woodland was undertaken through an MSc Project with the University of South Wales. The MSc study tested the use of historic aerial photographs and contemporary comparisons on some sample areas of RCT, and the use of GIS to interpret the extent of tree and woodland cover. The project method outcomes were encouraging, however, further refinement of the methodology is needed and there is scope for further academic project work.
The evidence gleaned will hopefully influence policy makers and allow the natural woodland expansion that is occurring in RCT to be recognised and be included in any Welsh Government or Natural Resources Wales, centrally apportioned, targets for woodland expansion.