Torfaen is also notable for the wide range of plants, insects and animals that can be found. Plants such as the carnivorous sundew of the upland areas contrast with the rare butterfly orchid of lowland meadows.
Insects like the colourful broad-bodied chaser dragonfly and grayling butterfly are at home within the industrial landscape of the Blaenafon World Heritage Site and beyond.
Our streams and rivers are now much more wildlife friendly with the welcome return of the otter and salmon. We are also one of the best places in Wales for the white clawed crayfish, which is a protected species.
Birdwatchers also flock to Torfaen to view the thousands of wintering wildfowl at Llandegfedd Reservoir, as well as taking the opportunity to study the characteristic bird life of our hillsides.