Countryside Annual Report 2009 - 2010
Torfaen’s Countryside Service was established in 1996, and has developed and expanded to meet the opportunities and constraints presented by a wide range of regional and national legislation, and the
desires of the local population who feel proud of their local natural inheritance. Working in a sustainable manner is regarded as a fundamental prerequisite for this service.
Never has the natural environment been under such threat, and yet its value is more highly regarded now than it ever was. Indeed the potential that a quality natural environment has to maintain and boost public confidence, economic prosperity, quality of life, health and social-well being has long been underestimated, and only recently has there been a realisation that the green open spaces, trees and indigenous wildlife that we take so much for granted is fundamental to maintaining a healthy population. The opportunities that the countryside presents for outdoor recreation are vast, and capitalising on this has been one of the priority areas for the service this year. Similarly, a wide range of environmental education programmes have been piloted, which have proven to stimulate a desire for learning in even the most excluded individuals.
Such initiatives have recently become part of the national school curriculum.
Through consistent partnership working with the community and funding bodies, and a commitment to act in a sustainable manner, a wide range of actions were undertaken in 2009/10, resulting in clear positive benefits to the environment of Torfaen, its ability to support wildlife, and the resulting positive affect on its residents and visitors alike.
A copy of the Countryside Annual Report 2009 - 2010| can be downloaded here.