Managing the Countryside of Torfaen
Mile post marker
Responsibility for managing the countryside in Torfaen lies with a range of different organisations including farmers/landowners, Torfaen County Borough Council and other public bodies.
The Countryside and Environmental Projects Team of Torfaen County Borough Council has a major part to play in the management of the Countryside of the area. It does this by working in partnership with a wide range of organisations such as the Welsh Assembly Government and Countryside Council for Wales, which provide grant aid for specific project work, and voluntary sector groups including the Ramblers Association, Gwent Wildlife Trust and Keep Wales Tidy.
The Council manages land within its ownership and also assists and encourages others to manage their own land for the benefit of the public generally, to encourage economic regeneration, to promote and provide opportunities for informal recreation, and to enhance biodiversity.
Measures being taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity are set out in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Torfaen, which is available from Torfaen County Borough Council.
There are many examples of the work undertaken by the Council's Countryside and Environmental Projects Team:
Many environmental and access improvements have been undertaken, particularly in the Blaenafon World Heritage Site. These have included creating Gateways to the landscape and development of the 'Iron Mountain Trail'.
Woodland Management Team
Biodiversity initiatives have included habitat management at Garn Lakes and on Mynydd y Garn-fawr; pond, quarry and species surveys; a wide range of schools wildlife projects; the construction of otter holts; and the establishment of a Forest School at Cwmbran.
The public rights of way network is managed by the team with assistance from the Ramblers Association to keep routes open and maintain fences, stiles and gates.
The National Cycle Network (NCN 492 & 49) from Newport to Blaenafon is very important as it allows the public to enjoy traffic free walking and cycling on very gentle gradients, taking in large areas of unspoilt countryside. This facility is also available for use by horse riders from Pontypool to North of Varteg. A leaflet on the route is available from the Countryside Service.
The Council has produced a series of circular walks leaflets, linked to an annual events and guided walks programme. A strategy for access and interpretation of the World Heritage Site Landscape and ancient scheduled monuments has been produced and a partnership set up to secure funding and oversee the implementation of works on the ground.
If you have any questions regarding the work of the Countryside Service, or would like further information, please contact: Tel: (01633) 648034.