Managing the Countryside of Torfaen
Responsibility for managing the countryside in Torfaen lies with a range of different organisations including farmers/landowners, Torfaen County Borough Council, private individuals 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 Development Agency 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.
The strategic plan for the delivery of Torfaen's Countryside Service is set out in the Countryside Strategy 2003 - 2006|, and the measures being taken to conserve and enhance biodiversity are set out in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Torfaen, both of which are 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 Blaenavon World Heritage Site. These have included creating Gateways to the landscape and development of the 'Iron Mountain Trail'.
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 construction of the National Cycle Network (NCN 46) from Newport to Blaenavon is a very important project that has enabled the public and visitors 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 Blaenavon. A leaflet on the route is available from the Countryside Service.
The Council has also 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.