Posted on: Wednesday 27 September 2023
A former colliery site in Abersychan could become Torfaen's eighth Local Nature Reserve.
Blanserchan Colliery closed in 1985 and since then, the remnants of coal spoil heaps have been transformed into stretches of grassland and heathlands.
Several notable plant species have been recorded at the site, including the Bee Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Green-winged Orchid, Knotted Pearlwort, Rough Clover, Small Cudweed, and Moonwort.
There are now plans to designate it as a Local Nature Reserve, which will mean it is a protected green space and offers the opportunity for local education, community engagement and volunteering.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “A part of our commitment to address our climate change and nature emergency includes making improvements to the local environment.
“Creating a new Local Nature Reserve helps protect and enhance nature, so I am thrilled that a site that is no longer in use can be of such a benefit to wildlife.
There are currently seven Local Nature Reserves in Torfaen at Garn Lakes, Cwmavon Corridor (the cycleway linking Garndiffaith and Blaenavon), Tirpentwys, Cwmynyscoy Quarry, Springvale Ponds, Henllys and Llwyncelyn.
For further information regarding the proposed Local Nature Reserve or to share your thoughts on the proposal, please contact veronika.brannovic@torfaen.gov.uk or steve.williams@torfaen.gov.uk by Tuesday 31 October.
After the consultation period, all comments will be collated and submitted to Cabinet to ask for the designation to be approved.
Recent wildlife discoveries in Torfaen include the wasp spider – find out more here.