Posted on: Thursday 6 November 2025
Work to restore two areas of peatland is due to begin in December, thanks to £71,000 from the National Peatland Action Programme.
Peatland habitat is important for biodiversity and carbon storage, as well as flood regulation because it collects and holds large volumes of water which is then released slowly over time.
However, peatland is susceptible to degradation which can reduce its effectiveness to do these things.
Work is being carried out to assess the depth, water levels and drainage points at Mynydd Garn y Fawr, which is part of The Blorenge SSSI, in Blaenavon and Mynydd Garnclochdy, above Cwmafon. This information will then be used to plan peat restoration work.
Cllr Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "Increasing the amount of peat in these areas will increase the amount of water they can hold, and help protect communities below from flooding.
"There will also be significant benefit to local biodiversity, particularly the plants, amphibians, birds, bees and butterflies that depend on wetlands for their survival. For instance, lapwings were once a common site in the uplands of Torfaen but are now at risk of extinction in the area."
During the project there will be opportunities for people to get involved and learn new skills whilst helping to gather information that will shape restoration activities, including fixed point photography to monitor changes in habitat over time, vegetation and hydrological monitoring.
The work is due to be carried out between December and March.
If you’d like to know more about the project or want to get involved, email veronika.brannovic@torfaen.gov.uk or james.bower@torfaen.gov.uk.
The work will contribute to the council's Climate and Nature Emergency Plan and County Plan commitment to improving the local environment.