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 and other public bodies.

The Economy and Environment Team of Torfaen County Borough Council have a major part to play in the management of the Countryside. It does this by working in partnership with a wide range of organisations such as the Welsh Government and Natural Resources 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.

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' which is a circular way marked route through the World Heritage Site landscape.

Biodiversity initiatives have included habitat enhancements at Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve and the Forgotten Landscapes Project in Blaenavon.

The public rights of way network is managed by the Access Team with assistance from volunteers, community groups and the Ramblers Association to keep routes open and maintain fences, stiles and gates.

There are many off road cycling routes throughout Torfaen which are easily accessible and with shallow gradients which make them ideal for all abilities. The Afon Lwyd Trail which follows the National Cycle Network (NCN 492 & 49) from Cwmbran to Blaenavon is the principal route through the valley and passes though attractive countryside and many historic features of interest.

The Council has produced a series of varied and interesting circular walks leaflets which are available to download on the Torfaen Walks page.

Last Modified: 06/09/2022
For more information contact:

Economy and Environment Team

Tel: 01633 648041

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