Rhondda Cynon Taf lies at the heart of the Valleys and at the heart of a wealth of biodiversity. Nutrient poor soils, a complex topography, geomorphology and geology, a wonderful mild wet climate, traditional small farm management and the Valleys industrial legacy mean all the components for a rich biodiversity are in place.
Our classic rhos pasture supports internationally important populations of marsh fritillary butterfly. The rolling Border Valley in the South and Cynon Valley in the north are ancient farmed landscapes, with species rich wildflower pastures and lesser horseshoe bats. The ancient field patterns, with hedgerows cut from the original wildwood, form part of a complex woodland network through which dormice move.
Our Valleys are home to uninterrupted, rich mosaics of ffridd, which run for miles along valley sides and provide perfect habitat connectivity and superb reptile habitat. Intermingled with the ffridd, colliery spoil habitats are often rich in fungi and provide exceptional habitat for 85 species of bee along with grayling, dingy skipper and small blue butterfly.
In the uplands, there is a huge resource of peatland, wet heath and acid grassland, with the most southerly glacial cwms in the British Isles. Together with neighbouring NPT, these are habitat of outstanding potential, home to newly discovered water vole populations.
We are very proud of our wildlife and our partnership works hard to protect, enhance and celebrate our wonderful biodiversity.