Working with Nature

This three year project started in August 2016, its overall aim being to build the capacity of volunteers and community groups to take a more active role in the management of our local, natural greenspaces, whilst fostering a greater understanding and connection with the natural environment.

The decline of biodiversity is widely documented and this project is looking to bring about local changes that will contribute towards a long term recovery of biodiversity.   This project hopes to improve employability skills and opportunities through work experience in conservation, create a better understanding of our natural environment through engagement and awareness raising, enhance the local environment through volunteer activities and improve the well-being of our rural residents through outdoor based activities.

Under the supervision of Catrin Evans, NPTCBC’s Countryside and Wildlife Team Leader, project officers are delivering a wide range of outdoor activities and volunteering opportunities, working in partnership with with Dyffryn Clydach and Onllwyn Community Councils and Pontardawe Town Council.  Sites are under active conservation management, participants are gaining a greater appreciation of their local areas and volunteers are increasing their skills and knowledge in conservation and countryside management.

Catrin is thrilled with the progress of this project: “We’ve started work at 11 sites, with a strong volunteer base beginning to emerge and several engagement sessions with local residents and families.  The response from the public has been fantastic and the project is on track to make a real difference to our rural residents, whilst bringing a network of natural, green space into long-term, sustainable management”