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Gwent Wildlife Trust has teamed up with EVAD, BTCV and Keep Wales
Tidy to help clean up Waun-y-pound ponds in Ebbw Vale. Groups of
local volunteers will be working on 27th, 28th and 29th April to
remove litter and rubbish from around the lakes and Blaenau Gwent
County Borough Council will collect everything, recycling as much as
possible to reduce the amount going to landfill. The ponds once
provided water for the steelworks in Ebbw Vale but now provide a
valuable recreational resource for people and important habitats for
wildlife.
“Areas of greenspace, like the ponds, are really important for
people and for wildlife,” says Veronika Brannovic, Community
Wildlife Officer for Gwent Wildlife Trust. “The benefits of open
spaces for our mental and physical health are well known and we need
to make sure that places like the ponds are inviting and well used
by local people. Litter spoils the natural beauty of an area and is
a hazard for wildlife and pets but projects like this highlight the
potential for local people to help keep their environment healthy.”
As well as being an eyesore and a danger for people and pets, litter
and other rubbish can cause injury and even kill many species of
wildlife. Every year, tens of thousands of animals die after getting
stuck in glass and plastic bottles, tin cans and yoghurt pots. Other
hazards include elastic bands, discarded fishing tackle and
pollution from used engine oil.
For more information on anything contained in this article or any of
the services the Trust can offer, including school programmes,
nature reserve visits, teacher training or becoming a volunteer or
member, contact Veronika email
vbrannovic@gwentwildlife.org.
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