The significance of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site and its immediate surroundings cannot be overstated. Hosting the most extensive cave network in the UK with large populations of Lesser and Greater Horseshoe Bats; remnants of Atlantic Rainforest which are dripping in rare ferns and lichens; nesting and migratory birds other areas could only dream of such as Cuckoo, Pied Flycatcher, Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, and Peregrine Falcon; the largest peat bog in Gwent feeding the River Usk Special Area of Conservation; and a rich farming heritage with Commoners and their animals still playing an active role in shaping the landscape to this day.

Working with local communities, we're helping landowners to secure investment and manage their land in economically and ecologically sustainable ways, and acquiring 434 acres of land in the area to be restored for people and wildlife. (See our appeal here!)

With this generous and hugely important funding from We Have The Power, (Julia Davies' catalyst for nature restoration and action to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis), we will remove scrub and rushes to improve water management and nesting opportunities for Lapwing and Curlew; complete baseline ecological surveys of newly acquired sites; enhance infrastructure so Commoners can keep grazing the heather uplands and visitors can enjoy the landscape in safety; and work with partners to restore the largest peat bog in Gwent, slowing the flow of water to reduce flood, drought and wildfire risk whilst storing carbon and saving wildlife.

This is just the beginning so please join Gwent Wildlife Trust  to follow our progress and contribute to the fightback against the Climate and Nature Emergencies.