Residents and visitors are being encouraged to get out and about to experience the pleasures of wildlife in Neath Port Talbot.
To coincide with the Year of International Biodiversity, the Council’s biodiversity and countryside teams, with funding from the Countryside Council for Wales, have produced a set of leaflets highlighting the variety of wildlife walks on offer in Neath Port Talbot.
Leaflets are free and available at tourist information centres, Gnoll Country Park, Margam Park or Afan Forest Park.
Four walks with varying levels of difficulty, length and wildlife have been created. Dragonflies can be found at Neath Canal or a hike up above Margam is ideal for seeking out skylarks.
A programme of guided walks has also been put together for the coming year so that residents and visitors can make the most of the local wildlife and explore the countryside.
As part of Wales Biodiversity Week (5th-13th June), the first guided walk takes place on Wednesday (9th June) at 6.30pm. The route will start at the lower end of the Neath Canal in Briton Ferry.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said:
“Neath Port Talbot is rich in wildlife and it is surprising what you can find on your own doorstep.
“One of the Council’s priorities is to improve the health of residents and walking in the countryside is an excellent way of discovering the joys of nature and increasing your physical fitness at the same time.”
Guided walks are weather dependent and booking is essential. Visit www.npt.gov.uk/biodiversity or ring 01639 686149 for leaflets, to book walks, or to suggest an interesting wildlife walk.
