Biodiversity and Landscape

Our natural heritage is threatened by pollution, development, climate change, habitat fragmentation, inappropriate management and neglect. Swansea Biodiversity Partnership has developed a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) which sets out how to manage sites in order to protect important species and habitats and the wider biodiversity resource. This flows from an international agreement and a national commitment to protect biological diversity. There is additional legislation and several directives at national and international levels to protect biodiversity.

It is essential to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the biodiversity we have in order to set clear priorities, apply effective management plans and comply with legislation. Although we already have a substantial amount of data, there will always be a need for more information on the extent, distribution and condition of habitats and species, and on geological features.

Landscape features in Swansea are being mapped and characterised using LANDMAP, a specially devised national landscape information system. Surveying the natural environment and monitoring change offers considerable opportunities for training, volunteering and employment.

Approximately 17% of the County’s area is protected by European or National designations such as Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). A further 30% has been identified as being of significant local ecological interest. This includes six Local Nature Reserves, many Wildlife Trust reserves and other undesignated sites – Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINCs). All green areas have the potential to become richer in wildlife through appropriate habitat creation or appropriate landscaping work. Parks, gardens, school grounds, highway verges and other urban green spaces can be managed to increase biodiversity and help reduce the fragmentation of habitats.

It is estimated that about half of Swansea’s countryside is owned or managed for nature conservation. The sustained and long-term maintenance of the natural environment, and the creation of new habitats and open spaces, is resource intensive and current resources are insufficient. The encouragement and support of social enterprises to undertake such work may contribute towards meeting the demand. It is also important to engage with farmers and landowners in the management of farmland, forestry and other areas for the benefit of biodiversity and landscape, especially at a time of great change in the agricultural sector. Agri-environment schemes, such as Tir Gofal, play a key part in developing more wildlife-friendly landscapes and enhancing biodiversity. Landowners, such as the National Trust, can play an active role in managing for access, nature conservation and archaeology.

The landscape of the Swansea area is of particular importance both in historical and aesthetic terms and is another aspect in need of more assessment and protection. Gower was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designated in the UK, in recognition of the national importance of its wonderful landscapes. The Gower AONB covers approximately 40% of the City and County of Swansea and attracts about 2 million visitors each year. A new management plan for the AONB, to be published soon, will outline its special qualities and the pressures impacting on them. This will also include a 5-year action plan and a 20-year vision.

Swansea’s 34 miles of coastline includes some of the most beautiful beaches and most important limestone cliffs and saltmarshes in the country. Much of it has been designated as a Heritage Coast and many beaches regularly gain quality awards. As with all coastal and marine areas throughout Wales, better strategic management and protection is needed. This could be addressed through new local coastal and marine partnerships and strategies.

Landscapes are naturally dynamic but climate change and resultant sea level rise will have significant effects on landscapes, biodiversity and other natural features. Habitats and landscapes are threatened and some species will be forced to migrate. Ensuring a network of connected areas of green space is important and flexibility will be required in the way we protect and manage the natural environment. Plant life absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and may have an important role to play in reducing the effects of global warming.