16 areas on shortlist to become nature reserves

SWANSEA Council plans to declare 16 new local nature reserves and people’s views would help shape how they are managed.

- RICHARD YOULE

Work has been going on behind the scenes to whittle down a long list of council-owned sites and 16 areas have now been chosen, although further work is needed.

The 16 shortlisted areas include Coed Bach Park, Pontarddulais, in the north of Swansea, Garth Farm near Ynystawe in the east, cliffs between Mumbles Head and Caswell Bay to the south, and Port Eynon beach and dunes to the west.

A council officer told councillors on the climate change and nature recovery service transformation committee that they would be the first such additions in almost 30 years, spanned the length and breadth of the county and included parks, woodland, coast and lesser-known wildlife corridors.

“Local nature reserves are areas of land protected not just for wildlife but also to ensure everyone in Swansea has access to high-quality green and blue [coastal] spaces close to home,” he said.