Ogmore Valley to benefit from project to increase woodland

In a bid to address climate change, as well as increase woodland and habitat connectivity at the top of the Ogmore Valley, the council aims to plant over 10,000 trees, with a habitat mosaic scheme being proposed for Aber Fields, also known as the ‘Planka’.

A phased project, the first phase of the programme will comprise of planting over 5,500 native tree species; stages two and three will focus on creating a wildflower meadow.  The final step of the initiative will involve the removal of non-native tree species, such as the cherry laurel and western red cedar, in an attempt to help native species to recolonise areas of land.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, Councillor John Spanswick, said:

The scheme will not only create a more ecologically diverse area at Aber Fields, but the new habitats will also promote habitat connectivity, as well as benefit species on a landscape scale at the top of the Ogmore Valley.

Although the project is funded by the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature Fund, we are hoping that public consultation will generate assistance with some of the works and the on-going management of Aber Fields.

We are especially excited about this scheme and what it will offer the environment, as well as the local residents who can access the area.