Valleys Regional Park Green & Open Space Survey

Data report

Date of issue: September2020

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales Contents 1. About this report ...... 4 2. Survey results ...... 4 2.1 Before the lock down occurred, how often were you accessing and using open and green spaces? ...... 4 2.2 If the answer above is less than once a month please tell us why: (please tick all that apply) ...... 4 2.3 Which open and green spaces did you use? ...... 5 2.4 Please name some of your favourite places to visit ...... 6 2.5 Prior to the lock down, if you did access open and green spaces, how long would you spend there? ...... 10 2.6 How would you get there? ...... 10 2.7 If you were accessing open and green spaces prior to lock down, what were your main reasons for doing so? ...... 11 2.8 During lockdown, how often did you use outdoor, open and green spaces? .. 12 2.9 How does this compare with before lock down? ...... 12 2.10 While in lock down, what type of outdoor space did you use? ...... 13 2.11 Have open and green spaces become more or less important to you during lock down ...... 14 2.12 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I appreciate the open and green spaces near my home ...... 14 2.13 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I have become more aware of wildlife ...... 15 2.14 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I would like more open and green spaces near my home ...... 15 2.15 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has helped my personal/mental health ...... 15 2.16 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has enabled me to continue my exercising routines ...... 16 2.17 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has enabled me to start exercising routines ...... 16 2.18 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I do not have a garden/outdoor space at home so enjoy accessing my local area 17 2.19 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has helped me/my children to access more relaxing/play opportunities ...... 17

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.20 Please provide additional comments below ...... 18 2.21 How would you describe the outdoor and green spaces you access? ...... 19 2.22 In the future, do you think you will use open and green spaces more? ...... 20 2.23 What would encourage you to use outdoor and green spaces more? (please tick all that apply) ...... 20 2.24 What activities would you like to do more of in open and green spaces? ..... 21 2.25 Would you consider becoming a volunteer and taking part activities such as litter picking and tree planting in open and green spaces? ...... 23 2.26 If you run a business, how important is access to the countryside to your business? ...... 23 2.27 Before lock down how often did you use your garden and/or outdoor space? ...... 23 2.28 During the lock down how often do you use your garden and/or outdoor space? ...... 24 2.29 In the future, do you think you will use your garden and/or outdoor space more? ...... 24 2.30 Please tell us about your garden and how you have used it during lock down: ...... 25 2.31 Where do you live within the South Wales Valleys? (please tick all that apply) ...... 25 2.32 Which local authority area do you live in? ...... 26 2.32.1 Blaenau Gwent ...... 26 2.32.2 Bridgend ...... 27 2.32.3 Caerphilly ...... 28 2.32.4 Cardiff ...... 28 2.32.5 Carmarthenshire ...... 29 2.32.6 Merthyr...... 30 2.32.7 Monmouthshire ...... 30 2.32.8 Neath Port Talbot ...... 30 2.32.9 Newport ...... 31 2.32.10 Rhondda Cynon Taf ...... 31 2.32.11 Swansea ...... 32 2.32.12 Torfaen ...... 32 2.32.13 Vale of Glamorgan ...... 33 2.33 Please tell us your age: ...... 33

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 1. About this report

The survey was launched on 21 July 2020 and closed on 18 September 2020.

During the live period the survey was shared by members of Valleys Regional Park.

There were a total of 426 online completions. 12 were completed in Welsh and 414 in English.

An earlier version of this survey was initially launched in Bridgend County only. Where questions were identical with the present survey, the results have been merged to provide a broader dataset.

2. Survey results

2.1 Before the lock down occurred, how often were you accessing and using open and green spaces?

422 responses were received to this question.

160 137 140 119 120 99 100 80 60 35 40 30 20 2 0 Daily (23%) 2-5 times Weekly (28%) Monthly (7%) Less than once Not at all (1%) weekly (33%) a month (8%)

23% of respondents stated that before lockdown they used open and green spaces daily, followed by 33% two to five times per week and 28% weekly.

2.2 If the answer above is less than once a month please tell us why: (please tick all that apply)

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

47 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 30 27

10 7

5 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 0 0

Of the respondents that said they used open and green spaces less than once per month the most common reasons given for this were, I am too busy followed by I don’t want to go on my own, I have caring responsibilities that prevent me accessing open or green spaces and lack of access for wheelchairs.

One respondent chose other and made the following comment:

 Can't drive. Vision impaired. Not all places accessible by public transport

2.3 Which open and green spaces did you use?

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

1937 responses were received to this question. 300 264 259 212 212 250 207 187 200 174 163 150 124 110 100 50 25 0

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales The most common responses were Country Parks, woodlands followed by urban green space near my home and common land/open access.

25 respondents provided comments when they selected other, these comments have been themed in the table below, some comments contained multiple themes:

Theme Canal/river walks 6 Cycle track 4 Public footpaths/Rights of way 3 My garden 3 Coal tips and colliery sites 3 Mountains 2 Country lanes 2 National Trust sites 1 Local farm land 1 Local allotments 1 Llanharan opencast 1 Lady Windsor Site Ynysybwl 1

The most common themes were canal/river walks followed by cycle tracks.

2.4 Please name some of your favourite places to visit

244 respondents provided comments when they selected other, some comments contained multiple places and have been themed in the table below:

Place Bryngarw House/park 21 Craig Gwladus 21 Brecon Beacons 20 Local woodlands/forests 14 Local common 14 Ogmore/Ogmore beach/sand dunes 14 Margam Park 12 Local coastal paths 12 Cwmcarn 12 Aberavon 11 Local area/ footpaths 11 Southerndown 11 Rest Bay 10 Parc Slip 10 Kenfig nature reserve/pool 10 Pembrey country park 9 Dare Valley country park 8 Porthcawl 7

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales Local canal 7 Dyffryn gardens 7 Local mountain/meadow 6 Taff trail 6 Newport wetlands 6 Penallta park 6 Llansteffan 6 Burryport 6 Afan argoed/forestry 5 The local valleys 5 Rhossilli 5 Parc cwm Darren. 5 Pen Y Fan 5 Aberdare park 4 Barry sidings 4 Black mountains 4 Playing/sports fields 4 Sirhowy 4 National trust/heritage sites 4 Millennium coast path 4 Mynydd Mawr 4 Dinefwr park 4 Blorenge mountains 3 Tremains woodland 3 Local cycle paths 3 Treherbert woods 3 Twmbarlwm 3 Penarth pier and headland walk 3 Newbridge fields 3 newton beach/dunes 3 Parc Howard, 3 Ynysyngharad park 3 Maesteg Park 3 Lady Windsor Colliery site 3 Castle Coch/forest fawr 3 Cosmeston lakes 3 Barry 2 Beechwood Park 2 Sker 2 Penllaergaer country park 2 Rhigos 2 Roath aprk 2 North Wales 2 Laugharne/Laugharne castle 2 Llyn Llech Owain 2

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales Fernhill 2 Bryn Bach park 2 Bute park 2 Bwlch 2 Caerphilly castle 2 Cardiff bay 2 Cyfartha park 2 Merthyr Mawr 2 14 locks 1 Abergwili museum 1 Bargoed Woodland Park 1 Blackpill 1 Belle Vue park 1 Blaen Bran Community Wood 1 Blaencuffin Canyon 1 Brechfa forest 1 Botanic gardens 1 Waunfawr park 1 Y Gweria 1 Whitford Sand 1 Ystrad Mynach park 1 Whitford Sand 1 Wentwood forest 1 Allotment 1 Sandy water park 1 Saundersfoot 1 Singleton park 1 ST Fagans 1 Sugarloaf mountain 1 Taff Bargoed park 1 The Wenallt 1 Three cliffs 1 The Northern Meadows, Cardiff 1 Tredegar park 1 Thompsons Park Cardiff 1 Valeways walking routes 1 Penycoedcae 1 Penpych woodland 1 Pennard Castle 1 Pink Bay 1 Pontypool park 1 Pwll waun cynon 1 Port Eynon 1 Port Rubin beach 1 Pontypool Park Shell Grotto and Folly 1

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales Pontypool park 1 Rudry 1 Nash point 1 Neath abbey 1 Nicholaston 1 Oldcastle 1 Parc Gwladys 1 Llanmadoc 1 Llanharan opencast 1 LLandegfeth Reservoir 1 Llantwit Major beach 1 Nant y Gleisiad 1 Mynydd Meio 1 Mynyddislwyn Grug 1 Mynydd y gaer 1 Morgan Jones Park Caerphilly 1 Mynydd Maen 1 Eaglebush valley 1 Dunraven bay 1 Dryslwyn Castle 1 Forest farm 1 Ferryside beach 1 Foel Penderyn 1 Gwryne valley 1 Graig cefn park rspb 1 Harold Finch memorial park 1 Craig y llyn 1 Jacksons Bay Barry, 1 Henllys Nature Reserve 1 Langland 1 Mewslade 1 Mid Wales 1 Brynmawr 1 Camarthen park 1 Car gof 1 Carmel woods 1 Cefn Bryn 1 Cefn Machen forestry 1 Cenarth falls 1 Cefn Sidan 1 Clyne gardens 1 Clydach lakes 1 Coed Garthmaelwg 1 Coity castle 1 Cold Knap 1

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales Court Colman 1 Cwm Saebren woods 1 Cwm Ivy Woods 1 Cwmbran boating lake 1 Cwmparc 1 Pendine 1

The most common places were Bryngarw House/park and Craig Gwladus followed by the Brecon Beacons.

2.5 Prior to the lock down, if you did access open and green spaces, how long would you spend there?

417 respondents answered this question.

300 264 250 200

150 105 100 48 50 0 Up to 1 hour (25%) Between 1 and 3 hours (63%) More than 3 hours (12%)

63% of respondents stated that they spent between one and three hours in open and green spaces, followed by 25% who stated up to one hour and then 12% who stated more than three hours.

2.6 How would you get there?

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

691 responses were received to this question.

350 313 302 300

250

200

150

100 42 50 19 15 0 By car (45%) By bus/train (3%) Walking (44%) Cycle (6%) Other (2%)

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales The most common responses were by car, followed by walking and then cycle.

15 comments were made by respondents who chose ‘other’. These comments have been themed and are detailed in the table below:

Theme Run/ as part of a running route 5 On horseback 3 Lift with friends 2 Wheelchair 2 Van 1 Motorcycle 1 Car walk or bike 1

The most common themes were run/as part of a running route followed by on horseback and then lift with friends and wheelchair.

2.7 If you were accessing open and green spaces prior to lock down, what were your main reasons for doing so?

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

1476 responses were received to this question.

350 308 300 240 238 250 200 173 150 110 125 100 55 56 34 39 50 29 23 25 21 0

The most common responses for reasons for accessing open and green spaces were walking, followed by exercise and then relaxation.

21 comments were made in ‘other’, these have been themed in the table below. Some comments contained multiple themes:

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales Theme Photography/painting 6 Conservation activities/volunteering/ litter picking 6 Meeting friends/family 3 Appreciating nature/views 2 Welsh language chat at Parc Slip with Menter Bro Ogwr 1 Fishing 1 Horse riding 1 Mental health 1 Place of work 1 Religious outings 1

The most common themes were photography/painting and conservation activities/volunteering/litter picking followed by meeting friends/family.

2.8 During lockdown, how often did you use outdoor, open and green spaces?

422 responses were received to this question.

250 235 200 150 128 100 50 27 7 8 17 0 Daily (56%) 2-5 times Weekly (6%) Monthly (2%) Less than Not at all (4%) weekly (30%) once a month (2%)

56% of respondents stated that in lock down they were using open and green spaces daily, followed by two to five times a week (30%) and weekly (6%).

2.9 How does this compare with before lock down?

420 responses were received to this question.

300 251 250 200 150 112 100 57 50 0 More frequently (60%) About the same (27%) Less frequently (13%)

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 60% of respondents stated that they used open and green spaces more frequently since lockdown, followed by 27% who said about the same and then 13% who said less frequently.

2.10 While in lock down, what type of outdoor space did you use?

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

1143 responses were received to this question.

400 366 338 350 300 250 225 200 163 150 100 50 19 32 0 Streets near your Green spaces near Country lanes Allotment My own garden Other home to my home (fields, woods etc…)

When asked what type of outdoor space respondents were using the most common responses was green spaces near to my home (fields, woods etc.) followed by my own garden and then streets near my home.

Where respondents selected other there were 31 comments made, some comments contained multiple themes and are detailed in the table below:

Theme Canal/river walks 8 Beach/coastal areas 5 Mountains in the local area 5 Rights of way/public footpaths 5 Woodlands 4 Former colliery sites in my local areas 3 Cycle paths 2 Local park/common 2 Place of work 1 Was shielding 1 Cardiff Bay Barrage and Taff Trail 1 Bridleways 1

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales The most common themes were canal/river walks followed by beach/coastal areas, mountains in the local area and rights of way/public footpaths.

2.11 Have open and green spaces become more or less important to you during lock down

420 responses were received to this question.

350 311 300 250 200

150 106 100 50 3 0 More important than before As important as before (25%) Less important than before (74%) (1%)

74% of respondents stated that open and green spaces had been more important during lockdown, followed by 25% who stated as important and before. 1% stated that open and green spaces were less important to them during lockdown.

2.12 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I appreciate the open and green spaces near my home

421 responses were received to this question

400 368 350 300 250 200 150 100 44 50 6 2 1 0 Strongly agree Agree (11%) Neutral (1%) Disagree (0.5%) Strongly disagree (87%) (0.5%)

87% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement I appreciate the open and green spaces near my home.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.13 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I have become more aware of wildlife

421 responses were received to this question

250 223

200

150 121

100 59 50 16 2 0 Strongly agree Agree (29%) Neutral (14%) Disagree (3.5%) Strongly disagree (53%) (0.5%)

53% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement I have become more aware of wildlife and a further 29% agreed with the statement.

2.14 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I would like more open and green spaces near my home

421 responses were received to this question

300 254 250

200

150 90 100 71

50 3 3 0 Strongly agree (60%) Agree (21%) Neutral (17%) Disagree (1%) Strongly disagree (1%)

60% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement I would like more open and green spaces near my home and a further 21% agreed with the statement.

2.15 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has helped my personal/mental health

420 responses were received to this question

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 350 327 300 250 200 150 100 77 50 13 1 2 0 Strongly agree Agree (18%) Neutral (3%) Disagree (0.4%) Strongly disagree (78%) (0.6%)

78% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement being able to access open and green spaces has helped my personal/mental health and a further 18% agreed with the statement.

2.16 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has enabled me to continue my exercising routines

418 responses were received to this question

300 249 250

200

150 93 100 54 50 16 6 0 Strongly agree Agree (22%) Neutral (13%) Disagree (4%) Strongly disagree (60%) (1%)

60% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement being able to access open and green spaces has enabled me to continue my exercising routines and a further 22% agreed with the statement.

2.17 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has enabled me to start exercising routines

413 responses were received to this question

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 160 142 140 132 120 100 82 80 60 45 40 20 12 0 Strongly agree Agree (20%) Neutral (32%) Disagree (11%) Strongly disagree (34%) (3%)

34% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement being able to access open and green spaces has enabled me to start exercising routines and a further 20% agreed. 32% gave a neutral response to this statement.

2.18 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: I do not have a garden/outdoor space at home so enjoy accessing my local area

402 responses were received to this question

160 150 140 116 120 97 100 80 60 40 19 20 20 0 Strongly agree Agree (5%) Neutral (29%) Disagree (24%) Strongly disagree (5%) (37%)

37% of respondents strongly disagreed with the statement I do not have a garden/outdoor space at home so enjoy accessing my local area and a further 24% disagreed. 29% gave a neutral response to this statement.

2.19 Please tell us how much you agree or disagree with the following statements: Being able to access open and green spaces has helped me/my children to access more relaxing/play opportunities

410 responses were received to this question

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 250 193 200

150 91 97 100

50 20 9 0 Strongly agree Agree (22%) Neutral (24%) Disagree (5%) Strongly disagree (47%) (2%)

47% of respondents strongly agreed with the statement being able to access open and green spaces has helped me/my children to access more relaxing/play opportunities and a further 22% agreed. 24% gave a neutral response to this statement.

2.20 Please provide additional comments below

88 respondents answered this question. The comments were made to this question have been themed in the table below:

Theme Outdoor spaces vital to mental health/wellbeing 12 Have found more places/footpaths in my local area since lockdown 10 Very lucky to have outdoor and green spaces near to my home 8 Areas should be protected/Council wants to build on green spaces 7 Have always been interested in/accessing outdoor and green spaces 7 Need better access i.e. for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and 6 footpaths Appreciate outdoor and green spaces more since lockdown 5 Accessing outdoor and green spaces made a positive difference during 5 lockdown Watching/enjoying wildlife more 5 I have a garden 4 Children able to go outside and play 4 Too busy/did not feel safe during lockdown 4 Outdoor spaces are good for exercise 3 Unable to access during lockdown/missed visiting some places 3 Electric bike hire would enhance exercise and travel 1 Need more off road riding for horses 1 Need more open and green spaces 1 Prefer wider outdoors 1 Outdoor spaces need more maintenance 1

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales The most common themes were outdoor spaces vital to mental health/wellbeing followed by have found more places/footpaths in my local area since lockdown and then very lucky to have outdoor and green spaces near to my home.

2.21 How would you describe the outdoor and green spaces you access?

420 responses were received to this question.

250 193 200

150 121

100 79

50 27

0 I’m disappointed about the I mostly find them tidy and I am frustrated by the Other (6%) amount of litter and well maintained (29%) behaviour of other users maintenance of them (19%) (e.g. littering, community safety issues) (46%)

46% stated that they were frustrated by the behaviour of other users followed by mostly find them tidy and well maintained (29%) and then disappointed about the amount of litter and maintenance of them (19%).

6% of respondents stated ‘other’ and were able to provide comments. 26 comments were received, these have been themed in the table below:

Theme Increase in littering/fly tipping 6 They are often over manicured/cut too often 5 Dog walkers not clearing up after them 3 Mountain bikers/motorcycles are noisy and cause damage 3 They are unmaintained/need improvements 2 Disappointed with the wild flowers 1 Council does not celebrate local green space unless it's a park or other 1 micro managed environment Disappointed with the closure of parks 1 The areas are well maintained 1 Nettles need cutting back on coastal path gates 1 Sometimes the stiles are obstructed and route posts removed 1 People should learn to respect and appreciate where they live 1

The most common themes were increase in littering/fly tipping followed by they are often over manicured/cut too often and then dog walkers not clearing up after them and mountain bikers/motorcycles are noisy and cause damage.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.22 In the future, do you think you will use open and green spaces more?

419 responses were received to this question

500 396 400 300 200 100 23 0 Yes (95%) No (5%)

95% of respondents stated that in the future they believed they would use open and green spaces more.

2.23 What would encourage you to use outdoor and green spaces more? (please tick all that apply)

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

1282 responses were received to this question.

250 203 190 194 200 181

142 150 126

100 80 68 58 50 40

When asked what would encourage respondents to use open and green spaces more the most common responses were improved access i.e. better paths and

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales walkways followed by having more information about sites and opportunities and more toilets.

58 respondents selected other and made a comments. Some comments contained multiple themes and are detailed in the table below:

Theme Better access i.e. improved footpaths and wheelchair/mobility scooter 8 access Less people means you feel safer, have more personal space, encourage 8 more wildlife Reduce litter/more bins 8 More dog bins 4 Having more time 4 better maintenance of sites 3 Better way-marking of trails/signage/linking trails 3 Cheap/improved car parking 3 More promotion of green spaces/create an established green 3 network/increase membership to community woodland Cycle route/mountain bike trails 2 Happy with how they 2 I have always used green spaces in my local area 2 Improved public transport links 2 More benches 2 More chances to access water 2 More toilets 2 Better access to historical sites 1 Charge people from England a tourist tax to stop saturation. 1 Hand sanitiser stations 1 More green spaces 1 Picnic areas 1 Tree swings 1

The most common themes were better access i.e. improved footpaths and wheelchair/mobility scooter access followed by less people means you feel safer, have more personal space, encourage more wildlife and then reduce litter/more bins.

2.24 What activities would you like to do more of in open and green spaces?

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

1354 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 400 356 350

300

250 225 205 200 162 150 109 113 92 100 77

50 15 0

When asked what they would like to do more of in open and green spaces the most common responses were walking, followed by visit more nature reserves and then meeting up with friends.

15 respondents selected other and provided comments, some comments contained multiple themes and are detailed in the table below:

Theme Dog walking/exercises 4 Horse riding 3 Fishing 2 Photography 2 Mindfulness 1 Kayaking 1 Hiking 1 Use my Wheelchair and Hand cycle machine 1 Eating/picnics 1 Wild swimming in rivers/lakes etc. 1

The most common themes were dog walking/exercises followed by horse riding and then fishing and photography.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.25 Would you consider becoming a volunteer and taking part activities such as litter picking and tree planting in open and green spaces?

416 respondents answered this question.

250 207 200

150 112 97 100

0 Yes (50%) No (23%) Unsure (27%)

50% of respondents stated that they would be interested in becoming a volunteer and take part in activities such as litter picking and tree planting in open and green spaces.

2.26 If you run a business, how important is access to the countryside to your business?

377 respondents answered this question.

350 286 300 250 200 150 100 46 29 50 8 8 0 Very important Fairly important (2%) Not important (2%) Not relevant (76%) Don't know (8%) (12%)

When asked how important open and green spaces were to those who run a business 76% of respondents stated not relevant. 12% stated very important.

2.27 Before lock down how often did you use your garden and/or outdoor space?

418 respondents answered this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 200 149 150 124 95 100 50 24 26 0 Daily (35%) 2-5 times weekly Weekly (23%) Monthly (6%) Less than once a (30%) month (6%)

35% respondents stated that they used their garden daily before lockdown, followed by 30% two to five times per week and then 23% who stated weekly.

2.28 During the lock down how often do you use your garden and/or outdoor space?

417 respondents answered this question.

350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Daily (77%) 2-5 times weekly Weekly (3%) Monthly (0%) Less than once a (18%) month (2%)

77% of Respondents stated that during lockdown they used their garden and outdoor space daily followed by 18% two to five times per week.

2.29 In the future, do you think you will use your garden and/or outdoor space more?

413 respondents answered this question.

400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Yes (82%) No (18%)

82% of respondents stated that they would use their garden and outdoor space more in the future.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.30 Please tell us about your garden and how you have used it during lock down:

225 respondents answered this question. Some comments contained multiple themes and are detailed in the table below:

Theme Have made improvements 33 Was used for children's play/games 33 Have started growing vegetables 32 Relaxing 28 Eating/Barbecuing 24 Mental wellbeing/used as an escape/get fresh air 22 Gardening 22 Sitting 22 Feeding/listening/watching the birds and enjoying wildlife 21 Socialise with family/friends/chatting to neighbours 18 More planting 18 Spend time with animals/pets 15 Have made the garden more wildlife friendly/Installed a pond 14 Reading 12 Have used the garden more 12 Used to exercise 11 I do not have a garden/I did not use the garden 11 Sunbathing 4 Home schooling 3 Did not like using garden because of noisy neighbours/people entering garden through rights of way 3 Working 3 Depends on the weather 2

The most common themes were have made improvements followed by used for children's play/games and have started growing vegetables.

2.31 Where do you live within the South Wales Valleys? (Please tick all that apply)

This was a multiple choice question meaning that respondents could select multiple responses.

515 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 400 342 350 300 250 200 150 91 100 66 50 16 0 I am a resident of the I work in the South Wales I visit the South Wales I have a business in the South Wales Valleys Valleys Valleys South Wales Valleys

The majority of respondents said they are a resident of the South Wales Valleys.

2.32 Which local authority area do you live in?

415 responses were received to this question.

100 92 90 80 80 70 56 60 52 54 50 40 30 18 20 13 14 6 8 9 8 10 5 0

The most common local authority chosen was Rhondda Cynon Taf (22%), followed by Bridgend (18%), Neath Port Talbot (14%), Carmarthenshire (14%) and Caerphilly (14%).

When respondents answered which local authority they lived in they were asked to specify the ward within their authority.

2.32.1 Blaenau Gwent

6 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.5 2 2

1.5 1 1 1 1 1

0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The most common ward chosen in Blaenau Gwent was Six Bells (33%) followed by Tredegar Central and West (17%)

2.32.2 Bridgend

73 responses were received to this question.

7 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5

4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pyle (1%) Pyle

Sarn (1%) Sarn

Coity(7%)

Morfa(0%)

Bettws (1%) Bettws

Caerau(3%)

Pendre (0%) Pendre

Brackla (7%) Brackla

Hendre (4%) Hendre

Newton (1%) Newton

Litchard (0%) Litchard

Nottage(3%)

Felindre (1%) Felindre

Cornelly (7%) Cornelly

Rest Bay(0%) Rest

Blackmill (0%) Blackmill (4%) Pen-y-fai

Penprysg(4%)

Bryncoch(0%)

Oldcastle (1%) Oldcastle

Cefn Glas (0%) CefnGlas

Newcastle (1%) Newcastle

Llangeinor (1%) Llangeinor

Blaengarw(4%)

Bryncethin (4%) Bryncethin

Ynysawdre(4%)

Aberkenfig(4%)

Cefn Cribwr (0%) CefnCribwr

Llangynwyd(3%)

Nant-y-moel (0%) Nant-y-moel

Ogmore Vale (8%) Vale Ogmore

Maesteg East (0%) Maesteg

Pontycymmer (3%) Pontycymmer

Maesteg West (7%) Maesteg

Coychurch Lower (1%)Lower Coychurch

Porthcawl East Central Porthcawl (3%)

Porthcawl West (3%) Central Porthcawl Llangewydd and Brynhyfryd (0%) and Llangewydd Brynhyfryd

Bryntirion, Laleston and Mawr… Merthyr Laleston Bryntirion,

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales The most common ward chosen in Bridgend was Ogmore Vale (8%) followed by Brackla (7%), Bryntirion, Laleston and Merthyr Mawr (7%), Coity (7%), Cornelly (7%) and Maesteg West (7%).

2.32.3 Caerphilly

44 responses were received to this question.

12 10 10

6 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Nelson (0%) Nelson

Gilfach(0%)

Argoed (0%) Argoed

Moriah (0%) Moriah

Crumlin (5%) Crumlin

Pengam(2%)

Bargoed (0%) Bargoed

Ynysddu (5%) Ynysddu

Hengoed (5%) Hengoed

Abercarn(7%)

St. JamesSt.(0%)

Penmaen (5%) Penmaen

Risca East Risca (5%)

Crosskeys (9%) Crosskeys

Penyrheol (5%) Penyrheol

St. CattwgSt.(0%)

Pontlottyn (0%) Pontlottyn

Risca West (7%) West Risca

St. MartinsSt.(0%)

Newbridge (2%) Newbridge

Aber Valley (5%) Valley Aber

Twyn(0%) Carno

Blackwood (23%) Blackwood

Cefn Fforest (0%) CefnFforest

Llanbradach (0%) Llanbradach

Aberbargoed (0%) Aberbargoed

Darren Valley (0%) Valley Darren

Pontllanfraith (5%) Pontllanfraith

Morgan Jones (2%) Morgan

New Tredegar (0%) Tredegar New

Ystrad Mynach(5%) Ystrad Maesycwmmer (0%) Maesycwmmer

Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Trethomas (7%) Bedwas,

The most common ward chosen in Bridgend was Blackwood (23%) followed by Crosskeys (9%) and Risca West (7%).

2.32.4 Cardiff

18 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.5 2 2 2 2 2

1.5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The most common wards chosen were Gabalfa (10%), Grangetown (10%), Heath (10%) and Riverside (10%).

2.32.5 Carmarthenshire

46 responses were received to this question.

5 5

4 4 4 4

3 3

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The most common ward chosen was Ammanford (11%) followed by Carmarthen Town North (9%), Gorslas (9%) and Kidwelly (9%).

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.32.6 Merthyr

13 responses were received to this question.

3.5 3 3 3 2.5 2 2 1.5 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.5 0 0 0 0

The most common wards chosen wereTown (23%) and Treharris (23%0 followed by Vaynor (14%).

2.32.7 Monmouthshire

1 response was received to this question.

1.2 1 1 0.8 0.6 0.4

0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Usk(0%)

Mill(0%)

Priory(0%)

Castle (0%) Castle

Rogiet (0%) Rogiet

Dixton with… Dixton

Mardy(0%)

Raglan (0%) Raglan

Severn(0%)

Cantref (0%) Cantref

Grofield (0%) Grofield

Llanover(0%)

Larkfield (0%) Larkfield

The Elms (0%) Elms The

Dewstow(0%)

West End(0%) West

Caerwent(0%)

Drybridge (0%) Drybridge

St. Mary's (0%)Mary'sSt.

Wyesham (0%) Wyesham

St. ArvansSt.(0%)

Thornwell (0%) Thornwell

Lansdown (0%) Lansdown

Devauden(0%)

Llanbadoc (0%) Llanbadoc

Crucorney(0%)

Croesonen (0%) Croesonen

Llanelly Hill (0%) Hill Llanelly

Green(0%) Lane

Portskewett(0%)

Mitchel Troy (0%) Troy Mitchel

Shirenewton (0%) Shirenewton

Llanwenarth Ultra… Llanwenarth

St. KingsmarkSt.(0%)

Llangybi Fawr (0%) Fawr Llangybi

Llantilio Crossenny… Llantilio

Overmonnow (0%) Overmonnow

Llanfoist Fawr (0%) Fawr Llanfoist

Caldicot Castle (0%) Castle Caldicot

Goetre Fawr (100%) Fawr Goetre Trellech United (0%) United Trellech St. Christopher's (0%) Christopher's St.

The only ward chosen Goetre Fawr (100%).

2.32.8 Neath Port Talbot

47 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 18 16 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 3 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Rhos (0%) Rhos

Cimla (4%) Cimla

Tonna (4%) Tonna

Baglan (2%) Baglan

Gwynfi (0%) Gwynfi

Dyffryn (6%) Dyffryn

Crynant(0%)

Pelenna (0%) Pelenna

Onllwyn (0%) Onllwyn

Allt-wen (0%) Allt-wen

Cymmer (2%) Cymmer

Margam (0%) Margam

Tai-bach (0%) Tai-bach

Resolven (2%) Resolven

Trebanos(2%)

Aberavon (2%) Aberavon

Ystalyfera (0%) Ystalyfera

Glynneath (2%) Glynneath

Aberdulais (9%) Aberdulais

Cadoxton (34%) Cadoxton

Neath East (0%) Neath

Port Talbot (0%) Talbot Port

Glyncorrwg (0%) Glyncorrwg

Cwmllynfell (2%) Cwmllynfell

Pontardawe (0%) Pontardawe

Neath South (4%) South Neath

Neath North (4%) Neath

Blaengwrach (0%) Blaengwrach

Seven Sisters (2%) Sisters Seven

Godre'r graig (0%) graig Godre'r

SandfieldsEast (0%)

Sandfields West (0%) SandfieldsWest

Bryn-cochSouth (6%)

Bryn-coch North (0%) Bryn-cochNorth

Briton Ferry East (0%) Ferry Briton

Coedffranc West (2%) Coedffranc

Coedffranc North (0%) Coedffranc

Briton Ferry West Ferry (2%) Briton

Coedffranc Central (4%) Central Coedffranc

Lower Brynamman Lower (0%) Bryn and Cwmavon (2%) and Cwmavon Bryn Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (0%) Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen

The most common ward chosen was Cadoxton (34%) followed by Aberdulais (9%) and Dyffryn (6%).

2.32.9 Newport

8 responses were received to this question.

2.5 2 2 2

1.5 1 1 1 1 1

0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The most common wards chosen were Liswerry (25%) and Victoria (25%).

2.32.10 Rhondda Cynon Taf

85 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0

The most common ward chosen was Ynysbwl (16%) followed by Treorchy (8%), Llanharan (7%) and Pont-y-clun (7%).

2.32.11 Swansea

8 responses were received to this question.

2.5 2 2

1.5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mawr(0%)

Castle (0%) Castle

Mayals (0%) Mayals

Cockett (0%) Cockett

Clydach(0%)

Gower (25%) Gower

Newton (0%) Newton

Uplands(0%)

Landore (0%) Landore

Pennard (0%) Pennard

Penderry(0%)

Sketty (12.5%) Sketty

Morriston(0%)

Gowerton (0%) Gowerton

Penyrheol (0%) Penyrheol

Gorseinon (0%) Gorseinon

Cwmbwrla (0%) Cwmbwrla

Bonymaen (0%) Bonymaen

Penclawdd (0%) Penclawdd

St. Thomas(0%) St.

Bishopston (0%) Bishopston

West Cross(0%) West

Penllergaer (0%) Penllergaer

Dunvant (12.5%) Dunvant

Kingsbridge (0%) Kingsbridge (12.5%) Townhill

Killay South (0%) South Killay

Killay North (0%) Killay

Llangyfelach (0%) Llangyfelach

Fairwood (12.5%) Fairwood

Mynyddbach (0%) Mynyddbach

Oystermouth (0%) Oystermouth

Llansamlet(12.5%)

Lower Loughor (0%) Loughor Lower Upper Loughor (0%) Loughor Upper Pontardulais (12.5%) Pontardulais

The most common ward chosen was Gower (25%).

2.32.12 Torfaen

8 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 2.5 2 2 2 2

1.5 1 1 1

0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The most common wards chosen were Abersychan (25%), Panteg (35%) and Pontypool (25%).

2.32.13 Vale of Glamorgan

14 responses were received to this question.

3.5 3 3 2.5 2 2 2 1.5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The most common ward chosen was Cowbridge (21%) followed by Llandow/Ewenny (15%) and St Bride’s Major (15%).

2.33 Please tell us your age:

420 responses were received to this question.

www.ValleysRegionalPark.Wales 120 114 98 96 100

60 49 44 40

20 11 5 0 0 3 0 Under 16 16 – 25 26 – 35 36 – 45 46 – 55 56 – 65 66 – 75 76 – 85 Over 85 Prefer not (0%) (3%) (12%) (23%) (27%) (23%) (10%) (1%) (0%) to say (1%)

The majority of respondents were aged 46-55 (27%), followed by 36-45 (23%) and 56-65 (23%).