Garw Valley Community Council – Environment () Act 2016 Section 6 Reporting – The Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Duty

Short description of PA The Community Council has responsibility for/influence over & its functions and land at the following sites, which have an impact on context in relation to biodiversity: biodiversity (e.g. management of land, • Parc Calon Lan (Pontycymer/) influence over land • Rights of Way footpaths within the Bettws, management, or Blaengarw, and Pontycymer wards indirect influence through procurement, In addition there are two lakes within the park, a river funding projects, etc) flowing through it and a waterfall.

The Rights of Way are maintained by the Community Council’s Warden. The footpaths are maintained under an Agency Agreement between the Local Authority, County Borough Council and the Community Council. The Community Council makes a claim for reimbursement of some of the costs of maintaining the footpaths from the Local Authority each year.

In addition, the Community Council cuts small areas of grass throughout the 4 wards.

In addition we have 3 large 3 tier planters in Bettws, Llangeinor and Shwt, and annually plant daffodil bulbs in each of the 4 wards.

We serve approximately 5,534 residents. The precept for 2019-20 was £111,000

Action carried out to: Monitored by:

-embed biodiversity into Takes into account biodiversity Consideration of decision making & considerations when considering biodiversity procurement planning applications and other demonstrated in associated matters, such as footpath discussions and diversion orders. decisions on planning applications

-raise awareness of Assists with an annual Mountain Through feedback biodiversity & its School which takes place in Parc from volunteer importance Calon Lan. The event encourages Council members knowledge and awareness of and residents. environmental and sustainability matters amongst local school Number of children children. and residents taking part in Worked with a local group to assist activities. and encourage the community as a whole to set up a volunteer group.

Warden is a member of the local Green Volunteer Network, a network of people who are aiming to co- ordinate conservation volunteering activities.

-safeguard principal Contributed to the management of Records of any sites species and habitats protected bird species. or species safeguarded. Ensured no negative impacts on protected species.

Ensured additional indigenous trees are planted.

Managed hedgerows in the winter months when the woody growth is dormant.

There are many bird boxes located throughout the park.

-restore & create Planted flower planters and flower Area of habitat habitats and resilient beds with native pollinator friendly increased ecological networks flowers to provide food for pollinators from spring to autumn.

Several Plant! Sites within the parkland, supporting woodland with additional tree planting at the sites which is a haven for wildlife.

-tackle negative factors: Waste paper shredded and recycled The Clerk to ensure for e.g. reduce sustainable pollution, use nature procurement of

based solutions, Toner cartridges recycled office supplies address invasive including paper species Warden works with local voluntary groups, Natural Resources Wales etc. to tackle the spread of Himalayan balsam.

-use, improve and Warden works with volunteer and Use of expert share evidence environmental groups to ensure use of advice best practice and to increase knowledge of local issues.

-support capacity, Launched an annual community award Partnership formed and/or other scheme and a school awards scheme with local residents organisations to recognise the achievements of and schools. either a resident or local organisation and this can include championing of environmental issues.

Key outcomes: use The creation of flower beds and provision of floral planters narrative and metrics has been a success, especially as they enhance the where possible aesthetics of the community to residents in addition to helping biodiversity.

Review points, for e.g. There is expertise within the Community Council to identify enablers and barriers to best practice through the Warden. action, improvements to forward plan

How and when will the The duty will be monitored by reporting back to the council s6 duty be monitored on the success or otherwise of the actions taken through and the s6 plan regular inspections. reviewed? The Community Council will review the S6 plan in light of this reporting and any other evidence or information that is made available to the Council. At the time of this report’s publication, there is no specific time or date set for the plan to be reviewed, but this will be done within the next year.