Lost Peatlands
About the Lost Peatlands Project
The Lost Peatlands of South Wales Project (2019–2025) was a National Lottery Heritage Fund‑supported partnership that worked across the Upper Afan Valley in Neath Port Talbot and the Upper Rhondda Fawr in Rhondda Cynon Taf to restore upland peatlands and help local communities explore, enjoy and reconnect with the landscapes on their doorstep and their rich natural and cultural heritage. Building on the success of this work, a further development phase has now been completed for the Lost Peatlands Connections project, supporting plans for continued activities and engagement through to 2030.
About Peatlands
You probably know them as just ‘bogs’, but peatlands are diverse habitats, formed over millennia, that are extremely carbon-rich and support a rich tapestry of plant and animal species. They are waterlogged areas, often found in the uplands, made of a thick layer of peat soil which is formed by partially decayed plant material that builds up very slowly over time. Most peatlands only grow 0.5 – 1mm a year, meaning that it can take over 1,000 years to make 1m of peat!
Community
The Lost Peatlands of South Wales Project created many opportunities for local people to connect with their natural, cultural and historical heritage. Throughout the project, we delivered a wide‑ranging programme of free, family‑friendly events and activities, including guided walks, outdoor arts and crafts, heritage storytelling, wildlife experiences, practical conservation days and wellbeing sessions. These activities took place across the uplands and nearby communities, helping residents and visitors alike to explore the landscape, learn new skills, and build lasting connections with the peatlands and their history.
Volunteer
Throughout the project, people were invited to get involved through a wide range of volunteering opportunities, including wildlife surveying, practical conservation work and supporting events. Volunteer sessions ran throughout the year, with busier periods during the summer, and formed an important part of the project’s activities and events programme.
News
Stay up to date with the latest news from the Lost Peatlands Project. You can also check out project activity through our Social Media pages on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.