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Highlighting key milestones and progress against the Council’s Biodiversity Duty Plan 2023 – 2026 objectives, the report shares how the Countryside and Wildlife Team continue to deliver against its Biodiversity Duty and takes action towards the Wales-wide Nature Recovery Action Plan. 

From 2023 – 2025, the Council’s Countryside and Wildlife Team have collaborated with services across the Council to support strategy development and implement positive change for biodiversity. 

The Countryside and Wildlife Team have delivered a range of impactful projects across Neath Port Talbot. Projects funded by the Welsh Governments Local Places for Nature Fund have restored and enhanced for nature at over 25 sites across the county, with over 30 associated nature-based events helping to engage communities with their local nature sites. Habitat management has expanded significantly, with nature sites and NPT Bee Friendly areas increasing by over 50 hectares. In addition, reviews of council-owned buildings and public spaces have identified multiple opportunities for habitat enhancement, ensuring biodiversity is embedded across the region.

This report shows how NPT Council is taking a truly transformative approach to biodiversity. Instead of treating nature recovery as a separate issue, we’re building it into everything we do—our policies, plans, programmes, and daily activities. This integrated approach not only benefits wildlife but also supports wider goals like climate resilience, better place management, and a healthier natural environment for everyone.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “Protecting and enhancing our natural environment is essential for the wellbeing of our communities and the future resilience of Neath Port Talbot. This report demonstrates our successes to date, and showcases how we are embedding biodiversity into the way the Council works and using evidence to guide our next steps.”

The report will be submitted to Welsh Government and published on the Council’s website, providing residents and stakeholders with a clear overview of progress to date. It will also inform the development of the next iteration of the council’s Biodiversity Duty Plan, due to be refreshed in 2026.

Cllr Phillips added: “This is not just about meeting a statutory duty. It’s about making sure nature recovery is part of how we plan, invest and deliver services, so our communities can benefit from healthier, more resilient local environments.”

Find out more about Neath Port Talbot Council’s Biodiversity projects here: https://www.npt.gov.uk/culture-and-tourism/countryside-and-wildlife/npt-wildlife/