Connecting Communities with the Lost Peatlands
Throughout the project, the Lost Peatlands of South Wales initiative created wide‑ranging opportunities for local people to engage with the landscape’s natural, cultural and historical heritage. Our work brought together communities across Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf, helping people rediscover the uplands on their doorstep and build lasting connections with the peatland environment.
Events, Activities and Community Programmes
We delivered a varied and inclusive programme of free events and activities for local residents, families and visitors. These took place across key locations including our upland peatland sites plus within and nearby the following valley Communities:
- Glyncorrwg
- Cymmer
- Gwynfi
- Blaenrhondda
- Cwmparc
Activities included:
- Guided nature walks and species‑spotting sessions
- Heritage talks and storytelling
- Outdoor arts and crafts workshops
- Family days, seasonal celebrations and community gatherings
- Practical conservation days centred on peatland restoration
These events helped strengthen local understanding of the uplands while creating enjoyable, accessible opportunities for people of all ages.
Exploring the Landscape
Improving access was a core element of the project. We enhanced opportunities for communities and visitors to explore the upland environment through:
- New and improved walking routes
- Upgraded signage and wayfinding
- Engaging interpretation panels
- Digital maps and the Lost Peatlands Explorer app
These improvements opened up previously inaccessible areas, allowing people to experience the restored peatlands and panoramic landscapes first‑hand.
Health and Wellbeing
The project placed strong emphasis on supporting physical and mental wellbeing. Working with partners and health providers, we delivered a suite of nature‑based wellbeing activities designed for people with a range of health needs.
These included:
- Gentle guided walks
- Outdoor cooking sessions
- Nature‑based arts and crafts
- Mindfulness in nature
- Practical conservation activities
Participants joined through self‑referral or green social prescribing, and feedback consistently highlighted increased confidence, improved wellbeing and stronger social connections.
Training and Skills Development
The project provided a wide range of training opportunities, helping people develop new skills while engaging with the landscape. Training delivered across the project area included:
- Species identification and ecological survey skills
- Practical habitat‑management skills
- Traditional techniques such as dry‑stone walling
- Professional and academic training in peatland restoration and upland ecology
These opportunities supported volunteers, students, professionals and community members, helping to build long‑term capacity for habitat management and local conservation.
Outdoor Education
We delivered hands‑on outdoor learning experiences for schools across Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf. These sessions took place both within school grounds and across the Lost Peatlands landscape, offering:
- Curriculum‑linked outdoor lessons
- Field trips to explore peatlands, wildlife and upland habitats
- Renewable energy learning sessions at Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm
- Creative and sensory outdoor activities
These experiences helped children and young people understand their local environment, develop new skills, and build a strong sense of connection with their landscape.
