About Us
The Vale Nature Partnership is part of an all-Wales network working to help nature in their areas.
Our vision is a Vale that is richer in wildlife, where people respect and enjoy the nature around them.
Our mission is to reconnect people from all across the county with nature. We aim to help all aspects of society to take part in practical action for nature.
The partnership has over 60 members including everyone from individuals through to businesses. A steering group of representatives from local organisations guides our work.
We all work together on the development and delivery of the Vale Nature Recovery Action Plan.
Nature in the Vale
The Vale’s mix of geology, coastal location, and land management creates a rich variety of habitats. This includes some very rare habitats, e.g. the calcareous grasslands at Old Castle Down and the saline lagoon at Aberthaw. There are also some rare species, including:
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High Brown Fritillary Butterfly
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Green Sandpiper
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Corn Buttercup
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True Service Tree
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Fairy Shrimp
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Shrill Carder Bee
There are some extensive habitats such as coastal grasslands, as well as small pockets of nature . The length of ancient / species-rich hedgerows and arable field margins are also of interest.
Nature Protection in the Vale
In the Vale, we have a network of ‘designated’ (protected) sites. National and international designations include:
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Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
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Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
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Ramsar sites
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
These are the ‘jewels’ of the conservation network. We also have nature reserves and country parks.
Beyond our protected sites, other important habitats contribute to the health of our nature. The conservation and enhancement of these habitats is integral to the future success of any plan for nature recovery in the county.