From source to sea
Uplands
The uplands of Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen contain a range of important habitats, such as upland heathland dominated by dwarf shrubs. Rainwater is stored in the bogs, mires, ponds and lakes before being slowly released into streams that feed into rivers.
When this habitat isn’t functioning well, rainwater isn’t stored and the result is flooding.
A number of protected species are to be found in these habitats, including red grouse, nightjar, brown hare, adder, Silurian moth and compact bog moss. Also look out for cotton grass, bog asphodel, dragonflies and damselflies, skylarks and lapwing.
River corridors
Three rivers start in the uplands of Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. The Afon Lwyd starts at the top of Blaenafon near Garn Lakes LNR and flows through Pontypool and Cwmbran. The Sirhowy flows through Tredegar while the Ebbw starts in the uplands above Ebbw Vale and splits into the Ebbw Fawr and the Ebbw Fach.
Rivers and streams support a wide range of wildlife, including key species such as otter, kingfisher, dipper and salmon.
Canal
The Mon and Brec canal runs along the south of Torfaen and interacts with the Afon Lwyd. It is an important ecological corridor that supports kingfishers and many other birds, dragonflies, damselflies and demoiselle, bats, plants and insects.
It is highly valued by local people as a place to walk, cycle and connect with nature.
Lakes and ponds
Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen contain a number of lakes and ponds, some natural but many remnants of the industrial past or disused reservoirs. Many ponds were created to capture water that fed factories. These have become home to many species, such as frogs, newts, toads, dragonflies and damselflies, other insects and birds. They also provide valuable drinking water for a huge variety of wildlife.