Biodiversity
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is literally the variety of life on earth. It includes all genes, species and ecosystems and the ecological processes of which they are a part. This is a complex living system that includes humans. Biodiversity is essential to maintain life on earth and has important social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values.
Over the last century, here in the UK, over 100 species of plants and animals became extinct. In the last 25 years, 75% of our butterflies have decreased, 25% of bird species are in decline and once common species such as the common frog and the common lizard are no longer common. Even some of our mammals are threatened with extinction such as dormice, water voles and bats.
In Swansea we have some very special places where native wildlife and their habitats are actively managed to make sure they are safeguarded for the future.
Over the last century, here in the UK, over 100 species of plants and animals became extinct. In the last 25 years, 75% of our butterflies have decreased, 25% of bird species are in decline and once common species such as the common frog and the common lizard are no longer common. Even some of our mammals are threatened with extinction such as dormice, water voles and bats.
In Swansea we have some very special places where native wildlife and their habitats are actively managed to make sure they are safeguarded for the future.
On the Trail...
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The Blackpill Wildlife Centre
is situated by Blackpill Lido, and provides a base from which to learn about
and see first hand the migrating winter birds that visit the shores of Swansea. More than a 150
species have been noted in the area, 60 are rare. The Centre is owned by the
City and County
of Swansea but is managed
by volunteers of the Gower Ornithological Society (GOS) and Royal Society for
the Protection of Birds (RSPB) during the winter.
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Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve offers
a contrasting experience. Situated just behind Caswell Bay,
this 46 acre site comprises a mixture of ancient woodland and limestone
grassland. It has been designated a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI)
and a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) because of its importance for wildlife.
Council staff and other organisations use the reserve and its small countryside
centre to run environmental education activities. An oak-framed roundhouse,
constructed using locally grown and sustainably managed timber provides a
shelter and focal point for a range of events.
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Rosehill Quarry Community Parkis a six acre green oasis nestling
amongst dense housing, containing a huge variety of wildlife. Fresh water
springs create shallow streams, waterfalls and ponds; trees, shrubs and
wildflowers cover the banks and rocky outcrops provide reminders of past
quarrying activity on the site. The Park has several public access routes into
it. Trees have been shown to absorb pollutants; as few as 20 trees can offset
the pollution from a car driven 60 miles per day.
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Llys Nini
Animal Centre is
located on a large site with a variety of habitats including woodlands, meadows
and ponds, and there are a number of trails and walks around the grounds
including a bird hide and a heritage trail. A reed bed system disposes of waste
water from the buildings.
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Other Trail projects that demonstrate the Biodiversity theme:
Crymlyn Bog National Nature Reserve
Mumbles Development Trust
Singleton Botanical Gardens
Swansea Community Farm
WWT Wetlands Centre Wales
Crymlyn Bog National Nature Reserve
Mumbles Development Trust
Singleton Botanical Gardens
Swansea Community Farm
WWT Wetlands Centre Wales