Nature at Parc Bryn Bach
Parc Bryn Bach was created from an extensive area of coal mining in the early 1980s. Since then a mosaic of habitats have become established to include planted broadleaved, coniferous and mixed woodland, semi-improved neutral and acid grassland, marshy grassland, scattered and dense scrub, the lake, ponds and associated wetland vegetation supporting a rich range of species.
An ecological survey carried out of the site in 2004 identified over 113 different plant species were recorded at the site. This includes two species that are considered to be locally notable on the site. These are southern marsh orchid and heather. Southern marsh orchid occurs in damp grassland and plantations to the south and west of the lake, whilst heather has been recorded in several woodland plantations. Southern marsh orchid requires sympathetic management of the grassland areas to maintain the populations. This includes a hay cut in late July where grass cuttings are removed to prevent nutrient enrichment.
The habitats of highest value are the lake, broadleaved and mixed plantations, semi-improved neutral and acid grassland, pond and ditches. Together these features provide an extensive area of semi-natural habitat that supports a range of faunal species, including breeding populations of declining birds such as lapwing and skylark. Both species are identified as priority species for action in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Additional notable species have also been recorded on the site including reed bunting, willow warbler and linnet. The site is also important for invertebrates. 15 species of butterfly and 71 moth species has been recorded on the site. None are considered nationally rare, however, a moth Autumn Green Carpet, is rare in Gwent. 6 species of dragonfly has also been recorded on the site. These include brown hawker, which is rare in South Wales. The only other known site is the Waun y Pound ponds, near the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones.
Part of the Parc is proposed as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). LNRs are declared under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and are designated by local authorities in consultation with the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW). CCW must be consulted on any development proposal that may affect the special interest of a LNR and there must be a long-term commitment by the Authority to sustaining its wildlife value through appropriate management. This includes provision for a management plan and resources to implement it. LNRs also must provide an element of appropriate access, education and study potential. Blaenau Gwent currently has 1 Local Nature Reserve at Silent Valley but has identified a further 9 suitable sites for designation throughout the County Borough to meet targets within the Borough's Community Plan to ensure that all the Borough's residents have appropriate access to enjoy such resources.
The Regeneration Division of the Authority have carried out a number of projects on the site in recent years to enhance the wildlife value of the site. This includes the creation of a number of small ponds to benefit dragonflies and amphibians and a major partnership project with the Department for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks (DEIN) and the RSPB to create a habitat for lapwing on the former airstrip as mitigation for the loss of the Rhyd y Blew site near Morrisons that once supported over 50 breeding pairs. As part of the project, a Heads of the Valleys Lapwing Officer Lynne Osgathorpe has been employed to oversee the day to day running of this project and other schemes to benefit lapwing in the Heads of the Valleys Area. The Bryn Bach Anglers recently secured a Biodiversity Action Grant to create areas of marginal vegetation around the lake for wildlife.
For further information on the biodiversity value of Parc Bryn Bach or to report species sightings, please contact the Biodiversity Project Officer on 01495 355702.
