An otter caught on a wildlife camera situated by the River Thaw
An insight into biodiversity initiatives in the Vale of Glamorgan
Restore the Thaw Landscape Project is a three-year initiative by the Vale of Glamorgan Council funded by Welsh Government through Nature Networks National Lottery Fund, which began in July 2023, aiming to orchestrate environmental transformation of the River Thaw and its surrounding landscapes, while engaging with landowners and the community, fostering a sustainable relationship between people and nature. The River Thaw runs through the east of CCR Energy’s Aberthaw site, before it meets the Severn Estuary.
The project has been instrumental in developing nature-based improvements across the local area, including the reintroduction of water voles, wildlife surveys to determine the range of species, such as Adder, Otter, Dormouse, Great Crested Newts and many more. This information will help the project work with its partnership organisations and volunteers to improve habitats within the projects area.
In addition, the project has worked with volunteers from across the community to undertake many citizen science projects as well as planting over 20,000 trees, helping develop connectivity and improving habitat cover.
In August 2024, over 200 captive-bred water voles were released into the River Thaw, marking their return after a 20-year absence. This step was significant following four years of habitat restoration, predator control efforts, and biodiversity monitoring, aiming to re-establish a thriving population of this critically endangered species. This initiative was a collaborative effort with numerous groups across South Wales, including South East Wales Rivers Trust (SEWRT), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW), and Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC). The River Thaw offers an area which allows Water Voles to thrive, providing boggy areas, rich vegetation in wealth, and soft banks – which are vital for their burrows and hence will hopefully create a safer environment for breeding.
Restore the Thaw has recently launched a wildlife camera initiative across 30 locations along the Thaw and its catchment area, allowing them to survey and monitor breeding patterns, populations, key habitats, and improving the biodiversity across these areas. These cameras have already captured some amazing footage, showing otter activity along the river. This demonstrates the importance of these cameras in documenting the activities of wildlife, and what we can do to improve their habitats.
The project has focussed on community engagement also, through various initiatives such as:
- Nuts for Trees: Primary school children in the Vale of Glamorgan collected and processed native tree seeds, which are now being nurtured in a local nursery for future planting.
- Environmental volunteering: Collaborations with Innovate Trust have provided volunteering opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, promoting inclusivity for conservation efforts.
- Public events: Activities like guided bird walks with the Glamorgan Bird Club have offered residents hands-on experience in local wildlife observation and education.
- Community beach clean: Amalgamating communities to work along the Aberthaw beach, clearing litter and debris.
Restore the Thaw exemplifies how collaborative efforts can rejuvenate local ecosystems and foster a deeper connection between communities and their natural surroundings. The success of Restore the Thaw hinges on community participation. Residents are encouraged to join and participate in initiatives conducted by the project. To learn more or volunteer, contact Project Manager Melanie Stewart at mjstewart@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.