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.

On the Trail...

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.
Open: 10am - 1pm on alternate Sundays from September - April.

Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve (LNR) 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 use the reserve and its small countryside centre to run environmental education events for over 300 children and adults annually, in addition to curriculum-based field studies for more than 50 schools and community groups. An oak-framed roundhouse, constructed using locally grown and sustainably managed timber provides a shelter and focal point for a range of events.
Open: all year round.

Rosehill Quarry Community Park is a six acre green oasis nestling amongst dense housing, containing a huge variety of spaces and 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.

The Gower Commons Initiative is helping Gower Commoners maintain the commons for agriculture, wildlife and recreation. The Gower Commons are part of the rich tapestry of habitats in Swansea and a testament to historical land management practices which have created habitats for a range wildlife. 

Most of our land (aside from residential use) is dedicated to agriculture.  Schemes like Tir Gofal in Wales, administered by the Countryside Council for Wales, are encouraging landowners to manage their land to conserve the landscape and encourage wildlife.

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