Neath Port Talbot has obtained funding from a UK-wide initiative to improve access to green spaces, transform urban landscapes, integrate nature into local decision-making and make towns and cities greener, healthier, more resilient and prosperous.
The money has come from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Nature Towns and Cities scheme which is being run in partnership with Natural England and The National Trust along with other organisations including Natural Resources Wales.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s winning project ‘Nature’s Back in Town’ will, over the next two years, develop a strategy to shape urban nature and greenspace in Neath Port Talbot, focusing on the county borough’s most urbanised area, Port Talbot.
Nature’s Back in Town will give communities the opportunity to share their opinions on the future of their local areas and it will also include events and training with two pilot designs of spaces chosen by the community – proving that even in traditionally industrial urban areas, nature can be an integral benefit of daily life.
Neath Port Talbot is one of 19 grant recipients in the UK and is one of only two in Wales.
Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism & Wellbeing, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have this support from Nature Towns and Cities to deliver such an exciting and meaningful project.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our communities to enhance biodiversity, improve access to nature and reimagine our urban spaces.
“By combining local knowledge, creativity, and environmental action, we hope to create lasting change that benefits both people and wildlife.”
