January 12, 2026

Residents across Bridgend County Borough will see significant improvements to local greenspaces over the next 15 months, as part of a programme to create more welcoming, nature-rich places for people and wildlife.

Bridgend County Borough Council has been awarded £961,958.90 by Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature (LPfN) programme, working in partnership with the Bridgend Local Nature Partnership (LNP). This funding will be used during 2025–27 to create and improve green spaces in urban and peri-urban communities,particularly areas with limited access to nature.

Local Places for Nature is a Welsh Government programme that is managed by the WCVA, and supports LNPs across Wales to create, restore and improve spaces for nature so that nature is part of everyday life for everyone.

What Will Change – and Why

Many everyday green spaces across Bridgend currently offer limited benefits for wildlife or residents. This investment will transform some of these spaces into high-quality, biodiverse areas that support nature while being easy for local people to access and enjoy.

These improvements will:

• Bring nature closer to where people live, work and access services
• Support wildlife, such as birds and pollinators, and habitat connectivity
• Improve health, wellbeing and access to outdoor spaces
• Create safer, more attractive places for communities

Key Projects

Aber Fields (The Planka)

An underused and frequently waterlogged area of this site will be transformed into wetland and wet woodland, with native wildflowers, a viewing area with seating, and accessible paths. The project will improve biodiversity, manage surface water and create a welcoming nature space for the local community. Please note these proposals do not affect the playing field.

Heol Canola Estate, Sarn

Delivered in partnership with Valleys to Coast, and subject to community consultation, the preliminary proposals will see this estate green space become a space for nature and people. The project will include a community orchard and food-growing area, outdoor learning space, habitat for pollinators, sensory planting and improved access, helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and create a positive shared community asset for residents.

Collwyn Woods, Pyle

Delivered in partnership with Pyle Community Council, this project will tackle riverbank erosion and safety concerns while creating a space to spend time in nature. Interpretation and artwork will celebrate the history of the river and local wildlife, improving the area for both people and nature.

Community Food Growing

Delivered in partnership with Tanio and the Bridgend Sustainable Food Partnership, new small-scale food-growing spaces will be created across the borough. These will include raised beds and basic infrastructure, supporting healthy lifestyles, skills development and local ownership.

Orchard Project

Delivered with The Orchard Project, Kenfig Corporation Trust, Bryngarw Park, and local volunteers, heritage fruit orchards will be restored and created at several sites, including eDNA analysis of unknown fruit varieties at existing orchards. These orchards will support biodiversity and pollinators while offering opportunities for community harvesting, training and volunteering.

Supporting Community-Led Ideas

Community involvement is central to this programme. We are inviting schools, community councils and local groups to share their ideas for nature in their local area. We will work with communities to explore how these ideas could be developed and delivered as part of the wider Local Places for Nature programme, helping to ensure that new and improved green spaces reflect local priorities and needs.

If you have an idea for improving nature where you live, we’d love to hear from you at the below email address.

Residents will also be invited to take part in tree and wildflower planting, orchard care and harvesting, food-growing activities, and training and volunteering opportunities. Please get in touch via the below contact if you have a projector an idea that you think may help to improve Bridgend for people and nature.

By transforming everyday green spaces into thriving natural places, this funding will help tackle biodiversity loss, reduce inequalities in access to nature and create healthier, greener neighbourhoods across Bridgend.

For more information, or if you have an idea for a nature-based project, please contact:biodiversity@bridgend.gov.uk