Biodiversity

Biodiversity is, literally, the variety of life on earth. It embraces all living plants and animals and the ecosystems on which they depend. Biodiversity is everywhere: in gardens, fields, hedgerows, mountains, rivers and in the sea.

At a local level, biodiversity greatly influences the character of our landscape. Carmarthenshire is justly renowned for its magnificent coast, quiet estuaries, steep wooded valleys and rugged uplands. Throughout much of the rest of the county there is a patchwork of woodlands and fields, bounded by the hedge-banks that are frequently of historic importance. The sea and seabed around the Carmarthenshire coast are also rich in species, some of which are of considerable economic importance.

This natural beauty of the county is a major factor on which the local tourism and recreation industries depend. Biodiversity is therefore fundamental to the physical, economic and spiritual well-being of all who live and work in Carmarthenshire.

Why Biodiversity Matters

The natural environment of Wales supports the huge variety the wildlife that lives here.

Why Biodiversity Matters

Priority Species in Carmarthenshire

Welsh Government published a list of species in Wales that they consider are of key significance to sustain and enhance biodiversity the country.

Priority Species in Carmarthenshire

Priority Habitats in Carmarthenshire

Welsh Government have published a list of habitat types in Wales that they consider are of key significance to sustain and enhance biodiversity the country.

Priority Habitats in Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Nature Partnership

Carmarthenshire Nature Partnership includes organisations including the Council, government, and non-government wildlife bodies, wildlife charities and voluntary groups.

Carmarthenshire Nature Partnership

Carmarthenshire Bogs Project

Formed over thousands of years, lowland bogs are increasingly rare examples of an important peatland habitat.

Carmarthenshire Bogs Project

Caeau Mynydd Mawr Marsh Fritillary Project

The Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) is a native butterfly which has become increasingly scarce, so much so that it is protected by law.

Caeau Mynydd Mawr Marsh Fritillary Project

Get out and about!

Carmarthenshire extends from the open uplands in the north to the extensive coastline of Carmarthen Bay, with a variety of natural habitats that help make the county so special.

Get out and about!

Wildlife in your Ward

Carmarthenshire is justly celebrated for the variety within its natural environment.

Wildlife in your Ward

Hedgerows

Creating a network of linear wildlife habitats, hedgerows are one of the features of the agricultural landscapes for which Britain is famous.

Hedgerows

Pollinators

In the UK plant pollinators are the insects that deliver pollen from plant to plant, enabling fertilization to take place leading to the growth of new plants.

Pollinators

Local Places for Nature

A focus primarily on urban and peri-urban areas or those with little or no access to nature with the aim to restore nature where people live, work and access public services.

Local Places for Nature

The state of nature in Carmarthenshire

A health check of nature in the county and how we can help.

The State of Nature in Carmarthenshire

Woodlands

Woodlands and forests cover about one-seventh of Carmarthenshire.

Woodlands

Protected sites

There are numerous sites of ecological/geological importance in the county.

Protected sites

Ash Dieback Disease

Ash Dieback is a fungal disease which is affecting all species of Ash trees across Carmarthenshire.

Ash Dieback Disease

Legislation and Guidance

There is now a framework of linked legislation, policy and guidance that has been developed to guide action to maintain and enhance biodiversity in Wales.

Legislation and Guidance