A range of public service partners are coming together with local residents to help support the development of a new Ebbw Fawr Trail which runs from Tredegar to Cwm.
The Blaenau Gwent Public Services Board (PSB) has secured over £40,000 grant funding from Natural Resources Wales to work with local communities to develop a new Ebbw Fawr Trail.
The 6 mile long trail stretches from Sirhowy Hill Woodlands at the tip of Tredegar, through Ebbw Vale and down to the old Marine Colliery at the bottom of Cwm and will link up other existing trails in the area, such as the Ebbw Fach trail.
The money was bid for as part of the Blaenau Gwent on the Move project which aims to get more people outdoors to keep fit & healthy and appreciate the local landmarks and nature on their doorstep.
Works will include installing information boards on local heritage, history and wildlife, tree planting and landscaping, unique arts installations as well as fun digital animations which people will be able to access via the mobile phone application ‘Zappar’.
Children and families were invited to a nature event at Cwm Flying Start Hub recently to give their views about the trail. Children were invited to become mini nature explorers and meet visiting wildlife as well as making bird boxes.
Blaenau Gwent Council are also organising a survey asking for people’s views about the Trail, how they use it and how they would like to see it improved. More details on this at – https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=156136997503
Cllr Nigel Daniels, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Blaenau Gwent Public Services Board says:
“The Blaenau Gwent on the Move project is part of the Public Service Board’s aim of getting local people out and about to help keep them physically and mentally well and encouraging people to appreciate and take pride in nature and the natural environments of the Ebbw Fawr valley and protect it for future generations. The quality of our natural environment here in Blaenau Gwent lends itself to promoting a more active lifestyle amongst people of all ages and we will be continuing to work with our partners and the local community to create and maintain safe, active travel routes.”
To support the work local people have formed the Ebbw Fawr Trail Community Group. Many of these people have already spent time looking after sections of the trail and this will be supported by the PSB.
* The four statutory members of the Blaenau Gwent Public Services Board are:
• Blaenau Gwent Council
• Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
• South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
• Natural Resources Wales
Other key partners include:
• Welsh Government
• Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner
• Chief Constable of Gwent Police
• Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO)
• Probation Services
• Tai Calon
• Coleg Gwent
• NHS Wales
• Natural Resources Wales
Find out more information about the work of the board here - https://www.blaenaugwentpsb.org.uk/