One of Natur am Byth projects, Swansea Bay Coasts, Commons & Communities project works to protect some of Wales’s most threatened species across this distinctive Atlantic coastline, home to rare wildlife in its limestone cliffs, estuaries, and sand dunes. Traditional grazing once supported these habitats, but habitat loss and reduced land management now threaten many species.
The project, led by Buglife UK, targets 13 rare species, including the Strandline Beetle, Six-spotted Cranefly, Fen Raft Spider, and Burnt Tip Orchid. Conservation efforts focus on restoring 52 hectares of open habitats by reintroducing grazing practices, managing grassland and scrub, and removing invasive plants in sand dunes critical for species like the Sand Lizard.
In partnership with local communities, landowners and other stakeholders, the project combines ecological restoration with community engagement across Gower and the urban communities of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to secure a long-term refuge for these species.