Increasing biodiversity during Torfaen Sustainability Week

The focus of Torfaen Sustainability Week switches to the north of the borough on Tuesday 12 October, with an exploration of the Blaenavon countryside.

The aim of the first ever Torfaen Sustainability Week (10-16 October) is to encourage people to live their lives in a more sustainable fashion.

The motto of the week is 'Changing by Degrees', which shows how, by making minor adjustments to the way people live, everyone can help reduce consumption of the earth's resources and atmospheric emissions.

The message - help us create a cleaner, greener future for everyone.

As part of Biodiversity Day, visitors to Blaenavon World Heritage Centre will be able to enjoy a slide-show presentation followed by a three-mile moderate walk looking at the evolution of Blaenavon's countryside from prehistoric times to the present day.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: "Discover why Blaenavon is surrounded by moorland, what ancient woodland is and how the countryside around Blaenavon was affected by industry.

"This moderate three-mile walk promises to educate as well as entertain, so come along and marvel at Blaenavon's unique countryside and spectacular views."

The event takes place at 10am-1.30pm. For more information or to book a place, contact Alvin Nicholas on 01633 648256.

Educating the borough's young people on the importance of sustainability is a key aim of Torfaen Sustainability Week.

As part of this, pupils from Pontymoile Primary school will enjoy a special visit to Cwmynyscoy Local Nature Reserve and take part in a mini beast trail in the morning. They will be joined by councillor Wellington at 2pm for a special tree planting ceremony at the school.

Councillor Wellington said: "During Biodiversity Day, the pupils at Pontymoile school will learn more about nature and our impact on it.

Children have a huge impact on their parents, their attitudes towards new things and the lifestyle of the family as a whole.

"By encouraging our young people to live in a more sustainable fashion, they can promote the message to family and friends, encouraging them to do likewise."

In Gwent Square in Cwmbran town centre, Warm Wales will be offering energy and heating advice to shoppers, while members of South Wales Fire Service will offer fire safety advice. 10am-3pm.

A range of events has been planned for Torfaen Sustainability Week, with a sustainability conference at Greenmeadow Community Farm on 12 October taking centre-stage.

Each of the seven days has a sustainability theme, from biodiversity to green travel. The week will be launched on Saturday 10 October, Keep It Local Day, with a local producer market at Greenmeadow Community Farm, and ends on Friday 16 October, Green Travel Day.

More information and a programme events is included in October's Torfaen Talks and is available in the Torfaen Sustainability area of the website.