Issue 160

To Go Green: Local Conservation

19th November 2007

The Gower - well known for being named England and Wales' first 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB). Maintained by the National Trust, there are many conservation issues that surround this idyllic and beautiful area.

The Gower boasts a range of habitats and species, ranging from butterflies to marine life. There are at least 1,200 archaeological sites of different periods and types which include caves, Iron Age forts and Neolithic chamered tombs.

Students are frequent visitors to the Gower, surprisingly the Winter also sees it as a popular night spot and a day out away from the pressures of University life. Not many students realise that the Mumbles itself is actually part of the AONB, so when heading there for a night out or to the famous Mumbles Mile you never know what dropping a plastic cup or staggering drunkenly onto the beach might do to the immediate environment and wildlife.

As tourism to the area continues to bring more demands on the National Trust to maintain the Gower it is vitally important that everyone does their bit to help keep their local conservation efforts going. To do your bit visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

Another option is to help with the Swansea People & Planet campaign, email swanseapeopleandplanet@hotmail.co.uk.

Amy Wilkinson