The Tidy Towns Project began in April 2008, bringing together three projects that were being run by Keep Wales Tidy: Pride in Our Communities, Clean Rivers and Clean Coasts. Although these projects aimed to improve areas for wildlife through remedial cleansing project work, they didn’t really have a focus on habitat improvement and biodiversity. Tidy Towns now does recognize that this is a very important topic and it is now included as one of the main aims of the project.

Some examples of habitat management and biodiversity work that come under the banner of Tidy Towns are removing litter and waste from wildlife areas. This not only enhances the habitat for species already there but also improves the chances of the recolonisation by other species. Although human enjoyment of these areas is encouraged, this must be ‘controlled’ to ensure wildlife can flourish. Footpaths, boardwalks and fencing can be installed to protect the more sensitive areas.

The habitat management promoted through the Tidy Towns Project will work towards a more biodiverse Wales, and the activities to achieve this would not be possible without the efforts of committed volunteers who give up their free time in order to help with ideas and provide practical assistance. A fantastic example of habitat improvement and enhancement for biodiversity is a group that cleared flytipped wood from a pond (thus encouraging wildlife to come back there). The wood was then stripped of its paint and varnish, piled up and left to create a mini habitat. It has now been colonized by different species of insect and fungi.

Tidy Towns is able to assist any community group or association in starting a project of their own and can provide financial assistance through the Keep Wales Tidy grants scheme. The money can cover insurance, tools, materials, refreshments and expenses. The project can also help communities develop community gardens/allotments, transform neglected public areas into community assets, remove litter/flytipping/graffiti from blackspots and also provide training for groups on a number of different subjects. Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Daniel Snaith on 07824 504805 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .