Biodiversity

We’re proud to be the largest housing provider in Blaenau Gwent, Wales, managing over 6,000 homes. But our role goes beyond bricks and mortar — we’re deeply committed to protecting the natural environment and enhancing biodiversity across the communities we serve. Tai Calon is a steward of more than more than 100 acres of woodland, rough grassland, and communal green spaces. We recognise the importance of these areas not just for wildlife, but for the health, wellbeing, and connection of our communities.

Our approach weaves together ecological stewardship and community well-being, creating greener, healthier places for people and wildlife to thrive.

A Greener Future Together

From creating wildlife habitats to supporting sustainable food projects, Tai Calon is proud to play a key role in restoring nature and building climate-resilient communities. Our biodiversity efforts are about more than the environment — they’re about people, place, and purpose.

Together, we’re growing something truly special.

Biodiversity and Habitat Projects

We’ve launched and supported a number of habitat-enhancing initiatives throughout Blaenau Gwent:

• Wildflower Planting – From Brynithel to Tredegar, we’ve expanded wildflower planting schemes to create vibrant habitats that support pollinators and enrich biodiversity.
• Nature Isn’t Neat – In partnership with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, we follow reduced mowing practices in selected green spaces. This lets native plants flourish — supporting bees, butterflies, and other vital insects.
• Hedgehog Highways – Our newly installed fencing includes hedgehog-friendly holes, helping these iconic creatures move freely between gardens in search of food and shelter.
• Solis One Biodiversity Discovery – An ecological survey at our Solis One office unearthed some special residents — including the nationally rare Dingy Skipper butterfly, solitary bees, and Nursery Web Spiders — thanks to the natural enhancements we’ve made on-site.

Bee Friendly Accreditation

We’re proud to have achieved Bee Friendly status — a mark of excellence in pollinator protection. This award recognises our work to:

• Provide pollinator-friendly flowers across the seasons
• Create safe habitats for bees and other insects
• Avoid harmful chemicals
• Actively involve the community in pollinator conservation

Woodland and Tree Management

• Tree Surveys and Arborist Training – Regular independent surveys inform our tree management plans. We’ve also trained new arborists, investing in the future care and safety of trees across our estates.
• Tiny Forest Initiative – Looking ahead, we’re planning Tiny Forests — dense, native woodlands in urban settings. These mini-ecosystems will boost biodiversity, store carbon, and offer peaceful green spaces for local communities.

Sustainable Land Use and Food Projects

Tai Calon is proud to support community-led food and land initiatives through the Blaenau Gwent Food Partnership, which we host. Together, we’re tackling food insecurity and promoting healthy, sustainable living:

• Pentref Tyleri – A thriving community-growing project supporting local food production and healthy eating habits.
• Sirhowy Woodlands Project -A space for learning and nourishment, using locally grown produce for cooking sessions and nature-based education.
• Caffi Tyleri – Our on-site café offers affordable meals and free soup to support residents facing food poverty.
• Flourish and Thrive – Thanks to a £249,910 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re transforming disused land into green, productive hubs where communities can grow their own food.

Community Engagement and Education

We believe biodiversity starts with people. That’s why we actively engage and educate our residents:

• Go Wild! Events – We join in community festivals and activities, sharing free plants and seed packets, and hosting bird box building and other eco-crafts for all ages.
• School Environmental Days – Working closely with local schools, we run field trips and hands-on activities that connect children to the natural world and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.