Location:
Merthyr Tydfil
Funding amount:
£146,762

Tipical Valleys was the result of collaboration and communication between a number of local stakeholders, communities and regional agencies. There has recently been a growing realisation amongst environmentalists, geologists and cultural historians that mineral spoil tips  created as a result of industrialisation are one of the few features in the landscape that are simultaneously diverse habitats for indigenous species, a valuable resource for scientific and geological study and a valuable heritage asset.

Aims of the project:

Tipical Valleys was established to re acquaint local communities with their undervalued post-industrial landscapes. The project aimed to educate and inform people and inspire greater appreciation about these places in their communities.

  • Provide innovative and inspiring events to raise awareness of the local environment and threats to it
  • Promote greater opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure
  • Work with schools, communities and other stakeholders to promote the idea that mineral spoil tips are important community assets and encourage custodianship.

Project Outputs:

Ref Performance Indicator Target Archived Comments
LD-CL.001  Number of feasibility studies 0    
LD-CD.002 Number of networks established 5 3

1 national network of organisations interested in mineral spoil tips

1 Pan European network of organisations interested in mineral spoil tips

1 network of teachers interested in outdoor education.

Also a number of informal groups interested in spin off projects
LD-CL.003 Number of jobs safeguarded through supported projects 1 1  
LD-CL.004 Number of pilot activities undertaken/supported 0    
LD-CL.005 Number of community hubs 1 1 Cyfarthfa Greenhouse transformed into a local learning hub.
LD-CL.006 Number of information actions/promotional and/or marketing activities to raise awareness of the LDS and/ or its projects. 40 56  
LD-CL.007 Number of stakeholders engaged 20 30  
LD-CL.008 Number of participants supported 500 1653  
         

 

Public Comments:

“We always played on tips as children back in the 50s and 60s. It’s incredible to think that these have become such interesting places and it’s wonderful to see children using them now”

“Why hasn’t anyone been telling us this before! I’ve learnt so much in the last few hours, I’m going to bring my daughter and grandchildren here at the weekend and tell them all about it”

“Why all the fuss about the Brecon Beacons when we have places like this in our communities”

The Tipical Valleys Project is  part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Further project information:

Name:
Harri Evans
Telephone number:
01685 725463
Email project contact
Tags: Community, Environment