Land Management Advice

The Gwent Levels are a green gem in what is an otherwise built-up landscape. With Cardiff, Newport and Bristol nearby, two million people are within an hour’s drive from the centre of the Levels. Largely lying below sea level, sea defence, flood protection and food production are a high priority for the area. The Levels can be broadly separated into two parts, either side of the mouth of the River Usk – the Wentlooge Level to the west and the Caldicot Level to the east.

It is important to recognise that the significance of the Gwent Levels for nature is a direct result of the interaction between land managers, in particular farmers, and the landscape. Many of the important habitats and species are only present due to the management of the land for agriculture.

To ensure nature thrives on the Gwent Levels, policies are needed that drive the recovery of nature, through support for sustainable farming and land management that restores and enhances the landscape.

The Levels historically and currently have had huge development pressures such as housing, infrastructure and industry. Over time the available habitat for wildlife has declined and become fragmented. With the appropriate support in place and farmers, communities and organisations working together, the resilience of habitats and species on the Levels can be increased so that they will be better able to withstand the various pressures they face, from habitat loss, extreme weather events (flooding and drought) to development pressure and climate change.