A perfect reminder that coal spoil sites still surprise us — turning up species new to Britain, even on places we think we know well.

Where will it be found next? 👀🐌

#CoalToNature #GloiNatur #CoalSpoil #CollierySpoil #Biodiversity #Nature #NewSpecies #Wales #SouthWales #CynonValley

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❄️ A new discovery at Cwm Tips ❄️

We’ve been visiting this site for over 10 years - and only just found this new tufa spring, frozen in winter. Formed where calcium-rich water now emerges from the tip, it’s a reminder that these landscapes are still changing.

#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #Tufaspring

One of the sites we visited this week was Cefnpennar Tip (RCT). Now largely birch woodland, it still supports heathland & open grassland — perfect for Cladonia #lichens, and #liverworts such as Least Crystalwort, thriving where competition is low 🌿

#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #Nature #Wildlife #Wales

Tufa springs on coal tips 💦

These rare micro-habitats form where water passing through coal spoil picks up calcium - likely from ancient marine bands - and deposits it at the surface. Unusual in the acidic Valleys, and vital for specialist wildlife like soldierflies.

#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature

We usually showcase the plants, fungi & invertebrates of coal spoil sites - but here’s some of the hidden life too 🐭

Wood Mice sheltering under a metal sheet at Darren Fawr Tip in the Garw Valley.

Coal tips: full of surprises, even in winter.

#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #SouthWalesValleys

Visited the Lewis Merthyr coal tip above Trehafod last weekend. Once industrial spoil, it’s now heather, whinberry, lichens & warm bare ground supporting specialist wildlife. Conifers are creeping in, so management is key. Even in winter it’s beautiful 💚

#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CoalSpoil

Last night, Liam and Carys from Glo i Natur CIC joined the @wtsww.bsky.social Brecon Group AGM, where Liam gave a talk on the rich biodiversity of South Wales’ coal spoil sites - from Pennyroyal & Adder to the “Maerdy Monster”!

Thanks for the warm welcome.

#GloiNatur #CoaltoNature #CoalSpoil

We’re excited to announce the launch of Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the unique biodiversity and heritage of South Wales’ coal spoil sites. 🌿

Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org

#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery