A Living Landscape
While Kidwelly Tinplate Works is best known for its industrial heritage, it is also home to a surprisingly rich and varied natural environment. The former tinworks site has developed into a mosaic of woodland, grassland and riverside habitats, creating a place for wildlife to thrive.
At the heart of the site is the Afon Gwendraeth Fach, a river that supports important wildlife and forms part of a wider habitat corridor linking town and countryside. Along its banks and within the surrounding woodland, evidence shows that species such as otter use the river regularly, while badgers, hedgehogs, reptiles and amphibians may all find shelter in the undisturbed areas.
The site is home to a wide variety of birds, including those that are rare or need special protection, such as kingfisher, song thrush and red kite, as well as many common species. The mix of mature trees, thick vegetation and historic buildings creates perfect spots for birds to nest, feed and find shelter.
One of the most notable features identified in an ecological appraisal of the site is the variety of habitats. These include woodland, wet woodland, river systems and open mosaic habitats usually found at old industrial sites, which are all recognised as important for biodiversity in Wales.
Today, work is underway to protect and enhance this biodiversity. Grassland areas are being managed as meadow habitat, with reduced cutting and removal of cuttings to encourage wildflowers and support pollinators. This will, over time, create a more diverse and visually rich landscape.
At the same time, CofGâr is working with specialist contractors to tackle the spread of invasive plant species, including Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam. A long-term approach is being taken to control and gradually reduce these species year on year, helping native plants and habitats recover.
The collapse of the dam in the winter of 2025 is likely to impact on spawning fish, so undertaking the impact assessments to support applications for permits from Cadw and NRW to carry out preliminary works will be the priority for 2026.
Together, these actions reflect a long-term vision and commitment to caring for the natural environment alongside the site’s heritage, ensuring that Kidwelly Tinplate Museum remains a place where both history and wildlife can flourish side by side.