Nature

Nature is one of Powys’ greatest strengths — and one of our most powerful climate solutions.

Powys’ land and natural habitats currently act as a net carbon sink — meaning they remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit. Powys’ forests, grasslands and wetlands sequester approximately 389,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

This is significant. It means that nature in Powys is already playing an important role in tackling climate change.

However, this natural carbon storage depends on those ecosystems being healthy and well managed. Damaged peatlands, degraded soils or poorly managed habitats can quickly switch from storing carbon to releasing it.

Climate change is already affecting soils, water, farmland and wildlife across Powys. Warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers are reshaping our landscape. We are seeing:

• More frequent droughts and intense rainfall
• Increased flooding and wildfire risk
• Pressure on peatlands, woodlands and rivers
• Impacts on livestock health and grass growth
• Greater spread of pests, diseases and invasive species

These changes affect food production, biodiversity and the health of our natural environment.

Nature recovery is not only about carbon — it strengthens health, community connection and long-term resilience.

Nature as a climate and well-being solution

By restoring and expanding healthy natural habitats, we can:

• Nature and climate: strengthen biodiversity; increase long-term carbon storage; build resilience
• People and places: improve mental well-being; reduce flood risk; support sustainable livelihoods

Nature recovery, climate action and people’s well-being go hand in hand.

Shaping Powys’ future

Nature recovery delivers multiple benefits — but it works best when it is coordinated, long-term and fairly supported. In Powys, restoring nature is not just about individual landowners: it depends on collaboration across farming, communities, public services and national policy.

Scaling up nature recovery in Powys will involve:

• Restoring peatlands, wetlands, rivers and woodlands to strengthen carbon storage and biodiversity
• Supporting nature-friendly farming and sustainable land management
• Creating better-connected habitats across farms, towns and landscapes
• Improving water quality and natural flood management
• Long-term stewardship, monitoring and investment to protect progress

Public bodies in Powys are using their statutory duties, planning powers and landholdings to protect, restore and connect habitats across Powys.

These examples show how nature recovery is being delivered through communities, land managers and public sector partners.

Case study On The Verge is a community-led environmental initiative based in Talgarth, established in 2019. The project shows how small, collective actions can make a meaningful difference to biodiversity and community well-being. It is a practical example of how local action can support both nature recovery and climate goals. Find out more: On The Verge I Preserving and creating wildlife habitats (External Link)

Case study Greening of the new Riverside Venue building (visitor centre and community space) and surrounding outdoor areas was undertaken in conjunction with Powys Local Nature Partnership. This project included a green roof, rain garden, benches, planters and work to restore surrounding woodland habitat to enhance nature, and which also allowed for it to be used for forest school activities. Find out more : Local Nature Partnerships Cymru - Home (External Link)

Unlocking nature action across Powys

These organisations help make nature recovery easier and more accessible, and work to ensure that no community is left behind.

Powys Local Nature Partnership

A collaborative effort to build resilient nature recovery networks in Powys that are bigger, better and more joined up.

Get in touch: Powys Nature Partnership - Powys County Council

One Voice Wales

Offers bespoke advice to Town and Community Councils about nature recovery action plans in line with Section 6 Environment Act recommendations.

Get in touch. Home - One Voice Wales (External Link)

Evidence-led action

Evidence is helping public services, businesses and communities focus effort where it will make the most difference.

Powys’ carbon footprint

You can explore the full technical detail of Powys’ carbon footprint, including in relation to nature, in the Small World Consulting Carbon Footprint Report.

Small World Consulting Report

Powys Nature recovery Action Plan

You can read Powys Local Nature Partnership’s plan to recover nature in the Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan.

Powys Nature Recovery Action Plan - Powys County Council