Resilient Ecological Networks – Monlife

Resilient Ecological Networks in Gwent

The Gwent Green Grid Partnership (GGGP) in collaboration with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and a wide range of local partners and stakeholders, is designing and developing Resilient Ecological Networks (RENs) across Gwent. This work follows the guidance set out in the NRW Practitioners’ Guide to Resilient Ecological Networks and is being co-designed through collaborative mapping workshops and stakeholder engagement. These RENs will help shape the future of nature recovery delivery in the region.

What is a Resilient Ecological Network?

Resilient Ecological Networks are connected networks of habitats that support healthy, adaptable ecosystems. At their heart are protected and high-quality sites, surrounded by zones that enhance connectivity and ecological resilience.

Key Components of a REN:

  • Core Zones: Areas of high-quality semi-natural habitat, including both statutory and non-statutory designated sites.
  • Nature Recovery Zones: Surrounding areas that support and connect core zones through habitat restoration, buffering, and improved permeability.

RENs are built on the DECCA framework, which identifies five key attributes of ecosystem resilience: Diversity, Extent, Condition, Connectivity, Adaptability 

GGGP’s Resilient Ecological Mapper

The RENs work in Gwent is underpinned by GGGP’s ecological network and opportunity mapping project. This mapping integrates:

  • Over 50 spatial datasets
  • Recent habitat surveys
  • Ecological modelling of grassland, woodland, wetland, and heathland networks

The mapper identifies opportunities for habitat restoration and enhancement, helping to define both Core Zones and Nature Recovery Zones across the region.

Gwent Levels Resilient Ecological Network

The Gwent Levels Resilient Ecological Network (REN) mapping project is a significant step in understanding and supporting nature recovery in Wales. Developed jointly by the Gwent Green Grid Partnership (GGGP), Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the Living Levels Partnership, and supported by Welsh Government, this is the first time a full REN has been mapped in Wales using a consistent, evidence-based approach.

The project involved:

  • Collaborative mapping with local stakeholders, drawing on ecological expertise and community knowledge
  • Use of over 50 datasets and recent habitat surveys to identify key habitat networks
  • Application of the NRW Practitioners’ Guide to RENs to ensure a structured and transparent process

The final outputs include:

This work provides a strong foundation for future planning and land management decisions. It supports:

  • GGGP’s nature recovery delivery plans
  • NRW’s South East Area Statement theme: Linking our Landscapes
  • Policy 9 of Future Wales, which recognises the Gwent Levels as a National Natural Resource Area due to its ecological and cultural value

The REN mapping will also help inform Local Nature Recovery Action Plans, contributing to wider efforts to restore biodiversity and build ecological resilience across Wales.

Continuing REN Mapping Across Gwent

Following the work on the Gwent Levels, the Gwent Green Grid Partnership (GGGP) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are now expanding Resilient Ecological Network (REN) mapping to other areas of Gwent. These include:

  • Wye Valley and Wentwood
  • Newport
  • Eastern Valleys
  • Central Monmouthshire
  • Bannau Brycheiniog

This expansion is supported by additional funding from the fourth round of the Nature Networks Fund, delivered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government. A development grant of £250,000 has been awarded to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council (BGCBC), who—alongside NRW and GGGP—are working with partners and stakeholders across Gwent to design and develop resilient ecological networks.

This phase of work will run over the next two years, concluding in March 2027.

Building on the RENs approach developed for the Gwent Levels, AtkinsRéalis has been appointed to carry out an ecosystem services analysis for Gwent. This will ensure that RENs incorporate both social and environmental considerations, helping to build a clearer picture of:

  • Where ecological networks currently exist
  • Where they can be strengthened
  • How they can support broader environmental and community goals

Key elements of this work include:

  • Understanding the Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, and Response (DPSIR) framework for nature’s recovery
  • Assessing future trends to ensure long-term, forward-thinking planning and decision-making

The outcomes of this work will help guide future investment, land management, and policy decisions at both local and regional levels. Expected outputs include:

  • Mapped RENs with core areas and nature recovery zones for targeted priority action
  • Shared visions, objectives, and priority nature recovery actions to 2030 and beyond
  • Revised Landscape Profiles, building on the South East Area Statement evidence co-developed by partners in Gwent. These will integrate local and national evidence, including NRW’s SONARR2025, and inform the next round of:
    • Public Services Board (PSB) Wellbeing Assessments and Plans
    • Local Nature Recovery Action Plans
    • Development and management plans
  • A performance framework and indicators to monitor and evaluate progress toward a shared vision for nature and people to 2030 and beyond

Get Involved

If you’d like to learn more about the RENs process or get involved in this exciting work, please contact:

Elliot Waters
GGGP Nature Isn’t Neat Project Officer
Email: elliotwaters@monmouthshire.gov.uk

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This post is also available in: Welsh