Colliery spoil sites are often regarded as “unsightly” and "dangerous" areas of land that are "devoid of life". This couldn't be further from the truth! They are in fact places of incredible beauty which harbour complex ecosystems for many rare and threatened species. After decades of weathering, the black bare spoil has gradually developed thin soils and slowly these sites have became vegetated. Today, they support diverse and intricate mosaics of heathland, flower-rich grassland, species-rich lichen and moss communities, scrub, woodland and wetlands. 

The diverse micro-habitats support a wealth of rare and unusual fungi, with diverse Waxcap, Coral and Earth-tongue communities. The warm, sunny tip faces support excellent reptile habitat where Common Lizard and Slow-worm are abundant, and where mining bees can nest. Although not as common, some of the best sites for Adder in the South Wales Valleys are on colliery spoil, while Grass snakes are associated with wetlands on these sites. Ponds, ditches, seasonal pools and reedbeds support water birds (whose natural habitats are declining) and offer breeding habitat for frogs, toads, newts and dragonflies. Areas of tall grass and heath support complex networks of mice and vole runs, which in-turn attract hunting Buzzard, Kestrel, Red Kite and Barn Owl. Flower-rich grasslands and heathlands provide abundant forage for pollinating insects, supporting at least 28 butterfly species and over 100 species of bees, as well as many other insects.  

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The images below showcase just some of the habitats and wildlife found on colliery spoil sites in the South Wales Valleys. All images are the copyright of Liam Olds.