Miller Research was commissioned to conduct a thorough assessment of Torfaen County Borough Council land assets to support goals around climate change and biodiversity. 

The council owns a number of grazing sites (96.49 hectares) that have historically supported traditional grazing while generating income and benefiting the community. In response to climate and nature emergencies, the Council seeks to enhance biodiversity, improve carbon sequestration, and build climate resilience with these sites, all while maintaining viable grazing opportunities. 

The study explored land-use changes to integrate decarbonisation, climate adaptation, and biodiversity enhancement into asset management. Key objectives included reviewing ecological assessments, assessing leases regarding sustainable practice, and identifying opportunities for increased carbon storage and ecosystem resilience. 

The final report outlined strategies to achieve these goals, considering the ecological context of Torfaen’s acidic grasslands. The report included a literature review of land management techniques, as well as GIS mapping of sites with climate predictions informing recommendations.