A Local Development Plan (LDP) is a strategic document written by the Local Planning Authority, setting out how much development should take place in the area, what kinds of development are needed, and where new development should be built.

Our own back gardens are often the place where we encounter wildlife most regularly. Whether it's digging up worms or feeding the birds, we all benefit from being out in a garden and wildlife too can thrive in these little havens.

A Place Plan is a document that sets out local level planning guidance. It sits below a Local Development Plan (LDP), linking to the LDP policies, and other local plans. They are usually written by local people or town or community councils and can be adopted by a local planning authority as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Larger and more complex developments are usually decided by the planning committee. Each local planning authority will have its own rules as to which applications will be decided by the planning committee (called the scheme of delegation). You can find out if an application is going to be decided by committee by looking at the application information or by asking the case officer.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales' 11 local groups carry out all manner of fundraising activities, evening talks and events, as well as recruiting new members, local publicity, nature reserve work parties and membership support.

Our local groups raise the profile of the Trust in their communities and have always been at the core of our Trust's work.

Global governments are coming together once again for COP27 (or the 27th Conference of the Parties) to discuss climate change and the commitments each country will make to adapt and reduce carbon emissions. A year on from COP26 in Glasgow little progress has been made and time is running out to avoid catastrophic global warming.

The Wildlife Trusts want to see the bold rhetoric and ambitions translated into real action this decade to tackle the twin nature and climate crises.