2010 is the United Nations International  Year of Biodiversity (IYB) and the historic preservation of important sites throughout the UK is important for future generations. WHGT hope to promote an awareness of Welsh Historic Parks and Gardens which are an important resource for biodiversity. Although Wales is a small nation it has varied geology and geography and its historic parks and gardens have a wide variety of flora and fauna amongst their cultural and historic treasures.

Biodiversity is the total variety and richness of living organisms found in a place and the natural supporting processes.  Biodiversity can indicate the health status of certain biological systems. Historic parks and gardens provide valuable habitat for many diverse plants and animals.

Biodiversity is often richer in the heritage landscape particularly areas which have remained undisturbed for years. Where the land has not been intensively farmed the impacts of overgrazing and chemical interference has not caused degradation of the site and this allows native species to thrive. 

Biodiversity is essential for health and life. Plants and animals help to regulate and clean the environment as they naturally filter pollution and mitigate weather impacts on our environment such as flood water. Aesthetically biodiversity enhances quality of life and ensures a healthy ecosystem. 

Many park and garden sites provide sustainable habitats for wildlife and plants and these need intelligent management and conservation to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

This years Wales Biodiversity Week is running from Sat 6th - Sun 14th June.

The Welsh Historic Gardens Trust (WHGT) is a Conservation and Heritage Organization set up to protect and conserve  historic garden and park landscapes of Wales. 

WHGT aims to:

• Raise the profile of parks and garden heritage in Wales which make such a rich and varied contribution to our landscape.
• Promote interest and enjoyment in the beauty and diversity of Welsh parks and gardens including the famous and less well known, large and small, formal and picturesque, to the widest audience possible to ensure their survival for future generations.
• Promote the restoration and conservation of threatened parks and gardens which are of special historic interest in Wales.
• Research and document the garden history of Wales, an important element of the historic and cultural identity of the Nation.