Greater Gwent Biodiversity Action Group Glamorgan Biodiversity Advisory Group

Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ Newsletter

Issue 4—Spring May 2011 A Monmouthshire Meadow

Welcome to the fourth issue of Nearly three dec- the Gwent-Glamorgan Record- ades of managing a ers’ Newsletter. species-rich pas- Summer is fast approaching ture. and the sun is (for the mo- Buying a 6 acre species-rich ment) shining. I hope you all pasture on two sides of our made the most of the excep- cottage back in the early tionally hot April and went out 1980s was one of the most recording the new arrivals and rewarding things we have emergents of Spring. It will be done. The pasture is on a interesting to see what effect steep south-facing slope (if any) the early hot weather extending down to a lane in has had on our local wildlife. a side valley of the Wye, This summer, there are plenty south of Monmouth. It is Tortoise beetle © Matt Shardlow of biodiversity blitzes (p11&12) divided by several internal hedges which we have taking place across the region, wall along the lane with the are thriving although Birch so if you fancy sharing your added to and extended, and help of Usk College and and Oak have been se- recording expertise, make sure which have Dogwood Cardiff Conservation Volun- verely damaged by Grey you join in with at least one of (Cornus sanguinea), Spindle teers; and thanks to the old Squirrels (Sciurus carolinen- them! If you feel like brushing (Euonymus europaea), Haw- National Rivers Authority sis). Already there is can- up on your identification skills thorn (Crataegus opy cover with Bluebells of shield bugs, leaf mining dug a small pond in the val- monogyna), Hazel (Corylus (Hyacinthoides nonscriptus) , or rocky shore ley bottom which is fed by avellana) and Holly (Ilex and Moschatel (Adoxa mo- species, please sign up for the spring water. aquifolium). It has some schatellina) expanding training courses on p13. huge veteran Small-leaved The pasture is almost con- across the woodland floor I hope you have a successful Limes (Tilia cordata) around tiguous with the Gwent and we are earmarking recording season; and I look the edge as well as Syca- Wildlife Trust’s Pentwyn Ashes to remove. The dairy forward to seeing the results in mores (Acer pseudoplata- Farm hay meadows and our farm is now a Gwent Wildlife a few months. nus), two Oaks (Quercus northern boundary was ad- Trust reserve (Wyeswood), sp.), Field Maples (Acer jacent to a former arable Rebecca Davies (Editor) and so the fertiliser problem campestre) and Hollies. It and dairy farm. This is no longer an issue. was owned by a local farmer ‘exported’ fertiliser and soil Inside this issue: who grazed young cattle on onto our land; so to try to The pasture supports most A Monmouthshire Meadow 1-2 it and who each year har- control the unwanted enrich- of the plant species found at Pentwyn Farm, albeit much SEWBReC News 3 rowed the pasture. Since ment we planted a small buying it we have tried to copse and fringe of trees on smaller numbers of Spotted Recorders’ Fora 2011 3 maintain grazing by cattle the boundary. We put in Ash (Dactylorhiza sp.) and Counting Crows 4-5 after mid July, and are lucky (Fraxinus excelsior), Cherry Green-veined Orchids Cardiff Ringers 5-6 in that we have a neighbour (Prunus sp.), Small-leaved (Orchis morio) and as yet no Greater Butterfly Orchids Cardiff Garden Wildlife Survey 7 prepared to graze stock on it Lime, Pedunculate Oak when we deem fit. We have (Quercus robur), Field Ma- (Platanthera chlorantha). Explore Nature at St. Fagans 8 also made use of two Ex- ple, Hornbeam (Carpinus The Green-veined Orchids Life Along the Wye 9 moor Ponies owned by the betulus), Aspen (Populus only arrived in 2007 and WBP Priority Habitat Mapping 10 Monmouthshire Meadows tremula) and Silver Birch Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) has also become Biodiversity Blitzes 11-12 Group in recent autumns. (Betula pendula). The new We renovated the old stone copse and a fringe of trees well established in recent Species ID Training Days 13

Issue 4—Spring

A Monmouthshire Meadow (cont…) years. In addition, the pas- started -trapping in (Neomys fodiens). The (Ceriagrion tenellum), ture has at least five spe- 2009 spurred on by Martin pond has attracted Com- White-legged Damselfly cies not found on the GWT Anthoney who did some mon Frogs (Rana tempo- (Platycnemis pennipes), the reserve – abundant Spring sessions here in 2007, we raria), Grass Snakes (Natrix Cuckoo-Bee (Psithyrus Sedge (Carex caryo- have so far recorded 244 natrix), Palmate (Lissotriton campestris) that parasitizes phyllea), Creeping Resthar- species of macros plus a helveticus) and Smooth the Common Carder Bee row (Ononis repens), Bur- smattering of micros – we Newts (Lissotriton vulgaris). (Bombus pascuorum,) inter- net Saxifrage (Pimpinella are working on the latter. Common Toads (Bufo bufo) esting flies such as the Pic- saxifrage), Wild Basil are also present, a healthy ture-wing fly, Notch-horned (Clinopodium vulgare) and Fungi in the pasture are population of Slow Worms Cleg fly and Snipe fly; many Ladies Mantle (Alchemilla beetles - sailor beetles, car- vestita). It also has an in- dinal beetles, a Variable creasing population of Cow- Longhorn Beetle slips (Primula veris) spread (Stenocorus meridianus), over the field. The pasture Garden Chafers, Bracken is of particular value in that Chafers, various leaf bee- when the hay has been cut tles, a lovely green weevil on the GWT reserve there Phyllobius pomaceus, a is still cover and there are nettle weevil, an Assassin still Knapweed (Centaurea Bug, Common Crab Spi- sp.) flowers and other nec- ders (Xysticus cristatus ) tar sources on our pasture and three other spiders in- for butterflies, bumble-bees cluding the scarce X. acer- and other . There is bus. All that in just an hour a good population of False oxlip © Stephanie & Lindsay Tyler or two in one afternoon! It Meadow Browns (Maniola shows just how many inver- jurtina), Gatekeepers tebrates may live in our (Pyronia tithonus), Ringlets excellent with amongst (Anguis fragilis) and the pasture through the year. (Aphantopus hyperantus), many others, Common puff- occasional Common Lizard We have now started on Marbled Whites (Melanargia ball Lycoperdon perlatum, (Zootoca vivipara). hoverflies spurred on by a galathea), Small Coppers Giant Puffballs, Shaggy visit from John Phillips. (Lycaena phlaeas), Com- Parasols, Blushers and nu- The pasture has developed Our list of plants, inverte- mon Blues (Polyommatus merous waxcaps. Sheila some fine Meadow Ant brates and other taxa is icarus), Large Skipper and George Spence identi- (Lasius flavus) mounds and growing each year. How- (Ochlodes sylvanus) and fied six species of waxcap in in 2008 John Harper visited ever, we have a very long Small Skippers (Thymelicus 2006 - Hygrocybe chloro- our pasture and found an way to go before we reach sylvestris) and best of all, a phana (Golden Waxcap), H. uncommon Brown Ant the amazing 2,673 species small remnant population of citrinovirens (Citrine Wax- (Myrmica sulcinoides). He found in a Leicestershire Dingy Skippers (Erynnis cap), H. conica (Witch’s also found eight species of garden by Jennifer Owen tages). Bumble-bees in- Hat), H. pratensis (Meadow slug, six species of snail, over a 30 year period. clude the scarce Brown- Waxcap), H. punicea two species of centipedes banded Carder-bee (Crimson Waxcap) and H. and one millipede, three Stephanie & Lindsay Tyler (Bombus humilis) and Red- virginea var. virginea species of harvestmen and shanked Bumble-bee (Snowy Waxcap). In Sep- no fewer than 21 species of (Bombus ruderarius); in tember 2010 we found Pink spider including the scarce 2010 the recent colonist the Waxcaps (H. calptraeformis) Lepthyphantes cristatus. Sunday 12th June - Mon- Tree Bumble-bee (Bombus for the first time in two differ- mouthshire Meadows hypnorum) was also found. ent areas of the pasture. Buglife then held a meeting Group Open Day. 11am - 5pm. For further details Hornets nested in 2010 at in the pasture in May 2009 go to the base of a veteran Small- Birds and mammals include and added several new www.monmouthshiremea leaved Lime and made the usual suspects with species to our invertebrate dows.co.uk moth-trapping somewhat highlights being Hawfinch list including a Tortoise bee- difficult in September and (Coccothraustes cocco- tle Cassida vibex. Other Page 2 early October as hordes of thraustes), Lesser Spotted invertebrates captured on workers were attracted to Woodpecker (Dendrocopos 30 May 2009 included the trap. Although we only minor) and Water Shrew Small Red Damselfly

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

SEWBReC News

Funding the past year we have the last newsletter in Octo- both Alice and Lindsay for The recession has inevita- been working towards the ber. At the end of March all their hard work at SEW- bly affected our income creation of a combined we sadly said goodbye to BReC and wish them from the public sector in database for all of the re- Alice Britt (Biodiversity In- every success for the fu- recent months, but thank- cords we hold. The inten- formation Assistant). Alice ture. tion is for each of the four undertook the digitisation fully we continue to receive In November 2010, we LRCs to update their own of many valuable data strong support from a welcomed three new direc- records in the master copy sets, and organised a vari- broad range of funders. At tors to the SEWBReC fam- and these changes will ety of events during her present, work is underway ily: Dr Bob Roome, Roger then be ‘replicated’ across time at SEWBReC. You on a Pan-Wales public James, and Richard May. sector funding package for to the other three copies in may still bump into Alice the four Welsh LRCs. This the network. Not only will through her role as Gwent We also have a regular will hopefully put us all in a this enable a more seam- Orchard Project Officer at band of volunteers that stronger financial position less service for our data Gwent Wildlife Trust. undertake invaluable data from April 2012. users (by having access to We also wave a fond fare- entry work (currently Rich- the most up-to-date re- At the local level, we re- well to Lindsay Bamforth ard Carpenter, Louise cords around our borders), cently signed a new 12 (Data & Enquiries Officer) Bebb, and Helen Jenkins). it will help us answer ques- month Data Supply Agree- who will be leaving us to We would like to say a big tions on the national status ment for the supply of GIS move to Scotland. Lind- thank you to the current of the plants and alert layers to Newport City say has played an integral volunteers and to anyone in Wales - is that moth Council. role within the SEWBReC else who has volunteered really new to Wales? team in running the plan- their time in the past. Our ning list searches, co- database (of almost 1.9 ordinating volunteers, or- million records) wouldn’t Joint LRC Wales Data- Staff, Directors & Volun- ganising events, and up- be nearly as impressive base Project teers dating news and events on without their help! The four Welsh LRCs have There have been a num- the website. always had a close work- ber of staff changes since ing relationship, and for We would like to thank SEWBReC Team

Recorders’ Fora 2011 (Theme: Woodland)

Both Recorders’ Fora had recorder, were in the posi- Both days concluded with through the showcasing of excellent turn outs this tion to speak at the 2011 an update on SEWBReC local recording efforts and year, with close to 50 ea- Recorders’ Fora. There from Adam Rowe; and an encourage networking ger attendees at each were also a selection of interesting discussion on (hopefully whilst having an event. Numbers are in- talks from local recorders the relationship between enjoyable time!). If you creasing every year, which and societies including: Local Records Centres would like any further infor- is brilliant to see, showing Clare Williams (Butterfly (such as SEWBReC), local mation on any of the talks how vibrant and enthusias- Conservation Wales), Dr recorders and the NBN given, or would like to give tic the ecological recording Ben Rowson (National Gateway. This was fol- a presentation at the 2012 community is in South Museum Wales), Barry lowed by a slightly muddy fora, please contact SEW- East Wales. This year the Thomas (Glamorgan Fun- walk, around Dare Valley BReC. theme was woodland, to gus Group), and Steve Country Park at the Gla- A big thank you to all the tie in with the ‘International Bolchover (VC35 Re- morgan Recorders’ Forum, Year of Forests 2011’. corder - Coleoptera). and Church Wood & speakers and attendees Springvale Ponds LNR at who made the two Record- Of particular interest was the Gwent Recorders’ Fo- ers’ Meetings the most an informative update from A couple of well known rum. successful yet! Kevin Izzard (Food and names helped to pull in the Environment Research crowds. We were delighted Elaine Wright & Rebecca Agency – FERA), regard- that both Dr George Pe- These events are organ- Davies (SEWBReC) ing the threat posed by terken OBE, a highly re- ised by SEWBReC to en- Phytophthora pathogens spected woodland ecolo- able the local recording (formerly known as Sud- gist and Dr Mary E Gill- community to stay up to Page 3 den Oak Death) to our na- ham MBE, a prolific writer date on current issues, tive trees and shrubs. and well known ecological inform and educate

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Counting Crows local biodiversity records centre. calling is fascinating to listen to, there being so many subtleties The reason for the existence of the to the vocalisation. I’ve heard it roost is Bryn Pica refuse tip, in RCT, said that the various calls can at which most of them forage and convey real meaning to other the counts follow a broad pattern, members of the roost and I can but vary considerably, depending on certainly believe that. weather conditions. The Ravens start flying from 30 to 45 minutes What is the purpose of all those before dawn, so visibility, during the counts? Are there any patterns early stages of the count is usually or trends to be gleaned from the extremely tricky. They often start data? This isn’t really my field, calling around ten minutes before though a glance at the count starting to fly out, then, when the totals for the past ten years re- Raven © Mark Evans time arrives, they leave in groups of veals an annual pattern and a various sizes. It can take anything broad trend. up to an hour for them all to leave, Each year the numbers of birds A Study of Wales’ Second Larg- during which the excitement of indi- using the roost are at their low- est Known Raven Roost. vidual groups leaving the roost is est in the winter months, in- usually punctuated by long periods One morning, back in 2000, while creasing gradually in the spring of inactivity and silence. walking, through the forestry to the and early summer, rapidly in- west of Merthyr, I stopped to take The roost seems to be more prone creasing in the later summer stock of the bird species around to low cloud and hill fog than most of period, before dropping away me, when suddenly around fifty the taller hills around it, which less steeply in the autumn. The Ravens (Corvus corax) flew from makes carrying out a successful late summer peak is caused by one of the conifer blocks. Sus- count a bit hit or miss. Many is the breeding pairs and their young pecting that these may have morning I’ve travelled to the roost in joining the roost, though why the roosted there, I decided to return the dark, only to find it clamped numbers then drop again so at dawn, to check and possibly down with fog or cloud or had cloud rapidly is a bit of a mystery. Why count them. A few days later I did descend while counting and had to a peak not a plateau? just that, though the count was give up and go home. So returning The trend in the number of birds secondary to the excitement and home after a successful count, the using the roost over the ten awe of watching these magnificent feeling is both of pleasure at the ex- years of the counts is generally crows flying out in the pre dawn perience and relief at having com- a downward one, though twilight. Since that time I have pleted it successfully. been counting them monthly, for whether this is a reflection of a my own satisfaction, though the Over the years the patterns of be- similar downward trend in the records are also submitted to the haviour have changed a little. The local population of Ravens is

Blaencanaid Raven Roost. Monthly Counts Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 274 265 215 2001 119 218 No Access. Foot & Mouth Restrictions 146 89 2002 126 132 142 166 325 333 379 310 312 147 105 56 2003 108 102 128 158 199 208 175 199 57 38 51 44 2004 20 72 81 184 192 N/A 179 173 N/A 88 16 23 2005 54 42 62 121 117 170 175 N/A 201 137 105 129 2006 50 N/A 67 74 52 114 203 149 130 143 60 100 2007 58 42 90 74 92 170 N/A 163 158 104 79 46 2008 72 86 84 50 59 139 185 278 368 163 N/A 38 2009 32 79 65 102 97 N/A 88 344 103 162 72 76 2010 N/A 119 87 199 219 188 152 261 196 177 157 50

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Counting Crows (...cont)

Average monthly population count (2000 - 2010)

250

200

150

100

50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec unknown. I am aware whereas there would that into a love. Even feel every time I count that locally, the brood once have been two or having to get up at two ‘my Ravens’. size of Ravens has de- three juveniles. thirty in the morning, in creased and this does the summer months, to seem to be reflected in get to the roost in time, or Mark Evans my own observations of I’ve always had a soft sitting in sub zero condi- family groups in the late spot for Ravens. How- tions in the depths of win- summer peak. Typically ever the experience of ter cannot take away the (Article originally published in there will be two adults counting them monthly thrill and sense of awe I the Merthyr LBAP Newsletter and one juvenile, for ten years has turned ‘Action for Wildlife’, Winter 2011)

Cardiff Ringers

© Cardiff Bird Ringers approach to unravelling morgan, the activities of the mysteries of bird the team have are largely ecology and behaviour by centred on monitoring becoming bird ringers. wetland sites such as Bird ringing has taken Cosmeston Lakes and place in Britain for over Cardiff Bay where we 100 years, and currently have ringed over 1500 there are over 2,500 reg- and 5000 birds respec- istered ringers in the UK. tively. We also have a number of single species Several of the ringers studies running and more operating in Glamorgan recently we have become fall under the guise of the involved with the birds on Cardiff Ringers Flatholm. (www.cardiffringers.blogs pot.com/). All are affili- With funding from the ated with the Bull and Vale of Glamorgan and It almost goes without wanting to learn more Morgan Ringing Partner- the Cardiff Harbour Au- saying that birds are about the species that ship whose members thority we have been able beautiful and interesting they share the planet have processed over creatures and it is not with. Some people ob- 50,000 individual birds of surprising that they at- serve birds from afar with Page 5 185 species in just over tract a great deal of fasci- binoculars while others two decades. Within Gla- nation among people take a more hands-on

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Cardiff Ringers (...cont.) to not only monitor priority Cosmeston. We are hop- species using ringing but ing to expand our knowl- to run a project examining edge of swan movements connectivity between wet- in South Wales, and if land sites in South Wales. you see a ringed swan Through ringing we have please report its ring shown connections be- number to www.ring.ac tween “our” sites of Cardiff (or you can contact us Bay Wetlands Reserve, direct on cardiffring- Cosmeston Lakes, and [email protected] and Cadaxton Ponds, but also we’ll let you know if it is further afield with the one of ours!). Gwent Levels and Kenfig. © Cardiff Bird Ringers Although these connec- tions have been demon- Another of our long term strated by species such as species surveys is based the stables are found, with bird parasites, wad- reed buntings, reed and at the Cardiff Riding and this year the project ing through a reed bed at Cetti’s warblers and even School where we study will be registered with the a water level far exceed- bearded tits, much of our the site’s swallows BTO’s Ringing Adults for ing welly height sur- information has come from through nest recording Survival (RAS) scheme. rounded by buzzing mos- ringing waterfowl, particu- and ringing. Up to 21 quitoes and occasionally We are also heavily in- larly mute swans, 100 of pairs of swallows breed losing said boot. volved in training new which have been ringed at at the site each year pro- ringers. When people Cosmeston to date. Al- ducing upwards of 80 think of becoming bird though it is tempting to young. Most of the adults The negatives of heavy ringers they are often think of these as big, and young at the site are eyelids, wet socks, sore motivated by an interest white, sedentary bread- colour ringed and we now bumps and pecked fin- to learn more about birds eating machines, these have several birds breed- gers are, however, far out and by the obvious joys birds actually move around ing at the site that are weighed by the positives. of observing them at quiet a bit. There is a lot of over 5 years of age – not For those that persevere, close quarters. All too movement between Cos- bad for a species with an the news of long distance often, however, they are meston and sites in Car- average life expectancy movement reports, re- motivated by the often diff, such as Roath Park, of 3 years! We have also capturing an old bird, exaggerated tales of the Cardiff Bay and St Mel- “controlled” swallows studying populations and rate at which rare species lons’ reen system but we ringed in the Cotswolds generally finding out are caught and the rosy have also recorded links and even Spain! This about the lives of birds image of ringing painted with Merthyr Mawr, Taly- year we are expanding are more than worth the by programmes such as garn and even Abbostbury the project to other sites hardships. For more in- Springwatch! But Ringing in Dorset – 95km from within the park in which formation on ringing visit is not for the faint hearted www.bto.org.uk/ and nor is it a pastime volunteer-surveys/ that should be taken on ringing/ lightly. What they don’t bank on is the time it takes to train to become Richard Facey & James a ringer (two years or Vafidis more!) and that ringing can be an activity defined (Cardiff Ringers) as much by exhaustion,

pain and frustration and © GWT as it can by elation, pleasure and fascination! Some of the less pleas- ant tasks it involves in- Page 6 clude; waking at 03:30am © Cardiff Bird Ringers on a work day, dealing

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Stop the Spread!

other stakeholders to high- Dry all equipment and do this on the GB non- light the importance to all clothing - some species native species secretariat recreational and other wa- can live for many days in (GBNNSS) website ter users of taking basic, moist conditions. Make (https:// but effective bio-security secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/ sure you don’t transfer measures to help prevent nonnativespecies/home/ the spread of aquatic inva- water elsewhere. index.cfm) or pass the sive species. You can help record to your local biodi- by following three simple If you do come across an versity records centre. steps: check, clean and invasive species, you dry equipment before should report it. You can Invasive non-native spe- leaving the water. cies can have a damaging impact on British plants, Check your equipment animals and ecosystems. and clothing for live They can spread disease, organisms - particularly in prey on native species and compete with them for areas that are damp food and living space. or hard to inspect.

If you are a water user, Clean and wash all equip- you may unknowingly be ment, footwear and helping to spread invasive clothing thoroughly. species from one water If you do come across any body to another in equip- organisms, leave them at ment, shoes and clothing. The Welsh Assembly Gov- the water body where you ernment has been working found them. with DEFRA, the EA and Azolla filiculoides (water fern) © Crown Copyright 2009. Photo downloaded from GB non-native species secretariat website.

Cardiff Garden Wildlife Survey 2011

The Cardiff Garden Wild- Biodiversity Week and Out Although the project is forms received by the 13th life Survey aims to find out of the Woods in August only being run in Cardiff it December 2011 to be en- about the hidden wildlife in where additional survey is hoped that the results tered into a prize draw to Cardiff. Amongst the sheets will be handed out. will be transferable and win a wildlife gardening roads and buildings of the will lead to a greater un- pack, including a wildlife This is all backed up by a capital city our gardens derstanding of the wildlife gardening book, bird box dedicated web page at are offering food and shel- in our gardens. It is very and feeder. www.cardiff.gov.uk/ ter to some of our most difficult to put a measure biodiversity with a save- We urge anyone living in exciting wildlife. on gardens as a biodiver- able form and identifica- Cardiff to take part in the sity asset but we are hop- It is hoped that this will be tion guides. survey, even if you don’t ing that this will help us the biggest wildlife survey have anything in your gar- The project is a partner- generate some baseline ever carried out in Cardiff. den as all information is ship between Cardiff data and that the survey The main face for the sur- important. Council and the Wildlife can be repeated in the vey is the form printed in Trust of South and West future to get an idea of the May edition of the Wales with funding from how important gardens Capital Times. This will Laura Palmer CCW. The WTSWW will are. © GWT guarantee we reach every (Cardiff Council) be doing the really hard household in Cardiff with a We are also advertising work when the results total distribution of the Wildlife Trust wildlife come in. They will have 155,000 copies. This will gardening website dedicated students from Page 7 be followed up with press www.wildaboutgardens.or Cardiff University to input releases and presence at g, and offering an incen- and process the data. events such as Wales tive for all completed

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Explore Nature at St. Fagans

nature cams in the ‘nature den’ gallery or take part in a series of nature events and activi- ties, run by the Ex- plore Nature facili- tator. The bird hide is a really relaxing place to watch and listen to wood- Funding land birds. It also offers a The Explore Nature at St. great opportunity to take Fagans project is kindly © National Museum Wales photographs of the wide funded by Biffaward & Le- variety of birds that feed all gal and General. Biffaward year around. Despite having hundreds ment of the woodlands, is a multi-million pound en- and thousands of visitors a buildings and farmlands. The bat cam allows visi- vironment fund managed by year, St. Fagans is home As a result, the museum is tors to watch Lesser the Royal Society of Wildlife to some fantastic Welsh home to hundreds of dif- Horseshoe Bats raise their Trusts, which utilises landfill wildlife! ferent plants and animals young during the summer tax credits donated by Biffa including rare Lesser months and is also a use- Waste Services. The fund- It’s not just a place to see Horseshoe Bats and en- ful tool for monitoring the ing for this popular 18 historical buildings and dangered Great Crested bat population. month project comes to an farm animals but also a Newts. This project will end in October 2011 – if really great place to catch provide new facilities to The nature den is a popu- you are interested in sup- a glimpse of some of Brit- enable visitors to see lar addition to the Oriel 1 porting it further please ain’s rare and endangered these otherwise ‘hidden’ gallery. Visitors are able to contact Dan- animals. The new ‘Explore animals as part of their control live nature cam- ielle.cowell@museumwales Nature’ project aims to en- visit. We are very lucky to eras or take part in fun .ac.uk courage and inspire visi- have such fantastic wildlife nature games and activi- tors to explore the natural at St. Fagans and we are ties. By using a touch- history of St. Fagans and committed to protecting it screen, visitors are able to To see the Explore nature their own local wildlife. for us all to enjoy. zoom-in on different bird events listing visit: feeders and focus on the You cannot tell the history www.museumwales.ac.uk/ different woodland birds. of Wales without including en/woodlands/events/ Within the den visitors can the natural history, as the New facilities for spring also pick nature activities To follow wildlife updates two are entwined in our 2011 and trails to explore the on twitter or our blog page everyday lives and tradi- Visitors can walk the wildlife at St. Fagans or in visit: Twitter page twit- tions. The wildlife at St. woodland trail to a bird their own locality. Also ter.com/#!/ Fagans has flourished due hide, watch wildlife on our available are several ac- Nature_StFagans to the traditional manage- tivities to help families en- Museum blog page http:// gage with British wildlife, www.museumwales.ac.uk/ including: nature books, en/blog/?cat=110 identification quizzes, magnifiers, real museum specimens, jigsaws, art activities, finger puppets and a dressing up box. Danielle Cowell (National Museum Wales) In the first 8 months of the project over ten thousand visitors have actively en- gaged in the drop-in ses- sions or nature surveys run by the Explore Nature Facilitator. Events have Page 8 ranged from bat surveys to © National Museum Wales making nest boxes to mini- beast hunting.

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

An extract from ‘Animal Life Along the River Wye’

Extracted from ‘Animal vary con-siderably de- The otter noted on the 24.12.10 was fishing among Life Along the River pending on the state of the the ice floes © Colin Titcombe Wye’. For the full article, tide at the time of the re- please see the SEW- corder's visit. A bird can BReC website. be missing from a stretch of river one minute, only to For my 2010 study I have reappear a few minutes chosen a stretch of the later as the tidal flow Wye at Llandogo. A river is changes. There are also a living corridor, a corridor the changes brought about along which birds and fish by neap-tides and spring- migrate. It is also a habitat tides, and also by flood- of more permanent resi- waters coming down from dence for many animals, the mountainous heartland but one which is relatively of Wales. The high difficult to investigate by spring-tides carry sea- bank — most of the spe- of the year but actual us land-based animals. weeds in from the Severn cies). Terrestrial species sightings were only made The stretch of river to be Estuary and deposit them are also listed if they have in the period from the 5th investigated comprises along the river-bank at been noted along the September to the end of about a mile of varying Llandogo. These same river-bank - i.e. the strip of the year. Most authors depth and substratum. In tides carry the infant trees, shrubs and rank refer to the Otter as being places the river bed is stages of both Eel and growth lying between the nocturnal or mostly noc- pebbly, in others it is Flounder during the tended riverside field and turnal. All of my sightings muddy, a mixture which months of April and May. It the river itself. These spe- in 2010 were made in the ensures a suitable habitat is this ever changing, ever cies may include insects daytime which suggests for a wide range of differ- mobile environment which such as meadow or wood- to me that the Otter of ent species. An additional has provided the following land butterflies, and also today, not being subject element at Llandogo is the records and observations some birds of woodland or to hunting or other forms influence of the tide. Here for 2010. scrub habitats. of human aggression, has we come well within the become diurnal, or at The range of species re- Notable finds include: De- limits of tidal flow and this least, just as much diurnal corded here include those pressed River Mussel provides another ingredi- as it is nocturnal. One best described as sub- (Pseudanodonta com- ent in the study of riverlife other point of interest aquatic (fish and some planata) a Section 42 along this stretch. The tide should be made here. molluscs etc.), aquatic (NERC Act 2006) species, moves both fauna and During my visits to the (some of the birds such as White-legged Damselfly flora up and down the val- Wye this year evidence of Little Grebe) and riverine (Platycnemis pennipes), ley, so presenting an ever- Mink (Mustela vison), ei- (those species spending and Club-tailed Dragonfly changing range of spe- ther sightings or sign, was part of their time in the (Gomphus vulgatissimus). cies. Regular bird counts totally lacking. This would river and part on the river- Section 42 fish include: appear to corroborate Sea Lamprey opinions made elsewhere (Petromyzon marinus), that Otter presence has a Twaite Shad (Alosa fallax), limiting effect on the activi- and Salmon (Salmo salar). ties of Mink. A large number of bird species were also re- corded including King- Colin Titcombe fisher (Alcedo atthis), Dip- per (Cinclus cinclus), Common Sandpiper For the full article with full (Actitis hypoleucos) and species lists, please see reed bunting (Emberiza the SEWBReC website. schoeniclus). Signs (principally foot- prints) of Otter (Lutra luta) Page 9 were noted on many oc- Exuviae of club-tailed dragonfly and (far right) golden- casions during the course ringed dragonfly © Colin Titcombe

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

WBP Priority Habitat Mapping Initiative

Biodiversity Action Planning in Wales habitats in their area. Please con- 2. Urban Ecosystem Group is coordinated and delivered by tact your LBAP partnership to review 3. Wetland Ecosystem Group Wales Biodiversity Partnership the maps.

(WBP) with the considerable efforts The first batch of Priority Biodiversity of national organisations, Local Au- Species Habitats Action Area maps has been thorities, voluntary organisations, A number of species surveys will be produced by the WBP ecosystem recorders and individuals. included in the maps and the WBP groups following work coordinated Species Expert Group will produce The production of Priority Biodiversity by CCW and with the input of habitat actions for those species not covered Habitats Action Area maps are part of and species experts drawn for the in the priority habitat mapping exer- this process and will be completed for biodiversity community at national cise. all terrestrial ecosystems which con- and local level. A synopsis of each sist of: Uplands; Lowland Grassland habitat and the associated priority and Heathland; Coastal; Enclosed species is also available with the You can view progress of the WBP Farmland; Woodland; Urban; Wet- maps. Biodiversity Action Planning process land; Freshwater. The Marine eco- and progress to date on the Wales system will also produce a priority 1. Upland Ecosystem Group Biodiversity Partnership website: assessment of marine habitats and 2. Lowland Grassland & Heath- www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/ species. These maps will be used to land Ecosystem Group bap_in_wales-27.aspx inform and plan biodiversity action 3. Coastal Group across Wales and assist in identifying 4. Enclosed Farmland Group Sean McHugh (WBP) potential partnership projects

Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) The second batch will cover the fol- Partnerships and WBP partner mem- lowing priorities: bers will now have access to GIS- compatible maps relating to priority 1. Woodland Ecosystem Group

Wildlife Sightings

Spring highlights from Brynna May. 14/05/11: Violet oil beetles Woods (Wildlife Trust Reserve): (male and female). In May, com- mon blue damselfly, and 2 large Birds: red damselfly flying in tandem 19/4/11: Barn owl—very visible (mating?) in my garden in Brynna. above Brynna street lights and alarm call (shreee shhreee) heard over Brynna Woods frequently. Flowering plants: 20/4/11: 2 house martins (seen Three cornered leek - consid- most days). Great spotted wood- ered a pest in the Scilly Isles! pecker occasionally feeding on Balm (lemon) and Welsh poppy, peanuts in my garden but 3 weeks both possible garden escapes. In in April very busy about 100m from April, lots of lesser celandine, my house (possible nest hole). wood anemone and masses of A First for Wales! 14/05/11: swift. native bluebells. Marsh mari- gold in flower alongside Ewenny This uninspiring looking moth - a proper Invertebrates: Fach river on the 14th May. 'little brown job' was trapped on the 6th April & May: Brimstone, orange May in my garden in Llanishen, Cardiff. tip, speckled wood, large cab- On close examination, it proved to be bage white have all been active in Mark Steer atriplicella, a species that the second half of April and into feeds on Oraches but that has not pre- viously been recorded from Wales. Editors note: The three cornered leek (Allium triquetrum) is indeed Given that these are an easily over- highly invasive. In 2010, it was included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife looked (or ignored) group of , it is & Countryside Act which prohibits the planting or growing in the wild of unlikely that this record represents a genuine change in this species' distri- any plants listed. bution, but instead highlights the lack of Records of non-native species are just as important as native species, recording of LBJs! so please make sure you share such records as they are invaluable in David Slade (VC41 Recorder) mapping the spread of these invaders across the country.

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Biodiversity Blitzes 2011

Biodiversity Blitzes are now regular events in the SEWBReC calendar. The aim is to gather as many recorders together at one location, and to record as many different species as possible within a set time period. These events are free and open to all recorders.

Penhow Woodlands (Coed Wen) NNR & SSSI Saturday 9th July 2011 10am - 4pm Penhow Woodlands is made up of two separate areas of woodland. On the day we will be concentrating on the most westerly region (Coed Wen) which CCW cur- rently manage. The habitat is largely semi-natural an- cient woodland located on steep limestone hills, and the woodlands have been designated as both a NNR and SSSI. The woodland is dominated by tree species such as lime, ash, elm, wild cherry, and field maple; whilst the ground flora is particularly rich with na- tionally rare species such as Tintern spurge (Euphorbia stricta), green hellebore (Helleborus viridis), bird’s nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) and the native wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). Very few records exist for other taxonomic groups so please join us on the day and help increase our spe- cies knowledge of the reserve.

Wenvoe Orchid Fields Saturday 30th July 2011 10am - 4pm SEWBReC and Wenvoe Wildlife Group are pleased to announce a Biodiversity Blitz Day will be held at Wen- voe Orchid Fields and the adjacent Whitehall Quarry site. The site comprises unimproved grassland, wood- land edge habitat and a former quarry site which is generally closed to public access. The site has a vari- ety of interesting flora and fauna, including 6 varieties of orchid. Wenvoe Wildlife Group are eager for more species to be identified in order to aid their manage- ment efforts; please come along and lend a hand!

Booking is essential for both events. Please register your interest with SEWBReC so that we can send you further details of the day closer to the time. Page 11

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

More Biodiversity Blitzes...

Blaenavon World Heritage Site (Keeper's Pond, Blaenavon, NGR: SO32542107) Friday 3rd June 2011, 10am - 3pm

It’s national Volunteers’ Week, so why not come and help us record as much wildlife as possible in this stunning area? No previous experience needed. Learn how to identify wildlife by working with naturalists, and find out about volunteering and training opportunities in the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership.

The event is free but booking is essential. For further information, please contact Sarah Lewis (Forgotten Landscapes Partnership) on 01495 742333.

Rogiet Countryside Park (NGR: ST459874) Saturday 4rd June 2011, 10am - 1pm

Rogiet Countryside Park is a brownfield site located by the Railway Sidings near the Severn Tunnel Junction. Re- cently saved from the threat of development, it is host to a range of interesting plants and insects. The aim of the day is to gather information on the wildlife found on the site. It will also offer a learning opportunity for those who wish to develop their wildlife identification skills. Directions: Take the B4245 from Magor or Caldicot. Turn into Sta- tion Road and the village of Rogiet. Drive through the village, over the railway bridge and pull into the car park on your right. Please wear clothing suitable for the weather. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own refreshments and water.

For further information, please contact Gabi Horup: email [email protected] or tel: 01600 740600.

Selar Nature Reserve, Celtic Energy Selar Opencast Coal Site, nr Blaengwrach (NGR: SN874044) Friday 1st July 2011, start time to be confirmed

Booking is essential as the site is currently still worked by Celtic Energy and you will need to be transported across the active mining site to get to the Nature Reserve. The Reserve itself includes the translocated fields from the original Selar SSSI that was moved prior to the start of mining back in the early 1990s. The site supports a wide variety of habitats including acid grasslands, neutral grasslands, marshy grasslands, wet and dry heath, steep wooded gorges and old coal spoil tips. Any records from the day will be actively used by the company to inform their current management commitments for the site. This site is under-recorded especially in relation to species due to the difficulty in accessing it.

For all queries and booking contact Rebecca Sharp: email [email protected] or tel: 01639 686149.

Cefn Cilsanws and Dan-y-Darren Quarry (Merthyr Golf Club Car Park, NGR: SO031085) Saturday 2nd July 2011, 10am start

The site includes bracken slopes with scattered trees, dry heathlands dominated by ling heather, acid grasslands, grass heaths, calcareous grassland and calcareous scrub, acid flushes, wet heathlands, mixed scrub, western gorse scrub, scree, small rocky outcrops and limestone cliffs and quarry. Neighbouring the blitz area is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), where noteworthy plant species include bog asphodel and round- leaved sundew; and notable bird species include stonechat, skylark, redstart, and nightjar. The Blitz site includes Darren Fawr Nature Reserve (Brecknock Wildlife Trust), www.brecknockwildlifetrust.org.uk/darren-fawr.html. Dan- y-Darren Quarry is home to the exceptionally rare Ley’s Whitebeam (Sorbus leyana), found nowhere else in the world.

Meet in the Merthyr Golf Club car park at 10am: Merthyr Golf Club, Cloth Hall Lane, Cefn Coed y Cymmer, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2NT. Directions: From the A470, exit onto the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, heading east (towards Abergavenny). Take the first left signposted Cefn Coed y Cymmer and cross over the junction at the top of the slip-road. Take the first left up Cloth Hall Lane, following the Golf Course sign, and go to the top.

For further information and to confirm your attendance, please contact Phil Ward at BIS: email phil@b-i- s.org or tel: 01874 610881.

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

Species ID Training Days

These events are free but booking is essential as spaces are limited. Please complete the form (available to download at www.sewbrec.org.uk/news.page or contact the SEWBReC office for a paper copy), and return it to SEWBReC BEFORE the 10th June. Places on the courses will then be allocated by a random selection process. Introduction to Rocky Shores Date: 13 August 2011, 9.15 am - c.4.00 pm Location: Mumbles Yacht Club, Swansea (morning - classroom), and then a short walk around to Bracelet Bay, Gower (afternoon - shore) Trainer: Judith Oakley (VC 41 Recorder) Level: Beginner The morning classroom session will include an introduction to the identification of major groups of intertidal animals and the more ‘common’ seaweed species. The rest of the day will be spent on the shore where you will be able to observe rocky shore species. Please note that some walking over uneven and wet terrain will be required. © Dave Slade Available places: 15

Leaf Mining Lepidoptera Date: 01 October 2011, 10 am - 4 pm Location: Dare Valley Country Park, Rhondda Cynon Taf Trainer: David Slade (VC 41 Recorder) Level: Beginner The course will begin with an introduction to recognising and identifying leaf mines. You will also learn how to distinguish Lepidoptera mines from other orders. Please note that the day will be spent entirely in the field. Available places: 10

© Dave Slade

Shield bugs - In association with Department of Biodiversity: Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales Date: 05 November 2011, 10 am - 4 pm Location: National Museum Wales (NMW), Cardiff Trainer: Dr Mike Wilson (NMW) Level: Beginner The workshop will include a brief introduction to the key features of Heteroptera, followed by a class on identifying shield bugs using museum specimens and keys. The day may involve some microscope/hand lens work, and will be spent entirely in the classroom. Available places: 15 © D. Read

Issue 4—Spring May 2011

The Back Page!

BBC Wildlife ‘Wildlife to Work’ Survey

There are many opportunities for recording wildlife without having to disrupt your daily routine. The BBC Wildlife Magazine want to Go Wild! - Fun days out with a Wildlife Twist know what their readers see on their daily Wildlife-themed public events across Wales: 4th- 12th commutes and errands. They would like you June. Join thousands of people and be inspired by to record all the wildlife that you see on your Welsh wildlife! regular commute or other daily journey be- Wales Biodiversity Week celebrates all things wild in tween Monday 6th June to Friday 10th June Wales and invites you to join in the fun. Coordinated by 2011. Send your results to BBC Wildlife Wales Biodiversity Partnership, events take place Magazine, 8th Floor, Tower House, Fairfax throughout Wales each day of Biodiversity Week includ- Street, Bristol; or send an email ing guided wildlife walks, boat trips on the high seas, ([email protected]); or fill in green fairs, hands on activities and advice and encour- the online form www.discoverwildlife.com/ agement from local experts. Suitable for all ages, events are a great way to learn about the natural environment wildlife-to-work. They would like to receive on your doorstep and its importance to our wellbeing. your results before the 30 June 2011, as they will be publishing the results in a special re- With over 70 events to choose from, there’s something to suit all ages and levels of interest. All events are open to port in the autumn. the public, ranging from a couple of hours to all day and the vast majority are free. Biodiversity Audit - Two of the larger events cater for a diverse audience and Garw Valley Cycle Route, Bridgend are perfect for a family day out - ‘Botanical Beats’ (5th Thursday 9th June 2011 June) takes place annually at Treborth Botanical Gar- dens; Jackie Read, coordinator commented, "Botanical The event will comprise a nature walk and Beats is a one off. We use wildlife and arts activities, audit to develop general baseline knowledge within our beautiful garden environment and washed by of the cycle route (covering all species). Meet live music from local bands, to promote and provide ac- at Bryngarw House car park at 10am. The cess to the natural world." The ever popular ‘Go Wild!’ day will be spent walking the cycle route to event, this year in Pontllanfraith (11th June) features the top at Blaengarw whilst recording habitats local wildlife and offers practical advice on the measures and species. Please wear suitable clothing, people can undertake at home to conserve and enhance and bring your own lunch and drinks as re- the natural environment. Maggie Iles, ‘Go Wild’ coordina- freshments are not provided. tor added, “Go Wild! is a fantastic, free family day out, showcasing the fabulous wildlife of the Valleys”. For further information, please contact Wendy Mackay: Tel: 01656 727800 or Email: [email protected] To locate events in your part of Wales simply click on www.biodiversitywales.org.uk and follow the ‘Wales Biodiversity Week’ link. Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ Newsletter

Contact: A big thank you to all those who have contributed to this SEWBReC 13 St Andrews Crescent newsletter! But, thinking ahead to the next issue, we want Cardiff more articles from Recorders – it could be just a list of species CF10 3DB you have recently recorded, or an update of where you have been surveying in the last year. This is an opportunity to plug Telephone: 029 20 64 1110 your favourite recording location, to raise awareness of the Fax: 029 20 38 7354 E-mail: [email protected] species that you record, and to communicate to a wide range Web: www.sewbrec.org.uk of individuals about your hard work! Search for ‘South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre’ on Facebook