Greater Gwent Biodiversity Action Group Glamorgan Biodiversity Advisory Group

Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ Newsletter

Issue 1 October 2008 Recorders’ Forum Meetings

Welcome to the 1st Issue The Glamorgan meeting individual to represent Re- Project), Kerry Rogers of the joint Gwent- took place on Saturday 26th corders at the Glamorgan (Otter Spotting in Gwent), January. Adam Rowe Biodiversity Advisory Group Rebecca Price (Gwent’s Glamorgan Recorder’s started proceedings with a (GlamBAG). To date, no Living Churchyards), Newsletter. SEWBReC update. Further representatives have come Camilla Smith (RSPB presentations were heard by forward. If you think you Heads of the Valleys Lap- Historically a Recorders’ Ray Woods’ (The State of could fulfil one or both these wing Project), Kate Stinch- newsletter has not been pro- Biological recording in roles, please contact SEW- combe (Wildlife Sites/ duced for the Glamorgan Wales: a personal view); BReC. SINCs in Monmouthshire), Dan Forman (Mustelids in and Trevor Evans (Flora of area, but at the last Gwent ——————————- Glamorgan); Greg Jones Monmouthshire). Colin and Glamorgan Recorders’ (Myriapods and Isopods in The Gwent event took place Titcombe ended the pres- Forum Days we discussed Glamorgan); Colin Chees- on Saturday 26th February. entations by giving a fasci- and agreed that we would man (Heads of the Valleys Once again Adam Rowe nating talk entitled produce the first joint Gwent- Lapwing Project); and Judith started proceedings with a ‘Conservation in Gwent: A Glamorgan newsletter in Oakley (Seashore Sight- SEWBReC update. The Personal View’. Colin con- ings). A thought provoking keynote speech was pro- cluded his talk with a quote 2008. presentation was given by vided by Prof. Steve Or- from Ian Stewart that it We hope you find it an inter- Dr Hefin Jones from Cardiff merod from Cardiff Univer- isn’t the planet we need to University (Climate Change: sity ‘Climate change and look after, it’s ourselves. esting read. If you have any the implications for Wales & Welsh rivers: hot gossip or The planet will be here comments or suggestions, its biodiversity). Dr Jones sound science?’ Prof. Or- long after our species has please do not hesitate to get discussed the implications merod concluded that stud- gone! of increased climate tem- ies show that there are clear in contact. Full minutes of the day peratures for Wales, and effects on Welsh rivers from emphasized the importance have already been circu- climate change and that ad- lated and are available for recording species in the aptations, resilience and Inside this issue: from our website, but if you field in order to study the resistance are still poorly effects of climatic changes. would like to receive a SEWBReC News 2 understood. Further presen- copy please contact SEW- We also had a discussion tations were heard from on finding a representative BReC. Biodiversity Blitz Days 4 Dave Cooksey (Blaenau of the Glamorgan Recorders Gwent Dipper & Grey Wag- to sit on the SEWBReC tail Project), Sorrel Jones Lapwing Monitoring 6 Rebecca Davies, Board of Directors, and an (South Wales Dormouse SEWBReC Ghost Hunters Wanted 7 Mapping Madness in Glamorgan 8 Recorders’ Forum Meetings 2009 Gwent Water Voles 11 The 7th Glamorgan Re- take place at the University quests/suggestions for Valleys Bats & Cardiff Bay Pips 12 corders’ Forum meeting of Wales College Newport, items to be included; or will take place at the Caerleon Campus on Sat- would like to give a short Aphids 13 Best Western Heronston urday 7th February 2009. talk on your recording work Hotel, Ewenny, Bridgend or project please contact The meetings are free and The South Wales Mammal Atlas 13 on Saturday 31st Janu- SEWBReC as soon as open to all interested par- ary 2009. possible. Gwent Living Churchyards 14 ties. Detailed programmes The 9th Gwent Record- will be distributed shortly Rebecca Davies, Wildlife Sightings 16 ers’ Forum meeting will but if you have any re- SEWBReC

Issue 1 SEWBReC NEWS October 2008

SLA/Funding

We currently have SLAs Greater Gwent area; but Trunk Road Agency, and crease our staff compli- with 8 out of the 12 Local unfortunately there are still Gwent Wildlife Trust. ment and in turn improve Authorities in our area. large gaps in Glamorgan. our support to recording Our supply of data prod- Discussions have taken groups. We also continue to re- ucts and services to com- place with two of the re- ceive support from several mercial bodies also goes maining four local authori- other bodies such as from strength to strength, ties, and we remain opti- SEWBReC Staff Countryside Council for and we continue to ex- mistic that we will have Wales, Forestry Commis- ceed our targets each agreements in place in the sion Wales, Welsh As- month. near future. We therefore sembly Government De- almost have complete It is thanks in part to this partment of Economy and coverage of SLAs with increasing support that we Transport, South Wales Local Authorities in the have been able to in-

Say hello...wave goodbye

At the end of August, we promoted to lead on the plan- the Wildfowl and Wetlands Warwickshire Wildlife Trust waved goodbye to our Data & ning application searches, Trust in Llanelli, and has also one day a week, working with Enquiries Officer, Rebecca updating the SEWBReC web- assisted on the Channel 4 their planning and marketing Johnson. Rebecca started site, and co-ordinating volun- programme ‘Wild Thing I Love departments. with us in 2006 to work on the teers. You’ on bat mitigation in We are also pleased to have CCW data mobilization con- South Wales. Our new recruits taking on the been joined by Lloyd Davies tract, and was then promoted mammoth task of mobilizing After completing a BSc in on a part time student place- to lead on planning application the CCW data and other du- Countryside Management at ment for the next ten months. searches and the SEWBReC ties are Alice Britt and Elaine Aberystwyth University in His work will initially be fo- website. Rebecca has now Wright. 2004, Elaine went on to work cused on data input, but his moved on to work for an eco- for HSBC, initially as a cus- role will expand into other logical consultancy in Oxford- Alice recently graduated from tomer service representative, areas during his time at SEW- shire. We wish her well in her Sussex University with a MSc before being promoted to an BReC. new role. in Biodiversity Survey. Alice internal auditor. Alongside has previously volunteered at SEWBReC Staff Lindsay Bamforth has been this, Elaine volunteered at the

The four Welsh LRCs go to the Royal Welsh Show

Following the launch of the onstrated services we Janet Imlach network of the Local Re- could offer farmers and (BIS cords Centres Wales in other landowners with a (Biodiversity Cardiff last November, we laptop demonstration of the Information felt we would like to pro- distribution of species re- Service for mote and publicise the cords held by the four Powys and work of the LRCs further at LRC’s. The stand was Brecon Bea- the Royal Welsh Show in manned each day by a dif- cons National July. We were hosted by ferent combination of mem- Park) Man- the Wales Environmental bers of staff from the four ager) Compact whose tent was LRC’s. © BIS situated in the 'countryside' Thanks goes to Cofnod for section of the show. Our the Farmland species re- Above l-r: Dave Cope (BIS), Adam Rowe display aimed to encourage cording cards, SEWBReC (SEWBReC), Janet Imlach (BIS), Rob Davies recording wildlife in the for the general design and (WWBIC). LRC Wales stand at Royal Welsh Show countryside with all-Wales materials for the display recording cards showing 6 stand, and WWBIC for the BAP species often found Page 2 laptop demonstration. on farmland, including hare and lapwing. We also dem-

SEWBReC’s Data Issue 1

One million records and still counting...

The SEWBReC database Society with 20,000 records SEWBReC would passed the 1,000,000 record from 2007. Other major mark on the 8th January 2008 changes in the data holdings like to say a big with thanks to another set of come from the continued data thank you to all the bryophyte data from Sam mobilisation project with CCW, Bosanquet. The species in which is responsible for around recorders, question was a bryophyte re- 30,000 records being entered individuals, groups corded by Sam Bosanquet: San- this year. and organisations ionia uncinata (sickle-leaved hook-moss). It was spotted on Other major additions to the that have database in the last 12 months waste ground in Abersychan. contributed data to Sam notes that, "Sanionia unci- come from the Glamorgan Bird nata is usually found in spe- Club, Cardiff County Council, SEWBReC – without cies-rich limestone grassland, Sanionia uncinata (Sickle-leaved Hook-moss) and the Gwent Fungus Group. your invaluable data on montane crags, or in willow Once again, many thanks to and co-operation, carr, so its presence on an area The database now contains everyone that has submitted of disturbed roadside turf was over 1.1 million records. Of records to us over the past SEWBReC would remarkable. There are a reason- the 150,000 records that have year. not exist. able number of records of it from been added since January, a north-west Gwent, but all from significant proportion come David Slade, SEWBReC natural habitats." from Gwent Ornithological

Top 10 Species Charts—Gwent (VC35)

The top ten Rank Common Name Species Records is the most recorded insect at Monmouthshire Bat Survey most recorded 1 Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus 1660 26. data, which has lots of records species in the 2 Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odora- 1517 for very precise grid references county is now The other table shows the num- thanks to the recording method. looking much 3 Common Bent Agrostis capillaris 1406 ber of distinct grid references more ‘as ex- 4 Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata 1339 Rank Common Name Species Sites that each spe- pected’, being 5 Red Fescue Festuca rubra 1294 1 Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus 1090 dominated cies has been 2 Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 1010 6 Common Bird's-foot- Lotus corniculatus 1258 recorded from, now by the 3 Common Bent Agrostis capillaris 946 which gives a commonest 7 Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra 1218 4 Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum 939 better idea of plant species. 8 White Clover Trifolium repens 1201 5 Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata 836 That said, the truly wide- 9 Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris 1160 spread species 6 Common Bird's-foot- Lotus corniculatus 809 there are still trefoil 10 Red Clover Trifolium pratense 1139 in the area. some anoma- 7 White Clover Trifolium repens 806 lies in that Common Pipis- trelle comes in 8 Red Fescue Festuca rubra 804 Lesser Horseshoe Bat is the ing up significantly, with Mallard 9 Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra 771 most recorded mammal at num- also making it into the top 20 at at Number 2 10 Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris 771 ber 20 in the list. Birds are mov- number 16, and Meadow Brown thanks to the

Top 10 Species Charts—Glamorgan (VC41)

Turning our attention to Gla- Plants only morgan, and it is no surprise make it into Rank Common Name Species Sites that the top the second 1 Blackbird Turdus merula 1696 2 Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. 1691 ten is still Rank Common Name Species Records table, indicat- 3 Yorkshire-fog Holcus lanatus 1605 dominated 1 Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba 6525 ing the num- by moths ber of distinct 4 Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata 1490 2 Light Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas postvittana 5409 and birds, grid refer- 5 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 1478 thanks to 3 Silver Y Autographa gamma 5071 ences that 6 Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 1420 the contin- 4 Heart and Dart Agrotis exclamationis 4886 the species 7 Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum 1379 5 Blackbird Turdus merula 4721 ued efforts has been 8 Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus repens 1359 6 Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata 4479 of the Map- recorded 9 Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina 1358 7 Flame Shoulder Ochropleura plecta 4242 Mate users from. 8 Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha 4072 10 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 1333 in the 9 European Robin Erithacus rubecula 4015 county. 10 Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus 3980 Page 3 David Slade, SEWBReC

Issue 1

Biodiversity Blitz Day: Aberbargoed Grasslands

The 2008 Gwent Biodiver- sity Blitz day took place at The scrubby heath-like Aberbargoed Grasslands sections were home to on the 2nd of August, with species such as heather a moth trapping session (Calluna vulgaris), west- conducted that evening. ern gorse (Ulex gallii) and A bat recording session cross-leaved heath (Erica was also run over the tetralix). The heath spot- weekend. An impressive ted orchid (Dactylorhiza 480 species were re- maculata) was also re- corded on the day, of corded, as were several which just under 400 are acid-loving Sphagnam new to our database for mosses and the heath the site, which is a fantas- wood rush Luzula multi- tic outcome of the event. flora. The much wetter Of the total, 190 species marshy grasslands were © Lindsay Bamforth were vascular plants. filled with moisture loving plants including several west, was found on stones observed. These are an

sedge (Carex) and rush in streams on the site. important larval food Aberbargoed Grasslands (Juncus) species. A com- The other major habitat source to many caterpil- is a Site of Special Scien- mon frog (Rana tempo- type on the site was lars, including the small tific Interest (SSSI) and raria) was also found in scrubby woodland, within phoenix (Ecliptopera si- was also designated a the marshy areas. Azure which several species of laceata), four adults of Special Area of Conserva- damselflies (Coenagrion lichen were recorded, in- which were caught during tion (SAC) in 2006 for the puella) and a newly cluding the infrequent spe- the evening moth trapping large population of marsh emerged female broad- cies Gyalideopsis anasto- session. In total, almost fritillary butterflies and its bodied chaser (Libellula mosans and also Le- 80 species of butterflies purple moor grass and depressa) were some of canora chlarotera, which and moths were captured rush pasture. Other habi- the Odonata observed, as is a lichen found in unpol- or observed during either tats include damp acidic well as some fresh water luted areas. Several of the day or evening ses- meadows, bracken- copepods and water bee- the trees were important sion, including the least invaded grassland and a tles such as Helophorus habitats for these epi- yellow underwing (Noctua small area of woodland, dorsalis, which were found phytic species, as well as interjecta) and the triple- as well as ditches and in a mixture of permanent several mosses, including spotted clay (Xestia ditra- ponds. This diverse envi- and semi-permanent Orthotrichum lyellii, which pezium). ronment led to a wide and ponds. The gold spot was found growing on a varied species list, one of moth Plusia festucae also grey willow (Salix cine- Many thanks to Caerphilly which, pignut favours these marshy re- rea). The parasitic honey County Borough Council (Conopodium majus), indi- gions. The lichen Verru- fungus (Armillaria mellea), for their help in organising cates the site is a long caria rheitrophila, which is a species capable of this event. The buffet established grassland. a species infrequent in the achieving enormous lunch, seats and shelter mass, was found on a from the hot August sun beech tree (Fagus sp.). were particularly welcome! Three spikes of broad- Thanks must also go to all leaved helleborine the recorders that at- (Epipactis helleborine) tended the event, and to was a notable find in one those that have submitted of the woodland strips, as records. A full species list was the observation of a will be available from our bullfinch (Pyrrhula website. pyrrhula) which is a prior- ity species in the UK Bio- diversity Action Plan. Alice Britt, SEWBReC

Throughout the site, sev- Page 4 eral willowherb © Melanie Sutherland, Caerphilly County Borough Council (Epilobium) species were

Issue 1

Biodiversity Blitz Days: Slade Farm

red-listed by the RSPB, Heritage Coast Project for because it has seen se- providing shelter from the vere declines in recent weather, and much years, as is the song needed cups of tea; and thrush (Turdus philo- also to the farmer, Peter melos) which was also Davies and his family, for recorded. In addition, a their warm welcome and green woodpecker (Picus hospitality on the day. We viridis) was heard calling would also like to offer our from the farm house, and congratulations to Peter several migrant species for his recent achievement were observed including in becoming the first win- wheatears (Oenanthe oe- ner of the Nature of Farm- © Richard Smith nanthe), swallows ing Award. He was one of (Hirundo rustica) and sand four short-listed finalists, The 2008 Glamorgan Bio- grazing amongst some of martins (Riparia riparia). and ultimately gained 36% diversity Blitz took place at these lichens. The lime- A flock of around 30 Ca- of the vote in the competi- Slade Farm and the sur- stone walls within the site nadian geese (Branta tion, run by RSPB and rounding area of South- were also valuable habi- canadensis) was also Countryfile Magazine and erndown on the 16th Au- tats for many calcicole noted feeding in a stubble backed by Butterfly Con- gust 2008. Despite the species, such as Le- field. servation and Plantlife. appalling weather, there canora crenulata, a lichen were 19 attendees and more common in south- over 340 species were east Britain. Cwm-y- recorded on the day. Buarth situated towards Around 200 of these were the south of the survey new records for our data- area, had some stunted base. Of the 340 or so oaks (Quercus spp) cov- species, 140 were vascu- ered in galls from the lar plants from a good wasps Andricus kollari mixture of woodland, and Neuroterus numis- grassland, and semi- malis. A slow worm aquatic habitats. (Anguis fragilis), was also found to have made its Slade Farm is an award home under a pile of winning organic pastoral stones in this area. farm situated on the Welsh Heritage Coast, The Nant-y-Durfol stream © Lindsay Bamforth and includes a variety of cuts through the site, pro- key wildlife habitats. viding wetter habitats for Black Rocks, Ogmore Thanks must also go to all Slade Wood, in the north- species such as floating Judith Oakley provided us the recorders that braved ern part of the survey sweet grass (Glyceria flui- with additional records the weather, and to those area, consisted of a mix- tans), yellow iris (Iris from Black Rocks that have submitted re- ture of tree species, in- pseudacorus) and water (Ogmore), just west of the cords. A full species list cluding English elm mint (Mentha aquatica). survey site. This area will be available from our (Ulmus procera). Many of Many species of mollusc consists of a rocky shore, website. the trees themselves, were recorded on the day, and comprises several such as horse chestnut a number of which were rock pools. This resulted (Aesculus hippocastanum) found near the stream, in an additional 26 records Alice Britt, SEWBReC and beech (Fagus sylva- such as Carychium mini- to the species list, and tica), are important habi- mum. included species such as tats to the c. 50 lichen Several bird species were the lesser spotted dog fish species recorded, one of observed, one notable (Scyliorhinus caniculus) which is potentially a pre- sighting was that of a bull- and the appropriately viously undescribed spe- finch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), named gutweed (Ulva cies (to be confirmed). Page 5 which is a priority species intestinalis). The tree slug (Lehmannia in the UK Biodiversity Ac- marginata) was found Many thanks go to the tion Plan. This bird is also

Issue 1

2008 Heads of the Valleys Lapwing Project - Monitoring Update

• High spring and summer rainfall in both 2007 and 2008 may increase chick mortality rates, as hypothermia can be a problem if there are not enough warm, sunny days for chicks to dry off.

• 30% of lapwing breeding sites surveyed in 2008 are allocated for development in the next few years, and are likely to be lost as breeding ground. The RSPB Heads of the Valleys Lapwing Project aims to address as many of these problems as possible, by working with land owners to manage individual sites and/or create alternative breeding © Camilla Smith, RSPB sites, and to raise awareness of issues affecting lapwing by working with the Wales Assembly Gov- Monitoring of lapwing breeding sites in the Heads ernment, local authorities and local wildlife con- of the Valleys has continued in 2008. With the servation organisations. help of volunteer surveyors, 33 sites across Blae- nau Gwent, Torfaen, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff were monitored. This year a total of 62 breeding pairs were recorded on 15 sites. This is almost double last year’s estimate of 29 pairs. However, data was missing from sev- eral key sites last year, so the 2008 figure proba- bly reflects a more accurate baseline population estimate, rather than an increase in numbers of pairs. The productivity, or number of well-grown or fledged chicks, was estimated at 0.16 chicks/pair. Although this figure is difficult to estimate, due to the difficulty of spotting chicks in the field, this is © Camilla Smith, RSPB well below the average of 0.7 chicks/pair required to maintain a stable breeding population. This figure was very similar in 2007, and therefore I would like to thank everyone who took part in overall the current long-term prospects for the this year’s monitoring, and if anyone is interested population do not look optimistic… in getting involved with next year’s monitoring, or would like to report any sightings of lapwing in the Several factors limit productivity in lapwing in the area, please do get in contact. Heads of the Valleys area:

• Poor habitat condition: overgrazing or lack of vegetation management and lack of wet areas Camilla Smith, RSPB Heads of the Valleys Lap- for feeding, reduces availability of breeding wing Project Officer sites. (Email: [email protected]. Tel: 01495 • Disturbance by off-road bike activity: lapwing 355826) and illegal scrambler bikes often select the

same sites for short vegetation and open as- pect. Page 6 • Natural predation by crows, magpies, gulls, birds of prey and foxes.

Issue 1

GHOST HUNTERS WANTED

It should come as no surprise that the light, disappearing rapidly species. The contact details (and a typical urban garden in the back into the ground. a handy ID guide) are available SEWBReC area is home to sev- from the website address below. Despite being elusive, the Ghost eral species of slug. The latest Slug is very distinctive when http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/ addition to the 30 or so species found. The bright white colour of rhagor/article/?article_id=193 known from Britain is the Ghost the body, two faint grooves on the Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda). back, and a small breathing hole This bizarre animal is now known at the tip of the tail distinguish it from a number of sites in South from all other British species. Ba- Wales, including gardens in cen- Ben Rowson (Research Assistant bies are a few millimetres long, tral Cardiff, Caerphilly and Gorsei- (Mollusca), National Museum of but an adult Ghost Slug can reach non. The species probably arrived Wales. Email: eight or more centimetres in in Britain as a stowaway in im- [email protected] length when extended. ported soil or compost, perhaps around the roots of plants. To find out whether the species is spreading, we’re asking to hear of The Ghost Slug is almost as mys- any Ghost Slug sightings. One terious as the name suggests. important point: to make your slug This blind, carnivorous species records count, they need to be spends almost its entire life under- backed up with a specimen or ground, feeding on earthworms. photograph. Nearly all gardens They are most likely to be seen harbour the small, off-white or after heavy rain floods them out, grey Field Slug (Deroceras reticu- or when lifting slabs, containers or latum) and some “Ghost Slug” re- potting trays standing on soil. Like cords have turned out to be this many other soil animals they avoid

Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) © National Museum Wales/ James Turner Page 7

Issue 1

Mapping Madness in Glamorgan

Whenever a new species Compare distribution map the county, if not the UK. noticed the feeding damage colonises an area it gener- 0284 with that of the Fire- However when I looked at on the Lime trees in previ- ates a great deal of interest. thorn Leaf miner (map the distribution map for it, I ous years. I told him that in The spread of Cameraria 0332a), Phyllonorycter leu- saw that this was far from my opinion the species has ohridella (Horse-Chestnut cographella. This is another the case, and in fact there always been very common Leaf miner) even made it species that has spread was plenty of room for im- in the city, and was proba- into the national media, and quickly across the UK, ar- provement. The line of red bly on every Lime tree, at is probably the first leaf riving in Cardiff in 2000, dots on the map (map least in the city centre. miner to have been brought and in Swansea the follow- 0263) shows the route be- However, there were only to the attention to the gen- ing year. Being an easily tween my home and the 11 records on the data- eral public. Map 0366a recognisable mine on an SEWBReC office, all new base, and from only five shows the distribution of easily recognisable plant, 1km square records this locations. So I added this records in the system to this has been very well re- year. So far I have indeed species to my hit list, and date, with the red dots rep- corded across the county. found it in every square that have added 10 1km resenting new sites for As a result of this, it gives I’ve looked, and I will con- squares. I have indeed 2008. the impression of being one tinue with this exercise until found it on every Lime tree of our commonest leaf min- I feel that the map is more that I’ve examined (see However such spreads are ers. Again there has not representative of the actual map 0273). by no means new. In 1997, been a great deal of expan- distribution of this species. an adult Caloptilia rufipen- I firmly believe that it is es- sion in range this year, but nella was caught on the sential to it has already been re- eastern outskirts of Cardiff. know how corded from twice as many This was the first welsh common our 1km squares as Caloptilia specimen of another spe- common spe- rufipennella, in spite of the cies that had been spread- cies really are four years head start that ing rapidly across the UK in order to species had. since the early 1990s. gauge how Within a couple of years the The thing that has really scarce our species was firmly estab- struck me this year is that rarer species lished on the Sycamores in the species that have re- really are. All Bute Park, the larvae roll cently arrived in the county too often the corner of the leaf into a are skewing our dataset. Leafmine of Lyonetia clerkella © David Slade when writing cone, and these can easily There are more records of the micro be recorded. This was an- Phyllonorycter leucogra- At this point, many of you moth section of the forth- other species that spread phella in our database than may be wondering what on coming Moths of Glamor- quickly, reaching Gower by there are for Phyllonorycter earth is the point of this gan I had to use a phrase 2000. Since then, there has maestingella, a Beech feed- exercise. So the species is like ‘Probably under re- been little sign of expan- ing species that has been found everywhere, good for corded, and likely to be sion, but is this a case of known from the county it! The point is that we still found across the county’. under recording (see map since 1927 (see map 0341)! do not know how well dis- When we produce an up- 0284)? tributed many of these spe- dated in ten years time, I Earlier this year I began to cies are. There is no base- would like to be able to say map the distribution of one line data to see if our native ‘Found throughout the of our common- leaf mining fauna is chang- county wherever the food- est leaf miners, ing – if at all. We also can- plant grows’. Lyonetia not make any judgements clerkella, the If you would like to know on whether a species is Apple Leaf more about leaf miners common or scarce based miner. In spite then please get in touch, or on the current data. of its common check out the British Leaf name, this spe- There are species that miner’s website: http:// cies will feed on should be found wherever www.leafmines.co.uk/

a wide variety of the host plant occurs, but Rosaceous the records do not show David Slade, East Glamor- trees and this. I was asked earlier this gan County Moth Recorder, shrubs, and I year whether Bucculatrix c/o SEWBReC am confident thoracella was having a Leaf cone of Caloptilia rufipennella that it is pre- particularly good year this © David Slade sent in every year in Cardiff, as the per- Page 8 1km square in son in question had not

Issue 1

0366a Cameraria ohridella

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6 SS 3 4 586 7 9 ST 1 2 3 0284 Caloptilia rufipennella

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6 SS 3 4 586 7 9 ST 1 2 3 0332a Phyllonorycter leucographella

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Issue 1

0341 Phyllonorycter maestingella

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6 SS 3 4 586 7 9 ST 1 2 3 0263 Lyonetia clerkella

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0273 Bucculatrix thoracella

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Issue 1 October 2008

The Water Vole in Gwent – A Personal Appraisal

In a European context the greatest expansion of the ous parts of the Caldicot Level. Vole was fairly widespread in 'water vole' is divided into two Mink's range and population On the 7th September of that suitable habitat during the pe- species, the Northern Water level. On a slightly brighter year a couple of young anglers riod of my earliest records (late Vole (Arvicola terrestris) and note the Mink population ap- reported the regular sighting of 1950s) but by the time of my the Southern Water Vole pears currently to be held down a Mink along the Windmill Reen last Gwent record (July 1981) (Arvicola sapidus). Together somewhat by the resurgent near Redwick. On this occa- they were probably rather few they span most of the European numbers of our native Otter - sion I visited the site and saw and far between, and certainly Continent and extend well into presumably as a consequence my first wild Mink along that in sharp decline. Since that parts of Asia. of competition from the larger same reen. Then I noted a time some Water Vole sightings animal. dead Mink at the roadside close have been report to me, mostly In Great Britain the representa- to the River Usk near Llanllo- from the Wentlooge Level and tive species is the Northern It is also worth noting that, well on the 15th February 1981, the Caldicot Level close to Water Vole, the Southern Water where no alien Mink are pre- quickly followed by another Newport, but the overall picture Vole being a generally smaller sent, such as within the protec- along the 'straight mile' near Allt painted seems, at present, to species found in the westerly tive perimeter fence of the Slim- Farm, Llantrissent - the inva- be a very gloomy one indeed. two-thirds of France and in the bridge Wildfowl and Wetlands sion of the Mink had well and Iberian Peninsula. My only Trust sanctuary, and in those truly begun. Colin Titcombe experience of this southerly parts of France and northern species comes via sightings of Spain of my experience, the It seems likely that the Water the animals along the River Water Vole still exists in some Oust at Josselin (Brittany) in numbers. 2000, and also via their remains Date Location Outside Britain another overlap taken from Barn Owl pellets 21.5.59, 8.5.59, Water Voles active along the Nedern Brook (Great House found in a church on the south- of Mink/Water Vole range oc- curs over much of Fenno- 23.7.59, 23.6.60 & Farm, Caerwent ern fringe of the Cantabrian 7.3.61 Mountains in northern Spain scandia (notably in Norway, (1998). Sweden and Finland) (1). It 2.10.63 Water Voles noted along the Nedern Brook between Caer- would be very interesting to went and Caldicot In Britain the Water Vole is now know just how the Water Vole a rare and declining species, has fared in these areas over 25.4.64 1 Water Vole along the River Wye at Bigsweir the reason for which is thought recent years, though Mink 1 Water Vole along the Summerway Reen (Caldicot Rifle to be due partly to environ- population levels may well be 12.5.64 Range) mental change and partly to very different there because of predation by the introduced the presence of other mustelid 30.6.64 1 Water Vole along Monk's Ditch at Goldcliff American Mink (Mustela vison). species. My personal belief is that the 7.7.64 1 Water Vole along the River Wye at Monmouth predatory Mink is almost en- The former range of the Water tirely to blame for the decline of Vole in Gwent as a whole is 19.6.67 Water Voles along the River Wye at Bigsweir unknown to me. I have never our Water Vole. I do not see 10.9.67 1 Water Vole along the River Monnow at Skenfrith the changes in the environment been in a position to carry out a anything like sufficient to cause county-wide survey and can 24.11.67 Water Vole killed by a Grey Heron in a meadow at the such a drastic decline in Water only offer a series of casual Coldra, Newport Vole numbers and it seems just records (see table right). 29.4.71 1 Water Vole in Magor Marshland Reserve too much of a coincidence that My first Mink records for Gwent the ‘disappearance’ of the Wa- began in 1980 when, in March 3.7.71 Water Voles active along the reen banks on the Caldicot ter Vole occurred during the of that year, several sightings Level below Undy same period as that of the were reported to me from vari- 17.4.72 1 Water Vole in Magor Marshland Reserve

4.6.73 Several Water Voles on a stretch of freshwater in the Newport Docklands area

16.7.73 2 Water Voles on a freshwater pool in Newport Docklands area

3.6.74 2 Water Voles in Magor Marshland Reserve

3.6.74 1 Water Vole along the Nedern Brook Caption describ- 17.7.74 Several Water Voles at Noah'sing Ark, picture Undy or 23.3.80 2 Water Voles near Magor graphic.Pill 5.10.80 1 Water Vole on freshwater pool in Newport Docklands area

4.7.81 & 8.7.81 At least three Water Voles along the Nedern Brook (Church Farm, Caldicot land) Page 11

Known Water Vole distributions in Gwent based on (1) Collins Field Guide, Mammals of Britain and Europe, David MacDonald and Priscilla Barrett, a series of casual records from 1959-1981

Issue 1

Valleys Bats and the Cardiff Bay Pipistrelles

Firstly, my apologies. This account with this year is the Bats and moved the dial below 45kHz and on bats is heavily biased towards Roadside Mammals Survey then below 40kHz I got very excited. recording of bats that I have person- (BRMS). This essentially re- Could this be Nathusius' pipistrelle ally been luckily enough to be in- quires the use of a vehicle, (Pipistrellus nathusii )as well? A volved with - mainly with the Valleys driven at 15mph on B-class (or quick recording made and sent off to Bat Group and occasional sorties below) roads for approximately Dr Jon Russ at BCT soon confirmed with Cardiff, too. It is not representa- 25 miles (2 hours journey time). that it was indeed the third pipistrelle. tive of the other, and probably more Our first survey in May involved So, in August and later on in Sep- significant, recording activities of the Geri Thomas (driver, navigator tember this year, the Cardiff bat remaining bat groups across Gwent and entertainer), Mike Hogan group went into the Bay and re- and Glamorgan. For example, we (bat recorder), Ben Sands confirmed the presence of Nathu- now have a serotine (Eptesicus (mammal recorder) and I sius'. In August we found them forag- serotinus) roost confirmed near (mammal spotter and post- ing on the River Ely at Penarth Llancarfan in the Vale of Glamorgan survey bat call analyst). Lots of Moors and then in September in to add to at least one other known bats and a few mammals Hamadryad Park. As well as Nathu- record in Monmouthshire - both of (mostly squashed hedgehog) sius' we were also treated to a good which counties in addition to Brid- were recorded. Our second display of noctules (Nyctalus noctula) gend and Swansea support good Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus ) survey in June was slightly less as well as the other two pipistrelle populations of lesser (Rhinolophus © Hugh Clark, BCT successful due to equipment species. hipposideros) and greater horseshoe failure, which knocked us out of (R. ferrumequinum) bat species, this is only the second year of moni- action until Geri replaced the equip- Nathusius' pipistrelle is very similar whilst Margam Park in Neath Port toring at these sites, bats have been ment (a broken PDA) and maps were in appearance to the other two pipis- Talbot has its barbastelle known to roost within these natural re-installed ready for late September. trelles, although it is slightly larger, the fur is often longer and its paler (Barbastella barbastellus). So, now and artificial structures for some This time Geri and I were joined by the apologies are over with I shall time. both Alison Jones and Melanie Suth- tips give it a frosted appearance and continue with my own small contribu- erland; taking over the reins as mam- the underparts are pale grey-brown. tion to the recording forum. The summer months were further mal spotter and driver (due to Geri's There are very few records of Nathu- spent engaged with monitoring. In broken gearbox), respectively. Once sius’ in Britain, thus making it rare, The Valleys Bat Group have been May and recently in late September, more, lots of bats (yet to be deter- although some records for other involved with a few educational bat box checks in Coed Craig mined) but not a single mammal, parts of Wales include Neath Port activities throughout 2008 including Ruperra (Caerphilly) revealed the dead or otherwise - not even a cat! Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Ceredi- 'Biodiversity Boot Camp' in Bargoed presence of roosting common pipis- gion areas. Current population trend Park (Caerphilly) and Barry Sidings trelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus). As for opportunistic surveys and data indicate that common pipistrelle Country Park (RCT). The first, a recording, I spent a rather disap- is increasing, soprano pipistrelle is daytime activity session with bats in In June, our brown long-eared bat pointing evening at Wern Ddu probably stable, but there is not the hand and questions galore from roost count in Rudry (Caerphilly) was Claypits (near Van, Caerphilly). The enough data available for Nathusius’ a lot of enthusiastic children and 29 on the first count and 44 on the location looked good earlier on in the to indicate either way. Our aim for adults. The second, a talk then walk second count. This is a significant year during a walk, but on the eve- next year is to find out where they where bats were flying and the decrease, since the last count in ning in question Melanie and I only are coming from and at what times of midges biting. In both cases, myths 2004, which recorded 75 to 80 recorded two common pipistrelle the year. Watch this space! about vampires were laid to rest (in adults. However, a newly located bats foraging above the ponds. I will peace) and some respect gained for roost in another property nearby in return, as this was indeed only a For more information about Nathu- these small creatures that fly in the July recorded 20 brown long-eared snapshot of what is likely to be about sius’ pipistrelle or to submit a record night. An evening family event in bats, so the colony may have possi- and I'm determined to find a few visit Jon Russ’s website (http:// Waun Fawr Park, Crosskeys (again, bly split between these two roosts. more species lurking amongst the www.nathusius.org.uk/); details about how to get involved with the Caerphilly) did however suffer from a rocky outcrops. July is the main field season with National Bat Monitoring Programme low turnout, yet enthusiasm was still surveillance recording mainly com- capitalised. ‘I moved the dial below (NBMP) may be found at http:// mon pipistrelle in Llanwonno (RCT). www.bats.org.uk/. For more informa- 45kHz and then below What about surveys and recording? Not only bats are encountered here, tion about both the Valleys and Well, the group has also had some- but both Kerry Rogers and I heard 40kHz. I got very Cardiff Bat Group’s, then the newly what of a mixed year. The main the 'chirring' of nightjar emanating created websites, courtesy of SEW- from within the scrub heath areas excited. Could this be activities the group have been in- Nathusius' pipistrelle BReC, is a good starting point (http:// volved with are mainly structured from previous coniferous felling www.sewbrec.org.uk/). activities, supporting the work of the activities. August is the Waterway (Pipistrellus nathusii)?’

Bat Conservation Trust's (BCT) survey and the Rhymney at Pwll y Pant (Caerphilly) once more re- National Bat Monitoring Programme My voluntary work (is this an oxymo- Richard Dodd corded Daubenton's Myotis dauben- (NBMP), although some opportunis- ron?) has also led me to investigate ([email protected]) tic surveys have also been under- tonii in good numbers. The success further my surprise find in Autumn taken. of all these surveys has one underly- last year. I say surprise find as it was ing reason - they are all near good after a night's socialising in Cardiff The year started in January with pubs! For all group activities, such as Bay with the local bat group that I winter checks at the Merthyr Hiber- those briefly described above, the turned my bat detector on and had to nacula sites with Mark Evans and social element does and should play look at the dial twice. Not only was I Page 12 Mike Hogan, confirming the pres- an active part in the act of recording. picking up a cacophony of soprano ence of a single lesser horseshoe A further social activity the Valleys pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and two brown long-eared (Plecotus and common pipistrelle, but as I auritus) bats near Morlais. Although bat group has been actively involved

Issue 1

Aphids and associated species

Since 2005, I have re- In 2007 I recorded the In 2006 I recorded the corded 78 aphid species hymenopteran parasitoid galls of two wasps, Pla- new to Wales, including wasp, Euaphidius setiger giotrochus australis and P. two new to the UK fauna: (Aphidiinae), parasitising coriaceus (Cynipidae), on the aphid Periphyllus hirti- Quercus ilex in Barry 1. Aphis gentianae - re- Since 2005, Edward cornis, feeding on Acer Docks. Both wasps are corded from Cosmeston Baker has recorded campestre in Cardiff Bay. new to the UK fauna and Park and Merthyr Mawr The wasp is new to the were reported as such in a 78 species of aphid sand dunes in 2007 and UK fauna. 2007 edition of the journal 2008, feeding on subterra- new to Wales, and 2 ‘Cecidology’. nean parts of Centaurium Since 2005 I have regu- new to the UK. erythraea and Blackstonia larly observed the heter- In 2008 I recorded the perfoliata, attended and opteran bug, Pilophorus sowthistle, Sonchus ar- sheltered by Lasius niger. cinnamopterus (Miridae) vensis ssp. uliginosus, predating Cinara aphids growing amongst large 2. Aphis ochropus - re- on Pinus sylvestris and stone blocks laid to rein- corded from Cosmeston Pinus nigra, in Barry force cliffs/provide sea Park, Southerndown and Docks and Cardiff Bay. I defences at Lavernock Cardiff Bay in 2007 and understand that until 2005 Point. I understand that 2008, feeding on basal the species hadn't been the sub-species has not parts of Dipsacus sylves- recorded in Wales since been recorded in Wales tris, attended and shel- previously. tered by Lasius niger. pre-1892. Edward Baker

The South Wales Mammal Atlas Project (MAP)

The Mammal Atlas Project will review the distribution and to teach respect for our agement and delivery, South Wales is a partner- for each mammal species to natural and built heritage. which will ultimately com- ship of wildlife organisa- identify under-recorded prise of resource identifica- The project will be a consor- tions and species groups geographical areas and tion, promotion, training, tium based approach com- across South Wales species requiring attention education, atlas formation, prising of environmental (Glamorgan and Gwent and therefore provide a fo- statistical analysis and NGO and non-NGO organi- vice counties), with the cus for more concerted ef- long-term sustainability sations, species interest aim to publish easily up- fort. post 2012. groups and individuals. This dateable distribution As part of the project a se- partnership approach will be maps for mammals by We welcome support for ries of training and educa- crucial to the successful 2012. such a project across the tional events will take place delivery of the project and recording network and These maps will be avail- across south Wales, en- identification of key partners would therefore call for all able both on-line and peri- couraging and enabling has been and will continue your mammal records – odically in print showing the people to send in their spe- to be one of the primary from mole to pine marten & distribution of mammal spe- cies records as well as raise tasks. rabbit to red deer – to be cies across South Wales at public awareness of the passed on to SEWBReC. We hope to launch MAP the most appropriate resolu- mammals that live in their In addition, please help us South Wales in April 2009 tion for the individual spe- local area alongside them. spread the news of this under the guidance of a cies, with supporting text of The information that mem- exciting project through steering group. Potential accounts written by local bers of the public provide conversations you may steering group members experts in bilingual format. will enable us to make bet- have with other groups and include representatives The data produced for the ter decisions with regards to organisations. from the Countryside Coun- atlas will be used as a refer- our planning, conservation cil for Wales, Gwent Wildlife ence for future surveys and and understanding of our Richard Dodd Trust, South East Wales as a conservation tool for terrestrial mammal species. ([email protected]) Biodiversity Records Cen- landscape assessment, This understanding may be tre, Swansea University and habitat and species man- used to inform people of the Wildlife Trust of South agement and also for plan- how and why mammals live Page 13 and West Wales. The role ning advice. alongside us, the best of the steering group will places to view mammals Each year of the project we likely involve project man-

Issue 1

Gwent Living Churchyards Update

while St Peter’s, Pant- group is led by them. In warm summer evening? ‘Often, people are side are holding a some churchyards this A call to all recorders unaware just how hedgerow planting means identifying ap- valuable their event, and St propriate areas for trial Identifying what wildlife George’s Tredegar are wildflower meadow ar- a churchyard has is ob- churchyards are for inviting local school eas, whilst in others it viously an important first wildlife or the variety children to plant a na- could be creating reptile step to inform any of wildflowers that tive bulb in their spring refuges or in one case a changes to manage- Garden of Hope. Up building new compost ment. If you have any sometimes hide and coming training bin built, to replace the wildlife records for below a tightly mown days will look at li- old pile and its location churchyards involved in lawn’. chens, fungi and how beneath a fantastic vet- the project, or would be to research church- eran yew tree. willing to offer your id yard history. Such skills to help record an Churchyards are first The Living Churchyards events provide the op- aspect of churchyard and foremost places of Project has slowly been portunity for local people fauna and flora, please tranquillity, where peo- building pace over the to learn more about the do let me know. While ple go to remember last year with contact wildlife to which their we can’t pay for your loved ones. Balancing with representatives churchyard is home and time, we can cover mile- the needs and expecta- from over 40 churches hopefully join in helping age/expenses. tions of visitors, with the throughout Gwent, and record it, care for it and needs of wildlife can beginning to work more enjoy it! sometimes be a chal- closely with 15 church- Rebecca Price The project offers base- lenge, but when yards. line wildlife surveys and achieved can have im- Gwent Wildlife Trust, The 3 year project aims will be working with mense rewards for both. Wildlife Projects Officer to highlight the fantastic church groups on basic After all, who can fail to ([email protected]) wildlife and built and management plans to enjoy the spring specta- social heritage of our ensure wildlife friendly cle of a host of golden churchyards, and sup- management is encour- daffodils (native ones of port local people in ex- aged. The level of in- course!) or bats emerg- ploring the unique wild- volvement of each ing from their roost on a life of their churchyards and how to encourage it. Often, people are un- aware just how valuable their churchyards are for wildlife or the variety of wildflowers that some- times hide below a tightly mown lawn. To help change this, the project is supporting training days and events to invite local people to learn more about their living churchyard. St Michael’s, Glascoed held an ‘orchid & cow- slip spectacular’ to cele- Page 14 brate its fantastic spring display of wildflowers,

Issue 1

Monmouthshire LBAP Update

A Cabinet paper is cur- sioned the Gwent Wildlife based on existing records. rently being prepared to Trust to work on a mecha- It is thought that at least enable the Council en- nism for the identification 11 watercourses would dorsement of the Second and notification of non- qualify in the County. Tranche of Habitat and statutory sites in Mon- The annual Wales Biodi- Species Action Plans and mouthshire (Local Wildlife versity Week event was LBAP Summary Docu- Sites / Sites of Importance held at the Old Station ment. The paper also for Nature Conservation) Tintern. 150 children from seeks endorsement of a and the refinement of the 5 Monmouthshire schools process to assess the im- South Wales Guidelines visited during the week plications of the NERC for Selection of Sites. This and took part in activities Biodiversity Duty on Mon- has involved some survey about woodland habitats mouthshire County Coun- work in woodlands to de- and trees. cil. termine suitable thresh- olds for identification. The Biodiversity and Ecol- Thank you to all those ogy Officer will start Ma- Biodiversity Partners that Progress has been made ternity Leave in November contributed to reporting on towards the identification and an officer has been BARS for the 2008 UK of Watercourse Local appointed to cover. BAP Reporting Round. Wildlife Sites in Mon- The questionnaire for mouthshire. Monmouth- Kate Stinchcombe, Bio- Monmouthshire should be shire County Council has diversity & Ecology Officer signed off in the next worked closely with SEW- (KateStinchcombe@mon week. BReC, the Gwent Wildlife mouthshire.gov.uk) Trust and the Environment Monmouthshire County Agency to identify sites Council has commis-

Newport LBAP Update

The Newport Biodiversity Partnership is now up and running. The first partnership meeting was held on Wednesday 8th October at the Fourteen Locks Visitor Centre. The Newport A Chairman was elected (Roger James), and a Local Biodiversity Action Plan Sub- LBAP Partnership group formed. The partnership will be mainly working on a review of the LBAP over the winter period, and hope to finalise a new draft LBAP by March 2009. is now up and running… The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 14th January 2009 at Ringland Commu- nity Centre, Newport. If you would like to be added to the partnership mailing list or would like to get involved, please contact Sinead Lynch.

Sinead Lynch, Biodiversity Officer ([email protected])

Page 15

Issue 1

Rare Wryneck spotted

I was fortunate enough to dark mark through the find a rare bird on my local eye and typical black patch in September. The lines down the shoul- Wryneck was spotted at ders, and it held itself at Lock’s Common on the 5th an angle – just like a September, and it stayed woodpecker’s pose. until at least the 7th. It had been a wet day, and I was Most migrant wrynecks exploiting a dryer period in occur on the eastern and the evening to take my southern coasts of UK, dog for a walk on Lock’s rarely in west, and only Common, when I spotted 0-1 pair of them nest in a silhouette perched on a UK. rock on the western side of Lock’s Common’s Up- The photograph was per Plateau. I soon saw taken by Paul Roberts, to that it was a Wryneck, and whom I am very grateful! alerted others to my © Paul Roberts find. The bird showed a Steve Moon

Other Interesting Wildlife Sightings

escaped from a local com- Nature Reserve this year. munity farm, but it remains This is the first time it has a mystery how a deer been seen in Kenfig since came to be found in a the 1960’s. sub-urban garden!

Field gentian (Gentianella campestris) was recorded in Kenfig

Jersey tiger (Euplagia quadripuntaria) (Not the actual Flatholm specimen) © David Slade

Jersey tiger (Euplagia channel. This is the first quadripunctaria) was record of basking shark found on Flatholm this this far up the Bristol summer. The species is Channel, with most fre- normally restricted to the quent sightings being in Channel Islands and the Cornwall and Scotland. south coast. This sighting is a first for Wales. An unidentified deer was

seen in a Caerleon garden Field gentian (Gentianella campestris) this summer. Unfortu- A Basking shark © David Slade (Cetorhinus maximus) nately, it was scared away was spotted in June off before it could be identi- Page 16 Cardiff Heliport Seawatch fied or photographed. It is Point, going down the possible that it may have

Issue 1

SEWBReC Website

Event and training people know about any of submit them to us for What’s in a name? courses can be promoted your interesting recent posting on the website. Do we need a new name for free on the SEWBReC sightings, to propose site We can add a watermark for the newsletter? Sug- website visits, to arrange to meet or copyright acknowledge- gestions so far include: (www.sewbrec.org.uk/ up with other recorders, ment if required. event/events-calendar/). and to discuss anything • The Recorder Please send details to else to do with biological The SEWBReC website • I Spy Lindsay Bamforth (Email: recording locally. Got a can be found at • Record [email protected]). recording question or an www.sewbrec.org.uk • Recording Round-up identification issue? Sign • The Warden Don’t forget about the dis- up and get posting! Rebecca Davies, • The Custodian cussion forum that is SEWBReC now available on the If you would like to show- Can you think of some- thing better? Then get in SEWBReC website. This case your local wildlife or touch….. is the place to let other landscape photos, please

Volunteering: A Win / Win Situation

Conservation volunteer- unteering, it really wasn’t and WkWT. The Trust volunteers, to help with ing had always been on my cup of tea! benefited from extra re- data entry and a variety my to do list, since com- source dedicated to of other tasks. So if you So when I came across a pleting my degree in monitoring and com- fancy saving the planet job advert on Countryside Manage- menting on planning ap- while keeping your feet www.environmentjob.co. ment in 2004. However, plications for the local dry, please visit our web- uk for a Biodiversity and it always seemed like the area (plus a fairly snazzy site: Planning Volunteer, I only way to contribute to Access database!), while www.sewbrec.org.uk/ jumped at the chance to the efforts of local con- I gained valuable skills volunteering.page or make a contribution with- servation organisations and experience, which speak to a member of out resorting to water- involved standing in allowed me to success- staff. proof clothing. My conse- muddy fields, building fully apply for my new quent volunteering at the walls, laying footpaths role as Biodiversity Infor- Warwickshire Wildlife and so on. While this is mation Assistant at Elaine Wright, Trust’s headquarters at obviously an extremely SEWBReC. SEWBReC Brandon Marsh Nature worthwhile and important Reserve had multiple SEWBReC are always part of conservation vol- benefits, both to myself on the look out for new

A big thank you to all those who have contributed to this newsletter! Gwent-Glamorgan But, thinking ahead to the next issue, we want Recorders’ Newsletter more articles from Recorders – it could be just a list Contact: of species you have recently recorded, or an update SEWBReC of where you have been surveying in the last year. 13 St Andrews Crescent This is an opportunity to plug your favourite re- Cardiff CF10 3DB cording location, to raise awareness of the species Telephone: 029 20 64 1110 that you record, and to communicate to a wide Fax: 029 20 387 354 range of individuals about your hard work! E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.sewbrec.org.uk