Upper Conwy Catchment Project Newsletter November 2020

Upper Conwy

Council Council Borough Conwy County Conwy County

Cycling through uncertainty

As we entered lockdown, our The testimonials reflect that Bill, a visually impaired 82- partners at Conwy County getting outdoors and trying year-old shares his Borough Council reacted something new was a experience: quickly to an unprecedented welcome distraction during situation, adapting to support such uncertain times. The e- “I rode 18 miles and at the end children of key workers as well bikes were purchased through of it felt nothing but joy! I as vulnerable adults and phase one of Tir Afon, a would recommend e-bikes to children get active in nature by project looking to bridge the anyone, the benefit of being trying out e-bikes. gap between people and outside and active is huge, this nature in a bid to improve modern-day technology really The Tir Afon project wellbeing. As we navigate the helps you get out and enjoy supported 120 vulnerable pandemic, we hope to be able life as if you were years adults access cycling and to roll oute t h use of the bikes younger!” through 35 classes taught 20 through a GP referral scheme children how to ride a bike in the Conwy catchment during lockdown. soon. nationaltrust.org.uk/projects/upper-conwy-catchment-project 1 Upper Conwy November 2020

Monitoring a new meadow

The welcome sight of yellow Shifting from a handful of rattle brought a golden glow at dominating grass species to a Carrog Farm this summer. After wider variety of herb-rich all the toil the team put into grasses and flowers, resulting preparing the fields, this was the in a much more diverse species they were most eagerly habitat. Making meadows anticipating. Yellow rattle, often takes time and will require a careful grazing schedule by dubbed the ‘meadow maker’, is cattle as well as several cuts of one of the first signs that a hay to ensure the nutrient meadow is taking root. This levels remain low. Recording flower has a very useful trick, it's yellow rattle, oxeye daisy and a parasite on the grasses. It eyebright was a great sign draws nutrients from them which that we’re on the right track. weakens the grasses, allowing

other plants to flourish. Daniel Hilary / Images Trust National

Community Natural processes return at Carrog footpath National Trust Images Trust National

Finishing touches have been added to the new footpath across Carrog farm, that creates a link between communities at Penmachno and Cwm

Penmachno. Liz Green

The trail allows local Since we began restoring this Following heavy rains in late residents to enjoy the section of the Afon Machno summer and autumn we’re young meadow on their by removing two large pleased to see the river is daily strolls along the river. embankments in January and reconnecting with the June 2019, we’ve been floodplain and temporarily Thanks to members of the monitoring the river very storing water at times of Cwm Penmachno Action closely. flooding. Group for painting kissing gates along the route.

nationaltrust.org.uk/projects/upper-conwy-catchment-project 2 Upper Conwy November 2020 National Trust Images Trust National Restoring a river in the shadow of Snowdon

We’re now applying techniques We are already starting to see we trialled at Carrog to other some changes, with the river sites within the catchment shifting from a straight glide (like including Nant y Gwryd, a river a canal) to developing sections of flanked by Wales’ highest peak, pools (deep water) and riffles Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). (fast flowing areas), with gravel shoals forming around the In September, together with our boulders. This creates a greater partners Natural Resource Wales variety of features within the (NRW), we began re-profiling the river and improves the habitat steep banks and re-positioning for spawning fish, such as brown some large boulders in a trout and birds such as This work was funded by the previously modified section of kingfisher, common sandpiper Water Capital Grant, with the river. The team were pleased and dipper. contracts managed by key NRW the work stood up to the anger staff despite lockdowns and other of storms in late October. challenges of the pandemic.

The next stage will involve a As the trees grow, they will Next steps local contractor fencing off cast shade over the river, the riverside and planting providing cover for fish and trees along the riverbank, birds, as well as helping to creating a wildlife corridor. regulate water temperature. This will also help slow the flow of surface water into the river and stabilise the riverbank.

nationaltrust.org.uk/projects/upper-conwy-catchment-project 3 Upper Conwy November 2020 Working with our neighbours

Seeing the transformation take hold at Nant y Gwryd has sparked the interest of farmers in the area and we’re hoping to be able to carry out similar works beyond our boundaries.

Subject to funds from the second phase of Tir Afon, we hope to be able to re-profile the opposite bank, replace the fence and plant more Wales / Sarah Aubrey trees. Resources Natural Tir Afon, phase 2… Key Contacts Dewi Davies, Project Manager We near the end of a hard year National Trust with some hope. The Upper [email protected] rg.uk Conwy Catchment Project team are working on the final stage of Bethan Beech, Project Officer a Welsh Government funding application for £800,000. National Trust Bethan.Beech@nationaltrust. org.uk

If successful, the second phase of Tir Afon will build on existing Sarah Aubrey, work to create a cleaner, Senior Environment Officer, healthier catchment for people Natural Resources Wales and nature, alongside partners [email protected] Natural Resource Wales, Conwy County Borough Council and the Foleas Estate. There will be a In partnership with strong focus on wellbeing, by connecting communities in the Conwy valley with their landscape.

As part of the project we're aiming to roll out an outdoor GP referral scheme. Restore 5km of river and 150ha of peatland habitats. As well as planting over 15,000 trees, helping towards the National Trust's nationwide 20 million tree target. Watch this space! nationaltrust.org.uk/projects/upper-conwy-catchment-project 4