Dartford Warblers on the Gower Peninsula

Home , Dartford warbler, Margam Country Park, Selenochlamys ysbryda

Greater Gwent Biodiversity Action Group Glamorgan Biodiversity Advisory Group

G w e n t - G l a m o r g a n Recorders’ Newsletter

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014 ‘Pan-species Listers’ on the Prowl Welcome to the eleventh issue of the Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ This summer, a couple of well-known ‘Pan- subsp. ramblaianum). We immediately species listers’ visited my local patch want- found one, seen under the first log turned. Newsletter. Quite a few of our re- ing to find a Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys As we were focusing on this individual sev- corders have been looking at some ysbryda), along with a few other interesting eral others slowly came into view. They of the more obscure groups of inver- species that are found locally. have the habit of staying motionless, they tebrates this year. First up is an even fold up their legs then keel over as if article about the invertebrates that Editor: For those of you that don’t know, dead, so can be difficult to see, but over some ‘Pan-species Listers’ recently ‘Pan-species listers’ are those recorders thirty were seen on the day. Further into recorded (p1-2). Another ghost slug who produce a list of all the animals, the woods we quickly picked up several has been spotted and photographed plants, fungi and protists they have ever more target species, plenty of Lithobius attacking a live earthworm (p8)! tricuspis, a Stone Centipede which seems seen in Britain, Ireland and the Channel The strange and wonderful contents to be rare in Wales; Dilta chateri - a Bristle- Islands. It can get very competitive with of the Severn Estuary strandline has tail (see photo overleaf) described new to been recorded (p15-16), and Ich- ratings for recorders and locations. For science as recently as 1995 and currently neumon wasps have been identified more information about ‘Pan-species Lists’ only known from Wales; and many Malaco- as they visit a moth trap (p18). see www.brc.ac.uk/psl/about limax tenellus (Lemon Slug), an ancient woodland indicator species. Margam Country Park hosted a After a 11.30 am meet in the park-and-ride Welsh Bat Night event combining One turned log produced a fair number of near Bargoed train station, the first stop slug species, Limacus maculatus (Green volunteer training, public bat walk, was a site closeby where Ghost Slug can Cellar Slug), Limax maximus (Leopard and bat surveys into one super be found fairly readily. A thorough search of Slug), Lehmannia marginata (Tree Slug), event (p12). The ‘Flora of Conifer the usual places were drawing a blank, and Arion flagellus (Green Soled Slug), Mala- Plantations in Neath Port Tal- had me worried as I regularly comment on colimax tenellus (Lemon Slug), Arion ow- bot’ (p20-21) gives us food for how easily they can be found here. enii (Tawny Soil Slug), Arion intermedius thought. Perhaps we ought not to (Hedgehog Slug), and one of those new Propolydesmus testaceus, a scarce Milli- rule out recording on conifer planta- finds for Britain, Arion cf. iratii (Pyrenean pede, didn’t disappoint as they were every- tions as they have the potential to Dusky Slug). The native Terrestrial Flat- where along with a few other more common be very biodiverse. Enjoy the news- worm (Microplana terrestris) was also Millipedes including Nanogona polydes- letter! found. Once you get your eye in, they moides and White-legged Snake Millipede seem to turn up fairly regularly in suitable (Tachypodoiulus niger). Further searching Rebecca Davies, SEWBReC places. Debris that has good contact with revealed a very small Ghost Slug under a (Editor) bare soil can be very productive, it is sur- stone in a damper part of the site, followed prising how common these flatworms are. closely by a much larger specimen from leaf Included in this issue (not all listed): litter. Photos were taken and the slugs re- Time was nearly up, so it was up to the ‘Pan-Species Listers’ on the Prowl 1-2 turned. We were also hoping for Ar- Common just above Aberbargoed for a gonemertes dendyi (Terrestrial Flat Holm Island 2 Smiling / Nemertine Worm), an SEWBReC Update 3-4 introduced species native of Species of the Month Challenge 7 Western Australia, but it was Fungi in and around Brynna Woods 7 not to be. Perhaps it had been a little too dry for these spe- Ghost Slug 10 cies’ requirements. As we were Dartford Warblers, Gower Peninsula 11 leaving the site, we came across another Ghost Slug Margam Country Park Bat Blitz 12 from under a small board close Springwatch Hedgehog Survey 13 to the entrance, tucked in with House martins of Cardiff Bay 14 several Arion owenii (Tawny Soil Slug). Notes of the Severn Estuary Strandline 15-16 What’s hiding in your moth trap? 18 It was Groesfaen Woods next for a quirky looking Harvest- Expect the Unexpected 19 man (Sabacon viscayanum The Flora of Conifer Plantations in NPT 20-21 Propolydesmus testaceus © Christian Owen

Issue 11—Autumn

‘Pan-Species Listers’ on the Prowl (cont…)

catus. It can usually be be A. contaminatus mixed in with A. found here in high sphacelatus, both common dung bee- numbers, and is possi- tles. It appears it was still the wrong bly one of the best time of year for them…too early per- places in the UK to find haps? The Watford Coleoptera Group them. We didn’t have has a interesting page on sampling to go far before finding dung for beetles (www.thewcg.org.uk/ the usual home for pages/dungsampling.htm). these charming little beetles, on this occa- A successful day all round with many sion it was horse dung! invertebrates found (not all mentioned It initially looked like we here), and a good number of ticks on hit the jackpot as one my personal list. Dilta chateri © Christian Owen sample was crawling Christian Owen with Aphodius. On scarce dung beetle - Aphodius conspur- closer inspection they all turned out to

Flat Holm Island

It has been a busy summer on Flat Holm Other activities on the trips include a Island! Species Total Ringed variety of surveys including beach Willow warbler 14 cleans, vegetation, bat, moth and slow May saw the annual gull count take Chiffchaff 18 worm; general island maintenance jobs place on Flat Holm. This year’s gull including DIY and painting; and habitat count was facilitated by members from Robin 30 management tasks including vegetation the Flat Holm Society and it has been Goldcrest 14 clearance. running since the early 1980s. The esti- mated Lesser Black Backed gull popula- Greenfinch 3 The Flat Holm Society costs just £10 a tion on Flat Holm for 2014 is 3456. Blackcap 21 year to become a member and mem- These numbers are down slightly on last Dunnock 16 bers are eligible to take part in our grant year, this is believed to be due to the funded trips to Flat Holm Island. If you House Martin 33 domination of Wild Turnip in the gull col- are interested in becoming a member ony. As a result of the densely populat- Sedge Warbler 2 please email ed turnip plants, there was increased Blackbird 5 [email protected], or check out our website competition amongst the gulls for prime Garden Warbler 1 nesting sites. Due to fewer barren areas www.flatholmsociety.org.uk, or like us on the plateau, many attempted to nest Reed warbler 2 on our Save Flat Holm Island Facebook around the barracks, the lighthouse, on Treecreeper 1 page. derelict structures and paths, and in the Whitethroat 1 grasslands on the northern side of the Island. The turnip seems to occur in Meadow pipit 4 Jo Morgan, Grants Officer, Flat Holm approximately ten year cycles on Flat Rock pipit 1 Society Holm so it will be interesting to see what Wren 1 next year brings. Song thrush 4 The gull count was followed up with a trip in July to carry out the annual gull This trip also saw Flat Holm Society ringing programme. This year 151 Less- members conduct a butterfly survey er Black Backed Gulls and 12 Herring and the following species were counted: Gulls were ringed by members from the

Cardiff Bird Ringers Group and staff Species Total from the BTO. Biometric data from the Small White 8 birds was also collected. Green Veined White 1

September saw another volunteer week- Meadow Brown 1 end take place on Flat Holm. One of the Small Tortoisehell 9 main objectives of this trip was to carry Red Admiral 10 out autumn migration bird ringing. The Cardiff Bird Ringers had a successful trip with the following birds being ringed: All of these trips are run by the Flat Page 2 Holm Society and are funded by a grant from Environment Wales

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

SEWBReC Update

SLA UPDATE formats for our Recorders’ Forum his dedicated service as Chair of SEW- events. At the end of 2015, we will BReC over recent years and look for- Sadly SEWBReC has been feeling the seek detailed feedback from partici- ward to his continued involvement as effects of cuts in public sector funding pants and choose the most popular an ordinary board member. There re- during the 2014/15 financial year. One format for future events. The changes mains a single vacancy on the Board local authority user has stopped using are driven by the need to make better of Directors following the AGM. If you our services and two others for whom use of our limited financial and staff are interested in joining the board, we had done some paid contract work resources, as well as the wish to inte- please get in touch with the SEWBReC in the previous financial year have not grate our AGM into another (more ap- office. extended their arrangements for this pealing) event. year. In addition, funding we used to get from Forestry Commission Wales, Our provisional ideas are as follows: SEWBReC MEMBERSHIP which survived intact for one year after During February, we will hold a joint the formation of Natural Resources SEWBReC is run as a not-for-profit Gwent-Glamorgan Recorders’ Forum Wales (NRW), has not been extended company and is governed by a volun- meeting which will include plenty of into the current financial year. We are tary Board of Directors which is drawn networking time, presentations on currently working hard to try to re- from its membership. By becoming a Wales or regional biodiversity issues, establish agreements with some of member of SEWBReC you will be au- as well as possible local issue or taxo- these former users, as well as with a tomatically invited to attend our Annual nomic-specific workshops. The 2015 further local authority which hasn’t General Meetings and you will be eligi- meeting will be in Gwent (following the used SEWBReC for some years, but ble to stand for election to the Board of 2014 joint Forum being in Glamorgan) the immediate outlook is not terribly Directors. but we hope it will appeal to, and be promising. supported by, recorders from across Subject to Board approval, SEWBReC The importance of securing long-term our region. membership is open to anybody who: significant funding from NRW has nev-  Has read SEWBReC’s Memoran- er been greater than it is now. We are During October/November we will hold dum and Articles of Association* very grateful for the commitment to a further joint Gwent-Glamorgan Re- and supports the aims of the com- Local Records Centres (LRCs) that corders’ event which will incorporate pany; has been shown over the years by our the SEWBReC AGM, alongside a key contacts in NRW and work is going range of interesting presentations. This  Understands that as a Member of on behind the scenes to secure a part- will be located in or near Cardiff. the Company they accept a liability nership funding agreement for 2015/16 not exceeding £1 if the Company We welcome your initial views on and beyond. We are also hopeful that should be wound up. these provisional ideas, but would ap- we will secure some financial support preciate it if everybody could go into We are currently very keen to grow our from the Welsh Government (WG) the planned 2015 events with an open membership and to this end we have (either directly or through the NRW mind and we’ll hopefully emerge with included a copy of our membership agreement) as LRCs are recognised an agreed plan for the best way for- application form with this newsletter for their vital contribution towards the ward! mailing. Please consider joining and evidence base that is required for WG have your say in the future direction of and NRW’s integrated natural resource SEWBReC – we need your expertise management agenda. We look forward NEW SEWBReC CHAIR and enthusiasm! to reporting some more positive funding news in forthcoming issues of this At the SEWBReC AGM which took * The membership form gives details of newsletter. place on 25th September 2014, the where to find the Memorandum and current Board of Directors was re- Articles of Association via our website. In the meantime, SEWBReC’s com- elected, but with a few significant If you don’t have access to the internet mercial sales are continuing to be changes in their roles. Martin Anthoney but are interested in joining, please get strong with 2014/15 looking like it may stepped down as Chairman after four in touch and we will send you a copy. be yet another record-breaking year. years at the helm. Colin Cheesman Adam Rowe, SEWBReC Manager has taken over as the new Chair and he is replaced as Vice Chair by Steve RECORDERS’ EVENTS 2015 Bolchover. Page 3 At a recent meeting of the SEWBReC The staff and Board of SEWBReC Board of Directors, it was decided that would like to thank Martin Anthoney for we should use 2015 to trial two new

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Have you tried our online Data Access Tool (DAT)?

In the last issue of this newsletter, SEWBReC announced records found will be shown. the launch of a new web portal - the Local Records Centres Wales Data Access Tool. This tool, which can be found at See a distribution map for a species – this option will pro- www.lrcwalesdat.org, allows users access to the combined duce a 10km square Wales distribution map for a given spe- wildlife records held at the four Welsh Local Records Centres cies. Zooming in produces a 1km square distribution, alt- (LRCs). hough sensitive records will only ever be shown at 10km square resolution. We have been busy promoting the use of this tool to our public sector users, but we are also keen for it to be widely used We believe that the DAT provides a valuable method for the by recorders and the public in general. For such users, there public and funding partners to readily access the biodiversity is no need to register to use the site. Simply visit information we hold. Significant future developments and www.lrcwalesdat.org and either click on: enhancements are planned, in response to user feedback, so please feel free to use the DAT and let us know what you See species records we hold around a given point – this think. We will keep you informed of future developments and option returns a summary of species records we hold for a improvements via this newsletter, so watch this space! 1km grid square. Any sensitive species records will not be returned in summary list but the number of sensitive species Adam Rowe, SEWBReC

SEWBReCORD, one year on!

taxa’ (ie generic or family name only, their records and submit their photos, and not determined to species) being saving us the time entering the data entered. and getting the record into our system so that it can be put to use almost im- At the end of September, SEWBReC- Probably the biggest thing that SEW- mediately. ORD contained over 27,000 records, BReCORD has done for us is to bring a contributed by 120 recorders. Of these, whole new audience to our attention, So many thanks to all of our SEW- 5,000 have been through iRecord's and us to them. These are the kind of BReCORD’ers for making the first verification system, which is one of the people that frequent the world of social twelve months a success! benefits of using this technology from media (i.e. Facebook and Twitter) and our point of view. I think it is fair to say that in the past may have just posted a David Slade, SEWBReC that we have been overwhelmed by photo or comment onto these websites the success of the website and it has without thinking about where else the Editor: Go to added records for over 2,500 different record could go or how it might then be www.sewbrecord.org.uk to species, with another 400 ‘vague used. Now they have a place to put start entering your records

SEWBReC 2014 Events

We enjoyed another season of were also sunny successes, with “Soraidh” (From Scottish Gaelic meaning: Farewell, Goodbye) successful events, thanks to all 17 attendees at Coed Hills in Gla- who contributed! morgan and 17 attendees at Gar- We are sadly saying goodbye to our Biodiver- den City in Gwent. Both events sity Information Officer, Libby Wilcox. Libby Our four species identification & resulted in some great recording joined SEWBReC in January 2012, initially to recording courses (funded by efforts, with 260 species found at manage the data entry side of our work, but Wales Biodiversity Partnership) Coed Hills and 380 species found later became more involved in other SEW- were again a popular choice, with at Garden City. BReC activities including managing the Local 59 people applying for the 38 Authority Planning searches, co-ordinating spaces available. The topics this Again, we always welcome sug- volunteers, and organising events. year were Plants of Heathland and gestions for potential Blitz sites, so Bog Habitats; An Introduction to please get in touch if you know of At the end of the month, Libby will be moving Moths; Photography: An Aid to somewhere we should visit. to Scotland to work for Natural Power on their Wildlife Recording; and An Intro- data holdings. duction to Harvestmen. We are Elaine Wright, SEWBReC always eager for suggestions of SEWBReC staff would like to thank Libby for potential course topics and train- all her hard work over the years and wish her ers, so do get in touch if you have all the very best for the future. any ideas.

The two Biodiversity Blitz Days Rebecca Davies, SEWBReC

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

SEWBReC’s Away Day

The 2014 SEWBReC Away Day proved to be an exciting day of recording. First up was a quick visit to Magor Marsh, where Alice Rees (Water Vole Project Officer, Gwent Wildlife Trust) showed us around. Alice pointed out the water vole (Arvicola amphibi- ous) signs (including latrines and the distinctively cut reeds), and we were rewarded at the end of the walk by an adult feeding on an apple on a raft. We also saw two king- fishers (Alcedo atthis) and a kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Next up was a visit to a nearby empty square (i.e. we hold no records) in Llanwern, Newport (ST3786). Within about an hour of recording on a rather non-descript road verge we had a list of 79 species (and still counting with a few more specimens to iden- Adult water vole © David Slade tify). Amongst a list of fairly common plants, the records also included a clouded yel- low butterfly (Colias croceus), long-winged conehead (Conocephalus discolour), lesser marsh grasshopper (Chorthippus albomarginatus), and a cheeky weasel (Mustela nivalis) running across the road. The star of the show was an adult and a final instar nymph of a cru- cifer shieldbug (Eurydema oleracia). This species overwinters as an adult, and larvae feed on plants such as garlic mustard and hoary cress. We believe it is the second record for Wales, the first being by Steve Williams in 2006 at Severn Tunnel Junction. This is a species that appears to be spreading westwards, so is definitely one to look out for. Also on our records list was the September Species of the Month (SOTM), Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). We have recently launched this initiative to encourage recorders to submit records of species that are often overlooked. Quite often recorders are so busy looking for the rarer species that they forget to record the more com- Water vole latrine © Adam Rowe mon ones. These can often become under-represented in record databases. Some useful tools have recently been developed on SEWBReCORD that will aid entering records of Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. These species often cover large patches Eurydema oleracia © David Slade of ground which makes pinpointing a grid reference for the species difficult and not very accurate. With these new tools, you will be able to plot the actual area of land (as a polygon) that the species covers. We hope to eventually produce a GIS layer of these invasive species that can be used in data searches. You can find the new tools at www.sewbrecord.org.uk. Click on ‘Record’, and select either ‘Record a Japanese knotweed patch’ or ‘Record a Himalayan balsam patch’. You will also notice another option in the dropdown list - ‘Species of the Month (October)’. This is where you can add your records of the SOTM, which for October will be the Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus). NB. This tool will change every month to reflect the current SOTM.

Some statistics about SOTM... Garden Snail (Cornu aspersum) - August SOTM Prior to featuring as SOTM, we had 470 records, from all of the 64 10km squares in SEWBReC's remit. These records fell in 271 of the one km squares (7% of the 3785 in total). The campaign has produced 34 new records so far, which added 8 new 1km squares to the distribution. Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) - September SOTM Prior to featuring as SOTM, we had 1399 records from 61 10km squares. These records fell in 640 of the one km squares (17% of the 3785 in total). The campaign has produced 22 new records so far, adding 7 new 1km squares to the distribution. SEWBReC staff busy recording © Adam Rowe

Nb. The new records are all from SEWBReCORD, it will take a little longer Last on the list of places to visit was the Goldcliffe for records to come into the system from other means. Don’t forget that we lagoons, Newport. Unfortunately, it was late af- are interested in receiving records of these species at anytime! ternoon by the time we arrived so the light was less than favourable for seeing the birds well. However, we did manage to spot a few species including ruff (Philomachus pugnax), lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), redshank (Tringa totanus), little stint (Calidris minuta), and little egret (Egretta garzetta) in and around the lagoons; and a sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) perched on a fence post.

Rebecca Davies, SEWBReC

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Mary Gillham Project Update

Mary Gillham was a pioneering female now complete and we now scientist, being part of the first ever know that within Mary’s expedition to the Antarctic to include notes and diaries are over women in 1959. Her research and 150,000 biological records, teaching took her to Australia, New spanning 60 years and Zealand, Nigeria, Aldabra, Jamaica covering almost every part and all over Europe and America, but of South Wales, as well as she had a particular love of the wildlife other parts of the UK and of South Wales. Founder member and beyond. In addition to fill- president of Glamorgan Naturalists ing gaps in our knowledge Trust (which later became part of the of S. Wales’ wildlife distri- Wildlife Trust of South and West bution, high quality histori- Wales), president of Cardiff Naturalists’ cal data such as these Society and Committee member of have the potential to form Merthyr Tydfil Naturalists’ Society, an invaluable baseline for Mary was instrumental in the conserva- comparison with modern tion of many important Welsh wildlife records, and give insight sites. She also inspired many others to into long term trends. engage with the natural world both in her long term post as extramural teach- Funding is now being er at what is now Cardiff University, sought from Heritage Lot- and as a prolific author. In 2008 she tery Fund, Environment was awarded an MBE for services to Wales and other sources nature conservation in Wales. to pay for a 2 year project. This project aims to ensure An example of Mary’s illustrations © SEWBReC For most of her life Mary kept exten- that all the biological rec- sive nature diaries and during her ca- ords within the archive are available to and available for viewing by the public. reer as a botanist and conservationist, inform planning and research by enter- she took notes, photos and drawings ing them into the SEWBReC database. As well as mobilising the data within wherever she visited. These, along We also hope to digitise 14,000 photo- the archive, the project will involve en- with letters, maps, book drafts, articles graphic slides and hundreds of draw- couraging people to get out and enjoy and scientific papers were passed on ings, and to record readings of Mary’s and record wildlife themselves. We to SEWBReC towards the end of beautiful descriptions of the South hope to run bioblitzes and other record- Mary’s life and form a full archive of her Wales landscape, in order to create an ing events based around gathering up- life’s work. interactive multimedia map resource to-date records for sites and species where people can learn about their for which we have mainly historical Auditing and indexing of this archive is local area through Mary’s work. Once records. We also hope to use material digitised the from the archive to develop activities original docu- for schools based around the natural ments will be world and how it changes, and drawing moved to Gla- and recording wildlife. In this way it is morgan archives hoped that Mary’s legacy of teaching where they will and inspiring people to enjoy the natu- be safely stored ral world can be continued into the future.

Amy Hicks, SEWBReC

Page 6

Extract from Mary’s diaries © SEWBReC

Issue 11—Autumn

Species of the Month Challenge – the garden snail The garden snail Cornu aspersum is a bution of common species can lend ber began I’ve kept an eye open for well-known member of our wildlife. It insights into the causes of decline or garden snails and the number of rec- was with some surprise that I read a distribution of other more threatened ords is creeping up as slowly as the tweet from SEWBReC that they were species. Plus, look what has hap- snails in question. This should be a featuring the common garden snail as pened to previously common species species for which SEWBReC’s data- their August and inaugural Species of such as starling, house sparrow and base should be full to bursting, so if the Month, as they hold fewer than 500 the snail munching hedgehog. As a you’ve not done so already get record- records for this ubiquitous muncher of fan of things slimy and shelled (and ing those snails! plants. To put that into perspective, not), I took up SEWBReC’s Species of October’s species of the month is Gar- SEWBReC have over 100 records of the Month Challenge in August and den Orb Spider, Araneus diadematus, Hygromia cinctella in their database; a recorded snails as far and wide as I so I’ll be looking out for those this species that was first recorded on our could. month… shores in the 1950s! I must admit I thought this would be an Adapted from Richard Facey’s blog easy challenge; especially given a How can it be that such a stalwart of http://richfacey.wordpress.com/ damp August and this is a common, the British back garden be so under wet loving species. Surely my note- recorded? Like many familiar species, Richard Facey book would be brimming with records! our shelled protagonist falls within the But in reality I struggled; even familiar “too common to count” bracket; spe- haunts seemed to be devoid of that cies that are so widespread and every Editor: Remember that you can send familiar brown shell and as fate would day that few people feel there is a in records of any of the ‘Species of have it August proved to be a month need to record them. where I had limited time so could only The Month’ species at anytime, so snatch a few minutes searching here keep sending them into SEWBReC, You might be thinking “Yeah, but it’s and there. I’m rather disappointed with even if they are not the current just a snail, right? They are every- my efforts with a total of just eleven… ‘Species of The Month’. where, so why care?” But snails are an Pitiful! important food source for many other species and understanding the distri- As August came to close and Septem-

Fungi in and around Brynna Woods, Summer 2014

Although it's been mainly very dry this  Twig Parachute Marasmiellus ra- Mike Bright, Secretary: glamorganfun- summer I have spotted quite a few mealis [email protected] Fungi including some species that are  Fairy Inkcaps Coprinellus dissemi- not well recorded. natus  Glue Crust Hymenochaete corruga- Mark Steer, Brynna Most exciting find was a possible ta specimen of Willow Gloves Hypocre-  Dripping Bonnet Mycena rorida opsis lichenoides which has only 1  Bulbous Bonnet Mycena stylobates Welsh and 24 UK records on the BMS  Collared Parachute Marasmius database. This is a Red Data List rotula 'critically endangered’ Species. I have  Leopard Spot Earthball Scleroder- a specimen with Aberystwyth Univer- ma areolatum sity where I hope they will be able to  Common Earthball Scleroderma confirm by DNA analysis. citrinum  Bark Bonnet Mycena speirea Other species identified:  Oak Mildew Erysiphe alphitodus  Tricholoma stiparophyllum only 60 very prevalent this year along with UK records mildews on courgette and pumpkin  Willow Shield Pluteus salicinum leaves! again not many records certainly in  Beefsteak Fungus Fistulina hepati- VC41 ca  Poplar Fieldcap Agrocybe cylin- dracea again only 2 records in The newly reformed Glamorgan Fun- VC41 gus Group has been very active with  Blackening Waxcap Hygrocybes a number of Forays organised with Page 7 conica more being arranged for the Autumn.  Alder Tongue Taphrina alni If you would be interested to find out  Marasmiellus candidus more about the Group, please email

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Surveying at Taf Fechan

Animals (and plants for that matter) Marsh Pug. This was don’t know (or particularly care) where only the tenth ever they are “supposed” to be. They record (the first being don’t read species lists or look at old in 1917 recorded by a maps, they just live where they are H.W Vivian) and only able to live, and everything has to live the ninth modern rec- somewhere (this highlights somewhat ord of this species in the importance of habitat diversity and the vice county of conservation but that’s another argu- Glamorganshire, and ment). This stubborn biological re- the only one away fusal to be entirely and completely from the lowlands predictable makes getting out in the around the coast. countryside and looking at wildlife Ten records in 97 such a rewarding experience because years! This is a very you never really know what you are rare Moth in the vice going to find. I have been generally county of Glamorgan- Nemophora cupriacella: a new record for Breconshire © Graham Watkeys wandering around Taf Fechan Nature shire and it lives in Reserve as a voluntary warden for a Taf Fechan just a stone’s throw from couple of years and for the past few my house, and I found it! 2014… months I have been recording the For the purposes of biological record- I am not a Moth expert or an expert species I see to contribute to the re- ing, areas are divided into vice coun- on any group (in fact I often haven’t a serves species list. Many of these ties and each vice county has its own clue what many of these beasties are species may be very common and lists of species that have been record- and often need help in ID’ing them), easily identifiable but have not been ed there in the past. Taf Fechan hap- or even a particularly good photogra- officially recorded on the reserve be- pens to be on the border of two of pher. I have a good knowledge of fore (and that is a thrill in itself to rec- these vice counties, Glamorganshire nature, I’m interested in surveying and ord a new one). Sometimes some- to the South and Breconshire to the have some time to give but I have had thing turns out to be something spe- North. Not satisfied with just one rare the help of some very knowledgeable cial. I took a photo of this little Moth species in Glamorganshire I started to people like the vice county Moth re- while out doing a survey, this in itself take more notice of little Moths corders who are always happy to help is not an extraordinary event as I tend (although little moths should carry with identification and general advice, to get photos of everything that catch- some kind of health warning for caus- as well as Carys Solman, the Wildlife es my eye and is polite enough to ing extreme exasperation) and found Trust warden for the reserve. These pose, but this particular rather unas- some, this time in Breconshire. My species are out there to be found, you suming little black moth was identified effort was rewarded with two species don’t need a big reserve to survey, and subsequently confirmed as a recorded while out doing surveys, and you genuinely don’t know what both of which had nev- will turn up next. All you have to do is er been recorded in look, so why not give it a go? the county before. Graham Watkeys Now rare is one thing but newly recorded species don’t happen that often and to find two on the same reserve is special. To think that somewhere there is going to be a record with my name attached to it forever- more: Nemophora cu- Page 8 priacella first recorded The very unassuming Marsh Pug (Eupithecia pygmaeata) at Taf Fechan nature © Graham Watkeys reserve, G.J Watkeys,

Issue 11—Autumn

Highlights of the 2014 Plant Season

We have been out at least once every near Llanfair Dis- week from March to September record- coed, an old 1920 ing plants in different tetrads and have record. also led monthly walks for the Mon- On the old Troy mouthshire Plant Group. Venues have Station coal yard included the rocky scree and cliffs of site at Monmouth, Tarren yr Esgob near Cape y ffin in the Heather Colls and Black Mountains to the tamer but re- Steph Tyler (SJT) warding Rogiet Country Park. Up to 25 have amassed an people have attended some of the impressive plant walks. list including Crim- Early in the year there were several son Clover Trifoli- new tetrad records for Spring Whitlow um incarnatum Grass Erophila verna and Rue-leaved ssp incarnatum, Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites. Many Pale Flax Linum © Sophie Cowling of the notable species found during the bienne and Lu- forays have been on old coal tips or cerne Medicago falcate, all new hectad in the county. The Smooth stonewort brownfield sites – much more reward- records. At another brownfield site at Nitella flexilis var flexilis was found in ing for a botanist than improved cattle Dyffryn near Newport Peter Sturgess abundance by SJT and EW in a pond pastures in the Usk valley! Exciting found Wall Bedstraw Galium parisiene, at MOD Caerwent. finds have been Royal Fern, Osmunda a new species for VC35. Elsa Wood regalis, thought until recently to be ex- and SJT also recorded Lesser Cud- Over the 3 day BSBI AGM meeting tinct in the vice county, on an old coal weed Filago minima, Great Lettuce based at Tintern we organised walks at tip near Hafodrynys and Rough Clover Lactuca virosa and masses of Grass Newport Wetlands Reserve and Trifolium scabrum on a track in the Vetchling Lathyrus nissolia among oth- Blaenserchan as well as some of the Blaenserchan valley Linum bienne, the er interesting species at this site. Less- best wildflower meadows near Trellech first VC record away from the coast. At er Cudweed was also found in large and Penallt. The gathering of expert Rogiet Country Park we found Lesser numbers on the Blorenge by Mike Og- botanists turned up yet more exciting Calamint Clinopodium calamintha, a den and by Elsa and Adrian Wood in records including Cerastium diffusum new VC record, as well as four species the Sirhowy valley; its less common in the car park of Tintern Abbey and a of mullein – Great, White, Twiggy and relative Common Cudweed Filago vul- new hectad records for Greek Dock Moth (Verbascum thapsus, lychnitis, garis is very rare now but we found Rumex cristatus, Lesser Centaury virgatum and blattaria). At White Cas- good populations at MOD Caerwent Centaurium pulchellum and Small- tle over 100 Common Calamints Clino- and Peter Sturgess also found it at flowered Sweet Briar Rosa micrantha podiun ascendens were found; alt- Dyffryn. at Newport Wetlands. hough this far-from-common plant has Not all hectad records have been on Elsa and Adrian Wood found Few- been recorded at this site before, the former industrial sites. On one of the flowered Spike-rush Eleocharis quin- numbers were much higher than previ- Plant Group’s walks near Llanvihangel queflora in a wet hollow at Red House ously. It was also found in a hedgerow Crucorney, a small muddy roadside Farm near The Hendre during a Mead- pond produced Ra- ows Group Open Day. This was only nunculus hederaceus the second record for the county. They Ivy-leaved Crowfoot, also found Slender Spike-rush Eleo- the first record of this charis uniglumis at the base of an old species in SO32 tip on Mynnydd Machen, last recorded since 1969. There there in 1923. was also a new hec- At SEWBReC’s bioblitz at Ebbw Vale tad record for Bifid Garden City, Bottle Sedge Carex ros- Hemp Nettle Galeop- trata and Tussock Sedge Carex panic- sis bifida near ulata were two of the interesting sedg- Abergavenny. Stoneworts are sim- Page 9 ple aquatic plants probably overlooked Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) © Sophie Cowling

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Highlights of the 2014 Plant Season (...cont)

near Skenfrith, and is proving to be more widespread than previously thought. Many records by other observers have been new to a tetrad – for example Mike Ogden’s record of Knotted Hedge Parsley Torilis nodosa at Goldcliff, Rob Bacon’s Moth Mullein Knotted hedge parsley (Torilis nodosa) © Mike Ogden Verbascum blattaria at MOD Caerwent, Michelle Cross’s An- spiralis at Chepstow Cemetery were nual Beard-grass Polypogon mon- also mown when these lovely little or- speliensis at Bishton and Roger Annual Beard-grass (Polypogon mon- chids were in full flower. speliensis) © Michelle Cross Ruston’s Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata near Grosmont. Paul Green All in all a good year so far for finding found Purple Fumitory Fumaria pur- interesting plants even if some were es found. Some of the wet flushes purea at a roundabout in Chepstow, mown shortly after! The species noted yielded Ivy-leaved Bellflower Wahlen- not seen in the county since 2000 and above were just some of the more ex- bergia hederacea and a good stand of three days later Elsa and Adrian Wood citing finds – there were many others Wood Horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum. found it in the corner of Mathern with over 13,000 new plant records On a walk at Garn Lakes led by Steve churchyard. The roundabout at Chep- entered this year by us on Mapmate Williams we found Stinking Mayweed stow was then cut! Sadly the hundreds and sent to SEWBReC. Anthemis cotula. It was also found of Autumn Ladies Tresses Spiranthes Stephanie Tyler and Elsa Wood

Ghost slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda)

On the 20th September 2014 I finally been studying wildlife for most of my onto Facebook to see what reactions I got around to one of the many jobs I life, new things are less and less com- would receive, and was surprised by had been promising to do, which was mon and this one really stuck out. I the excitement. The photo was sent to extending our chicken run. As part of had a pretty good idea what it could Ben Rowson in Cardiff Museum, who the preparations I had to move a num- be, but needed to get it expertly con- confirmed the identification. He said, ber of rocks. Underneath one of these firmed. It was a white, carnivorous "This is almost certainly a Ghost Slug. I found something new to me. Having slug. It had an obvious keel around its I can't see all the features, but the col- rear, and its head our and shape are right and it looks was much nar- like the tail is keeled rather than hav- rower than the ing a shell, which rules out Testacella rest of the body. spp. Testacella and Ghost Slug are This develop- the only British slugs that attack live ment is so that it earthworms in the manner shown”. can feed on earth

worms by insert- ing its head in- David Beveridge side the skin of the worm. The white head can be seen inside the worm in the Page 10 photograph.

Ghost slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) © David Beveridge I put the picture

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Dartford warblers on the Gower Peninsula

As part of our studies at Swansea Uni- During our surveys we identified Dart- European gorse (Ulex europaeus) versity I, along with another student ford warblers at 7 locations and 6 of © Hannah Meinertzhagen (Julian Trevino-Villarreal), have spent these were confirmed, by the presence the summer of 2014 conducting re- of a singing male or by the observation search on Dartford warblers on the of breeding activity, as territories. Over south coast of the Gower Peninsula. all of these locations we found that the We decided to study this charismatic most abundant vegetation types were bird as very little is known about its European gorse and bracken population, distribution and ecology in (Pteridium aquilinum). Gorse within the South Wales. As this warbler is a height range of 0.5 to 1.5 m was more Schedule 1 listed species (Wildlife and common than shorter or taller gorse. Countryside Act 1981) all field work Most Dartford warbler sightings (94 %) was conducted under a Schedule 1 occurred within gorse, of these 72 % licence granted by Natural Resources were in gorse of 0.5 to 1.5 m. The be- Wales. haviour of a Dartford warbler at Rhos- sili (which was dominated by bracken) Dartford warbler ecology confirmed that the large proportion of The Dartford warbler (Sylvia undata) is sightings within gorse was not simply a an insectivorous bird which in Britain result of its prevalence because every occupies heathland habitats dominated single sighting at Rhossili occurred in by European gorse (Ulex europaeus) gorse despite the relative scarcity of it. management on the Gower suggesting and common heather (Calluna vulgar- This shows that the Dartford warblers that it would be beneficial to increase is). Prior to the 1990s the warbler was were actively choosing to utilise the the extent of and maintain gorse at a very scarce on the Gower Peninsula, gorse. It is likely that Dartford warblers particular height and to control the but it has since gradually increased favour gorse because it harbours a spread of bracken. However, such with the first evidence of breeding ac- wealth of invertebrates year round and management must be balanced against tivity recorded in the early 2000s, and so provides a continuous food supply. the conservation of other key habitats most recently in 2014. The establish- Also, its spikey, dense structure pro- such as the calcareous grasslands, ment of the Dartford warbler on the vides protection from predators (e.g. which characterise the Gower. Ideally, Gower Peninsula is likely to be related birds of prey and foxes) as well as future studies should be conducted to the climate-induced northwards harsh weather. In particular, gorse of over years rather than months and in- range shift which this primarily Mediter- medium height appeared to be im- volve ringing individuals to gain a more ranean species appears to be exhibit- portant. This might be because it yields accurate estimate of the Dartford war- ing (Bradbury et al., 2011). more invertebrates than tall gorse and bler population on the Gower and how provides greater protection than short it responds to changes in habitat over Aims of the Research gorse. Although bracken was the sec- time. We wanted to understand the local ond most abundant vegetation type Hannah Meinertzhagen factors that influenced the Dartford over all of the territories, it only ac- warbler distribution and to provide use- counted for 8 % of Dartford warbler ful information for the management of sightings, suggesting it was of lower Reference: BRADBURY, R. B., the Gower Peninsula, so we chose to importance to these birds. This might PEARCE-HIGGINS, J. W., WOTTON, investigate which habitat types were be due to the relatively small number of S. R., CONWAY, G. J. & GRICE, P. V. most important to the Dartford war- invertebrates associated with bracken (2011). The influence of climate and blers. First of all it was necessary to and the flexibility of its structure which topography in patterns of territory es- locate the warblers, this was carried means that it provides less protection tablishment in a range-expanding bird. out with the help of Mr Owain Gabb against harsh weather and predators. The International Journal of Avian Sci- from BSG Ecology through the WISE Conclusion ence 153, 336-344. project which facilitates collaboration between universities and businesses. As very little is known about the Dart- Then we mapped the habitat at each ford warbler on the Gower Peninsula

location using GIS software. The next our research provides an informative couple of months were spent observing baseline upon which future studies can the Dartford warblers and recording the develop. Our findings confirm the im- Page 11 habitats in which they were observed. portance of European gorse, in particular that of medium height, to these Findings of the Study birds. This has implications for habitat

Issue 11—Autumn

Margam Country Park Bat Blitz

Results from 20+ surveyors and static detectors around the Castle © Laura Palmer (NPTCBC)

To celebrate International Bat Night ambitious 3 in 1 event for Saturday 30th shoes or Brown long-eared bats for Margam Country Park opened its doors August. swarming. Internal inspections found late into the evening to welcome bat both species throughout the main build- enthusiasts of all abilities to join in the Part 1 – an indoor talk to volunteers ing. biggest Welsh Bat Night event for 2014. explaining how to run a bat walk and an introduction to bats. It is hoped that At the end of the night surveyors, pub- 10 species of bat have been found in the volunteers will use this experience lic walk participants and trained volun- Margam Country Park and the site is to run their own bat walks in other are- teers joined together to share experi- regularly used for training events. They as of NPT and beyond. ences at the Castle and to meet are found all over the park, using the George the Common pipistrelle for a many historic buildings, woodlands and Part 2 – A public bat walk led by Alex close up view. George is a long term water bodies. Several species are Pollard of Wildwood Ecology. Over 30 captive as he has a broken wing so is known to use Margam Castle and members of the public (plus the volun- now used for educational purposes by Neath Port Talbot County Borough teer trainees) attended and feedback Laura Palmer. Council (NPTCBC) Biodiversity Team was fantastic. The highlight was the decided to use International Bat Night spectacular display of Daubenton’s Further exploration is being planned to as an opportunity to carry out a massive feeding over the lake. find out how the bats use the inside of survey of the building. the castle and the wider park and to get Part 3 - an intensive survey of the Cas- a better idea of numbers. Priority spe- Supported by Margam Country Park tle buildings. Over 20 professional and cies will be Nathusius’ pipistrelle and staff and Wildwood Ecology, with fund- experienced surveyors were strategi- Barbastelle bats. Keep an eye on the ing from NRW, the team organised an cally placed around the building with www.facebook.com/ several static detectors MargamCountryPark and inside. The results www.facebook.com/NPTWildlife pages showed high use of the for details of future events. castle by a number of species and confirmed use by Nathusius’ pipi- Laura Palmer, Biodiversity Officer strelle. The results also NPTCBC showed that the Lesser horseshoes are using the Castle more widely than was previously thought. A follow up dawn survey Page 12 confirmed the use of the towers on the west side Common pipistrelle ‘George’ © Laura Palmer (NPTCBC) by either Lesser horse-

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014 Springwatch Hedgehog Survey

© Cate Barrow it. The survey is being had a hedgehog asleep in the tunnel undertaken all over the one night after it had eaten so much cat UK, and Taff Bargoed food! The tunnels also picked up that was selected by PTES as squirrels and wood mice are common a possible site. within the Parc. PTES and Reading University have asked that the area is As warden, I helped Cate resampled in the spring of next year to place 10 tunnels around see how the hedgehogs have fared the Parc that could be over the winter. Of the 10 tunnels for 5 surveyed over 5 nights in nights there were 18 hedgehog en- early September. The counters. There are certainly lots of tunnels had to be placed hedgehogs in Taff Bargoed and Paul is where they would not get looking at the best way of protecting disturbed or interfered their habitat locally. Cate Barrow undertook a survey of the with but where we thought hedgehog population in Taff Bargoed there might be some hedgehog activity. Paul Virgin, Parc Taff Bargoed Parc, Trelewis in Sept 2014, for the In reality the sites were selected on a BBC Springwatch TV programme man- fairly random basis over a 1 km square Editor: The mammal tunnels are bait- aged by the Peoples Trust for Endan- area. ed with food which is surrounded by gered Species (PTES). The survey is Of the 10 tunnels surveyed, 7 had plain paper and inky pads. When the part of a much larger one being run by some use by hedgehogs and in fact 5 mammal enters the tunnel to access PTES, and Reading and Nottingham were being used by multiple hedge- the food, it has to walk over the ink Universities looking at the UK hedgehogs every night! PTES and Reading pads and paper...hopefully leaving a hog population and how best to protect are thrilled with the results. Cate even nice clear print to identify!

More Tunnel Tomfoolery

This summer I also tried using the the tunnel with less food hoping that mammal footprint tunnels on my allot- this would result in a clearer print. The ment near Radyr, Cardiff. Baited with sides of the paper also showed signs hotdog sausages and sunflower seeds, of chewing. the first night revealed a flurry of small mammal activity. As there were so I am pretty confident that no hedge- many mammal passes it made identify- hogs used the tunnel, but it is definitely ing any one particular mammal difficult, clear that other mammal species are so over the next few nights, I baited present on my allotment. Some prints are very small so a mouse, vole or shrew is the likely culprit, but there are also a smattering of slightly larger prints indicating mammals such as squirrel, stoat, or weasel.

In the past I have seen a fox and observed their field signs. This summer I also found a dead shrew on the site, and I regularly see grey squirrels. I have been told that other plot holders have seen weasels or stoats. If anyone has any ideas on what the prints Large mammal print © SEWBReC are, let me know!

Get involved in the mammal tunnel survey here: http://ptes.org/get-involved/surveys/ countryside-2/national-hedgehog- survey/ Page 13

Rebecca Davies, SEWBReC Small mammal prints © SEWBReC

House martins of Cardiff Bay

Adventurer’s Quay Having checked that there were no known survey should consider such details in records of the numbers of nests at these advance! In 2008, I noticed that there were sites, I surveyed them in August. Both House Martins nesting in Adventurer’s As the House Martin flies, these 3 sites areas take a long time to walk round eve- Quay, a gated development opposite are very close and they can certainly all ry side of every building, as far as is pos- the office where I worked. be seen from each other’s windows (or sible (the nests can be on sides facing roofs). Subsequently, I managed to gain ac- any direction). cess to the estate during the nesting I therefore suggest that the three sites season at least once each year. On both developments, residents have surveyed constitute a super-colony. In been offered the option of having artificial My criteria for counting a nest as ‘this 2014, this comprised at least 108 nests, nests put under their eaves. I saw quite a season’ are that it looks in good repair, which is a significant number. It would number of these but only two I could say and preferably has fresh droppings, be great if we had ringing data to estab- were definitely in use, and a couple more feathers or faecal sacks underneath. lish how much movement between the in possible use (which I didn’t record), for Of course, if one sees birds entering or sites took place each year. leaving, or can see or hear the young, example showing some slight marks of then it’s certain (and I separately rec- droppings. It is possible there would be more nests if some weren’t deliberately removed ord the number of definitely occupied Some evidence of nest destruction or each year, sometimes after eggs were nests). But you can’t wait by each one removal was seen at both sites and in laid. However, I don’t know if birds that till this happens on dispersed sites of 2015 I will try to ensure leafleting of all the lose a nest early on simply rebuild else- this size. residents, although this will take thou- where; there certainly appears room for The maximum number of current nests sands of leaflets. each year is shown in this table more nests at all the sites. Individual nests could be quite isolated, The buildings themselves were mostly perhaps 50m or built in 1998-2002, demonstrating that 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 more from the next House Martins will readily adapt to new nearest, or they 7 21 8 15 13 10 11 locations if the construction is suitable, could be close to or and are comfortable nesting on uPVC Table 1 - Maximum ‘current season’ nests at Adventurer's Quay touching others. as well as more traditional materials. ’Double’ nests are quite common, tri- I’ll try to survey all these sites in future The annual figures are not strictly com- ples occasionally seen. In Penarth Mari- years close to a regular date, such as parable because the survey was not na, there were 7 nests on one short mid-July, to see how the trends develop. conducted at a fixed time of year. stretch of roof (mostly over one window - It seems to me that counting apparently For example, in 2008 and 2010, I only that does show house-holder tolerance). active nests is a good way to estimate visited in April when a number of nests One building had 16 nests. were still being constructed, which I the actual number of breeding pairs of didn’t count. The final numbers were At Penarth Marina, I found 78 nests that obvious colonial nesters like House Mar- probably closer to the other years. were in good condition, 13 of which I saw tins (compare the long running Grey being actively used. Conversely in 2012, I found 13 nests Heron survey). A few years ago, I sug- gested to Glamorgan Bird Club that nest on a first visit, but later in the season In the Windsor Quay – Seager Drive de- numbers of this species were reported there were only 8 left, almost certainly velopment in Grangetown, I found 19 in the Annual East Glamorgan Bird Re- due to deliberate removal of nests near nests, and saw 3 being used. At both port, and this is now being done. Of windows. sites there were enough martins flying course, this requires known nests to be As a result, I persuaded Cardiff Coun- around to suggest that the number of counted and reported – can you help? cil, through the Biodiversity Partner- nests I recorded was realistic. I would ship, to produce a “love your House estimate that the numbers of nests I rec- Martins and leave their nests alone” orded are a slight underestimate as some Paul Seligman leaflet, which I delivered to every letter dwellings with steep roofs overhanging box in Adventurer’s’ Quay in 2013. It’s the eaves could not be fully examined. [email protected] hard to measure the effect of this, but I haven’t checked every possible building @PaulSeligNature one hopes it does some good. around the entire Bay but I think these are the main sites. If anyone knows of more, See https://www.google.com/maps/d/ Other Sites please get in touch. viewer? mid=zD5RtzWT4CKs.kGYUNVwCiBEk Walking around the Bay earlier this for a map of the house martin colonies year, I recorded a few House Martin in Cardiff Bay. nests in Penarth Marina and Windsor Conclusions Quay. Judging by the number of birds Recording similar data each year is use- seen flying around, I was sure I would ful. It’s even better if the methodology is find more if I surveyed these two sites consistent (time of year, criteria for re- in detail. cording). Recorders deciding to make any

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Notes of the Severn Estuary Strandline in Gwent

During the first nine months of 2014 I Sudbrook I © Colin Titcombe decided to monitor the species repre- found 6 Com- sented along the Severn Estuary mon Guil- strand-line here in Gwent. Not all of lemot (Uria our coast-line lends itself to the for- aalge) bodies mation of a strand-line and so, for this and 3 of the reason, and also for that of suitable gull known as access, I chose to concentrate on the the Kittiwake foreshore between Caldicot and Sud- (Rissa tridac- brook Point. tyla). These were found In the past a number of animals on the sur- (cetaceans, birds and fish etc) have face of the been cast ashore between the estuar- accumulated ies of Rhymney and Wye, but far mass of more commonly, a range of items storm debris, which in many places (Balaenoptera borealis), Fin whale which simply represent a range of was a couple of metres deep – how (Balaenoptera physalus) and Minke species, both vertebrate and inverte- many bodies were lying unseen deep brate. Such objects, typically eggs or whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) down? body-parts, may be of casual occur- which were washed up in February rence, or they may occur regularly, On the face of it the tree trunks, (1925), September (2004) and Octo- perhaps seasonally. branches and timbers appear to be ber (1977) respectively. Another Min- lifeless but we cannot see what lies ke whale was carried on up the Sev- In 2014, the year began with a pro- within. Some may be carrying inver- ern, the corpse finally being beached tracted period of heavy rain and tebrate animal species (beetle larvae at Sedbury (Gloucestershire). That strong winds, winter-storms which had etc) and at least one block of wood was in 1973. Smaller cetaceans such started earlier in the winter (2013). By held fungal hyphae which despite its as dolphins, and also large fish have January a massive amount of woody passing through the briny waters of been washed up dead along Gwent’s debris was draped along the seawall the estuary, later produced a sporo- shoreline. In the photograph below and upper shore - tree trunks and phore (see photograph of what is be- can be seen the bones of a dolphin branches, timber of all shapes and lieved to be a species of Polyporus) (the fused cervical vertebrae from an sizes, large quantities of Reed stems This situation was, of course, excep- animal washed up at Goldcliff), bones and also of the larger seaweeds tional, but even during the course of from a swordfish (Xiphias gladius) (Knotted wrack, Ascophyllum an average winter some casualties (basically vertebrae from a specimen nodosum) and Bladder wrack (Fucus would be washed ashore. In the past cast ashore at Collister Pill, Undy in vesiculosus). Amongst this mass of I have found the bodies of Gannet 1971), and the distinctive L-shaped debris there were also the corpses of (Morus bassanus), Cormorant bones from Angler-fish (Lophius pis- seabirds which had perished in these (Phalacrocorax carbo) and Red- catorius) which are not uncommon as exceptional winter storms. In the throated Diver (Gavia stellata) (an stranded items along the estuary. short stretch between Caldicot and oiled bird). Sometimes the whole Angler fish is found on the foreshore but the L- Other strand- shaped bones are light enough to be ings have cast up with the general strand line been of material. The strand-line, then, tends mammals, to be where the lighter objects are to principally be found – egg cases, shells and the cetaceans internal ‘guards’ of Common Cuttlefish such as the (Sepia officinalis). Sei whale

Page 15

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Notes of the Severn Estuary Strandline in Gwent (cont...)

During the 1970s, while involved with the ‘Birds of Estuaries Enquiry’ for the BTO, I noted items which do not seem to be present today. The shells of the River Snail (Viviparous viviparous) washed down from the freshwater of the riverine environment for example, and also the egg- cases of the Thornback ray (Raja clavata). Oth- er items found at the time can certainly be found today. In May 2014 the strandline along the Severn Estuary had reverted to its more ortho- dox position and composition along the lower shore (see photo on right). Amongst this sea- weed dominated strandline were the shed exo- skeletons of small shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) – see photo (on right). © Colin Titcombe Biological items cast up on the Severn Estuary stand line (Magor Pill - St Pierre Pill) may origi- nate from a range of four different environs – the terrestrial, the freshwater, the estuarine and the marine environment. These are shown in the chart below which records the items/species found between January and September 2014.

Colin Titcombe

Terrestrial Environment Freshwater Environment Estuarine Environment Marine Environment Grove snail (Cepaea sp.) shells Ramshorn Snail Shell Shore crab (Carcinus maenas) Common Guillemot corpses

Garden Snail shells (Cornu asper- Bladder Wrack (Fucus vesicu- Kittiwake corpses sum) losis) Oak marble gall (Andricus kollarc) Knotted wrack (Ascophyllum Coconut (Cocos nucifera) – still nodosum) in its outer casing Beech mast (Fagus sylvatica) Flat wrack (Fucus spiralis) Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) ‘guards’ – 1 only Hazel nuts (Corylus avellaria) Channelled wrack (Pelvetia ‘Whelk’ egg cases canaliculata)

Gut-weed (Enteromorpha sp. Red sea weed (Polysiphonia lanaosa) attached to fronds of knotted wrack Eel grass (Zostera marina ssp. angustifolia)

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Just give nature a chance…

I’ve worked in Cardiff Bay for over 10 a few nice summer days I try to se the south side of the bank had become years, most of it in the Caspian Point what’s around and collect a few biodi- a mass of flowers: ox-eye daisies, tuft- offices, next to the Queensgate round- versity records from what remains. I ed vetch, birds-foot trefoil, hedge mus- about. used to be able to see many individu- tard and more, and looked much nicer als of, perhaps, 5 butterfly species in than the trimmed side. The immediate area used to have lots 20 minutes; now a single butterfly is of ‘waste ground’ and similar places notable. But today (June 2nd), a short A quick walk along the flowered side where wild flowers could go through excursion from the office door provided produced a couple of Meadow Brown their life cycle and attract pollinators. a really interesting nature experience. butterflies, a Common Blue damselfly Generally it was quite wildlife friendly and literally dozens of Six spot Burnet for an urban area. Now much of that is A bank alongside the events car park moths, emerging from their papery concreted over, built on, or trimmed so (a nice space that was tarmacked over chrysalises. As soon as a female regularly that not much has a chance. for use a couple of times a year), had emerged, a waiting male would start to I don’t often take a lunch break, but on only been trimmed on the side next to mate with her (see photo). Of course, the office I’m not the first naturalist to observe access this, but for me it was a special lunch road. break. Probably the con- It reminded me of all the insects that tractors have never completed their life cycle intended because of the excessive trimming and to finish mowing now taking place. The eggs off the job laid after the copulations I observed will on their be unlikely to reach adult hood. When- next visit – ever we have a chance to identify and it has hap- write or email to those responsible for pened this excessive mowing, we should do before. so. But in the meantime, Paul Seligman Six spot Burnet moths © Paul Seligman

WBP—Book Award Fund

The Wales Biodiversity Partnership A claim can be up to £25, and may only ing address: (WBP) is offering a small grant to all be claimed once in each financial year. Sean McHugh, WBP Communi- Vice County Recorders in Wales. This The invoice date must match the finan- cations Officer, Wales Biodi- can be used towards the purchase of cial year in which the claim is made. To versity Partnership, identification books, keys, CDs, or other claim, please send the form below to- C/O Wildlife Trusts Wales, small equipment. gether with your receipt(s) to the follow- Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Name: Cardiff Bay, CF10 5FH. Address: Line 1

Line 2 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 02920 480 070 (direct), Line 3 07946 469875 (mobile) Post Town Post Code Sean McHugh, WBP Communi- Email address: cations Officer Contact telephone number

I am the VC Recorder for: Vice County Name

Taxonomic Speciality

Page 17 Item (s) grant claimed for

Receipt attached?

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

New species at our cottage

We keep a running list of all the plants, pert John Harper, by Buglife and by fungi, and animals, whether inverte- John Phillips, a hoverfly expert from brates or vertebrates, for our Penallt Glos. Our hymenoptera list does in- garden and our surrounding six acres clude Brown-banded and Red-tailed of steep pasture in eastern Monmouth- Carder Bees as well as Tree Bumble shire. It gets increasingly difficult to bees, Hornets and various common add to the list unless an invertebrate bumble bees and wasps. On 5 Sep- expert happens to visit us. However, tember this year David & Christine this year we added a dozen or so ‘new’ Knight from Cwmyoy and Nigel & Kay micro-moths and seven ‘new’ macros Simpson from near Tidenham Chase during our moth-trapping sessions. came over for the day and we hap- These included our first Double Line pened to show them our garden shed, on 26 June followed by a Mocha on 21 put up in June 2013, with a small July as well as five other new macros hanging wasp nest. What we had in July. Our total Lepidoptera count missed until then were the cells of a (389) is still very low compared with Mason Bee just inside the door. counts by Martin Anthoney and Roger Thanks to identification work by Nigel James in their gardens at Risca and and David we now know that the ma- Newport – they are near the coast and son bee was Osmia rufa – so another © Nigel Simpson attract migrants and have been trap- new species for the list. gall midge Jaapiella veronicae. ping for much longer than us - but Although not something new we at last each year some new species blunders We need experts on caddis flies and got round to identifying the greyish into our trap. beetles in particular to help us further round ‘balls’ or galls that adorn virtually increase our tally! Other invertebrate groups are less well every Germander Speedwell plant in covered here although we have been our orchard and pasture and are com- Steph Tyler lucky to have had visits by spider ex- mon elsewhere. They are formed by a

What’s hiding in your moth trap?

Although I’m mainly a botanist in my light make a much more manageable are available from: ‘spare’ time, I have a mercury vapour subgroup. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources-rx/ moth trap and when time and inclina- files/keys-for-nocturnal-workshop- tion permit I put it out in the garden in So what did I find? Well, I managed 6 reduced-109651.pdf Bargoed (SO145003) and record the species in my first three attempts: fascinating variety of moths that are Charmon cruentatus http://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources-rx/ attracted to it, different suites of spe- Cidaphus atricillus files/ cies at different times of the year. But Enicospilus combustus ich_subfamily_key_2_11_compressed as well as all those moths, there is a Heterogamus dispar -95113.pdf quite a variety of other beasties – Ophion pteridis many of them rather tiny such as Zele deceptor Big thanks to Gavin Broad for making gnats and other small flies. But among determinations and encouraging me the bigger things which appear in my All of them except Enicospilus com- while I get started on nocturnal ichneu- trap are sexton beetles (Nicrophorus), bustus new for vc41 – mainly because mons. and some impressively large parasitic there were so few records in the re- wasps (ichneumons), usually red- cording scheme from Wales to start Paul Smith brown in colour. with. And I have some more which [email protected] look different but await determination. By chance I came across some keys Editor: SEWBReC is always pleased to nocturnal ichneumons (see below), So if you’re a habitual moth-trapper, to receive records of any species associated with a recording scheme spare a thought for those other beast- from the South East Wales area. run by Gavin Broad at the Natural His- ies in your trap. And if you can have a tory Museum, so I duly packed a few go at identifying them, someone, specimens off, and then had a go at somewhere will be delighted to have identifying some myself. Although the records. Page 18 there are very many ichneumons in Britain, the nocturnal ones attracted to Keys for nocturnal ichneumonoidea

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

Expect the Unexpected

bina) this September near Bonvilston. We first found long-winged coneheads (Conocephalus discolour) on Coryton roundabout (M4 junction 32) in 1999, the first for Wales. Since then they have spread and we now find colonies in various parts of the Vale at least as far as Bridgend. Botanists got excited when we reported dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris) in flower on Mynydd Ruthin–probably Criorhina floccosa © Linda Nottage only the second record for Glamorgan – although this pretty plant is wide- It’s always a thrill when out square- spread in England. At the same venue bashing or pottering around the Vale in June we photographed a new-for-us of Glamorgan to come across some- hoverfly Criorhina floccosa, a furry thing rare or unusual. In February we bumblebee mimic. New too were Dropwort © Linda Nottage found a long-tailed duck (Clangula woundwort shieldbugs (Eysarcoris hyemalis) on the Knap Lake in Barry. fabricii) in the Ely Valley and a tree It hung around with tufted ducks hopper near St. Hilary. In August (Aythya fuligula) until at least April, we flushed, potted, photographed recorded intermittently on our monthly and released a moth later identi- wildfowl counts at Aberthaw. More fied as a mocha (Cyclophora annu- significant were the wintering flocks of laria) –scarce in Glamorgan and a birds of conservation concern (S.42 novel sighting for us. So keep look- species) such as the 35 yellowham- ing, you never know what you’ll mers (Emberiza citrinella) we count- find! ed last November near Llantwit Major Linda Nottage and 200 linnets (Carduelis canna- Woundwort shieldbugs mating © Linda Nottage

We Count for Wildlife Abergavenny Bioblitz May 16th and 17th 2014

Monmouthshire Environment Partner- identified, and 2 bat species. also aims to encourage more people ship Board organised a public bioblitz to get involved in identifying and re- On the Saturday a series of four ex- at Abergavenny Castle and Castle cording local wildlife. pert led walks were provided, and Meadows in May. The event was held down on the meadows local people A second bioblitz is being planned at over two days, with the first day could take part in pond dipping with Castle Meadows in June 2015, led by providing activities for local schools Friends of Castle Meadows, river dip- Friends of Castle Meadows. The En- and the second day being a public ping with Wye and Usk Foundation, vironment Partnership Board is also bioblitz. and bird watching with Gwent Ornitho- working with the Wye Valley AONB to Three local schools attended, two of logical Society. The event was sup- organise a public bioblitz in Monmouth which were able to walk to and from ported by 11 different organisations in 2015. the site. They took part in pond dip- and local groups, and coordinated by Sue Parkinson, Monmouthshire ping, making minibeast hotels to take the Environment Partnership Board. It Environment Partnership Board back to school, identifying wild flowers resulted in 324 species records, many and bird watching activities. of which were new records for the site. More than 350 local people came On the Friday evening a 'bats for be- along and took part in the event, which ginners' talk and walk was arranged aims to raise awareness of the im- Page 19 by Monmouthshire Countryside Ser- portance of green spaces close to vice, as well as moth trapping with urban areas as havens for wildlife. It Gwent Wildlife Trust. 16 moths were

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

The flora of conifer plantation trails in Neath Port Talbot

where conifer plantation represents la amarella all occur in small, isolated a very large proportion of the total populations on the edges of forestry county area. As our database has roads in NPT, but are rare or uncom- grown, consistent patterns have mon elsewhere in South Wales. Macro- emerged indicating that a fascinat- fungi that you may come across in this ing (perhaps novel) ecology has habitat include Lyophyllum connatum, developed in these places over the Melanoleuca polioleuca, Pholiota gum- last 50 years. So, what we see in mosa and the cute orange cup fungus, Neath Port Talbot is probably rele- Melastiza cornubiensis. vant to much of South Wales and Roadside Willow Scrub particularly neighbouring counties. The high density Sitka Spruce forests Gravelled Roads maintain a moist atmosphere that is The stony edges of forestry roads cool in summer and relatively mild in support a characteristic community winter, perfect conditions for many epi- of bryophytes and flowering plants. phytic bryophytes. Willow trees that Among bryophytes, typical exam- colonise the forest edges and roadside ples would be: Barbula unguiculata, verges are often covered with species Calliergonella lindbergii, Ceratodon of Orthotrichum and Ulota and the ubiq- purpureus, Ctenidium molluscum, uitous Hypnum andoi. Species like Cry- Dichodontium pellucidum, Di- phaea heteromalla, Radula complanata cranella varia, Didymodon fallax, and Ulota phyllantha have probably Encalypta streptocarpa, Fissidens increased in abundance in South Wales adianthoides, Jungermannia gracilli- over the last few decades in these new Gentianella amarella in forestry roadside habitat ma, J. atrovirens, Pogonatum ur- habitats. Sam Bosanquet has drawn above Glyncorrwg © Charles & Hilary Hipkin nigerum, Pohlia wahlenbergii and attention to the dramatic increase in Trichostomum crispulum. More certain hyperoceanic liverworts that find Although forests occupy most of the rarely, in NPT, you may also come these conditions favourable (Field Bryol- area in a conifer plantation, there are across Didymodon ferrugineus or Dis- ogy, vol. 82, 2004), Cololejeunea also roads, tracks, drainage ditches, tichium inclinatum, which are notable minutissima and Colura calyptrifolia verges, banks, fire-breaks, log piles, old species. You can expect a long list of being striking examples. The latter is stone walls, ponds and quarries. This flowering plants, with the fairly con- now widespread in NPT’s plantations non-forested matrix is composed of a sistent representation of certain species growing on willows (and other broad- fascinating mixture of remnant habitats such as: Agrostis stolonifera, Aira cary- leaved trees), conifer trees, gorse, and communities that were there before ophyllea, Anaphalis margaritacea, heather and bilberry. Many of these the forests were planted (e.g. heathland Aphanes arvensis, Catapodium rigidum, willow trees also support floppy, brown, and moorland) and new habitats creat- Chaenorhinum minus, Filago minima, jelly-like growths of the fungus Exidia ed as part of the forestry operation. This Hypericum humifusum, Linum catharti- recisa which hang from their twigs and is where most of the plant diversity in a cum, Matricaria discoidea, Mentha are conspicuous throughout the winter. conifer plantation resides. In his review arvensis, Plantago major, Poa annua But the most common fungus associat- of Roderick Leslie’s book, Forest Vision: and P. compressa, Sagina nodosa, ed with willows in these places is the Transforming the Forestry Commission Vulpia bromoides, V. myuros and Ve- fabulously named Girdled Knight (British Wildlife Vol. 25, No. 6, 2014), ronica serpyllifolia. Others like Blacksto- (Tricholoma cingulatum) which has a Peter Marren reminds us that ‘…there is nia perfoliata, Filago vulgaris and Inula specific ectomycorrhizal association more to the forest ecosystem than just conyzae are less common. The most with willow (and poplar) roots and forms trees’. Wise words! During a 1km walk abundant orchids are Dactylorhiza fuch- rings around the bases of the trees. along a forestry road it is not difficult to sii, D. praetermissa and Epipactis helle- Tricholoma cingulatum also forms a notch-up a list of 120 or more plant spe- borine, but Anacamptis pyramidalis, mycorrhizal association with Pyrola ro- cies in roadside habitats, and since this Listera ovata and Ophrys apifera are all tundifolia, which explains why both are represents a habitat area not much represented in suitable places. Many of found in association with Creeping Wil- greater than 0.5 hectares, we are talk- the species found in roadside communi- low (Salix repens) in coastal dune ing about significant biodiversity. In fact, ties are base-loving (calcicole) species, slacks. Until recently P. rotundifolia in in many upland areas in Neath Port particularly along the older, established Wales was regarded as a coastal spe- Talbot (NPT), the greatest proportion of roads which were often dressed with plant diversity in a 1km square is found limestone gravel. And there’s a good along forestry roads. chance that you’ll find something totally Page 20 unexpected. For example, Euphorbia Most of our observations and virtually all exigua, Euphorbia stricta and Gentianel- of our recording effort relate to NPT,

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

The flora of conifer plantation trails in Neath Port Talbot (cont…) cies, although inland populations have tium palustre, Phi- been known in Glamorgan for some lonotis fontana and time. Some of those populations occur Sphagnum spp. in association with forestry roadside (particularly S. den- willows (mostly Salix cinerea). At the ticulatum and S. moment we know of 6 separate popu- inundatum). Flow- lations of P. rotundifolia in NPT’s plan- ering plants here tations. All the plants we have seen include gems like are P. minor subsp. maritima, so it Anagallis tenella seems likely that this is a range expan- and Wahlenbergia sion of our coastal populations. More hederacea. Most of recently, we have also discovered a Neath Port Talbot’s small population of Pyrola minor at the surviving popula- edge of a Sitka Spruce stand in Glyn tions of the club- Castle Forest near Resolven. It too mosses, Huperzia may be expanding its range in South selago and Lycopo- Wales, so it is worth keeping an eye dium clavatum, are Huperzia selago on roadside bank in Glyncastle Forest © Charles & Hilary Hipkin open for it. also found on heathy banks and scree that occur on Among a list too long to give here you Remnant Habitats and Drainage the edges of plantations above 300m. may see Gomphidius glutinosus, Lac- Ditches To date we have 12 separate forestry tarius deterrimus and Russula fuscoru- The fragmented remnants of heathland sites for these fabulous plants in Neath broides associated with Sitka Spruce and moorland that characterise forest Port Talbot, both species growing to- and Gomphidius maculatus, Suillus roadside verges and banks on higher gether in some places. Beech Fern grevillei and Tricholoma psammopus ground are a clue to what was there (Phegopteris connectilis) is less com- associated with Larch. We frequently before the forests were planted. Banks mon in conifer plantations but occurs in come across Guepinia helvelloides with colourful displays of Calluna vul- 2 locations in NPT. (the aptly named Salmon Salad or garis, Erica cinerea and Ulex gallii are Apricot Jelly), a Red Data List species Forest Edges common sights in the plantations of the that may be increasing in areas with upper Afan Valley in late summer. The huge expanses of Sitka Spruce mature plantations. Two of the most Elsewhere, patches of peaty, marshy forest usually have a fairly barren common species encountered are Am- grassland with Dryopteris carthusiana, ground flora. But the edges of mature anita rubescens and Russula ochroleu- Erica tetralix and Scutellaria minor and plantations often support mossy com- ca but lots of Cortinarius and Inocybe ferny banks with impressive stands of munities with masses of handsome spp. will tax your patience and iconic Dryopteris affinis and Oreopteris lim- pleurocarpous mosses, particularly species like Boletus edulis (Cep) and bosperma are common. Drainage Hylocomium splendens, Hypnum jut- Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric) will ditches and flushes in these places are landicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, keep the cameras clicking. lush with bryophytes such as Bryum Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscle- Our conifer plantations have been pseudotriquetrum, Calliergonella cuspi- ropodium purum, and Rhytidiadelphus largely ignored by recorders other than data, Cratoneuron filicinum, Dichodon- loreus. The occasional occurrence of Loeskeobryum birders, but over the last 50 years they brevirostre in have matured and developed into fas- these places is cinating ecosystems with a surprising interesting. There diversity of bryophytes, vascular plants are few records and fungi. We know very little about for this moss in the invertebrates in these places. Ac- Glamorgan but it cess to these forests is easy and there may be over- are miles of roads and trails for hikers looked or simply and bikers. Perhaps it’s time we gave not looked for in them more serious attention. forestry plantations. Charles Hipkin and Hilary Hipkin

Finally, in autumn you can also expect to find a Page 21 large diversity of Guepinia helvelloides in roadside verge in Pelenna Forest macrofungi at the edg- © Charles & Hilary Hipkin es of the forests.

Issue 11—Autumn October 2014

The Last Page

© Colin Titcombe The September ‘Species of the Month’ is found along the River Wye at Llandogo, and also in the local woodlands - eg. in Great Park Coniger at SO 535047. Interestingly, when sprayed with a chemical herbicide this species reacts by producing bright red growths at its nodes (see photo). It is like a man-made, chemi- cally-induced ‘gall’ and sometimes very spectacular.

Colin Titcombe

Editor: Has anybody else seen this phenomenon?

Seen from the SEWBReC office window Sunday 12th October: Wales Fun- For several years now, SEWBReC staff have kept a list of species that have gus Day been seen from the office windows. Considering we are based in the centre of The third annual Wales Fungus Day is Cardiff, we are rather fortunate in that we look over a small piece of grassland promising to be the biggest and best yet. Taking place at the National Bo- (although sadly over-mowed) and some lime trees, rather than a total concrete tanic Garden, it will feature some of jungle (although there is plenty of that too!). Over the years we have amassed Wales’ top experts, a wild mushroom a list of 62 species. The rules state that you must have seen it through the ‘cook-up’, a special (and unique) fungi window, or it may have flown into the office. As you might expect, most of the patchwork exhibition, as well as family species are birds (30) and include redwing, peregrine, meadow pipit, and most activities. www.gardenofwales.org.uk/ recently a green woodpecker; but there are also invertebrates (17), plants (12), whats-on/events and even a few mammals (3 - bat, grey squirrel, and rat) on the list.

Why not have a go and see what kind of species list you can produce from Saturday 11th October: Unknown looking out your office window? At least one benefit is that you get to give your Wales Conference eyes a break from looking at a computer screen all day. Organised by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and the Na- NB. SEWBReC does not endorse undertaking leisure activities during work tional Museum Wales, the conference time!! takes place at the National Museum Wales in Cardiff. The event is free Rebecca Davies, SEWBReC with talks ranging from bank voles to diatoms, and a talk from TV producer, Events at Taff Bargoed Park presenter and author Steven Moss. th  October 28 Hedgehog day. 1-3pm Come and join the wardens creating some hibernation piles on the park. Free but booking is essential. Tel: To book register at in- 07515189844. [email protected] or call 01656 th 724100  October 30 Tree planting day. 1-3pm Come and help plant some trees on the park. Free but booking is essential. Tel: 07515189844.

If you work for an organisation that would be interested in helping on the park, G w e n t - G l a m o r g a n please get in touch with the wardens. We also have opportunities for individu- Recorders’ Newsletter als who would like to get involved and take part in conservation, education and wildlife survey tasks. Please contact the Environmental & Heritage Warden, SEWBReC, 13 St Andrew’s Crescent Paul Virgin on 07515189844. Cardiff, CF10 3DB Telephone: 029 20 64 1110 A big thank you to all those who have contributed to this newsletter! Fax: 0843 265 2714 But, thinking ahead to the next issue, we want more articles from Re- E-mail: [email protected] corders. It could be just a list of species you have recently recorded, or Web: www.sewbrec.org.uk an update of where you have been surveying in the last year. This is an Follow us on Facebook & Twitter: opportunity to plug your favourite recording location, to raise awareness of the species that you record, and to communicate to a wide range of www.facebook.com/sewbrec individuals about your hard work! Please forward any comments, articles, events, species sightings etc to SEWBReC. www.twitter.com/sewbrec