As one of the many people who have spent countless hours scouring the Welsh countryside for evidence of pine martens I’m not sure what I feel about the news that a young male has been found squashed on the road at Aberhafesp, just outside Newtown, Powys. On the one hand it’s reassuring to know they are still about and not just as memories or imagination. On the other hand it’s a shame that such a rare creature should be mown down by a driver.
This is the first specimen to be found in Wales since 1971 and the only other concrete proof in recent years has been a pine marten scat from the Vale of Rheidol in 2007.
There’s a report about the recent finding on Country Focus (Radio Wales, 11thNovember) which will be on the iPlayer until 18th November. If you want to get involved in the great pine marten hunt you should contact The VincentWildlife Trust. If you want to see what a pine marten looks like, or learn more about the scat survey methodology, here’s a (rather long-winded, sorry) film clip:
I went to RSPB South Stack two years ago to see the practice of ‘close shepherding’ to maintain the heathland. Basically the shepherd takes the sheep out from their overnight enclosure and guides them through the day to graze the parts of the unfenced heath that need it most. The use of a GPS stuck on the horn of the lead sheep records the route of the flock. This is close shepherding in action:
This week I went back to the southern end of the reserve where the heath is waist-high-too-tall for grazing by sheep and burning is not considered an option because the vast amounts of material would make it too difficult to control. So a posh mower has been hired which gobbles up the heath and collects the cuttings for use as either compost or for cattle bedding. Here is what the machine looks like in action:
NB the gorse is not strictly part of the designated heath but was being cut to create a suitable area for storing the cuttings prior to removal from site.
This year’s William Condry lecture was given by Ray Woods and it was a privilege to be in the audience. I must confess there were one or two sections that I did not quite understand so I’m mighty relieved to see the lecture has now been published on the Condry Lecture website.
Next year’s Condry Lecture will be given by Mark Cocker on Saturday 5th October, which is just before he starts to present the Tŷ Newydd nature writing course from 7th to 12th October. I’ve not yet seen the course details but there is a rumour that Ray Woods may be co-tutoring. Early booking is advised.
What did you do this weekend? Well, I went to a symposium on reptiles and amphibians held in Llandrindod Wells. Of the 102 delegates I was probably the only one who did not already know that grass snakes (and sand lizards) lay eggs whereas adders (and other lizards) have live births. I also didn’t appreciate that slow worms live for up to 15 years and that females only give birth every other year. No doubt these titbits will stand me in good stead for University Challenge or Trivial Pursuits.
Happy subscribers
The symposium was pulled together by Mark Barber who is going to create much greater awareness about Welsh dragons i.e. our amphibians and reptiles. The various species don’t have the same glitzy glamour as birds or dolphins nor the stringent legal protection we afford to bats or badgers but by this time next year we should all know a lot more. Watch out for their advert in the spring edition of Natur Cymru.
It was great to meet so much enthusiasm and even more pleasing to me that 10 delegates signed up to become subscribers to Natur Cymru! Welcome to the club.
870 miles of Wales Coast Path stretching into the horizon is something to be proud of yet can be a bit daunting, but this pocket sized book serves up an exciting 10% of it in ten circular walks of between two to four hours. I can manage that - no problem.
The book is handy in every way: robust covers on front and back with folds to tuck into the page you’re going to refer back to; sections of ordnance survey maps that avoid the need for carrying a full sheet (unless you want to); enough background information to whet the appetite and clear directions provided you can remember your right from your left.
I can’t fault the choice of walks that make it into the ‘top ten’. Aberdaron, with screaming choughs and views to Bardsey, had to be there. Porth Dinllaen with the pub on the beach where I once spent a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Whispering Sands, Nant Gwrtheryn and Borth y Gest – they are all spectacular.
It’s one in a series of ten books planned to cover the entirety of the coast path. I’m sure the rest will be just as good. It looks useful, not a glossy gimmick, and at £4.99 it’s a bargain.
I have idyllic memories of sunshine and running barefoot in the dunes; but best not to do so near the Point at Fairbourne where there are protruding strands of wire and fencing. This Saturday, 3rd November, a team of volunteers will be tackling the problem to restore the dunes to the spectacular beauty spot many local residents and visitors enjoy for dog walking and bird watching.
Volunteers will enjoy a free ride on the Fairbourne Railway to the end of the line where the work is most needed, all are welcome so do get in touch if you would like to help in this clear-up campaign and experience this very special narrow-gauge railway for yourself! This is what it looks like on the railway:
Jane Byrne, vice-chair of the Fairbourne Railway Preservation Society explains, “The Fairbourne Railway has run through magnificent scenery along the sea front in Fairbourne since its origins as a horse-drawn tram service in 1895. In 2010, the Railway gained charitable status and in large part is now staffed by volunteers from the FRPS. In the 1980s, barbed wire fencing was put in to protect certain areas of the dunes and to hold sand back from the rails. Marram grass now serves the purpose of retaining the sand and the fences have gradually broken or rotted and present a hazard to people and wildlife. It is our aim to remove the dangerous wire and then work to guide visitors to walk in areas which will not cause damageto the dunes in future. We would very much appreciate all support offered in this venture.”
The Snowdonia Society organises practical conservation workdays across Snowdonia throughout the year, working with a variety of organisations and community groups to enhance and protect areas of conservation value. “ By participating in our workdays, volunteers can enjoy the beauty of Snowdonia, meet new people, learn new skills and keep fit at the same time! Our volunteering program is varied and everyone is welcome to get involved.” Said Jenny Whitmore, Conservation Snowdonia Project Officer.
If you would like further information on this or other conservation volunteering opportunities, please contact jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk or call 01286 685498. If you would like further information on the Fairbourne Railway please contact info@fairbournerailway.co.uk or call 01341 250 362.
Helping a friend reclaim an overgrown garden in Blaenau Ffestiniog, uprooting nettles, reeds and various self seeding shrubs. Stick in the fork, press down, push forward, wiggle it about and out they pop.
I pressed the fork towards some reeds with leaves piled around and prodded a sleeping hedgehog. The spiky ball seemed OK .... no blood, no damage hopefully. As I put it back into the pile of leaves I could see there was another one. I haven’t seen a live hedgehog for years. This was a real treat.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day I dug out the largest dock roots you can imagine - the full length of my garden fork. Shame there isn’t a competition for the largest dock.
I logged on to COFNOD, the north Wales record centre, and recorded my hedgehog sightings under the hedgehog survey section. There did not seem to be anywhere to record my amazing dock roots.
