We manage 11 nature reserves in east Glamorgan, Cardiff and the Valleys, including the beautiful reserve of Parc Slip which was once a coal mine. It has some fantastic historical features such as the Fountain, a memorial to a terrible mining disaster and we are working with a local heritage society tell more people about this aspect. Taf Fechan Nature Reserve, near Merthyr Tydfil, is a magical and stunning nature reserve.
Tim Jones Wildlife Trust Officer for East Glamorgan Photo by Sarah Kessell
Recent highlights 2011: In Coed y Bedw, near Cardiff, WTSWW has undertaken significant works on access over recent months, improving paths, bridges and stiles. This has partly been paid for by local residents and the Cardiff Local Group. 50 dormouse nest boxes have been erected to establish whether this species, known to be present locally, is using the reserve.
Another great success has been the production of the Coed y Bedw Nature Reserve film, made by director and cameraman Robin Davies-Rollinson.
To help monitor the woodland bird species at Taf Fechan, WTSWW has worked with partners to erect 50 nest boxes. It is hoped that some may be used by pied flycatcher – a species which is declining in Glamorgan.
Putting Up Nest Boxes in Taf Fechan
In addition, Conservation Manager Rob Parry is working with partners to monitor the population of dipper that use the river. Dippers are being ringed and their movements across the catchment are now being monitored.
Future work: Many of the woodland reserves towards the east of WTSWW’s patch need considerable investment of time and resource to work towards the condition to which we aspire, for the benefit of wildlife and visitors.
We have already secured some funding from Better Woodlands for Wales for several sites, and are currently applying for extra resources to support our work at Coed y Bedw. At this site we need to raise £5,000 to match fund a grant application for £50,000 which will be spent enhancing wildlife value and securing better public access.
At other reserves, we are fundraising to support key works such as tackling invasive rhododendron at Coed Llwyn Rhyddid, improving the woodland’s physical and age structure at Coed Garnllwyd, and enhancing the woodland habitats for wildlife at Coed y Bedw.
- Colin’s Grove – a lasting legacy
Three years ago a valued and committed volunteer with the Trust sadly died. His name was Colin Vyvyan and he was very much involved in our Lavernock Point Nature Reserve.
Colin was a lover of wildlife, his particular passion was butterflies, which meant that his involvement with Lavernock Point was very special as there are many ... - Refurbished Visitor Centre off to Flying Start Our newly refurbished visitor centre is off to a flying start with overwhelming support from the Trust’s Bridgend Group. Over 70 members at the group’s monthly meeting , held at the centre’s Discovery Room, agreed to hold all future indoor meetings there, ending a long association with the Ogmore Labour Club. The change of venue heralds a ...
- The Bee Flies of Coed y Bwl Coed-y-Bwl in April. Common Bee Flies are now on the wing – displaying their amazing aerobatics as they comb golden carpets of Lesser Celandines for nectar. These tiny bee mimics (Bombylius major) have long, slender proboscis, ideally suited to rapid feeding amongst early Spring flowers – long before hordes of other insects join the feast. They ...
- A Volunteer’s Perspective We started volunteering for the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales at Parc Slip Nature Reserve in 2003, firstly helping out with the office work and greeting people at the Visitor Centre. Also keeping this open at weekends. Then we helped with the Parc Slip Watch Group for several years and taking guided walks ...
- Parc Slip Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre Open Day
As many of you will be aware we have been refurbishing the old education centre at Parc Slip Nature Reserve. This wonderful newly refurbished building will have a cafe and education areas as well as space for community groups to meet and hold talks.
We are looking to manage the building with a variety of volunteers ... - New ways to Monitor Our Harvest Mice
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ have embarked on a new and innovative project designed to learn more about the elusive harvest mouse (Micromys minitus) at Parc Slip nature reserve near Bridgend. The project, which is being undertaken by WTSWW’s student placement, aims to identify the most effective survey methodology for the species ... - Wildlife Crime: Identification, reporting and prevention
A brand new training course
has been added to the Wildlife Trust training course schedule for thisyear, which will address the serious issue of wildlife crime.
Wildlife Crime: Identification, reporting and prevention will be delivered on Saturday 5th October 2013 at the new Parc SlipWildlife Trust Visitor Centre by highly experienced and retired Police Wildlife Crime Officer IanGuildford.
The ...
