August came and went with a puff of hot air as we carried out the jobs : Bracken, Himalayan Balsam and Ragwort control. However it was difficult to work in the heat and due to the dry weather we had to move the cattle off Allt Rhongyr as their spring dried up.
After a day of clearing Bracken at Vicarage Meadows and Cae Pwll y Bo we enjoyed a cream tea at Cae Pwll Bo picnic spot. Delicious homemade scones topped with homemade jam both provided by the volunteers- thank you!
© Sarah Morgan
© Jan Langmead
Other work parties included a day of clearing Ragwort from Allt Rhongyr. This plant seemed to do well in the hot dry weather when everything else was shrivelling up. The volunteers helped staff clear a load before it went to seed and this is composted on site.
Now in September, the ground has softened up and we move onto repairs. So far we have installed a stile made entirely of recycled fencing materials at Vicarage Meadows.
We hosted the Wildflower Society for a day and took members to visit Craig y Rhiwarth. We walked up from Craig y Nos via the Beacons Way bridlepath and over Allt Rhongyr - a nice little walk with some climb. Despite the desiccated vegetation, we found interesting plants to look at including a solitary Buckthorn tree and Autumn Gentian.
© Steph Coates
In Brecon, Sarah led a bat walk for the Friends of Island Fields volunteers group. They are helping to take care of the fields which are by the River Usk. Pipistrelles, Daubenton’s and possibly Noctules Bats were detected.
Why not join us? Throughout October and November we have some volunteer taster days coming up on our nature reserves. We'll be doing a range of tasks to maintain the reserves, so come along if you want to give it a go!
Find out more information and book a spot
Our Brecon Local Group are holding their Annual General meeting and talk on Wednesday 11th November. Learn more.
