Wild About Gwent Autumn/Winter 2023 by Gwent Wildlife Trust

Wild About Gwent WINTER 2023

GWENT’S RIVERS The state of nature in our rivers SAVE THE GWENT LEVELS AGAIN Campaign latest Young people STAND FOR NATURE WALES

C y lc h g ra w n y r Ym ddi r i e dol a et h N at ur G we nt

Welcome to our Winter issue Gwent is an old county defined by its rivers. The mouth of the UK’s longest river, the Severn, forms our Southern boundary, the lower 10% of the UK’s fourth longest river, the Wye, marks the majority of our border with England, and winding its way through the middle of Gwent we have the lower third of the river Usk. Besides these rivers that only grace us with their partial presence we are privileged, and responsible as the communities of Gwent, from source to sea for the rivers Rhymney, Sirhowy, and Ebbw. These carve their way through the Eastern Valleys from the mountain tops of the Brecon Beacons to their river-mouths in Newport and Cardiff. As we know, “water is the driving force of all nature” (Leonardo Da Vinci) so we are extremely fortunate to have such a number and diversity of rivers, lakes, bogs and wetlands. However, each of these habitats, on which we and wildlife rely, are in a perilous state due to factors of which we are all aware and which have been publicised much in recent months. In this issue (see pages 6-9), we cover some of the ways we are working with partners to tackle this situation, signposting ways that you can get involved to solve these problems: taking practical actions on the ground, whether on site with us, with your communities, or at home. So if you can, then please voice your interest in becoming a River Volunteer, fill out the Volunteering form on our website, and we will support you to take action! (www.gwentwildlife.org/get-involved/volunteer). As well as updating you on our river health and species survey work; in this issue, you’ll also learn how we are holding developers to account for their negative impacts, how with your support we are stopping further damaging developments; how when given a chance we are able to create biodiversity hotspots for

wetland wildlife; and how together we are forming an army for change, taking action for people and planet where we live through Team Wilder. We’re also launching our Christmas appeal to restore Mighty Meadows on page 12 with details on how you can support this work. If you haven’t already done so, sign up to our regular Enewsletter via our website to keep updated about our work, campaigns and wildlife news from Gwent between issues!

Above, New Grove Meadows, part of our Nature Recovery Big Give appeal. Find out more on pages 12-13. Below, our cover image is Lapwing by Mark Hamblin/2020 Vision.

Adam Taylor, GWT CEO

Gwent Wildlife Trust Editorial Team & Contributors Sarah Harris (Editor), Kath Beasley, Hamish Blair, Kevin Donovan, Lois Holroyd, Andy Karran, Rob Magee, Nathalie Nicolaus, Debbie Stenner, Adam Taylor

Guest Contributors / Thanks to Lucy Holland, Julian Holroyd, Marc Leppard, Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, Steve Preddy, Wildlife Warrior Seren

GWENT WILDLIFE TRUST, Seddon House, Dingestow, Monmouth NP25 4DY. Tel: 01600 740600. Email: info@gwentwildlife.org Web: www.gwentwildlife.org. Reg Charity No: 242619. Limited Liability Company No: 812535. Ymddiriedolaeth Natur Gwent

WILD ABOUT GWENT

LOCAL GROUP CONTACTS For details on all our local groups please go to our website - see below. JOIN TEAM WILDER AT GWT! To find out more about the work of GWT, become a member/volunteer or get involved in our local groups, events, read our latest blogs and see other updates visit our website www.gwentwildlife.org

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN, LEE SCHOFIELD, LOWRI WATKINS, KATH BEASLEY

GET IN TOUCH WITH US: Call us: 01600 740600 Email us: info@gwentwildlife Facebook: @gwentwildlife Twitter: @GwentWildlife Instagram: @gwentwildlifetrust YouTube: Gwent Wildlife Trust GET ALL THE LATEST GWT NEWS You can receive our monthly updates on all things wild and wonderful in Gwent by signing-up to our enewsletter: www.gwentwildlife.org

Contents 2 TAKE ACTION ‘Save the Gwent Levels again’ campaign update

3 MEMBERSHIP MATTERS We tell you why that is and what we’ve been up to this past few months

4 GWT NEWS A pictorial review of our summer conservation works and wildlife sightings

6-9 GWENT’S RIVERS We focus on the state of nature in the Usk and Ebbw

10 WELSH DRAGONS A special report on dragonflies and how you can help them

11 PRIVACY POLICY: In line with General Data Protection Regulation we outline why we capture your personal data, what we use it for, and how we keep it safe, please visit our website gwentwildlife.org/ privacy-policy or call us on 01600 740600.

6 14 STAND FOR NATURE WALES How the project’s young people have helped people and wildlife thrive in Ebbw Vale

TEN SPECIES UPDATE We look at two of the ten species we’re helping to protect – Barn Owl and Pink Ballerina Waxcap

18 GET INVOLVED Join the band of trustees at GWT

20 WINTER GARDENING A guide to helping wildlife by saving water

22 THE BRITISH A project update

VOLUNTEERING How you can help

SAVING NATURE Wildlife Warrior Seren is on a mission

MIGHTY MEADOWS Our latest Nature Recovery Big Give appeal

WILDLIFE HEROES Meet our wildlife hero – former GWT trustee and long-time Gwent Leveller Rob Waller

WILD ABOUT GWENT MAGAZINE, all content in this magazine is created by Gwent Wildlife Trust staff and members. Magazine design and art direction by Jones Design Create, info@jonesdesigncreate.com

CAMPAIGN NEWS

Lapwing on the Gwent Levels

Our Stunningly Beautiful Gwent Levels Are Once Again Under Threat By Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, Journalist and Campaign Supporter

Campaign banner.

Having, with others, fought off the M4 motorway extension, we’re once again having to defend this irreplaceable wetland. As many of you know and will have signed, we have now launched a Senedd petition calling for a halt to significant development on this nationally important wetland. The campaign has already won the support of famous wildlife ambassadors such as Iolo Williams, Lizzie Daly, and Julian Hoffman, author of the wonderful book, Irreplaceable, as well as local community councils and other local campaigning groups. As you will recall from our previous article, this time the area is facing multiple planning applications for huge solar plants and business parks such as those at Hendre Lakes and Craig-y-Perthi. GWT CEO, Adam Taylor, explains why these proposals are so damaging. “The Gwent Levels are an ancient landscape, rich in culture and important for biodiversity, recreation, flood alleviation, carbon storage and food production. They are now facing multiple, adjacent, enormous solar proposals and business parks as well as other development

projects. The Welsh planning system in its present form is unable to control such development, and the destruction which these would cause would mean the end of this beautiful, fragile and complex wetland. So, we are calling for a halt to significant development, and for a coherent, legally binding plan to be put in place for the protection of this irreplaceable wetland and the wildlife it supports. “We need to stress that we are not opposed to solar energy, simply that such developments need to be located on land where they will not irretrievably damage a nationally important and designated landscape, teeming with wildlife. We have already seen the damage caused by the only constructed solar plant on the Gwent Levels, where a hugely important lapwing breeding site was destroyed. This exquisitely beautiful bird was once a common site in our skies but is now a conservation red-listed species.” The Gwent Levels provide a mosaic of habitats that nurture a rich diversity of wildlife throughout the year. In summer, wildflowers carpet the meadows, and the air is alive with insects as they feed on the

GWENT NEWS

nectar-rich flowers. The waterways, or reens, provide a vital home to water voles (one of the UK’s fastest declining mammals), otters, important aquatic animals, and birds. In the coming months, we will be sending an open letter to the Senedd calling for the protection of this beautiful landscape, as well as meeting with other prominent environmental organisations who share our views and will add their voices to our campaign. A public meeting will also be arranged. We are asking everyone who loves this special landscape to sign and share the Senedd petition: Halt significant new development on the Gwent Levels SSSI Please add your name by visiting: petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245508

Can you also help the campaign team on the ground? We need people who can take a paper petition, poster and flyers to their workplaces, local attractions, shops and other community hubs. These can be anywhere in Gwent and beyond. Contact dstenner@gwentwildlife.org if you think you can help in this way, either by letting us know which locations across the Levels might take a batch of petitions, or to request a campaign pack.

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN, HAMISH BLAIR, RICK MUNDY

Lapwing chick.

Membership Matters

By Marketing Officer Hamish Blair Events season, which happens every year without fail (notwithstanding pandemics), has been extra busy this year and full of exciting opportunities to learn about our reserves. Wildflowers, wetlands, water, wilding, walks and much more! Our bustling stand at Usk Show 2023 Events and shows provide a great way to learn about everything we are doing. Many of you came to see us at agricultural shows in Chepstow, Christmas gift of membership Monmouth, Usk or eco festivals such as If you are enjoying everything that being a A.C.E, Go Wild and Greener Abergavenny. It GWT member has to offer and you know was a pleasure to put faces to names as someone who would also love a well as put the world to rights. membership: Give a gift membership this Your support with our campaign has Christmas, visit: gwentwildlife.org/gift been particularly important during a time of increased campaigning around the Gwent Levels – the knowledge, Do You Gift Aid Your generosity, compassion and proactiveness Donations? of our members is a force not to be Many of our members do this; but reckoned with. Membership and Marketing Administrator, A special thanks to everyone who joined Lois Holroyd, thought it might be a good as a member during any events (or idea to explain why Gift Aid is a very anywhere really) – you’re now part of a important income stream to us. growing movement of over 8,000 people in Gwent and around 900,000 across the What is Gift Aid? Wildlife Trusts movement. You will now see It is effectively the Government redistributing the power of people and collaborative action the ‘tax relief’ on donations made from in fighting the nature and climate crises. taxed income. So, if you are a UK taxpayer The realities of climate change and and you donate £80 to GWT, that money is biodiversity loss can be disheartening, income that you have already paid tax on. however, it is possible that together we You would have had £100 and paid £20 tax. can have an impact. As a member you are The Government allows charities to claim not just supporting our work, you are also the £20 (the Gift Aid), which equates to part of a team, made up of likeminded 25% of the amount you are now donating. people who all care greatly about local Therefore, for every £1000 we receive in wildlife and nature. Working together, in a donations, we can claim £250 in Gift Aid. variety of approaches, every one of us is BUT – we can only claim Gift Aid from making a difference. people who have signed a Gift Aid Declaration. We ask all members to sign one when they join and for At ACE Festival Monmouth people who renew by cheque, cash or card, we ask them annually. To check or update your Gift Aid status, call 01600 740600 ext 2103 or 07769 245371, or email me, lholroyd@gwentwildlife.org. This will enable us to ensure that we are claiming as much Gift Aid as possible, thereby helping your very kind donations go further.

GWENT NEWS

Snapshot Review

News from our nature reserves Silent Valley In Spring 2023, we were awarded funding by the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme for the ‘Causing a Buzz’ project at Silent Valley SSSI. The project focused on improving habitat for pollinators and also improving the area at the entrance. Work began in May with car park resurfacing and renewal of the path along the field edge to make it wheelchair accessible. Two invertebrate survey days at the site were particularly successful thanks to the hard work of everyone who attended. The species recorded at these events tells us which invertebrates are currently using the area and gives a baseline for future management; aiming to increase numbers of established species and also to attract new ones. The new pond at the far side of the car park field will be fed by run off water from the nearby road and volunteers spent a day cutting and spreading green hay around the pond edges to encourage wildflowers. During September the field was cut and

raked by volunteers over two days and all the cut material now forms a compost pile near the pond. Before the project ends in December, a new sculpture will be installed at the car park, new interpretation panels are being designed, new wildlife walls are being built and the Nature Nurturers Group are sowing wildflower seed at the site. It’s going to bee a busy time!

Musk Beetle

Necklace Ground Beetle

Springdale

Magor Marsh

Some very interesting critters discovered at Springdale in July! We think this is a Box Bug (nymph), which was previously only occurred at one site in Surrey (appropriately called Box Hill). It has however spread somewhat recently. Would appear to be only the second Welsh record however! Eagle-eyed Lowri Watkins our Senior Evidence Officer spotted this Necklace Ground Beetle (so named due to the “string of beads” that run along its body). A Priority species for conservation due to it being the

This gorgeous giant is a Musk Beetle (Aromia moschata). It is one of Britain’s longest beetles, reaching up to 4cm and named for its musky scent. Its status is common, but it has a relatively local distribution as it favours old wetland sites with abundant willows, particularly pollarded willows. It was spotted by our Nature Recovery Officer Liz Winstansley as it flew past in front of the Derek Upton Centre in July. It then posed very obligingly for staff and even a few visitors to behold its shimmering beauty.

Box Bug

fastest declining ground beetle species in the UK. We now have them on at least two of our reserves (New Grove also). Lowri admirably held it captive in her hands while I (Evidence Manager Andy Karran) ran for a camera despite it trying to bite its way out!

GWENT NEWS

Blunthorn Nomad Bee

Brown-banded Carder Hornet Robberfly

Large Scabious Bee Brown Argus

Brockwells Meadow

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN, LIZ WINSTANLEY, JOE RYDER

Nature Recovery Manager Richard Mundy had a rewarding visit to Brockwells spotting some scarce bee species including: Brown-banded Carder, a specialist of high quality grasslands. And a very cute Heath Bumblebee. Despite the name this is also a species often associated with high quality grasslands. Green Winged Orchid numbers were great in Spring. Andy Karran also recorded Large Scabious Bees, Hornet Robberflies, Brown Argus, and what he believes to be a Blunthorn Nomad Bee (rare in Wales) We think the team must be doing a pretty good job of the management!

Heath Bumblebee

Pentwyn and Wyeswood Since the start of summer, we’ve been trialling a more natural approach to bracken bashing using cattle and ponies. The pictures are of the Frost Fields part of Pentwyn SSSI grasslands. We had six cattle and two ponies knocking back the bracken,

and will find out how effective this management is with next season’s regrowth. For now, the five tons of livestock grazing across the four acres has certainly checked the bracken growth and saved some sweat and horsefly bites!

GWENT NEWS

Ebbw Fach Abertillery Park

By River Restoration Officer Nathalie Nicolaus Gwent benefits from four rivers and their tributaries. The great River Wye meanders through the lowlands of our Eastern border, whilst the Lower Usk, with its wide-open valley, flows through our middle. To the West lie the relatively short and fast-flowing rivers of the South Eastern Valleys, carving a landscape characterized by dramatic steep-sided valleys and wild mountain plateaus.

A remarkable transformation

Once at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution with coal mining and steel production dominating the landscape, the

The River Sirhowy today, Bedwellty Pits, Tredegar.

rivers Rhymney, Sirhowy, and Ebbw all share a history of untreated factory and mine discharges. The River Ebbw has been particularly affected by the extensive Ebbw Vale Steelworks covering large proportions of the valley floor. To locals, the river was infamous for changing colour several times a day. Howard Robinson, a volunteer at the Ebbw Vale Works Museum and former steelworks employee, was born 20 yards from the river in the village of Cwm. Growing up in the area, he describes the river running orange one minute and turning green or dark brown the next; all dependent on the type of discarded waste. He remembers the river being “a filthy, lifeless place”. Conditions changed when the coalfield valleys industries ceased production,

Ebbw Vale Steelworks and the polluted Ebbw River when the Steelworks were operating.

followed by 20 years of extensive cleanup operations. Over the last four decades, one by one the rivers of the South East Valleys have embarked on a journey to recovery. Nature returned and the rivers are once again teeming with wildlife. Atlantic Salmon and Otters returned in some areas. Brown Trout are widespread again, thanks to stocking efforts of local angling clubs. The slender, golden-brown spotted fish can often be seen dwelling in calm water pools or behind larger rocks. On summer days, the fish are often found feeding on flying insects by scooping their prey off the water surface. Mayflies form a substantial part of their diet. The common name ‘mayfly’ is misleading, many adult mayflies are actually around in all but the coldest months of the year. The name comes from the lifecycle of the species Ephemera danica, whose adults emerge from their nymphal stage in late May to early June in tune with the flowering of Hawthorn (‘may-tree’). The delicate winged adults only live for a few days, during which they breed dancing over the water surface and provide a significant food source for many. The magnificent Kingfisher can also be spotted along these waterways. Displaying their radiating orange and blue plumage

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN, NATHALIE NICOLAUS, EBBW VALE WORKS MUSEUM, JANE COREY

The forgotten Rivers of the South East Valleys

GWENT’S RIVERS

Above left to right, Mayfly nymph, Mayfly Adult, and Grey Wagtail. Below, White-throated Dipper.

Dipper populations are declining in the UK, which means we have a responsibility in Gwent to support the recovery of this species in our rivers. You can help gather population data by recording sightings and reporting them to SEWBReC, the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre: sewbrecord.org.uk/ or via the app lercwales.org.uk/app.php.

Dippers along the Valleys rivers is a fantastic sign.

Today’s challenges for just a few seconds as they dart along the riverbank. Predating on small fish from their favourite branch is an exciting sight. The Grey Wagtail is more interested in putting on a show for its audience. Their yellow and grey plumage and the characteristic ‘wagging’ movement of the tail are unmistakable. Dippers can be seen along our clean, well-oxygenated, fast flowing gravel streams. They feed almost exclusively on aquatic invertebrates (watery bugs), such as mayfly nymphs or caddisfly larvae, which do not tolerate poor water quality. They are well-adapted underwater swimmers, which hold onto the riverbed with their specialised feet. Transparent eyelids, called ‘nictitating membrane’ enable them to see underwater and search for prey. The presence of

Despite their bounce back from the brink of ecological disaster, the rivers of the South East Valleys and their habitats are still subject to various pressures. Modifications to the river channels, beds, and banks, barriers to fish migration, water abstractions, pollution from urban sewage and abandoned mines are the key challenges of present-day catchment management in the area. The uncontrolled spread of invasive species is also a problem. The pink flowers of Himalayan Balsam certainly look very attractive, but ecologically cause a whole range of issues. It grows and spreads rapidly, smothering native species along riverbanks. Its nectar is preferentially selected by various pollinators, to the detriment of our native flowering plants. Thankfully it can easily be removed by hand before it goes to seed.

Japanese Knotweed is another non-native, invasive plant, commonly found along our riverbanks. This fast-growing persistent weed is more challenging to remove, due to its tough rhizomes which re-grow readily.

Get involved

In the coming year, the Nature Based Solutions team at GWT will focus on supporting the recovery of the Valleys Rivers. Activities may include riverbank restoration, river habitat surveys, water quality and invertebrate monitoring, invasive species control, and litter picks. Sign up as a volunteer today and get involved in our river-related activities. Perhaps you would like to take part in monitoring your local river, record wildlife sightings or get stuck into active restoration activities. It would be great to have you on board to support the further recovery of our magnificent waterways and help them become more resilient to future challenges! About Nathalie: I am very excited to have joined GWT this summer. My role involves working with partners and communities to identify opportunities for river restoration and natural flood management to help our rivers recover. If you share my passion for rivers and aquatic wildlife and would like to get involved, please get in touch via email at nnicolaus@gwentwildlife.org

Left, Himalayan Balsam. Right, Brown Trout.

GWENT’S RIVERS

Gwent’s main rivers, from the Wye in the East to the Rhymney in the west GWT Nature Reserves BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK / PARC CENEDLAETHOL BANNAU BRYCHEINIOG

Abergavenny / Y Fenni Monmouth / Trefynwy

BLAENAVON WORLD HERITAGE SITE / SAFLE TREFTADAETH BYD Blaenavon/ Blaenafon

r/ ve y Ri bw bw n E Eb fo A

/ sk sg rU y ve n W Ri fo A

Pontypool / Pont-y-Pwl

Usk / Brynbuga

Cwmbran / Cwmbran

Chepstow / Cas-gwent

Newport / Casnewydd

Cardiff / Caerdydd SEVERN ESTUARY / ABER HAFREN

WYE VALLEY AONB / DYFFREN GWY AHNE

/ ye y rW w ve G Ri fon A

n fo d A wy L

r/ w r Fa aw F bw y Eb bw E

i w y/ hy ow Sir i rh n y/ mn Si o f ne hy A ymn R Rh fo A

Blackwood/ Coed Duon

Abertillery/ Abertyleri

Raglan / Rhaglan

MAP ILLUSTRATION: CHRIS JONES

Ebbw Vale / Glynebwy

/ ch h Fa ac F bw y Eb bw E

Tredegar

GWENT’S RIVERS

Water Crowfoot Surveys on the River Usk By Evidence Manager Andy Karran

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN

I am sure you are all aware of the great ecological value of The River Wye and the very well publicised issues it is facing. The River Usk is equally ecologically valuable, and this is reflected in the raft of designations that are in place to protect it, including Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the highest level European protection as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Despite these designations, the River Usk is also very much in trouble, with pollution being a particular issue. You may want to read “A dying river – The State of the River Usk” by Guy Mawle for more details afonyddcymru.org/a-dying-river-the-state -of-the-river-usk/. The River Usk was given its SAC designation for a number of species and habitats present: • Rivers with floating vegetation often dominated by Water-crowfoot • Allis Shad • Atlantic Salmon • Brook Lamprey • Bullhead • River Lamprey • Sea Lamprey • Twaite Shad • Otter All of these can be found within the Gwent stretch of the SAC, which means we have a direct responsibility for all these important species and habitats, as well as the huge wealth of other wildlife it supports. The Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus), which forms floating mats of vegetation in the river bejewelled with white flowers is an important habitat and a good indicator of the river’s health. It has multiple functions: Modifying water flow; Assisting with fine sediment deposition; Providing shelter and food for fish and invertebrates. Back in the 1960s, Water-Crowfoot was abundant on the Usk, from where the tidal

Clockwise from top: Water Crowfoot in River Usk at Newbridge-on-Usk; Water-crowfoot in flower; Kingfisher.

influence disappears, as far upstream as Crickhowell. The stretch from Newbridgeon-Usk to Abergavenny was identified as one of the two most important stretches when the core plan for the SAC was written in 2008. Since these times the habitat has been noted to have declined markedly. A concern for these losses prompted a generous donation from the Gibbs Trust for GWT to undertake a survey of the River Usk for Water-crowfoot.

Survey During 2022 and again at more limited areas in 2023, we walked the bank of the River Usk between Newbridge-on-Wye and the Glan Usk Estate upstream of Crickhowell. We covered C.30km of this 49km stretch, where access could be gained. The surveys confirmed that the Watercrowfoot was much reduced, but does at least still remain on the river. There were

Left, Five-spot Ladybird. Right, Bullhead.

records from just downstream of the bridge at Newbridge-on-Usk to just upstream of the bridge at the town of Usk. The best populations were upstream of Newbridgeon-Usk, and we have mapped each patch accurately to form a baseline from which the population can be assessed in future monitoring. In future years, we intend to explore the possibilities of expanding existing patches of Water-crowfoot, and reintroducing it to stretches where it is absent. However, further research is needed to establish why it has disappeared and measures taken to remedy this before any of this work can progress further. Undertaking these surveys along the River Usk also allowed us to make many other valuable observations that will contribute to the future efforts to conserve this great river. We recorded the location of Invasive Non-Native Species such as Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed which were mercifully few, and Himalayan Balsam which was depressingly common. Adjacent land-use was mapped, dragon/ damselfly records logged to inform the developing Gwent Atlas of these species (see article pg 10), spot checks for Bullhead, Sand Martin colonies noted, and any areas of potential pollution flagged up. There were also many great incidental records such as the rare five-spot Ladybird that only lives on River Shingle, Otter spraints, Little Ringed Plovers, Kingfishers and a beautiful pair of Yellow Wagtails and their young. These sightings and others were recorded with SEWBReC (the local records centre) sewbrec.org.uk/, and we would encourage you to pleae do the same when you see wildlife out and about. The River Usk needs all our help and there are many ways to take local action: “Save The River Usk” has a Facebook Group you can sign up to for ways to get involved in their campaigning. You can also get involved in Citizen Science activities locally. Contact info@gwentwildlife.org if you’d like to get involved in water quality monitoring with us, with more news on this project coming out via email and social media soon.

Hairy Dragonfly

Welsh Dragons

Black Darter

By Steve Preddy, Dragonfly Recorder for Gwent Gwent is a rich county for dragonflies, with varied habitats supporting a wide range of species, including some which are scarce nationally. The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) is running a ten-year project to document this diversity and you’re invited to help. The county is split into three very different areas. The Gwent Levels are arguably our most important part of the county for dragonflies. Areas on the Levels support large populations of Hairy Dragonfly Common Clubtail and there are several sites for the elusive and declining Variable Damselfly. Dragonflies White Legged Damselfly across much of the Levels are threatened by intensive agriculture, though, and some large sections have only a handful of the most common species. Two of the best-managed sites on the Levels, Magor Marsh and the Newport Wetlands have recently been declared a BDS “dragonfly hotspot”, to highlight just how rich Levels habitats can be when managed well.

The largest of the three zones spans the Usk and Wye Valleys. The rivers support a suite of specialised dragonflies, headed by Common Clubtail, which despite its name is far from common, being found in only eight river systems in the UK. In Gwent, there is a strong population on the Wye, but 2023 saw a record from the Abergavenny area, so the top priority for our project next year is to search for this species here and find out if the Usk also supports a population. The agricultural lowlands between these two rivers are our least well-known part of the county for dragonflies. There are many wetland sites here and so plenty of scope for making new discoveries. Finally, in the uplands (west of a line from Abergavenny to Cwmbran), some of the lowland species are absent but there are moorland specialists such as Keeled Skimmer and Black Darter which are not found elsewhere in the county. We have very few records from our other upland area, the Black Mountains, though, so visits there could add much to our knowledge. We’re living in an interesting time for dragonfly populations. Human-induced changes to our climate are presenting a temporary opportunity for species from continental Europe to spread northwards and colonise Gwent: Small Red-eyed Damselfly, unknown here before 2015, is now widespread; Lesser Emperor looks to have established a breeding foothold, and there are further species which have reached Gloucestershire and Somerset, and so are just a short flight across the estuary from us. What can you do to help? The simplest way, wherever you live in the county, is to get in touch and tell us about the dragonflies you’ve seen, in your garden, your neighbourhood, or wildlife sites you visit. Maps of our local dragonfly species can be found on the British Dragonfly Society website british-dragonflies.org.uk/ monmouthshiredragonflies/ and we have a regular newsletter to keep you updated. Please get in touch by emailing me at Steve.Preddy@me.com.

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN

DRAGONFLIES

VOLUNTEERING

Creating more inclusive volunteering opportunities in Gwent By GWT Community Ecologist Kath Beasley Since joining Gwent Wildlife Trust this summer, I have been exploring ways to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of our volunteer opportunities with the Nature Recovery Team. With many of our volunteer groups being held on weekdays and often on reserves that are only accessible by car, barriers are formed for potential new volunteers. Having experienced these challenges myself, I am driven to finding solutions and making volunteering with Gwent Wildlife Trust accessible to anyone. Here are just a few of the ways I am working to do this:

Could you spare a few hours each week to join a volunteer workgroup in your local area? We’re currently recruiting for volunteers across Gwent WHY VOLUNTEER? By GWT Volunteer Julian Holroyd

PHOTO CREDITS: JULIAN HOLROYD, KATH BEASLEY

Weekend volunteer groups A weekend volunteer day is now held on the last Saturday of the month in the Eastern Valleys. So far it has been a big success, with activities including otter holt building and grassland management. More opportunities in accessible locations I have been working with Local Authorities to identify local green spaces that are more accessible, either by foot or public transport, with the aim of running volunteer days across these spaces to get more communities engaged with the nature on their doorstep – watch this space! Creating wildlife surveying opportunities Working closely with my colleagues in the Evidence Team, we are setting up a variety of volunteer opportunities to survey various wildlife on our reserves as part of national monitoring schemes. After training, volunteers can carry out these surveys around their own schedules, providing flexible volunteer options. There will be lots to come next spring!

Top, volunteers at Silent Valley and above, GWT volunteer Julian’s feet as he enjoys the view.

Learning more about the barriers To help us identify the barriers prospective volunteers face when wanting to get involved with us, I have created a short survey which is open to anyone to complete to help us gain valuable feedback. You can have your say by scanning the QR code above. If you are interested in joining our wonderful volunteer team, please complete the online enquiry form on our website or if you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email at kbeasley@gwentwildlife.org.

I have been a volunteer Warden for Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT) for about two years, which suits me very well since I have always enjoyed being in the great outdoors. Fresh air and exercise are great for maintaining mental health and wellbeing. Wardens are the eyes and ears of the organisation, so we regularly walk round the reserves and can quickly report back any issues, such as damage to fences, stiles or fly-tipping. There are lots of other opportunities too. We regularly work as a team with the Nature Recovery Officers on a variety of tasks to both enhance the visitor experience and to increase biodiversity. Teamwork is an essential part of what we do, and it is great to work with like-minded people who have a diverse range of skills and abilities. GWT has also provided appropriate training, such as First Aid, Brush Cutting and All Terrain Vehicle training, as well as providing volunteers with PPE and cold weather kit, so takes its commitment to supporting volunteers very seriously. There are also regular opportunities to attend guided walks, which are great for learning about the multitude of species that we can encounter, and how to identify and record them.

CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Make, Manage and Monitor Mighty Hay Meadows! Our Big Give Christmas Appeal launches on Tuesday, 28th November

Ragged Robin

By Debbie Stenner, Head of Fundraising and Communications

ince the 1960s, we’ve lost 97% of our traditional hay meadows. This statistic is depressingly familiar to anyone with a passion for British nature conservation. A staggering proportion of habitat, yet it’s almost impossible to perceive all this loss, if we don’t remember how our lowland countryside looked, sounded, smelt or felt in the past. In ‘The Manifesto for the Wild Meadows of Wales’ (published by Flora locale and The Grasslands Trust in 2008), Iolo Williams helps, by painting this vivid picture: “I’m walking through a meadow with my brother Rhys, on our way to meet a friend on a local farm. As we make our way through the knee-high grasses, dozens of grasshoppers jump to avoid our clumsy feet. A Curlew rises from the far end of the field, an area it has used every year to raise its brood. In the wetter areas, the pink heads of Ragged Robin swing with the breeze and Oxeye Daisies carpet the

Bee Orchid

Above from left to right: Bridewell Common meadow, a handful of species-rich seed, volunteers seed harvesting, and grid mapping New Grove Meadows.

ground all around us. As we approach a broad, wooden gate, I point out a cluster of Bee Orchids, well hidden despite their bright flowers. All around us, butterflies, burnet moths, bees and beetles fly to and fro from flower to flower and dozens of swallows and House Martins swoop down, mouth agape, to scoop up any unsuspecting insect. This meadow was not a Site of Special Scientific Interest or a nature reserve, it was just an ordinary field. There were plenty more all along the river valley and, I suspect, all over Six Spot Burnet the country. I visited the same field last summer. The orchids, butterflies, swallows, Curlew, Ragged Robin and Oxeye Daisies had all gone. It was wall-to-wall

Rye-grass with hardly a dandelion or daisy to break the monotonous green carpet. I nearly wept.” Healthy haymeadows are mighty indeed! They can reduce the risk of flooding and boost our health and wellbeing, as well as maintain healthy soils, clean water and the pollinators needed for our food. It is within everyone’s interests to restore more “monotonous green carpets” back to kaleidoscopic colour and life and, through this appeal, we’re aiming to do just that. Our Mighty Meadows appeal aims to help nature’s recovery by restoring important grassland sites in Monmouthshire, creating a network of meadows that draw in carbon and host thousands of flora, fauna and fungi. With your support and local volunteers, over the next year, we will manage and monitor meadows to restore over 200 acres of land. As well as the direct biodiversity benefits they provide, our established, “flagship” meadows at Pentwyn Farm, New Grove,

PHOTO CREDITS: LOWRI WATKINS, CARYS SOLMON, ANDY KARRAN, HEPBURN PHOTOGRAPHY, VIV GREEN, LEE SCHOFIELD

Above left, Great Traston Meadows. Above right, Magor Marsh hay meadow and sign.

Great Traston and Brockwells Meadows demonstrate how healthy, species rich grassland should look and guide and inspire other landowners working towards this. Funds raised will also enable us to create new meadows and recovery networks by harvesting species-rich seed from haycuts at the established sites and spreading these onto restoration sites at Wyeswood and Bridewell Commons. The seed will also be available to local landowners to rewild and restore their own fields. Alongside this, we will be bringing a new site into meadow management, by establishing a cutting regime and monitoring baseline at newly-acquired, 22 acre grassland site at River Meadow in Llanfair Kilgeddin near Usk, carrying out first year’s management for biodiversity. The Monmouthshire Meadows Group and a generous local donor have already got behind our appeal, donating funds to add to those pledged by The Reed Foundation for The Big Give. These pledged funds total £11,250 and every pound of these can be matched against public donations during the campaign week. So if

you donate £10 it will be matched to make £20 towards our appeal up to our target amount of £22,500. We know these are difficult financial times and don’t want anyone to donate if they can’t afford to. If you are able to give money, please do so via the Big Give appeal link on our website between Tuesday, November 28th and Tuesday, December 5th. Or by emailing me on dstenner@gwentwildlife.org for other ways to give if this is easier. (Only donations made online can be match funded.) We’re also working to build conservation knowledge and skills amongst volunteers, to enable them to carry out species recording of important and threatened meadow species, (such as the Pink ‘Ballerina’ Waxcap fungi featured in Andy Karran’s article on pg 16.) We’ll also be out and about next summer, showing how you can make, monitor and manage your own mini (or maxi – if you have access to the land!) meadows.

2022 Wetlands for Water Voles Appeal Impact We have seen some fantastic results for our Water Voles on the Gwent Levels, thanks to all our volunteers, everyone who has submitted records of sightings and everyone who supported our Big Give Christmas fundraising appeal last year! The weekly apple-raft monitoring carried out by our volunteers has supplemented data collected in our pre- and post-breeding surveys, indicating that the population continues to thrive and spread. Lowri Watkins, our Senior Evidence Officer who oversees our Water Vole restoration, reported, “It’s been thrilling to find signs of Water Vole and receive sightings reports from beyond the original release site at Magor Marsh. Thanks to the monitoring work we’ve been able to carry out, we have a better understanding of where they are and how they are spreading. It was exciting to discover they had colonised a newly restored ditch recently, where they were previously not recorded. This was at our newest nature reserve at Bridewell Common, which has shown very promising signs of activity. We are using the evidence gathered through this appeal to inform a bigger project, to further restore Water Vole in other sites on the Gwent Levels. We’ll keep you updated on this as plans progress!”

GWENT NEWS

Gardd Bywyd Gwyllt Newydd yn Glyn Ebwy Gan Sefyll Dros Natur Cymru Swyddog Ymgysylltu Ieuenctid Rob Magee

Ddydd Iau 31ain Awst, agorodd tîm Sefyll Dros Natur Cymru ardd bywyd gwyllt yng nghartref preswyl henoed Llys Glyncoed yng Nglynebwy. Dros gyfnod o chwe mis, mae ymdrech gyfunol gan aelodau grwpiau ieuenctid Nature Nurturers a Wildlife Warriors, gwirfoddolwyr a staff wedi creu gofod i bobl a byd natur. Mae Llys Glyncoed yn cynnwys dau adeilad, un ar gyfer byw â chymorth a’r llall ar gyfer byw yn annibynnol. Mae gan bob adeilad ei ardd “draddodiadol” ei hun, ond y tu ôl i’r ddau mae ardal â gatiau a oedd wedi’i gadael i dyfu’n wyllt ers adeiladu’r cartref fwy na deng mlynedd yn ôl. Cyn i’r rhaw gyntaf daro’r ddaear, fe gynhaliwyd sesiwn ymgynghori rhwng aelodau’r grwpiau ieuenctid a’r preswylwyr i drafod syniadau ac i roi cynlluniau at ei gilydd. Mynegodd y preswylwyr eu barn a chafodd aelodau’r grŵp ieuenctid y gwaith o ddylunio’r ardd bywyd gwyllt gan ddefnyddio’r wybodaeth a gasglwyd ganddynt.

New Wildlife Garden in Ebbw Vale By Stand for Nature Wales Youth Engagement Officer Rob Magee

On Thursday, 31st August, the Stand for Nature Wales team opened a wildlife garden at Llys Glyncoed residential home for the elderly in Ebbw Vale. Over the course of six months, a combined effort by youth group members from both the Nature Nurturers and the Wildlife Warriors, volunteers and staff have created a space for people and nature.

Y syniad oedd gwella’r ardal yn ardd sy’n caniatáu i fywyd gwyllt ffynnu ac sy’n hygyrch i breswylwyr y cartref. Y dasg gyntaf oedd creu llwybr pren hygyrch a oedd yn addas ar gyfer pobl ar droed, sgwteri symudedd a defnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn. Gyda mynediad haws bellach, roedd yn amser creu dau wely planhigion ar uchder addas i ddefnyddwyr cadeiriau olwyn i gartrefu amrywiaeth o flodau gwyllt brodorol. Dewisodd yr aelodau ddetholiad o blanhigion sy’n blodeuo ar wahanol adegau o’r flwyddyn i roi’r budd mwyaf i bryfed peillio.

Mae’r hyn a oedd yn ardal oedd ddim yn cael ei defnyddio y tu ôl i giât dan glo bellach yn fan gwyrdd i fwynhau ac edrych ar flodau gwyllt, pryfed peillio, adar a bywyd gwyllt arall. Ar y diwrnod agoriadol, ymunodd preswylwyr o’r adeiladau byw â chymorth a byw yn annibynnol â ni i blannu blodau yn y gwelyau i orffen y gwaith. Mae’r grwpiau ieuenctid yn gobeithio parhau i weithio ar yr ardd bywyd gwyllt o bryd i’w gilydd a helpu’r preswylwyr i’w chynnal. Diolch i LINC Cymru sy’n berchen ar Llys Glyncoed, Lovell Housing am ddarparu concrid ac i’r holl staff a’r gwirfoddolwyr a helpodd i wneud hyn.

Llys Glyncoed consists of two buildings, one for assisted living and the other for independent living. Each building has its own “traditional” garden, but behind the two is a gated off area that had been left to grow wild since the home was built more than ten years ago. Before the first shovel hit the ground, a consultation session between youth group members and residents was held to discuss ideas and to put plans together. The residents expressed their views and the youth group members got to work designing the wildlife garden using the information they had gathered. The idea was to enhance the area into a garden that allows wildlife to flourish and is accessible to residents of the home. The first task was to create an accessible boardwalk suitable for people on foot, mobility scooters and wheelchair users.

Now with easier access, it was time to build two large, raised plant beds at suitable height for wheelchair users to house a variety of native wildflowers. Members chose a selection of plants that flower at different times of the year to provide maximum benefit to pollinating insects. What was an unused area behind a locked gate is now a green space to enjoy and observe wildflowers, pollinators, birds and other wildlife. On the opening day, residents from both the assisted living and independent living buildings joined us to plant flowers in the raised beds to finish the job. The youth groups hope to continue working on the wildlife garden from time to time and help the residents to maintain it. Thank you to LINC Cymru who own Llys Glyncoed, Lovell Housing for providing concrete and to all the staff and volunteers that helped make it happen.

P R O J E C T U P D AT E

ROB MAGEE

CREDYDAU LLUN // PHOTO CREDITS:

Chwith uchod, yr ardal cyn i’r gwaith ddechrau. Ar y dde uchod, gwirfoddolwyr sy’n paratoi’r ardal. Chwith ac islaw dde, yr ardd orffenedig. // Above left, the area before work began. Above right, volunteers prepare the area. Left and below right, the finished garden.

Preswylwyr a gwirfoddolwyr yn plannu’r gwelyau uchel ar y diwrnod agoriadol // Residents and volunteers planting the raised beds on the opening day.

TEN SPECIES

Ten Vulnerable Species By Evidence Manager Andy Karran

aving introduced the 10 vulnerable species, and last issue thrown the spotlight on the Grayling and Shrill Carder Bee, it is now the turn of two more. There’s one I am sure you will be familiar with and one maybe not so much. Read on to become an expert on both!

Barn Owl Everybody loves an owl, and quite possibly the Barn Owl more than any others. Their silent, ghostly, floating flight over a field at dusk is a fantastic sight to behold. The Barn Owl is one of five native owl species in the UK. It is widely distributed across Britain and Ireland, including Gwent, where the coastal strip and Usk Valley appear to be the county strongholds. It is a bird of open habitats, especially lowland farmland with rough grazing and young plantation woodland, where

their key prey - the field vole - can be found in abundance. Suitable nesting and roosting sites are also vital; it is a cavity nesting bird, with common nesting sites including buildings, cavities in rock faces and trees, as well as purpose-built nest boxes. Barn Owls are generally very sedentary, with juveniles normally dispersing within 10km from the nest site, and adults being faithful to a breeding area. Barn Owls are thankfully doing relatively well just now, this however is against a back-drop of huge historical declines and as such they are fully protected as Schedule 1 Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) as amended. Despite their resurgence, Barn Owls in Gwent, and the wider UK still face several threats: 1. Habitat Loss: The conversion of natural habitats into urban areas and intensive agriculture continues to reduce suitable hunting grounds for Barn Owls. 2. Road Mortality: Barn Owls are at risk of being hit by vehicles as they often hunt near roadsides. This can lead to accidental fatalities. 3. Climate Change: Changing weather patterns and temperature shifts can affect prey populations, which, in turn, impact Barn Owl breeding success. 4. Poisoning: Secondary poisoning from rodenticides used in agriculture can harm Barn Owls when they consume contaminated prey. 5. Nest Site Loss: The destruction of old barns and buildings, as well as the removal of trees with suitable nest cavities, can limit nesting opportunities.

PHOTO CREDITS: BOB BREWER/UNSPLASH

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR

TEN SPECIES

Pink Waxcap The Pink Waxcap, also known as the “Pink Ballerina” is one of the most iconic and readily identifiable of a suite of grassland fungi species that thrive in unimproved pasture, meadows and churchyards. Their pink colour is very distinctive, however they can vary considerably in shape as they emerge and then “go over” (see photos). We have chosen the Pink Waxcap, however in reality it is representing all the grassland fungi (Waxcaps, Clubs, Spindles, Pink-gills, Earth Tongues etc.) that thrive in these special habitats, as well as the summer flora and all the invertebrates these in turn support. Wales is recognised as being one of the best areas in the world for these colourful grassland fungi assemblages, as such we have a particular responsibility for protecting them. Their fruiting bodies are ephemeral, only visible for a few weeks a year, generally in the autumn (October/November), however eDNA techniques are opening up new avenues of survey work year round. The Pink Waxcap is quite a scarce species in the UK, and on a more global scale very scarce, with their habitats being vulnerable to agricultural improvements and changes in management. This has led to them being listed as: Priority Species - UK Biodiversity Action Plan (2007); IUCN Red Data List – Vulnerable.

‘Wales is recognised as being one of the best areas in the world for these colourful grassland fungi’

4. Afforestation: Tree planting schemes, Use of fungicides and moss killer in lawns.

Barn Owls are with us all year round, so any time is a good time for seeing a Barn Owl, although they do tend to largely active under the cover of darkness. Barn Owls will however fly during the day, particularly when we have short nights and there are many hungry chicks to feed. Pink Waxcaps are always there lurking underground, however it is late summer and particularly autumn when the distinctive fruiting bodies appear, some may still be about, however the first frosts generally put pay to them. If you are out enjoying the Gwent countryside and see either of these species (or other Waxcaps and grassland fungi) please submit these records to SEWBReC sewbrecord.org.uk/, from where we will be able to see them. You could even undertake target visits to known or suitable sites.

How you can help

Alternatively

Read our Action Plans for the Barn Owl and Pink Waxcap (and the other 8 species) at gwentwildlife.org/ wildlife/ten-vulnerable-species-recovery), to discover our plans for restoration, what main actions need to be taken, along with key partners we will collaborate with. Your help is of integral importance. One of our first actions is to establish where Barn Owls and Pink Waxcaps (and other grassland fungi) are currently present, where they used to be, and also importantly are there any suitable areas where they are not currently present.

• You may also want to become involved in the Plantlife’s Waxcap Watch, plantlife.org.uk/waxcapwatch/

The reasons for these declines are likely multiple. The main threats to the Pink Waxcap in South Wales and Gwent are: 1. Habitat loss and mis- or under-management: Insufficient grazing/mowing to maintain short sward. 2. Ploughing or reseeding: Natural succession leading to scrub and woodland development, fertiliser/lime application detrimental to fruiting, t rampling and compaction.

PHOTO CREDITS: ANDY KARRAN

3: Under-recording: Not included in usual site surveys for development.

• For help with Grassland Fungi identification you may wish to acquire a copy of “Grassland Fungi, a field guide” by Gwent’s own Elsa Wood and Jon Dunkelman, which we reviewed a few issues back. • Also, if you have land, and the site is suitable, maybe consider having a Barn Owl box installed. Please contact us if you’re interested, and we can put you in touch with the right people to assess the site and install a box.

Would you like to help govern and shape the work of your local Wildlife Trust? We are looking for people who share our vision and commitment to protecting wildlife to take up three new positions on Gwent Wildlife Trust’s board of trustees. • Are you committed to protecting our natural world? • Do you enjoy working as part of a diverse team? • Do you share our core values of commitment, integrity and inclusiveness?

So what do Gwent Wildlife Trustees do?

• And are you able to give at least half a day of your time each month as a volunteer? We’d love to hear from you if so. Our activities and the communities we serve across Gwent are diverse and we want our board to reflect this, and include a diversity of gender, colour, age, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation and religious belief. We particularly need people with specific skills or experience including finance, secretarial, legal, governance, fundraising, farming and conservation.

Above, GWT staff and trustees at the top of the Blorenge with other Wildlife Trust staff. Below, GWT Chair Marc Leppard giving a roll of honour award to previous Chair Alison Willott at our 2023 AGM.

The Board is responsible for the strategic matters facing the Trust, including Finance and funding, programme development and HR with operational matters delegated to the our professional and committed staff team. Our board meets every two months; at the moment, these are a mix of in person and remotely via Zoom. Trustees need to devote some time in advance of these to read relevant papers so they can ask questions and guide staff on plans. If you join us, you will be part of a friendly and positive group of Trustees, helping to ensure a better future for the wildlife and people of Gwent. The Trust is a charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Trustees must be members of the Trust. Trustee appointments are voluntary. The Trust is also part of the wider federation of Wildlife Trusts.

GWT’s Chair of Trustees Marc Leppard:

“I became a trustee about two years ago. GWT plays an important role in protecting and improving biodiversity, promoting species reintroduction and managing our reserves for the enjoyment of all. Working within the wider Wildlife Trust movement we have a collective voice in working with governments, local councils and key stakeholders like farmers to make a different to our environment and leave behind a legacy for the next generation. “Board discussions are always lively and varied. We have exciting plans to increase our nature reserves materially over the next few years. We are working hard to show how mental health can be improved by increasing access to nature. Looking after our wildlife is part of a much greater mission: protecting our ecosystems, tackling climate change, and ensuring that human activities are

GWT TRUSTEES

‘If you join us, you will be part of a friendly and positive group of Trustees, helping to ensure a better future for the wildlife and people of Gwent.’

sustainable. It is not just our wildlife we are preserving – it is the future for our children and grandchildren. This could be the most rewarding role that you will ever have. It has been for me.”

My experience as a young trustee, Lucy Holland Ford

“Involve us and we’ll do it for you” - (London Wildlife Trust Youth Council, Seeing is Believing conference, 2022). To me, this comment speaks volumes of the passion, motivation, and capability of young people. How it started I applied to be a Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT) Trustee at age 25. I was already volunteering for GWT, and a member of staff highlighted the opportunity to me. I googled ‘trustee responsibilities’ … ‘lead’, ‘govern’, ‘executive level’. These are some of the words that popped up. An array of uncommon and daunting key words I’d see in the standard job descriptions I’d come across at this age. My passion for nature and motivation for positive change outweighed my self-doubt. Application and interview complete, I was now working at the heart of GWT. Two and a half years later, my experiences as a Trustee have been invaluable! How it’s going Sixteen Board meetings in, I can safely say that I’m no longer afraid of financial reports. I’ve developed the confidence to speak up and have realised that my insights are valuable. I’ve developed further knowledge on the following: environmental matters, policy, strategies, how charities work including charity law, governance, finance, health and safety, safeguarding, campaigning, what it takes to

From left to right: GWT CEO Adam Taylor, Head of Nature Based Solutions Natalie Waller and Lucy Holland Ford at the Seeing is Believing conference.

be a CEO of a charity, and more! My professional network has grown. All of which have helped me develop in my role at work. My top three highlights · Working on the GWT strategy · Seeing is Believing Conference, London · Supporting the GWT campaign to halt development on the Gwent Levels You don’t know what you don’t know My peers have noted that they weren’t aware that being a young trustee was an option. They questioned ‘do I have enough life experience for something like that?’, ‘will my voice be valued?’, ‘can I make positive change?’. I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits a Trustee role can bring. I want to encourage more young people to step into governance roles. Several Trusts are paving the way forward with active Youth Boards and Councils. Having been inspired, I’m now exploring our options to implement a Youth Board at GWT.

How do you become a Trustee? If you would like an informal chat to find out more about becoming a Trustee, email Marc at mleppard@gwentwildlife.org. The application form and other details can be found on our website: www. gwentwildlife.org/jobs/ trustee After you have filled in the application form, short-listed candidates will be asked to an interview (online if preferred) with a couple of trustees and the Trust’s Chief Executive, to talk through the role and answer questions.

Saving water Saving water Saving water Saving water for wildlife

THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS

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23WIN_Wildlife_Gardening_FINAL.indd 2 20

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GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE Save water Invest in water butts now to store up winter rain. Buy as many as you can afford and connect them to the downpipe of your house for maximum flow. (Councils may offer cheaper versions or you might find a bargain at your local tip.) Save water Invest in water butts now to store up winter rain. Buy as many as you can afford and connect them to the downpipe of your house for maximum flow. (Councils may offer cheaper Make a rain garden or you transform might find a Ifversions budget allows, bargain at your localalltip.) your space so that rainwater soaks into the soil slowly, rather than going down the drain.

Make a rain garden If budget allows, transform your space so that all Use grey water soaks into the soil rainwater Keepslowly, a bucket in your shower, rather than going a washing updrain. bowl in your down the kitchen sink, and syphon water from your bath to hydrate your garden. Use eco detergents to reduce the impact on soil health and use the water immediately soUse it doesn’t go bad. grey water Keep a bucket in your shower, a washing up bowl in your kitchen sink, and syphon water from your bath to hydrate your garden. Use eco detergents to Mulch thethe soilimpact on soil health reduce Cover bare areas ofimmediately earth with and use the water bark chippings, home-made so it doesn’t go bad. compost, gravel or even plant material to lock in moisture, which will help plants grow.

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Mulch the soil Cover bare areas of earth with bark chippings, home-made compost, gravel or even plant material to lock in moisture, which will help plants grow.

GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE

Create shade Grow tall plants or trees, or let your hedge grow taller rather than cutting it back this winter. Plants in shade are less likely to scorch and the soil remains wetter. Create shade Grow tall plants or trees, or let your hedge grow taller rather than cutting it back this Add awinter. pond Plants in shade are Now’s good time to digand a pond, lessa likely to scorch the which should fill naturally soil remains wetter. before spring. Ensure it has shallow margins and sloping sides, and consider running a pipe from your shed roof so it fills automatically when it rains. Add a pond Now’s a good time to dig a pond, which should fill naturally before spring. Ensure it has shallow margins and sloping Growsides, moreand plants consider running a Cover space with pipeevery frominch yourof shed roof so it plants, including climbers fills automatically when it up rains. walls and fences. The more plants you grow, the more humid your environment, the less dry the local atmosphere. Grow more plants Cover every inch of space with plants, including climbers up walls and fences. The more plants you grow, the more Grow drought-tolerant plants humid your environment, the Replace thirsty plants like less dry the local atmosphere. Astrantia, astilbe and persicaria with drought-resilient plants like lavender and salvia, but don’t stop growing natives as many species rely on them. Grow drought-tolerant plants Replace thirsty plants like Magazine Name | Winter 2023 and persicaria 3 Astrantia, astilbe with drought-resilient plants like lavender and salvia, but 21 don’t stop growing natives as many species rely on31/08/2023 them. 13:26:31

Y BRITISH

Prosiect y diweddaraf Safle 1,300 erw yn Nhalywaun yw’r British, a dyma’r safle tir diwydiannol diffaith mwyaf sydd ar ôl yn Ne-ddwyrain Cymru. Prynwyd y safle gan Gyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Torfaen yn 2016 gyda’r nod o’i adfer a rhoi sylw i’r pryderon iechyd a diogelwch, ac rydym wedi bod yn bartneriaid ers dechrau 2022. Ein nod oedd meithrin perthynas rhwng y gymuned a’r safle, trwy gynnal cyfres o deithiau cerdded, gweithgareddau i wirfoddolwyr a gweithdai. Cafodd y cam cyntaf hwn gyllid trwy Raglen Datblygu Gwledig - Cymunedau Gwledig Llywodraeth Cymru 2014 – 2020 a ariannwyd gan Gronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop ar gyfer Datblygu Gwledig a Llywodraeth Cymru. Dechreuais fel Swyddog Cymunedol ar gyfer Y British ym mis Chwefror 2023, ac yn ystod yr 8 mis diwethaf rwyf wedi archwilio’r safle’n llwyr. Trefnais deithiau tywys gyda Gavin Vella – adaregydd lleol; Liam Olds – sy’n arbenigo ar infertebratau mewn tomenni sborion glo; Michael Rodgers – ecolegydd lleol sy’n arbenigo ar ystlumod; a Marion Williams – gwirfoddolwr yn amgueddfa Pont-y-pŵl. Yn ystod y teithiau cerdded hyn, gwelsom fwy na 60 o

rywogaethau gwahanol o infertebratau gan gynnwys Chwilen Cymru, Gwenynen Durio Gwynne, Madfall Ddŵr Albino (sy’n brin iawn), Barcutiaid Coch, y Gog, Dringwr Bach, Tingoch a Gwibiwr Llwyd, a dysgu ar yr un pryd am dreftadaeth ddiwydiannol hynod o ddifyr yr ardal. Rwyf wedi gweithio’n agos gydag Ysgol Gynradd Garnteg, gan gynnal taith natur ac adeiladu a gosod 20 blwch adar ar gyfer y Gwybedog Brith, law yn llaw â Richard Evans o Project Nestbox. Rydym hefyd wedi codi blychau ar gyfer y Dylluan Wen a’r Cudyll Coch ar y safle, a gweithiais gydag Oliver James, Swyddog Atal Sbwriel a Thipio Anghyfreithlon Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol

Torfaen, i roi cyflwyniadau i’r plant am y bywyd gwyllt sydd i’w weld yn yr ardal leol. Rwyf hefyd wedi trefnu tasgau gwirfoddol i gael gwared ar rywogaethau goresgynnol, yn ogystal â chwrs adeiladu waliau sych lle fuom yn ailadeiladu darn o wal ar y safle. Wrth i’n gwaith presennol ar safle’r British ddirwyn i ben, edrychwn ymlaen at gynnal cysylltiadau â’r safle a gyda Chyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Torfaen. Mae’n safle hynod o ddiddorol i ddysgu amdano ac mae’n gyfoeth o rywogaethau, a byddwn yn gwylio’r datblygiadau ar y safle yn y dyfodol gyda diddordeb mawr.

CREDYDAU LLUN // PHOTO CREDITS: KEVIN DONOVAN

Gan Swyddog Y British Kevin Donovan

THE BRITISH

Project update By The British Officer Kevin Donovan The British is a 1,300 acre site in Talywain, the largest site of industrial dereliction remaining in South East Wales. Purchased by Torfaen County Borough Council (TCBC) in 2016 with the aim of restoring it and addressing health and safety concerns, we have partnered them since early 2022. Our aim was to connect the community with the site, by running walks, volunteer activities and workshops. This first phase has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020,

which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. I started as Community Officer for The British in February 2023 and over the last 8 months I have thoroughly explored the site. I arranged guided walks with Gavin Vella - a local ornithologist; Liam Olds - who specialises in colliery spoil invertebrates; Michael Rodgers – a local ecologist who specialises in bats; and Marion Williams – a volunteer at Pontypool museum. During these walks we saw more than 60 different species of invertebrate including Welsh Chafer, Dingy Skipper and Gwynne’s Mining Bee, an Albino Newt (which are very rare), Red Kites, Cuckoo, Treecreeper and Redstart, plus we learnt about the fascinating industrial heritage of the area. I have worked closely with Garnteg Primary School, undertaking a nature walk and building and installing 20 Pied Flycatcher bird boxes alongside Richard Evans from Project Nestbox. We have also erected Barn Owl and Kestrel boxes on site, and I partnered with Oliver James, the Litter and Fly-Tipping Prevention Officer from TCBC, to deliver presentations to the children on the wildlife found in the local area. I have also organised volunteer work tasks to remove invasive species, as well as a dry-stone walling course, where we rebuilt a stretch of wall located within the site. As our current involvement on The British comes to an end, we look forward to maintaining links with it and TCBC. It is a fascinating and species-rich site to get to know, and we will watch the future site developments with interest.

N AT U R E M AT T E R S

I may not know much about nature but I have a desire to save it! Says Wildlife Warrior Stand for Nature Wales member Seren I’m Seren, I am dyslexic, I play rugby and I belong to Wildlife Warriors Stand for Nature youth group, which is part of Gwent Wildlife Trust. This article means so much for me to be able to show my passion to people who care about the environment. I hope after reading this, people will want to act to save the environment and knowing I have influenced people to want to help will make me ecstatic. I’m hoping to inspire people to realise the devastating crises we are having called climate change. It angers me when important people in this world make decisions and take actions which makes it even worse.

Why am I writing this….

I want to share some of the small changes I have made to my home and school life, which I hope will make a difference to nature. My school had nothing green to it except for having a green field. I had been meaning to write an email about having a place that nature can thrive. I knew the perfect place to do it. I worked hard to make sure they couldn’t say no. I thought about it from all viewpoints of what if they had questions i.e. where do we find the money or we can’t afford it, so I came up with solutions. I put it all in an email and sent it to the Headteacher. I put lots of ideas in there the school could easily do to make nature a bigger part of the school: • An unused area could be left to grow wild • I said there needs to be an eco club.

The Headteacher shared my email with Head of Humanities, who is interested in the environment too and shared with my geography teacher. I am very pleased to say the school listened to me and we are now going to have an eco club run by our geography teachers. I am looking forward to being part of the club, sharing and acting on all of my ideas. At home, I persuaded my parents to start shopping at our local refill shop, we love the vegan sweets and cakes. I also buy oat milk every week, this is a really good way to buy it as I can get just the right amount that I use in a week. My mum has bought other things such as rice and lentils. We bought a birthday card for my Nan that has seeds in the cardboard, so that you can plant it and grow flowers. I am also trying to eat less meat and we are cooking curries with chickpeas, stir fry with quorn and we all enjoy a vegan bean and red pepper chilli.

But what else can we do to help?

• Cycle and walk more • Ask your council to have bike parking • Ask your council to grow wildflowers where there is free space instead of grass • Go to a refill shop and only buy what you need • Eat less meat and have a day where you don’t eat meat • Do litter picking, recycle, reuse • Get an eco club in school • Buy things from the charity shops • Grow your own veg and fruit and plant flowers in your garden • If you do get meat make it somewhere local and get your veg local • Turn off your lights when you are not using them, have short showers instead of baths • Join a nature group • Try to buy sustainable products • Don’t fly, stay in the UK for holidays and camp • Don’t leave the tap running when you are brushing your teeth.

Seren’s poem: I CAN I wish I see the wild meadows grow I wish I can see colour I wish I can see life I can see the burning hot flame I can see the suffocating smoke I can see the animals in agony I can see plain green trees I can hear loud crashing noises I can hear screeching from far away I can hear the cry of help I wish I can hear the chirping of the birds I wish I can hear the splash and snap I wish I can hear the nattering down below me I wish I can hear the wind from the trees Oh I wish I can hear the buzz I can feel the dryness I can feel the pain I can feel the desperation I can feel the tears I wish I can feel the joy I wish I can feel the happiness I wish I can feel the softness of the ground I can smell the toxins I can smell the petrol I can smell the poisons I can smell the fire I wish I can smell the fresh air I wish I can smell the trees I wish I can smell the flowers I wish that people can realise this

If you do some of these things it will make a difference. You can make a difference. If you do all these things you will make a big difference. Tell people what is happening to the world then say to them how you can help. You will soon see that wildlife will thrive again because there is still hope, there is still time to save the planet and there is time to make a difference. I just want to say thank for reading this. I really appreciate this amazing opportunity that my leader has given me so thank you very much.

PHOTO CREDITS: PETRA MITCHARD

Far left, Seren presenting details on a new project - greening up Pill. Left, whittling a sustainable walking stick after some pollarding at Magor Marsh.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

LOCAL WILDLIFE HEROES

In September, Rob Waller retired as a Trustee on our Board after ten years’ service. Rob has made a tremendous contribution to our governance. He continues to give so much as a Leveller’s volunteer and local wildlife photographer. He doesn’t think he’s a Wildlife Hero, but we certainly do!

Above, Woodland Park flowers. Below, Frogspawn.

VITAL STATISTICS Name: Rob Waller Lives in: Newport Job: Retired, now GWT volunteer. Interesting fact: I once carried William Hague’s bag.

Right, Great spotted woodpeckers in Woodland Park (an adult feeding a fledgling). Below, Magor Marsh where Rob spends a lot of his time!

humans, and this comes on top of all its other challenges – agricultural intensification, pesticides, habitat destruction. Wildlife has no voice, we must speak up for it and change will only come if we all make our voices heard.

PHOTO CREDITS: ROB WALLER, LOWRI WATKINS

Tell us about yourself in 30 words. I worked for many years as a town planner and got into that through a desire to protect our countryside and promote social justice. Still a challenge! What’s your favourite local place for nature? Actually, I really like our garden and near-by Woodland Park here in Maindee. In summer we can watch (a diminishing number) of swifts wheeling across the sunset, and in winter and spring we have woodpeckers, nuthatches, long-tailed tits and goldfinches. Frogspawn in the pond, loads of wildflowers and new insects every year. Urban wildlife just here seems to be doing quite well. And Magor Marsh of course where I seem to spend half my life. Tell us a memorable wildlife experience you have had locally/in the UK. I do try my hand at taking wildlife photos. I spotted a red grouse and in best army

fashion wriggled through the heather to get nearer only to see it through the lens marching up to give me a hearty peck on the head. Left with a sore head and a blurry photo. Wildlife strikes back. Why should people care about the climate crisis and nature emergency? Well, someone has to, we all have to. It is quite clear that global warming is happening now and that this is bad for the world. Nature is affected just as much as

Who has inspired you: I think children inspire me the most. So full of hope and expectation, despite in many cases real problems for them. Of course, they can also be very annoying at times! Name one thing everyone should do to make a difference for the sake of nature and our planet? That radio programme Just One Thing has now run to several series so, as with health, there are lots of things we should all be doing. Maybe the most important for all those who are reasonably well-off is simply to consume less.

gwentwildlife.org/gift A Gwent Wildlife Trust membership really is the gift that keeps on giving. By buying a gift membership, you will be supporting vital work for local wildlife, whilst at the same time treating your loved ones to wildlife magazines, guides and a host of other benefits to enjoy throughout the year.

PHOTO CREDITS: DAMIAN KUZDAK

A gift for wildlife lovers