Snowy scenes across the Forgotten Landscapes

Appeal for information

Have you seen Red Grouse in Forgotten Landscapes Area?

We are interested in any reported sightings of this locally rare bird. Work is now underway to restore heather moorland. It is hoped that this will lead to an increase in the numbers of Red Grouse in the area and will support a range of other wildlife.

Any reports will be helpful in our understanding and management of this population. If you have a sighting to report please contact Commons Officer Alvin Nicholas alvin.nicholas@torfaen.gov.uk, including details of the location, date and time of sighting.

Ghostly Gorge Tales by the fireside

A headless horseman, a ghostly lonely shepherd and an evil school sorceress are just some of the spine tingling tales from the Clydach Gorge that are waiting to be told at two ‘Spooky Fireside Tales’ events that are being held on the 9^th and 10^th November at Gilwern and Llanelly Hill. 

 

The two fireside events aim to bring the real and mythical past of Clydach Gorge to life - ensuring that stories that have survived for generations are passed on in a memorable way.  The first event will take place on 9^th November at The Corn Exchange, Gilwern and the second which will be on the 10^th November at The Jolly Collier, Llanelly Hill.  Families are welcome to drop in between 5 – 7pm, enjoy some spicy mulled wine or apple juice whilst they enjoy the tales being spun. 

 

The event is also there to encourage people to share their version of these traditional tales, how life has changed in the Gorge and maybe even tell some new tales. If you have photos that you are willing to share, then bring them along too!

Work begins at Dyne Steel Incline

Dyne Steel Incline is a steam powered double inclined tramroad, which once formed part of the route connecting Blaenavon Ironworks and Garn Ddyrys Forge.

The feature has suffered damage due to the illegal use of off-road vehicals in the area, which in turn has led to water collecting on the path.

Work is now underway to improve drainage. This will improve the quality of the path (part of the Iron Mountain Trail) and will help to conserve this scheduled ancient monument.

Pond Dipping Platform installed at Coity Tip

Work is now underway on a new pond dipping platform and boardwalk at Coity tip. This will be used by school children on visits to the site, allowing them to discover the diversity of life within the pond.

Overview of Ecological Surveys to date.

During 2009 an ecological audit identified a range of survey and monitoring activities to be completed over the three years of the project, beginning in the spring of 2010. The Forgotten Landscapes Partnership is looking for enthusiastic volunteers for a wide range of projects to suit beginners and experts alike. There will be many opportunities to work alongside ecologists and project staff as well as opportunities to learn new recording skills.

the below article identifies some of the wildlife highlights of the area. This article will appear in the next newsletter of the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC).

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Great Crested Newt Survey at Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve

This relates to a project that will create approximately two hectares of reed bed at the ‘Kays and Kears’ site, Blaenavon, using Common Reed (Phragmites australis). Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) were found to be absent from the area. A good population of Palmate Newts (Triturus helveticus) was found to be present, however. Other amphibians found at the site included Common frog (Rana temporaria) and Common Toad (Bufo bufo).

Pond Biodiversity Assessment

This exercise aimed to establish the biodiversity value of key ponds in the Cefn Garn yr Erw area and a cluster of small water bodies within the Blaen Pig and Canada Tips area. The information will be used to target resources for management of these waterbodies and of adjacent land.

Some significant species were found to be present, including Great Crested Newt which was found incidentally during one of the surveys.

Of particular significance is the community of Odonata, which includes Keeled Skimmer (Orthetrum coerulescens), Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa), Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans), Golden-ringed Dragonfly (Cordulegaster boltonii), Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum), Black Darter (Sympetrum danae) and Common Hawker (Aeshna juncea).

                                  

Otter and Water Vole Survey

A baseline survey was conducted during the summer of 2010 for signs of otter (Lutra lutra) and water vole (Arvicola terrestris) in all suitable habitat throughout the project area.

Otter spraint was found at a number of locations including the along the Afon Llwyd, at Garn Lakes, Coity Pond, Slope Pond, along the river Clydach and its tributaries, at Pinchey Ponds (Llanelli Hill) and along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. Otter tracks and an area where Otters had been lying up, rolling and playing were found at Waunafon Bog – an area that according to Chris, “appears to be of importance in terms of connectivity between the Afon Llwyd and Clydach river catchments.”

No signs of water vole activity were discovered during the survey (despite suitable habitat along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal and some of the larger ponds). Evidence of Mink (Mustela vison) was found at some locations.

     

Butterfly Survey

The area was found to be very productive for butterflies. Of particular importance is the large number of Grayling (Hipparchia semele) to be found utilising the patches of bare ground. In total, 17 species of butterflies were recorded during the survey period.

Species present listed as being ‘of Principal Importance for Conservation of Biological Diversity in Wales’ under Section 42 of the NERC Act 2006 are Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene), present in small numbers, Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus), present in large numbers, Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages), present in small numbers and Grayling, present in large numbers.

Of local importance is the Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja), which is present in small numbers.

Birds

Reasonable records exist for certain species within the landscape area. However, the Partnership has identified a suite of species which would benefit from conservation land management.  The species of concern are: Red Grouse  (Lagopus lagopus scotica), Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) and  Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia).

·         Red Grouse

Previous surveys indicate that Red Grouse numbers are worryingly low and possibly declining. Long-term monitoring is a high priority.  Chris will be undertaking follow-up surveys this autumn.

·         Long-eared Owl

Eight pairs of Long-eared Owls breed within the Forgotten Landscapes Project area. A further two pairs breed just to the south of the area. Chris said of his findings, “The eight breeding pairs represent 80% of the known Gwent breeding population and 27% of the known breeding population of Wales (The ‘Birds of Gwent’, 2008). The population within the Forgotten Landscapes Project area is therefore particularly important.”

·         Grasshopper Warbler

The high, insect-like ‘reeling’ of the male Grasshopper Warbler was detected at Waunafon bog and a number of locations in and around Blaenavon. According to Chris, “The ‘Birds of Gwent’, 2008, estimates a breeding population of less than 35 pairs within Gwent, so the population within the Forgotten Landscapes Project area is particularly significant.”

Producers Network

The Forgotten Landscapes Producers Network was launched at the 2010 Abergavenny Food Festival. The network aims to bring together local producers and ensure greater promotion of food and crafts produced by local people. For more information please contact project offer Tracey Marsh at tracey.marsh@torfaen.gov.uk.

Bracken Rolling

25.08.2010 marked the beginning of our bracken management programme. Bracken is a highly invasive species. Reducing the amount of bracken allows the cover of other moorland species to increase. This is important as traditional heather moorland provides habitat for a range of species, including the locally rare Red Grouse.

Re-built portal 03.09.2010

Pwll Du Tunnel 12.08.2010

Rebuilding the arch at the southern portal of Pwll du tunnel