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I am happy to report that this summer saw the fruits
of GWT’s labours to restore habitat at Wyeswood Common. I reported
previously that over 7,500 trees (7,552 to be exact, but who’s
counting?) were planted earlier this year to create more woodland
and connect fragmented copses and hedgerow networks. The trees are
establishing very well and so far the deer fencing has done its job
(touch wood!). More trees are due to be planted in November.
Although not readily noticeable to the public,
several field corners at Wyeswood have been fenced off with the
intention that they be allowed to scrub over. I anticipate the scrub
will come in quite quickly and provide valuable habitat for birds in
particular.
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New deer fencing at Wyeswood Common Reserve |
I have been particularly pleased and surprised at
the success of seed trials on the reserve. Following the success of
seed down in October 2008, a larger plot was sown in October 2009.
It has resulted in an abundance of yellow rattle but other flowers
recorded included common knapweed, eye bright, oxeye daisy and red
clover. Finer grasses such as crested dog's tail have also been
noted and we even found a common spotted orchid in the field margin
(which I suspect colonised naturally). Further seed has been sown on
other fields on the Reserve as a comparison and I can’t waif for
next summer to see the results!
Last but by no means least, the Trust’s flock of
Hebridean sheep have favoured very well on Wyeswood over the summer.
The lambs have grown strong and we were pleased that weaning them
went smoothly without too much distress to mothers or youngsters –
or GWT staff!! The adult ewes will be put to the ram again in
October and we can start all over again! Soon the flock will be
moved to graze Pentwyn until the spring. GWT is reviewing its plans
for grazing Wyeswood and hopes to invest in more livestock in 2011
in order to exercise greater control over grazing pressure on the
Reserve. In the mean time we have advertised for a grazier for this
winter at Wyeswood, hence all the remaining fencing that is
hurriedly being finished!
Annette Murray
Wyeswood Common Project Officer Phone: 01600 740358 or
amurray@gwentwildlife.org.
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