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Hard to believe we are approaching spring already, it seems only
moments ago I was wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Anyway,
regular visitors to Wyeswood Common may have noticed a few comings
and goings on the Reserve since I wrote my last report.
As the Trust’s plans for Wyeswood are realised some major contract
works have been underway, with more in the pipeline for the coming
weeks. Speaking of pipelines, connecting the water to the troughs at
Wyeswood, via our existing supply at Pentwyn Farm, was the first
major undertaking on site this year. Snow caused delays meaning the
machinery was abandoned on site for a couple of weeks! Having
finally found a break in the weather this job has been finished
making way for the next contractor who will begin replacing the
boundary fencing with stock proof wire netting.
These works are geared towards re-introducing grazing onto the Site
towards the end of next year. Some other works, due to take place in
the forthcoming weeks, include the creation of 250m of new hedgerow.
A mix of planting including hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple
and dog wood will, in time, provide a food source and shelter for
local wildlife to compliment and connect the existing hedges and
woodland around the Reserve. In addition there are ambitions to sow
a field of Organic oats this spring.
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Work will take place to create small areas of
wetland. The existing field drains will be blocked and/or broken
and changes made to the topography to create seasonal water
bodies which will add an additional variety of habitat to the
Common. The plan was that these works were to be completed
before now but with all the wet, wintry weather of late, delays
have been incurred meaning there is a push on to get everything
done by the end of the financial year!
Not all works have been carried out by
contractors. A recent dry stone walling course saw a short
section of damaged wall rebuilt near to the mediaeval barn at
Pentwyn. This will be a long work in progress as there is about
100ms of wall left requiring a face lift. |
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A new volunteer group will be starting up soon for Pentwyn and
Wyeswood so please do get in touch if you would like more
information. As always contact me on 01600 740358 or email
amurray@gwentwildlife.org.
with any queries.
Annette Murray, Wyeswood Common Project Officer, Gwent Wildlife
Trust.
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