ARCHIVE NEWS - 2011
Dolforwyn Woods Project
Dolforwyn Woods, near Abermule, is a fairly new Nature Reserve so there is much work to be done! Thankfully, we have been given help, in the form of a grant from Biffaward, who are supporting a three year project at the site.
The aim of the project is to increase the biodiversity in this ancient woodland. Already the project has allowed us to install stock fencing and carry out necessary tree work. This gives the woodland ground flora a chance to flourish as well as enabling natural regeneration.
There is still much work to be done to restore this ancient woodland, as well as finding out exactly which plants and animals make the woodland their home. To achieve this, volunteers are crucial, so if you fancy doing some woodland management or getting involved with some surveys, please get in touch.
01 December 2011
Our Barn Owls need You!
Montgomeryshire’s Barn Owls have suffered an alarming decline, in part caused by the last two severe winters. In the interest of monitoring & conserving the ‘Screech Owl’, the Montgomeryshire Barn Owl Group is urging the public to report all breeding sites & sightings, dead or alive. They also need old wooden tea chests as they make the cheapest boxes for internal sites like barns and old derelict houses.
Please call Chris on 01686 626603 or email: c.griffiths193@btinternet.com
The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust is also happy to pass on your sightings; click here to find out what information we need, or click here to contact us.
28 November 2011
Pumlumon Project inspired play
'The State of Water' is a BBC/Cymru Wales production, broadcast on Radio 4 on Thursday 10th November. Sarah Woods' new play looks at the debate between sheep farming and eco-systems management through the experience of one family.
This play, inspired by the Trust’s Pumlumon Project sadly can no longer be heard via BBC iPlayer... sorry.
14 November 2011
Additional funding awarded
Great news for the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust today, as we have (indirectly) been awarded additional funding towards the Llanymynech Butterfly and Pumlumon Projects. more...
4 November 2011
New Water Vole site confirmed
The Water Vole, Arvicola terrestris, was once a common sight on every waterway, across the UK. However, following habitat degradation and loss, and the release of the American Mink, they largely disappeared; in just 8 years, the population fell by almost 90%.
Following the national trend, the once widespread population in Montgomeryshire, collapsed, leaving only a handful of isolated colonies in the East. The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust suspected that Water Vole could be hiding out in the remote uplands in the West, but a survey in 2004 failed to find any sign of their presence.
Undeterred, everyone remained alert for signs and in 2006 experienced surveyor and researcher, Roy Bamford, spotted signs at Bugeilyn Nature Reserve in the Pumlumon Mountains. Unfortunately, a follow up survey found only signs of the Water Vole’s much smaller terrestrial cousin, the Bank Vole.
So Trust staff were delighted when indisputable evidence (in the form of a latrine and feeding remains) where found and photographed by Clive & Thomas Faulkner in August 2011. This is not only the first confirmed record for Bugeilyn, it is also the first record in West Montgomeryshire since 1997!
11th October 2011
'Bags of Support'
Following the introduction of the Carrier Bag charge on the 1st October, where shoppers are charged 5p for each single use carrier bag they request, retailers are being encouraged by the government to donate the proceeds to local environmental charities.
The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust is hoping to work in partnership with businesses throughout the county in our campaign 'Bags of Support'. "The Trust’s work focuses on protecting and promoting the wildlife of Montgomeryshire and we feel this makes us the ideal charity for local businesses to support" said Eley Hart, Operations Manager, "Businesses will receive a certificate of support which they can display, as well as regular updates of the work MWT has been able to achieve thanks to their funding".
Our work includes conservation of habitats and species, engaging people with the natural world through education and standing up for a better deal for wildlife through lobbying and campaigning. Find out more about our work, by clicking here.
Businesses who are interested in finding out more about how they can get involved should contact Sandy Scott at the office.
5th October 2011
Bring back the nature hour
Many years ago nature studies used to be part of the school timetable and every child was familiar with the names of all the trees, flowers and birds that they saw around them. Sadly these days, children are more familiar with their televisions, computers, and Playstations and are becoming increasing fearful of the natural world. The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust is on a mission to reverse this trend.
Abi Crutcher, Education Officer for the Trust says ”A wealth of research indicates that contact with nature improves mental, physical and emotional health, as well as boosting classroom performance and concentration. We would like to work closely with schools as well as families, offering advice and events to get kids outside and interacting with the natural world.”
To kick start the campaign, we are starting an after school club which will take place every Wednesday during term time, from 12th October, in Welshpool. The club is open to all primary aged children and parents are very welcome to join their children for the activities.
For more information an to book a place, please contact Abi at the office or e-mail abi@montwt.co.uk
5th October 2011
Numerous 'Naked Ladies'
The news continues to be good for Meadow Saffron at Llanmerewig Glebe Nature Reserve. Despite flowering some two weeks earlier than normal, the number of blooms continues to rise; this years count revealed 1,492!
Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale), a native plant of damp meadows and woods, is also known as Autumn Crocus or Naked Ladies; the latter name stemming from the habit of the flowers appearing without any leaves. The flowers, which appear in the autumn, resemble pink crocuses, but are in fact colchicums and not related to true crocuses. The leaves appear in the spring and can be confused with Wild Garlic (Ramsons) a potentially lethal mistake, since all parts of the plant carry a deadly poison called colchicine. For this reason, the unimproved grasslands where this beautiful plant grew were typically managed for hay since the leaves die down prior to harvest.
Changes to agricultural practice has meant that Meadow Saffron is now very rare; remnant populations are generally found in field margins or road verges. Consequently, Llanmerewig Glebe represents an extremely important population and the Trust is delighted that they continue to do so well.
2nd September 2011
Trusts urge re-think on large-scale wind
Climate change represents significant challenges for global biodiversity and it is therefore vital that we consider how to meet our energy requirements sustainably, but this should not be at the expense of our wildlife. It is this concern that has impelled the Montgomeryshire and Shropshire Wildlife Trusts to review their position on large-scale wind farms and their associated infrastructure.
Hitherto the Trusts have judged every wind farm under its own merits, with objections lodged to those that would cause significant harm to wildlife or wildlife sites. Nevertheless, the Trusts have long been concerned about the cumulative effect of large-scale wind farm development. With many upland areas of Mid-Wales already covered with wind farms, the impact of hundreds more turbines is likely to be significant.
Of greatest concern is the huge scale of the new generation of wind farms currently proposed for large parts of the Mid-Wales uplands. These require major alterations to the rural road network, as well as a new electrical substation and extensive new electrical grid connections. When these new large-scale wind farm developments are considered together with their associated infrastructure, the impact on the area’s wildlife could be devastating.
The Montgomeryshire and Shropshire Wildlife Trusts are urging the Welsh Government to review the renewable energy planning policy set out in the Technical Advice Note (TAN) 8, produced in 2005. There should be a more strategic and long term approach to meeting the UK’s energy needs, including effective energy efficiency measures and greater emphasis on other forms of renewable energies, particularly micro-generation.
A copy of the Trusts position statement is available by clicking here; alternatively contact the office.
12 August 2011
First to fledge in over 400 years
The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust is pleased to announce that the first of the three Dyfi osprey chicks fledged the nest at 14:22 today! This is the first time that ospreys have successfully bred on the Dyfi since 1604 and marks a milestone in the conservation of ospreys in Wales.
A delighted Emyr Evans, Project Manager for the Dyfi Osprey Project, said “The osprey is Wales’ rarest bird and to see the first of the three youngsters take his maiden flight was a truly incredible sight. Almost 40,000 people have visited the project since we opened in April – I wish all of them could have seen this seven and a half week old osprey launch himself off the edge of the nest this afternoon and take his first flight around the Dyfi.”
It was Einion, the eldest male chick that was the first to fledge – he pushed himself off the side of the nest and flew towards the river before turning around, circling the nest three times and finally landing back next to his parents on the nest. It was a 40 second flight that we have been waiting years to see.
27 July 2011
Walking with Nature
We are pleased to announce a new programme of gentle guided walks in the Montgomeryshire countryside.
These free walks will be led by Jim and Anne Wren and will be no more than 5 miles, taken at a leisurely pace with time to sit and observe our beautiful countryside and nature. They are open to all and families are encouraged. Dogs are welcome, on a lead please.
The first walk will be a meander around Montgomery on Sunday 21st August. Proposed 2011 dates for future walks are as follows:
18th September
16th October
20th November
Future walks will include rambles focused on our reserves.
For more information, click here to go to our events page.
19 July 2011
Osprey chicks to be satellite tracked
Thanks to a collaboration with the BBC, all three of the Dyfi osprey chicks are to be fitted with satellite trackers when they are ringed on July 19th. These are small, solar powered units that weigh only around 1% to 1.5% of the total weight of the osprey.
In the last few years, satellite tracking technology has moved on apace – it’s allowed researchers to follow migrating birds travelling vast distances over many years resulting in a much better understanding of their movements and ecology. The satellite trackers are so small these days that they only weigh a few grams, less than a small packet of crisps, and causes no harm to the osprey. They send a signal, once every hour, telling us the ospreys’ position down to just a few meters and their altitude; this will be an osprey’s version of Air Traffic Control!
These will be the first Welsh ospreys to be satellite tracked and of course we’re all hoping that these birds will return back to Wales in 2013 and 2014 to breed. It will be absolutely fascinating to follow them as they start their incredible 3,500 mile journey to Africa.
With the BBC kindly funding two of the trackers, the Trust still has to raise £3000 for the third and all donations, however small, can make a huge difference. To find out more, click here to go to the Dyfi Osprey Project page.
06 July 2011
Dyfi Ospreys – a new beginning
The Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust is proud to be able to offer limited edition prints featuring the Dyfi Ospreys, Monty & Nora, with their first ever family.
Local wildlife artist Terence Lambert has generously donated the copyright of his stunning original to the Trust. 500 high quality prints have been locally produced on conservation paper and are available from the Dyfi Osprey Project; enquiries are also welcome at the Welshpool office.
Mounted prints cost £50; each print is individually signed and numbered and is expected to become a collector's item, as well as giving lasting pleasure as a representation of this historic event.
The proceeds of sales of the prints will help the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust continue its charitable work, which includes the Dyfi Osprey Project.
24 June 2011
Osprey ministeral visit
Welsh Environment Minister, John Griffiths, today paid a visit to the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust's Dyfi Osprey Project to see the ospreys which have bred on the Dyfi for the first time in over 400 years.
After enjoying live footage of the osprey family and meeting staff and volunteers, Trust Chairman, Chris Townsend, presented the minister with a limited edition Terence Lambert print of the Dyfi ospreys with eggs, to mark this historic occasion.
Mr Griffiths then went on to the RSPB's Ynys-hir Nature Reserve which has been the base for this year’s popular BBC2 Springwatch series. Both sites are examples of Wales’ success in conserving the natural environment to benefit communities and the economy. The Minister said: “I am delighted that for the past few weeks millions of television viewers have been enjoying the beauty of Wales by watching Springwatch. It was particularly exciting for viewers to be able to see the hatching of osprey chicks in the Dyfi valley for the first time in more than 400 years."
16 Jun 2011
Osprey trio
As Monty and Nora are new parents, the team at the Dyfi Osprey Project were really not sure whether all three of their eggs would hatch. So when the first successfully made its way into the world on Sunday 5th June, at 1:10pm, a cheer went up which almost shook the visitor centre at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve! However, the excitement did not end there; by 6:35am on Monday 6th June, a second chick had finally struggled free of its egg.
As the due date for the last egg passed, the team thought that it must be infertile (not unusual for a first time pair). Everyone was blown away when it started to hatch at 10am on Tuesday 7th June and it wasn't long before the third chick was free!
The first hurdle safely negotiated, Monty and Nora now have their work cut out to raise their three babies and it didn't take long for instinct to kick in. Monty has been bringing in plenty of fish for his family, whilst Nora has perfected her feeding technique.
With approximately 48 days left until the chicks fledge, it is still early days, but so far the signs are good, with all three chicks strong and feeding well; long may it remain so!
09 June 2011
First osprey chick hatches at Cors Dyfi
We have wonderful news! On Sunday 5th June, at 1:10pm, the first osprey chick began to make its way into the world. Within two hours, the first chick had emerged, closely watched by proud parents Monty and Nora. You can see videos of the first chick emerging on YouTube.
For more information about the Dyfi Osprey Project, click here.
For up to the minute updates, check out the Dyfi Osprey Project Facebook page (Please note, you do not need a Facebook account to read the posts).
05 June 2011
Osprey hatch date looming
The ospreys breeding on the Trust's Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve for the first time have now been incubating their three eggs for 30 days, meaning that the chicks are due to hatch any time from the end of May onwards.
After many close calls during the last two years, our male osprey, 'Monty' finally managed to attract a female on 9th April. As this osprey has a ring ('Monty' has no rings) we know that she hatched from a Rutland Water nest in 2008 - we've called her 'Nora'!
After 16 days of frantic courtship, the Dyfi pair laid their ever first egg on Easter Monday - 25th April. A second came three days later on 28th April and the final egg on 1st May. As the 'due date' rapidly approaches, staff, volunteers and followers of the Dyfi Osprey Project wait with great anticipation for the first chick to hatch, probably more nervously than the parents themselves!
Click here for more information.
25 May 2011
Prizes revealed
Details of the photo competition prizes have now been released and details can be found on the Photo Competition page
24 April 2011
Enter our new photo competition
MWT are pleased to announce the launch of their Photographic Competition. The theme is “My Montgomeryshire” and we are looking for the picture that sums up what Montgomeryshire’s natural environment means to you.
Is it a place, species or activity? It could be something large such as the sweeping views from an upland hillside, or something nearer to home like your wildlife garden. Are you besotted with birds or mad about mammals? Do you enjoy walks in the countryside or pond dipping with your children? There are so many choices and you can enter as many pictures as you like within the three age categories, so why not click here to find out more!
05 April 2011
A taste of Glaslyn
Delicious Welsh White Beef from the Mapledraig Herd, (the cattle which graze Glaslyn Nature Reserve) is now for sale.
Details of the cuts available can be found below, including our Prize Winning Winter Fair Sausages!
- Burgers @ 60pence each
- Sausages @ £5.50/kg
- Mince @ £4.40/kg
- Stewing beef @ 6.60/kg
- Roasting joints @ £8/kg
- 12oz Sirloin steak @ £4
- 16oz Rump steak @ £4
- Fillet steak @ £25/kg
To order your choice cuts, contact Mike and Liz:
01597 851091
07902 800382
mapledraig@hotmail.co.uk
02 February 2011
Keep up to date
Do we have your email address? Email is a great way for us to keep you informed.
We regularly email out details of our forthcoming events and other Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust news, to our supporters.
If you don`t already receive our emails, but would like to be included, please contact sandy@montwt.co.uk
For your own peace of mind the Trust operates in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act – we will not, for instance, release your details to third parties. You are entitled to a copy of the information we hold relating to you upon written request and also have the right to limit its usage. If you wish you can receive more information on how the Act protects you and how we meet its requirements.
01 February 2011
We have moved!
We have now moved to new premises in Welshpool, but fear not, we have not gone far!
Our new office is at 42 Broad Street, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7RR.
All other contact details remain the same!
11 January 2011
