16th Dec 2014 As the last walk of the year Bruce suggested that we take a look at the ‘Conserving Our Future zone’, formerly known as the Energy Zone. This is an area where the Garden is developing new display of Welsh plants from four of Wales’ NNRs – Cwm Idwal, Great Orme, Waun Las and, not yet done, Kenfig. There’s also a new species-rich hedgerow, though I can’t say I remember seeing that!
On the way there we passed a small mature copse which has recently suffered from Dutch elm disease and a mature oak has recently died and been felled. We didn’t note anything special there but further up on the steps there is a display of rare Welsh Sorbus trees. Unfortunately these didn’t seem to have developed at all from the time when we had last looked at them – apparently there is drainage problem and they are suffering the consequences.
But on to the four plots between the Glasshouses. All those developed so far are very impressive – Kenfig, the most difficult is yet to be completed. Amongst the logs nearby the Jelly Ear Fungus looked very healthy(!) and further on into other areas such as the wood behind the Aqualab the first tiny Elf Cups were appearing.
Even better than all of this were the videos that John had of the Badgers in Pont Felin Gat. A couple of stills are shown below.
6th Jan 2015 The first of the year and a look at an area about which little is known – the Reed beds below the Growing the Future area. We expected it to be rather boggy but this wasn’t the case. What did intrigue us was how easy it was to lose sight of each other and we soon became separate groups. It looks to be an interesting area to investigate further in the Spring and Summer.
Many thanks as always to John and Peter for their splendid photos. And if any volunteer or member wants to join us please send an email to Jane Down– you DON’T have to be an expert in anything, just interested. If you click on the Wildlife Walks heading on the left-hand side under News you will see a list of the last 10 Wildlife Survey blogs. If you find an injured bird, hedgehog or other wild animal and want help and advice then phone the Gower Bird hospital. on 01792 371630.