May 19th 2015: Although the Moth trap was set up as usual in Trawscoed Meadow the overnight weather was not very Moth-friendly. Apart from a few Spiders, a loopy little Bug, an unknown Caterpillar and a Micro-Moth later identified by Sam Bosanquet as Ancylis badiana, the solitary Moth we collected was a rather worn Pebble Prominent.
Without any firm plans for the morning, and with the prospect of another Pollination day looking we decided to head off to see the Science students and discuss Pollination things a little more. And a very interesting discussion it was. I particularly liked the story about how some of the Bees were squeezing their way through the ‘trap’ apparently to avoid losing their Pollen, and wonder if they will remember that next time. With over 500 samples collected there is a lot of work to be done!
Afterwards we headed towards the back gate, checking the Refugia along the way – the one by the gravel and the other 3 by the back gate. Nothing to report and although we were beginning to wonder if we have put them in the wrong places. But me and Hazel visited Parc Slip on Saturday where tin sheets were placed in exactly the same way and in similar places The first half dozen yield nothing, then an Adder under one, a Grass Snake under 2 more. So we need to be patient and, if there are any Snakes or other Reptiles we should eventually find them.
We also checked the Badger cam to see whether the change in orientation had changed out luck in terms of seeing any Cubs – but nothing.
As can be seen from the photos, our intrepid photographers John and Peter managed to find a wide variety of plants and bugs. Many thanks as always to them. 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 find an injured bird, hedgehog or other wild animal and want help and advice then phone the Gower Bird hospital on 01792 371630.