Biodiversity

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The Dulas river and surrounding area is an incredibly rich valley for biodiversity. The CAT site alone is host to lesser horseshoe bats, dormice, pole cats and pereguin falcons. We are lucky to have yellowhammers in the spring and red kite all year round.

Coed Y Gwern appears to be no exception. The woodland is a relatively new purchase so we are just embarking on mapping the biodiversity of the site. The transects will go in early 2009 and we will make regular trips to survey the site.

A recent moth trapping in early December 2008 produced records of spruce carpet, chestnut moth, december moth, dark chestnut, autumnal moth and november moth. We hope to repeat this during 2009 on a monthly basis to keep track of seasonal changes and those brought about through enhancement of the habitat in the woodland.

The diversity of tree species in Coed Y Gwern is quite remarkable considering the recent land use patterns of forestry plantation. There is plenty of oak regeneration, as well as willow and silver birch, the usual pioneer suspects in this type of woodland. There are lots of planted beech and plenty of holly. Hazel has a presence although we hope to increase this. A tree planting sessionin february will be the beginnings of a diverse hedge that will run the perimeter of the site.

Grace Crabb, CAT biologist, is looking forward to bat detecting in the new woodland as soon as the bats come out of hibernation. Join her for a host of events open to the public in the spring.

Watch out for new records that will be displayed here.