Monday 22 June 2015

NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2015

FLOWER SURVEY OF THE BOGGY MEADOW 2015.
The Boggy Meadow is the name we have given to the middle of the three meadows lying between old Rhydypenau Wood and Rhydyblewin farmhouse. As its name implies it is wet in places and is one of the meadows with the highest biodiversity, so we should be able to identify a wide range of plants there.
The first of the two main surveys of the Boggy Meadow was scheduled for Saturday June 13th but that day dawned wet, wet ,wet!!!   So it was decided to postpone and it will now take place on the next workday - Sunday 28th June instead.   The second survey (to pick up the later flowing plants.) is planned for the workday on Sunday 30th August.
The way in which the survey is done consists of a walk from one end of the meadow to the other, i.e. a transect, during which the flowers observed are ticked off on a list. Several walks will be made at intervals across the meadow - the number will be determined by how many people turn up.
You can do the flower survey independently. It can be carried out any time over the summer and as many times as you like.
Just go to the homepage "Downloads" for the flower lists and instructions. There is also a Map of the Meadows which shows exactly where the Boggy Meadow is.
Please hand your results to Rhian Jones or send them by email before the end of August. 

THE STREAM SHUFFLE         
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE   from   2pm - 4pm
This popular event takes place in association with Cardiff University, whose students help with the identification of the tiny creatures (and some larger ones) to be found under stones and in the depths of the Nant Fawr.   There will be microscopes to use to get close-ups and the whole family can enjoy an afternoon just puddling in the brook!
Wellies are essential gear and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the Old Car Park at Llanishen Reservoir (entrance beside 127 Rhydypenau Rd).   
                                        
SUMMER WALK            
SUNDAY 12th JULY   from   2pm - 4pm
Learn about the "MEADOW FLOWERS IN NANT FAWR"
See what wild flowers are growing in our meadows and learn about their uses in human history and the issues involved in modern urban meadow management.
This is a gentle stroll which is led by the Community Park Rangers.
Meet at the Old Car Park at Llanishen Reservoir (entrance beside 127 Rhydypenau Rd).

SUMMER WORKDAYS

SUNDAY 28th JUNE                 Time: 10am 12noon
The Wildflower Survey Part 1 -  takes place on the Boggy Meadow. (See above.)
ALSO
We shall be continuing with last months efforts - doing repair work to the Bird Viewing Platform near Rhydyblewin Farmhouse.
There is also tree encroachment onto the adjacent meadowland so these need to be removed.  And there will be the summertime tasks of painting the kissing gates as well.
Meet at the Old Car Park at Llanishen Reservoir (entrance beside 127 Rhydypenau Rd).

SUNDAY 19th JULY                 Time: 10am - 12noon
It is time for the annual Stream Clean in Woods Covert.   So bring your wellies  and help clear any plastic bottles and bedsteads (perhaps an exaggeration but you never know what will be found!) from the Nant Fawr .
Meet at Heol Esgyn Bridge

SUNDAY 30th AUGUST            Time: 10am 12noon
The Wildflower Survey Part 2 -  takes place on the Boggy Meadow. (See above.)
ALSO
In an effort to increase the spread of Yellow Rattle throughout the meadows we will be harvesting the seeds from well established plants in the Top Meadow and locating them to other parts.
For those who relish more physical work there will be removal of the laurel saplings which are taking hold in Rhydypenau Wood.
Meet at the Old Car Park at Llanishen Reservoir (entrance beside 127 Rhydypenau Rd).

  
REMINDER  - Have YOU paid  your Annual Subscription for 2015?

A big Thank You’  to everyone who has already paid their Annual Subscription for the year. If you have forgotten then please send your remittance to the Membership Secretary
It is still only £3 per household - so excellent value for money!