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Usk Conservation and Environment Group |
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Usk Conservation and Environment Group projects Jane's
Meadow old
railway track dormouse
survey The wildflower meadow project was started to provide a focal point for the group in Usk. We approached Usk Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council to see if they would release part of the Old Market field/Memorial Hall field (now Owain Glyndwr field) to enable us to create a wildflower meadow. Our work on the meadow has been recognised with a plaque, awarded by Usk Civic Society in 2004. We bought wild flower seed from a variety of
sources. Wild daffodil bulbs and wood anemone corms were supplied by
a local seed merchant. Cowslip plantlets and foxglove seeds were
donated by local gardeners. We chose flowering plant species to
attract insects; butterflies, ladybirds, moths and other bugs. In
the first year the meadow was awash with poppies, even though they were
not in the seed
In 2006 burnet moths were abundant, with over 50 individuals recorded. We have also recorded over 100 ant mounds on the site. Orchids have recently been planted to add to interest and biodiversity. A new mowing and planting regime was introduced in 2008 to increase further the biodiversity of the site, and rose species were planted on the boundary. Burnet moths were again abundant in 2007, and nine frogs were counted and survived the annual strimming. In the autumn of 2009 we reseeded the meadow and planted bulbs to increase diversity. Weed control matting and woodchip were placed around the rose hedging to make sure these did not become overwhelmed by weeds. The Britian in Bloom judges were very complementary about this project. We realise that once the flowers have bloomed and set seed the area may appear neglected, but as far as possible we want the area to emulate a real wild flower meadow which has been left to its own devices. Particular thanks to George, Glen and John for keeping an eye on this area and maintaining it. | |||||
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The old railway track - Pontypool Road to Monmouth Road
Many flowers have been planted along the track, for example marsh marigolds, water forget-me-nots, water avens and marsh orchids. Further planting of native species is on the agenda for 2008. We have installed two preformed ponds and three lined ponds in 2007. To date eels, leeches, freshwater shrimps and gammarus have been recorded in these pools. Many thanks to Olly and his team from Dwr Cymru for their help with this part of the scheme, and to Peter Baker, Cwmbran for the donation of the wood chippings. The commitment of the railtrack volunteers is truly amazing, but their work has achieved remarkable results that are used and admired by the local community. We would like to say a particular thank you to the staff and students from Coleg Gwent, as well as to Tom from Tidy Wales for all their help along the rail track. By 2009 the railtrack section of the Usk Nature Trail was almost complete. Further removal of pernicious weeds is still necessary. The walkway area will be filled with stone chippings in due course. The Nature Trail was officially opened in March 2010 by the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Environment Jane Davidson. We are always seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of this very worthwhile and satisfying project. We usually meet at Ladyhill (almost opposite the school) on the third Saturday of the month when practical elements of the project are tackled. Volunteers are always welcome - individuals, groups, families or couples. Wear old clothes, strong boots or wellies, and strong working gloves to protect your hands; bring lunch too (depending on how long you intend to stay). | |||||
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We had an excellent day at Croes Robert, finding 4 dormice in the nesting boxes, giving everyone an opportunity to inspect and handle the mice. The group
would like to acknowledge the tuition provided by Phil who has provided
follow up sessions for small groups of members to enable them to obtain
licenses to handle dormice independently. This will mean that
populations of this very rare mouse will be monitored and surveyed in the
Usk area. If anyone in the Usk area knows of possible sites locally,
please contact Graham on 01873 852108. | |||||
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Future Projects - Can you help?
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| Come and join
our friendly group, new members are always made welcome.
Contact Graham Harris 01873 852108 or Martyn Evans 01291 673804 Email Graham here |
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mix!
They looked magnificent. The amount of insect life attracted to the
meadow surprised us all, especially butterflies, and including Brown Argus
(Aricia agestis) and abundant Common Blues (Polyommatus
icarus). Altogether eight species were recorded in 2002/3. Three
species of moths were also recorded, and ladybirds were frequently found.
The group has made
tremendous inroads on the old railway line, and the track from the
Monmouth road to the Pontypool road is now accessible. You will have
to negotiate the tunnel, and we suggest the use of a torch, but if you
keep to the centre of the tunnel, there are no obstacles to
negotiate. We hope that funding will be found in the future to
install lighting in the tunnel without disturbing the small bat population
(two species). We have constructed a set of steps, so access to the
Monmouth road is now easily gained. In 2006 we provided a walkway which was extended in
2007 to the tunnel entrance. We are seeking funding to complete this
work. Contractors have removed much of the
earth spoil which had accumulated over a long period of time and
encroached onto the footpath. The track from the Pontypool Road end
to the Monmouth road end now forms a vital link in the Usk Nature
Trail. A plan of the trail in its entirety is in the process of
being published (spring 2007), together with larger plans which will be
displayed at various locations.
We were instructed how to inspect nestboxes
for signs of dormice, and how to handle, weigh and sex the mice. We
are planning to erect dormouse boxes around Usk, an area with few records
for this species, but with plenty of suitable habitat. In the spring
the mice are waking up from their winter hibernation and foraging for food
at night in the top of the canopy. Although most associated with
hazel trees, dormice need a range of species within their territory as
they eat new leaves, flowers, caterpillars and other insects, fungi, tree
seeds and fruits.