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Habitat Conservation & Restoration

Heathland Reclamation

Heathland is one of the least common habitats within the geographical area that West Glamorgan ARG covers.   What little heathland that remains in the area is rapidly disappearing largely due to invading birch, willow and in some cases, pine scrub.  Heathland, (especially if it consists of areas of both mature and young heather and adjoining small areas of scrub or rank grass thus creating a complex vegetative structure) also happens to be prime habitat for many species of herpetofauna and as such it is essential that efforts be made to not only preserve existing heathland, but also to improve and create further suitable habitat by halting the invasion of scrub.  Ideally, the overall intended result and bigger picture is connectivity between isolated patches of heathland by dint of appropriate and sensitive management.

Giant’s grave

The first site for attention that West Glamorgan ARG are involved with is a patch of heathland in Neath known as Giant`s grave.  The site includes an area of mature heathland, which as well as heather, supports a diverse array of seldom seen mosses and lichens.  Elsewhere on the site however, birch, gorse, bramble and pine scrub are invading at a considerable rate.  If the situation is allowed to progress there will be considerable “shading out” within three years time and the heathland will be severely reduced.

Peter Hill walked the site for the first time during mid summer of 2008 and found adder, grass snake, common lizard and common toad at the site.  The biodiversity unit of the local authority have since employed botanist Rhyan Law-Cooper to survey the site and advise as regards the best plan of action to preserve the heath.  Rhyan has now done so and has since walked the site together with Peter Hill and discussed a management plan.  The first phase of physical work is scheduled to begin in the New year. 

Rhyan`s recommendations for action to be taken to preserve the heath, link in nicely with the needs of the resident herpetofauna.  Working closely together, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council`s Biodiversity unit, Mentro Allan, BTCV Cymru & West Glamorgan ARG will improve the heathland habitat at the site significantly for herpetofauna.  The first stage of habitat improvement will include;

• Physical removal of invading scrub
• Treatment of stumps where necessary with Glyphosate
• Removal of nutrient rich brash resulting from the scrub eradication to adjoining woodland and scrub areas to assist with keeping soil nutrient levels low on the heath to aid the recovering heather and discourage vigorous competitive vegetative growth

The resulting brash piles can be utilized in two ways, both of which will benefit herpetofauna and other species;

• Hibernacula will be constructed at suitable spots surrounding the heath
• Grass snake egg laying sites will also be created from the brash pile.  A chipper will be hired to process some of the brash into woodchip which will be the material that will form the basis of suitably situated heat generating piles ideal for egg incubation.  The heaps will also increase invertebrate levels.

At a later date, West Glamorgan ARG, together with the Biodiversity unit and HCT will investigate the possibility of the creation of small fish free ponds and scrapes at certain areas of the site to benefit amphibians and heathland Odonata (Dragonfly and Damselfly) species.

Funders;

• Countryside Council of Wales

Partners involved with the project;

• NPTCBC Biodiversity unit
• Countryside Council of Wales
• Mentro Allan volunteers and participants
• BTCV Cymru
• Youth Offending Team

Project Diary;

December 12th

Peter Hill walked the site with Botanist Rhyan Law-Cooper and discussed the management plan.