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Allotment Wildlife Garden & Pond

A local group recently secured four plots at an allotment site in Neath.  The group intends to create a wildlife refuge within the plots, which would greatly benefit both the biodiversity of the area as well the community.  West Glamorgan ARG is assisting with the creation of a pond at the site with much needed financial assistance provided by Mentro Allan & CCW.   Mentro Allan project participants (some of which are also West Glamorgan ARG members) and BTCV Cymru volunteers are undertaking the majority of the physical work of habitat creation, thus keeping fit and active whilst simultaneously benefiting and learning about the environment.

The four plots are connected and reach as far as the allotment boundary hedge.  The boundary is with a local authority owned park.  The park has a resident colony of grass snakes as well as common lizards, slow worms and most of the widespread amphibian species.  The herpetofauna of the park is under increasing pressure due to development of the park and human encroachment due to increased leisure use of the park.  

Thanks to Mentro Allan and CCW, a contractor was hired just prior to Christmas 2008 and an area that had previously been landscaped and then neglected has now been cleared of bramble.  Pond excavation will begin in the new year, hopefully in time for the amphibian-breeding season.  Hibernacula and egg laying sites will also be created at the site.

Partners involved with the Project; 

• Fairyland Allotment group
• Gnoll action group
• Mentro Allan volunteers and participants
• BTCV Cymru volunteers
• Youth Offending Team
• NPTCBC Biodiversity Unit
• Keep Wales Tidy
• Communities First

Support and Guidance gratefully received from;

• HCT
• CERTs
• ARGUK
• Ian Smith (Welsh Dragonflies)

Funders;

• Countryside Council of Wales
• Keep Wales Tidy

Contractors used;

• Streetwise

Project Diary;

December 19th

Contractor began clearing bramble and scrub for pond excavation.  Exposed a previously excavated pond and landscaping which appears unsuitable.  The pond (currently dry) is far too deep and the landscaping inappropriate.  The area will be re-landscaped and a suitable wildlife pond excavated in the New Year.

January 8th 2009

Landscaping of the pond took place