It was. Bloody Nosed...because blood red liquid oozes...

Bloody-nosed Beetle

Timarcha tenebricosa

by Moyrah Gall

Bloody Nosed Beetle at Southwood

The answer to last weeks unidentified beetle found at National Trust's Southwood Estate which is located on the coastal route above Newgale in  North Pembrokeshire is the Bloody-nosed-Beetle

Did you know the bloody nosed beetle is so called because it oozes a blood-red liquid from its mouth which is really irritating if something is attempting to eat it. 

It moves really slow and although a line running down its back might suggesting that it has but, Timarcha tenbricosa has no wings at all to fly.

by Moyrah Gall

Welsh heathlands' beef is new Trust delicacy

by Moyrah Gall

 
 Springtime at Southwood on Thursday April 11th: 

Great, but where and what is Southwood ?

 Pembrokeshire Heathland Beef 

 

Southwood is part of the Heathland Beef Initiative (HBI). The HBI 's primary purpose is extensive grazing of semi natural habitats and this is led by Conservation Grazers. Cattle have been found to provide an efficient grazing service, gorse and bracken present little problem to the hefty Welsh Black steers.

Southwood Estate is a National Trust area between Roch and Newgale in N Pembrokeshire which reflects the importance of the cliff land wildlife and contains some of Britain’s beautiful coastal heaths and maritime grasslands. 


The cliff land also supports a high density of nesting chough and peregrine falcon.

The estate land requires to kept open so aggressive species such as the bracken and gorse is kept in check. As a result the turf is maintained at a shorter height by the grazing stock this allows coastal heath species to diversify, such as the chough which will feed easier by getting to insects.

Southwood Farm

 Sited on the estate is Southwood Farm, a 19century home farm. This is where a series of events have been introduced throughout 2013. The first event, 'Springclean', starting April. offers the opportunity to help out with restoration features of the building, conservation hedge boundary repairs and a quiz trail for the younger.

An evening talk delivered by the area warden is also on the cards later in April at the National Trust  St Davids shop, nationaltrust st-davids-visitor-centre

Can you identify this visitor at Southwood  Estate? 

Hint: check out the National Trust North Pembrokeshire Facebook page and click like if your visiting for the first time.

Marine Conservation Zones - Betrayal or Blessing?

by Richard Neale



Porth Colmon, Llyn.  This is where I met Sion Williams for
my 'reality check' (see article)



Wales has some of the most highly protected coastal waters in the world.  With 37% of our seas designated Marine Protected Areas (MPA) we can be confident that our marine habitats are well looked after. 

Or can we?

Last year, the Wales Government’s agency that looks after our MPAs, the Countryside Council for Wales, admitted that “the arrangements…are not fit to achieve [the] stated aims of conserving rare, threatened and representative species and habitats”.

At about the same time, the government launched its consultation on the creation of new Marine Conservation Zones.  Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of its most unpopular and divisive proposals. The problem was that the proposed MCZs would be highly protected, meaning that they would be ‘no-take zones’ with a whole range of activities, including mooring a boat or recreational fishing banned. 

To its credit, the Government went back to the drawing board and I now find myself on its MCZ Stakeholder Focus Group, along with a good-natured but incredibly diverse group of representatives from all aspects of marine interests.  At a recent meeting we got a bit bogged down with the science.  Looking out of the window at the sun on Aberystwyth bay, I decided that it was time to take a reality check.

Sion Williams, checking the first of his
whelk pots

And that is how I came to be climbing on board a small commercial fishing boat amongst the slippery rocks and seaweed of the tiny cove of Porth Colmon on the north coast of the Llŷn peninsula.  Its skipper, Siôn Williams, powered up the engines and soon we were travelling at speed towards his whelk pots.  Talking in the shelter of the small wheelhouse, I started to build up a picture of Siôn’s working life.

Where I saw an expanse of featureless sea, he used a mental map – built up from several generations of trial and error – to see mountain ranges of submerged reefs surrounded by acres of gravelly sand.  His patch is nearly ten miles long by a couple of miles wide and, in the height of summer, he goes around 120 whelk pots – and a similar number of lobster pots – every day that the weather will let him.

We arrived at the first of his buoys and I was sent to the stern to be out the way, where I watched him working.  What amazed me was that he seemed to be doing everything at once – all in a single uninterrupted and seemingly backbreaking movement: operating the winch, hauling up the pots, shaking out the whelks, adjusting the orientation of the boat, preparing the bait, bagging and stacking the catch…

Heading off to the more turbulent waters near the cliffs to check his lobster pots, I had time to ask Siôn what he thought of the MCZ proposals.

Checking the carapace size of a lobster (this one's too small
and will be returned to the sea).  Sion also voluntarily carries
out other conservation measures to protect catch stocks for
the future.

“Ro’n i’n teimlo fod fi wedi cael fy mradychu…"

"It felt like a betrayal.  I was already working with the CCW on conservation measures; I’d started to help with research projects studying the health of marine habitats and I’d got myself accredited as a responsible wildlife-watching operator.  Then suddenly I hear that half my area may be closed to me.  It would have put me out of business.”

Later, as we headed for shore, he explained that despite this experience, he was not against smaller parts of his area becoming no-take zones, if it could be shown how that would benefit wildlife.  He was also passionate about the need for stricter policing of the few unscrupulous members of the fishing fraternity.

Back on dry land, as I warmed myself with a flask of tea, I pondered what I’d learnt from my brief excursion. 

I now realise that marine conservation policies can’t be made in committee rooms alone, and although not all fishermen are as committed to conservation as Siôn, we have to involve them if we’re going to protect our seas.  I also realise that the proposals had gone too far, too fast. 

I still believe that in some special places we should apply the ultimate protection of MCZ status.  But before we do that, we need to sort out the management of those existing MPAs that, by the Governments own admission, falls short of what’s required.

Thanks to Welsh Coast Living Magazine for use of this article, published in its April edition.

Time and tide waits for no man, Portuguese Man O' War, or other critters on Pembrokeshire coast

Portuguese Man O' War found at Marloes recently

Exploring our coast can always bring exciting finds and some findings can be reported  that help scientists in their research, and as a result we gain a further understanding of our seashores.

The Portuguese Man O' War found near Marloes in Pembrokeshire, was identified by a ranger. And if your not sure what you have found then a free jellyfish identification guide can be downloaded at www.mcsuk.org and other books and guides on rock pool identification can be found at many National Trust shops.

The best part of the beach to find these critters is on the strand line or rock pools at low tide. These are fabulous places to forrage for shoreline creatures. Some common species include sand eel, hermit crab, starfish and shrimp. Check out Barafundle Bay, Broadhaven South and Freshwater West to name but a few in  Pembrokeshire.

Starfish

Strandline Beetles live among debris at Castlemartin

Lots of seaweed can also be found more commonly along the strand line, this is often the tide line mark. Ever wondered why seaweed is slimy? Well it saves it from drying out and it also stops other plants growing on it. Many invertebrates shelter here including flies, spider and beetles such as the scarce Strandline beetle.
The Strandline beetle said to be found at Castlemartin just up from Freshwater West (Access to MOD Castlemartin range is restricted so walks across the range are by guide only and advertised locally).

Tides and waves have a substantial effect on  coastlines. So what is a tide? 
Tides are the result of a relationship between the moon, sun and earth. Water on Earth bulges, and the sun and moon influence the water bulge as rotation occurs. (It’s a bit like if you put water in a bowl and imagine the sun's action that of one hand on one side of the bowl and the moon's action the other hand at the other side as the bowl is tipped and rotated)

Spring and Neaps are the names given to the highest and lowest high tides and generally occur two days after a new or full moon. The Spring tide is the highest and happens when the sun, moon and earth are in line. The Neap, the lowest high tide, happens when looking up from earth we see that the sun and the moon are about 90 degrees apart.

Averaging tides happen in the times between. In most places high tides follow low tides on a roughly six-hour cycle (two high and two low tides per day) and Spring and Neaps alternate on a seven-day cycle.

Wind surfer

 For those seriously involved with waves, like surfers, checking swell and wind beforehand aids in choice of location, and this might make the difference between a great day or taking a rain check.

What are waves?

Freshwater West surf

Waves are a pulse of energy on the water caused by wind. The stronger the winds blow, the more energy created and the steeper the land contour as the wave approaches shore then the larger a breaking wave becomes.

It’s always a good idea to check on the tides before going for a coastal walk, because getting caught by an unexpected tide, might, at the least, create a rather annoying delay while waiting for it to go out, but the worst is… get caught short and it might also be life-threatening. 

Tidal information is available from a variety of sources: tide tables from local chandler's, tourist information, local shops or online and apps. Check out the National Trust coastal locations. Stackpole shop has a good selection of guides and tide tables.

• Any interesting coastal finds please post and share your images on the NT Welsh Coast – YG Arfordir Cymru facebook page.

Our Rangers' Top 5 Access Issues

 by Richard Neale

Our Rangers do a great job in making sure that our paths and access facilities are well maintained.  Here our Ynys Mon Ranger, Bryn Jones talks to coast path walkers.

As a member of the Wales Access Forum, I report on issues that affect NT properties, be they positive or negative. 

To help prepare for the next meeting, I sent a quick email this morning to our Rangers around Wales. 

The answers were remarkably consistent, so I thought I'd share them with you.

Top 5 Access Issues on NT Land In Wales

1. Mud & Erosion.  The second wettest year on record caused huge problems for our Rangers.  Dealing with complaints and working with local authorities to repair or divert eroded paths has soaked up countless days of work.  It appears that such extreme weather is happening more often – so may be an increasing problem.
2. Dogs.  We’ve been kept very busy trying to resolve conflicts caused by out-of-control dogs.  Fouling problems and stock worrying have been reported from all our coastal areas.  An interesting solution is being looked into in Ceredigon – a volunteer dog (with handler) to monitor and explain the need for keeping dogs under control. 
3. Multiple Uses, Gone is the time when paths were just used by walkers.  Our paths are becoming more popular with horse riders, cyclists and runners – as individuals or as part of organised events.  We welcome lawful multiple uses but much more time has to be spent by our Rangers dealing with enquiries and conflicts than used to be the case.
4. Access for all.  Ensuring that ‘access furniture’ allows access to people of all abilities is an important priority for our Rangers.  They have noticed recently that wet weather can reduce accessibility on paths that are normally fine.
5. Creating new access.  New routes are continually being developed to improve the experience of visiting our properties.  The Welsh Coast Path has resulted in a number of new sections of path, such as at Glan Faenol, Bangor and Aberdaron, Llŷn, which our Rangers have facilitated.

The bird hide on the banks of the Menai Strait at Glan Faenol.  Ranger John Whitley (pictured) has worked with the CCW to create a new section of the Wales Coast Path along this section of the Menai.

Introduction

Yep that’s me taking pictures!

I'm Moyrah Gall and recently started an digital media internship with the National Trust on the Welsh coastal project. I also work with the Rangers at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stackpole/ in Pembrokeshire.

Until now Richard has regularly been updating things happening around the Welsh Coast, a rather daunting challenge for one, and my internship role will be to learn from and help Richard with this task and as the journey unfolds, share the experience.

But let me introduce myself properly, I have a number of career skills but mainly my background is documentary photography with an interest in the environment. I have a passion for the sea both on and under, and as a child sat glued to The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau at.http://www.biography.com/people/jacques-cousteau-9259496

Oh yes to be an underwater photographer was my dream, alas it took a little longer but last year I achieved my diving ticket and took my first underwater images. 

At Stackpole it has been hands on in clearing the evasive plant Leycesteria Formosa, also known as Himalayan Nutmeg, Flowering Nutmeg, Pheasant Berry and Chocolate Berry. 

Rangers Alex and Jim at Stackpole explain it was first introduced as camouflage for Pheasant farms and although the flowers are attractive, in some environments the ease in which it grows overtakes and other plants suffer. However it seems it has got edible aspects see Himalayan Honeysuckle Berry Fig-style Rolls (vegan and gluten free) at http://www.wildmanwildfood.co.uk/pages/himalay.html

 South Broad Haven Beach

On the edge of Stackpole is South Broad Haven Beach. This magnificent stretch of sandy beach is ideal for the family, surfing or simply chilling.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_Haven_South 

Park up at one of the National Trust car park (members park for free), either above the beach or at +Stackpole Estate from where its a pleasant walk through the 100 acres of lakes. Known as the lily ponds these lakes are plentiful of bird-life and present the opportunity to enjoy or photograph the resident otters.

Robin at Stackpole Estate: checking it out

Fishing is also available by licence: enquire at the centre for cost and seasonal availability. 

As the sun goes down enjoy sighting of the bat activity, both the lesser and greater horseshoe bats are breeding in the area. Stackpole bat walks are a must and come personally recommended.

Lily Ponds @Stackpole Estate

Not sure what an internship is, no problem; the National Trust website not only explains what an internship is but advertises other internship opportunities available @ http://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/our_people/people_in_our_internships2

 

 

Welsh Coastal Invaders

The coastline of Wales is under attack.  

But before you grab your loved-ones and head for the hills, I should tell you that this is an ecological invasion, not a military one.

I've been reading about the alarming army of exotic animals, plants and pathogens that are getting a foothold on our coasts and countryside, and how many of them are threatening to destroy the precious balance of nature.

Hidden under the surface of our coastal waters, it seems, are alien invaders including killer shrimps, wakame kelp, and rapa whelks, poised to elbow our native wildlife into oblivion.  

The situation on land, I read, is not much better.  As well as the bully-boy weeds that countryside folk like me are already familiar with, such as Rhododendron and Japanese knotweed, there are more insidious agents at large such as sudden oak disease and – much in the news recently – ash die-back.

Killer Shrimp,  Dikerogammarus villosus has been discovered in Cardiff Bay

This reminded me of the early years of my career when I had the sad task of cutting up dozens of once-stately elms on the Plas yn Rhiw estate.  I witnessed the loss through Dutch elm disease of a whole generation of venerable trees, which formed the backbone of an entire landscape.

Will these more recent arrivals do the same?  I decided it was time to find out more.

I called my colleague Steve Whitehead, Head Gardener at the delightfully secluded Colby Woodland Garden on the western edge of Carmarthen Bay, near Tenby.  

I almost wished I hadn't.

“Two of the most beautiful components of the garden landscape have been severely hit. I've had to destroy 60 yr old Magnolias and fell two groves of sweet chestnuts which were all over 100 yrs old”

Steve went on to explain that this had to be done following the discovery of sudden oak disease, Phytopthera ramorum.  This malevolent uninvited guest had probably arrived in a plant pot, as a sort of botanical Trojan horse, and was spreading through the garden’s famous Rhododendrons with its sights set on the sweet chestnuts and many other long established native trees.

Trouble in paradise. Colby Woodland Garden is one of south Pembrokeshire's hidden gems
(c) National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

To my relief, Steve went on to explain that having completed this cruel-to-be-kind treatment, the garden was already recovering and he was optimistic about the future.  The experience has earned him a place as the Trust’s lead officer on ash dieback in Wales, advising his colleagues on the current status of this disease and the precautionary measures needed to try to stop it in its tracks. 

But it seems that no sooner you've tackled one problem, another is on its way.

“There are 14 pests and diseases that are a major threat to trees already at large in the UK, and another 4 waiting in the wings.” Steve added. 

It seems that the boom in inter-continental container shipping is playing havoc with our ecology.  Marine plants, animals and diseases are being spread in ship ballast water to cause untold damage to marine ecosystems world wide and – like a larger version of the plant pot that bought Phytopthera to Colby – terrestrial invasive species lurk in the containers themselves ready to be let loose in environments where there are no predators to control them.

Today's container ships carry loads equal to seventeen pre-WWII freighter ships.

But there’s a silver lining to this dark cloud.  Both the World Trade Organisation, that upholder of global free trade, and the European Union, are waking up to the real need for stricter controls to protect the environment; and UK governments are responding to widespread alarm about the ease that ash dieback has entered the country on imported nursery trees. 

A big lesson is in the process of being learnt.  The benefits of our plentiful lifestyles come at a cost.  Without more effective controls on the ways we move stuff around the world, it’s a cost that will be paid by the priceless wildlife and woodlands of the Welsh coast.

Thanks to Welsh Coast Magazine for this article.  Subscribe to read my monthly column.