Fringecups

With forests of Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce and the occasional Western Red Cedar, parts of the Neath Valley bear more than a passing resemblance to the Pacific North West. Unfortunately the fabulous native ground flora associated with these forests is missing, but for one exception. Fringecups (Tellima grandiflora) was introduced from the Pacific North West as a plant suitable for wet, shady spots in the garden and is found growing wild in suitable habitats. It does well in our mild, oceanic climate and it sets abundant seed. It loves cool, moist woodland and is very much at home along the streams in Glyn Castle Woods in the Neath Valley. It is also found in the Bishopston Valley. 

At the moment there are only a handful of records for this species in Glamorgan, but it is probably more widespread than we suspect and we'll probably see significant increases in its occurrence in the future.

Hoverfly Help Needed

(c) Ian Tew

Andrew Lucas wrote...
I'm coming into the second year of a study of pollinating insects, mainly bees and hoverflies, in Welsh grasslands. The study involves catching insects in pan traps - or 'washing up bowls' as they are commonly known - in different grassland types.
To protect the traps from grazing animals, I put up a small amount of fencing, and this is where I need some help. I'm looking for volunteers to help with the fence building. No previous knowledge or skills are needed. All the sites are on grassland SSSIs that are not open to the public, so this is a chance to see bits of Carmarthenshire and Swansea that you may not have visited before.
If you are interested, please email me as soon as possible at 599841@swansea.ac.uk The first weekend's work is this Sunday, 20 May, and will continue for the next two to three weeks.
Andrew Lucas
Swansea Ecology Research Team
Department of Biosciences
College of Science
Swansea University

Bryn Crwys 2011

Petty Whin in profusion

This spectacular display of Petty Whin (Genista anglica) near Tre-Forgan was buzzing with bees and other insects today. Now a very localised species, sights like this are quite special.

On a nearby tip, the diminutive Heath Pearlwort (Sagina subulata) was noted, this being a new species for Glamorgan...

Yesterday the petal-less Sea Pearlwort (Sagina maritima) was noted on the coast at Margam...

the end of a good season for Short-eared Owls

This slightly belated post is a reminder of what a good winter season it has been for Short-eared Owls. Paul Tyrrell sent me a series of great shots of these owls photographed in Gower during the last month or two, but this one was by far my favourite. I know Paul likes to tuck himself away and wait for the birds to come to him, but in this shot it's clear he's been spotted!

(c) P. Tyrrell

Spotted Flycatcher at Oxwich

Spotted Flycatcher is one of the last migrants to arrive back in the UK; this individual was photographed by Alun John by the Oxwich boardwalk yesterday.

(c) A. John

Liverworts and Hornworts

A selection of our more conspicuous species, noted at Oxwich on Saturday:

Common Liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis) with
cups containing gemmae (used in asexual reproduction), growing over
Crescent-cup Liverwort (Lunularia cruciata) far left 

Common Liverwort - female archegonial heads emerging -
one of the largest thallose liverworts in the UK

Common Liverwort - female archegonial heads maturing -
it's not uncommon to see this species in garden centre plant pots

Smooth Hornwort (Phaeoceros laevis) female plants
not so common, but undoubtedly overlooked

Oxwich last Saturday

A few pictures from the weekend...

Hairy Dragonfly (c) S.J. Stewart

Wall Lizard male (c) B. Stewart

Wall Lizard female (c) S.J. Stewart