Nitten Field, Mewslade

The sacrificial crop in the Nitten Field (SS423875), which lies at the eastern end of Rhossili's mediaeval field system kown as the Viel, is replanted annually for farmland birds by Gordon and Beryl Howe. Again, one or two interesting accidental imports in the mix appeared; last year there were a few spikes of Purple Viper's-bugloss (Echium plantagineum), this year there was a solitary plant of Scorpionweed (Phacelia tanacetifolia) [photo above]. The main crop species planted this year were Cultivated Flax (Linum usitatissimum), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Gold-of-pleasure (Camelina sativa), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Triticale (x Triticosecale), with a stand of Chichory (Cichorium intybus) established around the field boundary.

A remarkable lawn at Brynteg Chapel

A slight lapse in the mowing has revealled a remarkable assemblage of old meadow species on the tiny front lawn of this urban chapel in Penyrheol, Gorseinon (SS587993) - though only the lawn on the left, as you go through the gate, is unimproved.

Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum) leaves are frequent though only occasional flowers are produced. Whorled Caraway (Carum verticillatum) is also frequent though again flower spikes are sparse.

Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella) carpets part of the lawn. I have also seen this species in old lawns in nearby Princess Street.

Woodchat Shrike

A Woodchat Shrike found by Barrie Swinnerton hunted in the Sluxton area of Rhossili Down from the 16th to the 20th, this being the 4th record for West Glamorgan and the first since one at Cwm Ivy on 17 May 1983.

NPT Megabash

The NPT biodiversity forum megabash at the eastern end of Crymlyn Bog produced many noteworthy sightings one being a revisit to the large patch of Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris) which was found to be thriving in one the wetter parts of the carr woodland.

Lime Hawk-moth Gorseinon

Lime Hawk-moth in the garden trap. This species now appears to be reasonably well-established in West Glamorgan, though is still uncommon.