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Author: PONT

Species in Focus; Medicinal Leech

The medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is the UK’s largest leech species, at 16cm in length when fully extended. It is striking in colour, with stripes of red and yellow set on a black background. As suggested by the name, this is the leech of medieval medicine fame! The leech is still

Habitat in Focus; Peat Bog

Peat bog is one of Wales’ priority habitats. A typical habitat of our uplands, peat bog/ blanket bog is typified by a thick base layer of peat which supports bog-mosses, heathers and cotton-grasses. The acidic nature of peat leads to an interesting matrix of plant species, including bog asphodel and insectivorous

Farming with Nature; There is no other option

Slade Farm ©Polly Davies A guest blog from Polly Davies of Slade Farm Organics. Polly farms with nature to supply the finest selection of Organic Welsh Beef, Lamb and Pork to the local community in the Vale of Glamorgan. She is a member of the Nature Friendly Farming Network Welsh Steering

Grazer of the Week February: Dewi the Carneddau

Dewi is grazing at Penrhoslligwy Heath on Anglesey with another 4 ponies, as part of the Cwlwm Seiriol project. The site is designated and has a great display of marsh gentians in September so we graze it now to encourage them to flower and seed. Marsh gentian is a bright-blue/ purple, trumpet-shaped flower

Grazer of the Month March; Kenny the Highland Cow

Our #GrazeroftheMonth for March is Kenny the Ucheldir Highland. Kenny and the Ucheldir Highland herd graze at Coed Ganllwyd National Nature Reserve, and Coed Berthlwyd SSSI. These are two adjacent ancient woodland compartments on the Dolmelynllyn Estate. The reserves are owned by the National Trust and managed by Rhodri Wigley- Lead Ranger

Species in Focus; Lesser Horseshoe Bat

One of the smallest British mammals, the lesser horseshoe bat is approximately the size of a plum and weighs 4 to 9.5 grams. It is one of only two bats in the UK that stereotypically hang upside down! They hunt close to the ground and will often pick prey off obstacles