By pulling the Leylandii hedge out by the roots, we were able to plant the native trees straight away, without having to dig the roots out - this saved the client money, and saved us time and sore backs!!
We used our trusty winch to pull the hedge out, and to keep the trees on the right line when we felled them, so as not to damage the house. Then, the winch was used to pull the whole trees along the bank to where we could cut them up.
The branches were stacked for chipping later, and the logs stacked neatly for use as benches, etc.
We decided to take the scenic route home, so headed up to Llyn Efyrnwy (Lake Vyrnwy) in the snow. The south-facing shore of the lake had lost most of its snow, so we took the north-facing side which was much more interesting!!
We then climbed up into the mountains along a snow-covered road which had seen little traffic, heading for Bala.
From Bala, it was a straightforward run home, where we found more snow than there had been in Powys!!
That night the temperature dropped to -15°C and our water supply remained frozen for 3 days!!
Feeding the Anglesey Red Squirrels at Mynydd Llwydiarth, Pentraeth, Anglesey
On a trip to the Mynydd Llwydiarth forest (where the original red squirrel population was saved from extinction) to top up the feeding hoppers, we (Martin Bailey of Wildlife & Countryside Services and Kath McNulty of Forestry Commission Wales) were lucky enough to see a red squirrel at one of the hoppers. This was not that unusual, but as there was an extra pair of hands available, the camera was poised and ready, and the resultant photograph is shown below.
It's not brilliant, but it shows the squirrels were still around.
The most expensive compost bin in North Wales??
We built a 3-bay compost bin for a local community woodland project.
It is made from locally-sourced oak planking, 6" x 2", with concrete fence-posts.
Each bay is 4ft square, so the whole edifice is approximately 12ft x 4ft, and about 4ft high.
Total cost? We're not telling, but please let us know if you think you know of one that is bigger, better, or more expensive. We'll add a photograph shortly!!
Wildlife & Countryside Services at Woodfest Wales in Llandudno
We had a stall at Woodfest Wales in 2006, for the first time. In previous years we have visited the Woodfest at its usual venue at St Asaph (Llanelwy), which is just down the road from where we are based, so we thought that this year we'd give it a go. Then the heavens opened, the fields flooded, and the Woodfest was moved 20 miles away!! Ho hum.
A very hot and dry weekend ensued, with many burnt bodies evident. We shared our spot with the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, whose stall we ran for them. On the whole a worthwhile event for us to attend, and a great day out for loads of people. We hope to see some of you at the next Woodfest!!
Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster, reptile work
We were requested to install reptile fencing and create some reptile refugia near Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster,
so six of us went up and spent 3 days working in the hot sun.
Clearing the ground after the chainsaw has removed fallen branches.
Trenching for the reptile fence.
Erecting the reptile fence.
Creating refugia and habitat piles for reptiles.
Preparing a refugium.
Covering a refugium.
A baby grass snake found on the site near where we were installing the fence.
Photo courtesy of Martin Hollingham www.bangor.ac.uk/~azs808 |
We were at the Newborough Festival in Newborough Forest, Anglesey, on Sunday 17th September 2006,
where we manned the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels' stall as well as our own.
This was a chance for local people to learn more about the Newborough Consultation which is being undertaken by the Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, to find out how visitors to the area of Newborough Forest and Newborough Warren want to see the area develop over the long term. This process is also consulting with other interested parties, such as the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project which has a red squirrel reintroduction programme underway within the Newborough Forest. Wildlife & Countryside Services are pleased to have been involved with the conservation of red squirrels in Wales since 1999, when the last remaining population on the Isle of Anglesey was successfully saved from imminent extinction by the removal of the non-native American grey squirrel. Since then, red squirrels in the last remnant population at Mynydd Llwydiarth (Pentraeth Forest) and the adjacent broadleaved woodland of Wern y Wylan and Plas Gwyn Estate have lived without the threat of competition and disease transfer from the grey squirrels. Wildlife & Countryside Services also helped clear Newborough Forest of grey squirrels, to enable the reintroduction of red squirrels to be implemented. There are now additional reintroductions elsewhere on Anglesey, and a red squirrel has even been seen in gardens at Trearddur Bay!! |
We had a stall at Woodfest Wales 2007, on 1st-3rd June.
Last year we went to Llandudno, but this year it was moved back to St Asaph, but as we've now moved it was still about 25 miles away!! Ho hum. A warm weekend was enjoyed by many visitors, but the rain finally came in around 4pm on the Sunday. We shared our spot with the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, whose stall we ran for them again.
A great way for us to meet loads of people. We hope to see some of you at the next Woodfest on August Bank Holiday Weekend, back at Bodafon Farm Park, Llandudno!!