Issue 3

From Pantycelyn to Caseg Malltraeth – place names

Although Sir John Morris-Jones warned that only fools would try to explain place names, the temptation is too much for HANDEL JONES. He counts himself lucky, however, to be able to benefit form others’ research and expertise as he looks into place names linked to the natural world.

This article is written in Welsh. A translation is available on request.

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Forest feeders – the role of big animals in woodland

The notion that forests consists of nothing but a stand of trees is a modern one. The ancient forests of Wales contained a matrix of open spaces created by large herbivores. JIM LATHAM examines the beneficial role that big animals could play in today's forests.

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Snakes alive

There is much that we can do to help the elusive grass snake: constructing nesting sites, managing habitat, and, not least, recording where they occur. LIZ HOWE recalls some encounters with grass snakes, unveils the private like of Britain's largest reptile, and asks for reports of any sightings.

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Bumblebees – bringing back the buzz

Several sites in south Wales are home to two of Britain's rarest bumblebee species; the shrill carder and brown-banded carder bees. CLAIRE CARVELL describes how work carried out by the UK Bumblebee Working Group is helping to reveal the current distributions and habitat requirements of these fascinating insects, and to inform their future conservation.

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Restoring networks of forest habitats

GEORGE PETERKEN examines the concept of "forest habitat networks" and how linking up areas of woodland can help restore our rich woodland wildlife heritage.

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The lore of plants: bog myrtle

Llên y Llysiau – The Lore of Plants – is a project initiated by Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd to record all kinds of links between the people of Wales and plants. It aims to gather information about the species under a number of headings, including the origin of the name, literary references, place names, historical records, and the use of plants. Here TWM ELIAS looks at the lore surrounding bog myrtle.

This article is written in Welsh. A translation is available on request.

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Seeds of change

The last 15 years have seen a rapid increase in the planting of native tree species in woodland restoration and expansion projects throughout the UK. In Wales, this planting has been encouraged through Challenge Fund schemes, which make a significant contribution to UK Woodland Habitat Action Plans. RUTH JENKINS and SCOTT WILSON discuss how it is becoming ever more important to ensure that planting schemes use appropriate trees and shrubs of local stock.

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Here be dragons

Dragons have an ancient lineage and played an important role in the history of Wales, and yet they are rarely seen in the 21st century. PETER MARREN examines the different species and cites loss of habitat as a crucial factor in their decline.

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A patchwork of nature – farming for wildlife

Since 1987 the Shared Earth Trust has been conducting a unique experiment in a corner of the Ceredigion countryside: restoring wildlife on a Welsh farm and recovering the real answer to reversing the decline of farmland biodiversity. BARBARA TAYLOR and ANGIE POLKEY explain.

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