Issue 10

Bumblebees – some unseasonal behaviour

Ever full of surprises, the natural world can offer the attentive observer remarkable discoveries at any season. ALAN MORLEY's observations of queen bumblebees collecting pollen in winter demonstrate the point.

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Holding on to nature

Little by little, the tidying up of nature in our towns and suburbs has robbed people of the opportunities to experience the wonder of the non-human world. It is easy to feel powerless and watch as the bulldozers move in, but when a community pulls together and makes a strand anything is possible; and the rewards are literally beyond price, as ANNE BRYAN reports.

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Lesser horseshoe bats get lucky

Lesser horseshoe bats are a good barometer for the state of Welsh countryside, as they need pristine environments as well as a scattering of country houses to roost in. They are a particularly Welsh species, thriving as well here as anywhere in the world. Amongst our dozen or so species of bat, they have generated the most concern, partly because of the exacting conditions they need and partly because of the fascination they exert. Fortunately, help is at hand, as HENRY SCHOLFIELD and JOHN MESSENGER report.

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What wildlife means to coalfield communities

The wildlife of the south Wales coalfield has been little studied and much abused. Ancient habitats lie next to fascinating newer ones that have sprung up on the remains of the area's industrial past. Although heavy industry has died, the pressure on the environment remains relentless. JULIAN BRANSCOMBE describes this rich and surprising natural environment and argues that, as its worth becomes clearer, it will come to be seen as a great regeneration asset.

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Taking a closer look at micros

With so many large moths visiting our garden and surrounding countryside, few of us are aware of the array of mirco-moths which live out fascinating lives almost under our noses. As MICHAEL HAMMETT points out, if you take some time to observe the little things around you, your curiosity will be well rewarded. You may then come to appreciate a little untidiness!

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Gardens – sanctuaries for wildlife

It can sometimes be very difficult to argue against the need for new housing and new roads, but if concrete takes over the world, where is the wildlife going to go? It's estimated that the 15 million gardens in the UK cover more than 2 million acres – an area five times the size of Greater London. If only that huge area could be given over as a haven for wildlife, that would certainly ease the pain. In Snowdonia, KATE WILLIAMSON is working with the Eryri Wildlife Gardening Project to encourage people to manage their gardens in a wildlife friendly way.

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The Lore of Plants: 'rhedyn' in place names

This series traces the literary and historical connections of various plants. Here DUNCAN BROWN discusses the use of the word rhedyn (fern) in place names.

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

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Preparing for the future

MEINIR WIGLEY and NERYS MULALLY outline ongoing projects that will, hopefully, raise the awareness of young people and others of their local environment.

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

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Moving in – the fen raft spider in Wales

The natural history of Wales is so well recorded that you might be forgiven for thinking that there was nothing left to discover. Entomologists know better. But even they were not prepared for the discovery of Britain's biggest and most spectacular spider, the fen raft spider, in Wales, as MICHAEL and DIANA CLARK report.

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Protecting the aquatic environment from sheep dip

Sheep numbers have increased dramatically in Wales during the past two decades. Most environmentalists are aware of the dangers that too many sheep, and too many sets of teeth, can mean for wildlife in the countryside. Fewer of us are aware of another danger posed by sheep, via parasite treatments. The uplands are particularly vulnerable to the incorrect disposal of sheep dip chemicals, which easily get into the vein-like network of watercourses, as BOB MERRIMAN explains.

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