Natur Cymru

Issue 32

My Feral Goats

Feral goat, Snowdonia: Huw Jenkins

The ‘wild’ goats of Snowdonia raise strong emotions, defended by those who love to see these magnificent animals in a glorious mountain setting, but less popular with those who see the damage they do, to trees, rare plants and gardens. HUW JENKINS reports on how a balance is being maintained between man and beast, while retaining an affectionate respect for ‘his’ goats.

Summary

Ffos y fran protest

A failure of vision

Contentious environmental issues are seldom black and white. Whether human interests are seen as primarily about economic welfare or a healthy planet may be underpinned by very different values. Here NICK HUNT investigates the real meaning of the Ffos-y-Fran Land Reclamation Scheme.

Birds foot trefoil

Scarce plants under threat - Himalayan Balsam at Pen-ddol Rocks

One very special plant community is in danger of being overwhelmed by a rapidly spreading introduction. ELISABETH HARRIS reports on a problem facing Pen-ddôl Rocks in Powys, and what can be done to help.

Corkwing wrasses

The trouble with fish

PAUL KAY, author of A Field Guide to the Marine Fishes of Wales, explains the importance of writing such a guide.

CAFE project

Environmental education – a sound investment? Lessons from the CAFE Project

"Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man" – so runs the Jesuit motto. This age coincides with the end of the 'Foundation Phase' in Welsh schools, now recognised as the crucial early years when environmental awareness can influence a child's entire outlook on life. CAROLINE DAVIES reports.

Female landhopper Arcitalitrus dorrieni: Isabella Brey

Landhoppers abound in Wales

There is an alien spreading through the leaf litter, and it could be lurking right outside your front door. Isabella Brey looks at the advance of Arcitalitrus dorrieni.

Puffin decoys

Attracting birds of the shoreline

Bird decoys have been used on two islands in Wales in order to attract puffins back to nest in their old sites. The first experiment was on Cardigan Island, and Ramsey Island is the latest site to try this out. The work is part of a global attempt to preserve the bird population by using a combination of different techniques. ELINOR GWYNN takes a look at the Welsh element of this work

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

Kelp forest small

Seaweed harvesting in Wales

It is easy to forget how dependent we are on the natural environment. On land we have replaced natural plants and animals with ones we grow exclusively for ourselves. In the oceans the commercial harvesting of natural resources is often rapacious. CLARE DAVIES describes the benefits and uses of seaweed, an abundant resource, the gathering of which continues an ancient and truly sustainable tradition.