We are pleased to report that despite all of the wind and rain that we have encountered this month that we were able to visit seven different sites in Cardiff undertaking a variety of work restoring and maintaining natural habitats , litter picking , removal of non- native plants , planting snow drops and creating a natural habitat amongst other things.
We were fortunate to visit 8 different parks/ nature reserves and hope that our efforts will slowly make an impact on these and on the communities that they serve.
We litter picked at three locations namely Cath Cobb Woods ,St Mellons, Grangemoor and Howardian Nature Reserve. In all we collected 16 full bags of litter.
Any litter removed from a natural eco system helps wildlife and creates a better space for humans too. It is not just marine mammals who suffer from litter but also mammals such as hedgehogs and birds wo frequently suffer injuries as a result of getting caught up in waste.
Our participants were horrified to see how much litter was picked , especially when half empty bins were available often no more than a few feet from where the rubbish had been deposited.Many have said that this has inspired them to reduce their reliance on single use plastics and to spread the word.
We have been cutting back blackberry bushes that have encroached onto the pathways and which have made it difficult for walkers to have access to the park/ nature reserve. It is important however to leave the blackberries alone if not encroaching as in Spring nightingales, robins, wrens, thrushes, warblers, finches and long tailed tits will nest amongst its safe haven brambles which will offer protection from predators.
To encourage wildlife diversity bramble should be managed on a rotation basis by cutting back 1/3rd in any year to achieve a habitat mosaic. Long tailed tits prefer to nest in old growth whilst mice seek new growth along the edge of the path.
We have also sown trees and branches to create natural habitats and sown snowdrops for next Spring to encourage pollinators.
Some invasive non native Laurel has been removed as this should be eradicated from our woodlans.
Finally this next month sees us starting our one off events in addition to our regular Monday and Friday groups , these will include a Tree Care session at Cosmeston on 18/02/20 between 10-12.30 , a build your own nest box at St Fagans on the 20/02/20 10.30-1pm and Counting Frogs at Porthkerry on the 25/02/20 from 6.30 pm , come and join us if you wish but please contact us first boostingnature@innovate-trust.org.uk
Boosting Nature 