PRESENT; T.S. Crosby (Chairman), R.D.Pryce (Secretary), Mrs.D.Hopkins (Treasurer), and 23 members.
APOLOGIES; Mrs. E. Jones, Mrs.Valerie Jones and Mr.C.Jones.
The MINUTES of the 1987 Annual General Meeting were adopted.
MATTERS ARISING. There was vigorous discussion re the ongoing developments at Pembrey Saltings and proposals for the Loughor Barrage.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT; The Chairman opened by stating that the Llanelli Naturalists exists primarily for its members by fostering the study of natural history through its meetings and newsletter. But as a body it has a considerable influence on local environmental issues and supports projects such as the Carmarthenshire Flora Project. The Newsletter continues to attract high acclaim despite the fact that recent issues had been delayed by production problems, not least of which has been the increasing commitments to other matters by the two principal members of the production teas (I.K.Morgan and R.D.Pryce). The General Committee met four times during the year and discussed matters including Pembrey Saltings, the Loughor Barrage, opencast mining, access to Pembrey Forest, the Society's reserves etc. He thanked Mary Williams for organising the speakers for indoor meetings and Frank Webb for his continuing vigilance in monitoring local planning applications which might affect conservation interests. He concluded by thanking the officers and committee members, the typists, the tea ladies and the general membership for their continued support.
SECRETARY'S REPORT. The secretary thanked the Chairman for his statement. He then briefly described the Society's activities in 1987 which had included seven indoor and seven outdoor meetings. Attendances had improved over the previous year but still gave cause for concern. He went on to echo the Chairman's remarks regarding proposed local developments and an the continuing success of the Newsletter. However, he was of the opinion that the publication could founder if the membership do not support it by contributing articles and helping in its production. He proposed that the number of issues per year be reduced to two but in a more convenient A5 format. He emphasised that the Llanelli Naturalists' Newsletter is the only publication now produced in this part of the country which includes floral and faunal records, reports of field meetings, historical records and which are not diluted by a preponderance of chat and frivolous items. The secretary then continued by outlining the possible future programme and in conclusion, echoed the Chairman in his thanks to all members of the Society whether active or just supportive.
TREASURER'S REPORT. The Statement of Accounts was received and adopted and are presented below.
RESERVE WARDEN'S REPORTS
UPPER LLIEDI RESERVOIR (M.H. Williams). Records included a Smew (1st Feb.) and a Little Crake (30th April). Both Heron and Great-crested Grebe nests failed. Seventeen new nest-boxes were erected, eleven were occupied, one by a Pied Flycatcher making a total of three breeding pairs. Of ten boxes put in the farm, seven were vandalized but eighteen remained undamaged elsewhere in the area and sixteen of these were occupied but some boxes have disappeared since. In January 1988 a Ring-necked Duck had been present for about a month (2nd vice-county record) and a Water Rail had been feeding near the hide. The Welsh Water Authority is now to let the fishing on a seven year lease and MHW has written in order to safeguard access for Naturalists' members. Permission has been granted by WWA for the reinstatement of the conservation area to its original size but this caused increased conflict with the fishermen. WWA has stated that acceptance of the tender for the fishing lease will depend on acceptance of the conservation area.
STRADEY WOODS (I.K.Morgan). IKM gave a brief history of the reserve and described its faunal, floral and physiographic interests. He stated that the area is not visited a great deal by members and that increased presence would help to consolidate its status as a nature reserve.
FACTORY ROAD, PEMBREY (F.H.Webb). The Bloody Cranesbill is now flourishing over a wide area and is competing well with other vegetation in the unmown areas. A single plant of Prostrate Toadflax was seen by T.S. Crosby in September, the first record for this species for some years. There was some concern over the damage done to the roadside fence following pipe-laying works. It was proposed to make representations in order to get Llanelli Borough Council staff to reinstate this fence, do some mowing and perhaps rake or harrow some of the railway ballast to encourage the toadflax.
FFRWD FEN (F.H. Webb). The Management Committee met three times during the year. The Marsh Pea continues to flourish with a slightly heavier grazing regime than in 1986. Heavier grazing may be more advantageous provided poaching by the stock does not occur. Strip grazing in parts of the reserve may be tried but not in the main Marsh Pea areas. The new pond has remained well filled and the spoil is now well vegetated. T.S.Crosby will co-ordinate all floral and faunal records. The canal tow-path has now been cleared by the GVRA and affords good views over the reserve.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS. The following were elected unopposed: Officers: Mrs.I.M.Vaughan (Patron), T.S.Crosby (Chairman), F.H. Webb (Vice-Chairman), R.D.Pryce (Secretary), Mrs.D.Hopkins (Treasurer), Committee members: Mrs.M.Williams, Mrs.E. Jones, Messrs. I.K. Morgan, A.Richardson, R.Hunt, J. Ellis, D.H.Williams, B.Jenkins.
There was no OTHER BUSINESS.
The meeting, having continued until 9.15pm, was closed leaving no time for the scheduled talk on the Carmarthenshire Flora Project in 1987.
