Leaders: Richard Smail and Jane Kelsall of the Forestry Commission.
About twenty five members and friends met at the Penybedd Wood picnic site (SN420013). The weather was dry and bright but cool. The opportunity was taken to inspect the population of Cowslips (Primula veris) which grow on the railway bridge embankment and which were found to be at their best, in full flower. A short ramble across the rank grassy site of the long-closed Lando Halt railway station, had participants picking their way through abundant Burnet Rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) and Crow Garlic
(Allium vineale). The frequency of the individual clumps of Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) scattered over the area was noteworthy, especially as the plant was only recorded at the site for the first time in 1977 and has spread considerably since.
The convoy of cars then moved down Factory Road and into the main Forest, stopping firstly at one of six bat hibernacula that the Forestry Commission is developing from old munitions storage tunnels left from the days of the Ordnance Factory (SN3901). Temperature and humidity are relatively constant and in addition to ensuring that the tunnels are secure from vandals, the inside walls have been fitted with suitable assorted nooks and crannies to make them attractive to the bats. These include the provision of rough mortar surfaces, vertically hung tiles and rock piles into which the animals can either seek refuge or cling Mr.Smail explained that there were further plans to construct a large pond in the vicinity which would make the area even more attractive to bats. The small, well established pond close by has benefitted enormously by the coppicing of the bankside willows and now supports a flourishing open water community including the water crowfoot Ranunculus baudotii together with marginal Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus) and nearby Cowslips.
The next stop was at the eastern end of the 'Butterfly Ride' (SN398016) where experiments are being undertaken to contain the increasing spread of Creeping Willow (Salix repens) at the expense of the herb-rich sward which dominated in the past. Two types of mowing, hand-cutting and goat grazing are being tried. When the most effective control is determined, the method could then be used more extensively where other areas within the forest are under threat of willow encroachment.
On then to the new pond (at cSN393027) which is now excavated to its full extent. The banks were extensively colonised with Brookweed (Samolus valerandi) and various rushes including Juncus inflexus, J. bulbosus and J. articulatus. A species of stonewort (Chara) formed a dense growth in the central depths and several plants of Early Forget-me-not (myosotis ramossissima) were seen scattered over the recently disturbed sandy mounds. Bird song was very prolific at this site and included Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Coal Tit and Cuckoo. When the mosquitoes started to aquire a taste for certain members of the party it was thought prudent to move on to the next point of interest.
Parking near the access point for the 'Bee Orchid Ride' (SN377033), comment was made on the recent clear felling which has been carried out following a certain amount of wind-throw. The small slack within the planted area which was jammed with Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris) until a few years ago has become completely smothered with Creeping Willow and the moss Calliergon cuspidadum, to such an extent that only one helleborine plant was seen last year at the spot. A plant of Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) was noted, just starting to flower, at a site known for many years on the track-side at the forest edge. The dry dunes (SN372032) made a colourful picture with Heath Dog Violet (Viola canina), Dune Pansy (V.tricolor subsp. curtisii) in many different shades of yellow and purple and Hairy Rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta) some of which were galled by the midge Dasyneura sisymbrii. Other plants noted were Rue-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga tridactylites), Common Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta), Parsley Piert (Aphanes arvensis), Portland Spurge (Euphorbia portlandica), Sea Spurge (E. paralias), Sand Cat's-tail (Phleum arenarju) and the moss Tortula ruraliformis. By this time most of the party had climbed to the top of the seaward dune ridge to view the panorama of Cefn Sidan with Burry Port and Gower to the east and around to Tenby and Caldy Island in the west. Luke Gravett, attending his first meeting with the society and who had previously aquainted the party with the bird songs in the forest, was now able to study the wader flocks along the strand line.
About 350 Oystercatcher, mostly roosting, were accompanied by two Whimbrel. Small parties of feeding Sanderling, Dunlin (in summer plumage) and Ringed Plover were busily feeding at the water's edge with the odd Grey Plover and Turnstone also in attendance.
It was by now well past tea-time and the party slowly returned to the cars for the drive back through the forest. At the gate Richard Pryce (Hon.Sec.) sincerely thanked both Richard Smail and Jane Kelsall for giving their time and expertise and so enthusiastically conducting the party during the afternoon and also congratulated them on the very worthy conservation work now being carried out by the Forestry Commission.
