Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - September 1999 - No 64
Tony Lewis

Leaders: Pat & Barney Gill

This joint meeting with the Wildlife Trust West Wales was attended by ten members who were met by Pat and Barney at their home before showing us around Waun Garreg, a damp hay meadow within broad-leaved woodland with a prominent standing stone near one corner. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) was abundant in the lane and in the field itself a range of characteristic plant species were flowering. These included Whorled Caraway (Carum verticillatum), Greater Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) in the damper areas, whilst in the dry parts Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Betony (Stachys officinalis) and Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) were often abundant. Both Common and Heath Spotted-orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii and D. maculata subsp. ericetorum) were seen. Barney and Pat explained some of the management objectives of the site and pointed out their recent plantings of native trees bordering the field.

Some time was spent looking at invertebrates. Marbled White and Meadow Brown butterflies were numerous and several Large Yellow Underwings, a diurnal moth, were much admired (especially by Christopher). Returning to our hosts’ garden, a tour of their fine pond and its variety of aquatic and marginal plants was greatly appreciated. After meeting the goats, the visit ended in the garden with tea and Welsh cakes, and some of the party were given plants to take home. Barney and Pat were warmly thanked for their hospitality and for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.