Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - November 2000 - No 66
Kath Cottingham

Eight members met in the layby at 2.00pm in hot, sunny weather. Before the rest of the party arrived, Richard Pryce had taken a look at a small Spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) growing almost opposite the layby and later remarked to members that it had not grown much larger in the last 15 years; possibly due to road-verge cutting ? Two Ravens were seen and heard flying overhead. The group proceeded along the road where Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) and Field Rose (Rosa arvensis) were noted before entering the reserve through the field gate. It was immediately remarked upon that the Common Reed (Phragmites australis) had extended over a much larger area over the past few years, although early in Spring 2000 about 1ha had been cut and raked up into piles by a specialist contractor. The regrowth was substantial but there was a marked absence of old stems.

There were small patches of Ragged Robin and numerous Southern Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) near the edge of the reedbed, including some large photogenic ones; the leader also pointed out some Early Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza incarnata) and possible hybrids between the two. There was much speculation about how much, if any, Marsh Pea (Lathyrus palustris) would be seen and the party was delighted to find several plants soon after entering the reeds. In fact during the afternoon it was seen in abundance, well in flower and more widespread than anyone remembered in the past. Members agreed that the reed-cutting seemed to have been very beneficial to this species. A number of Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) plants were also seen with both leaves and seed-heads particularly noticeable. The party proceeded further into the reed avoiding the pegs that had been installed some years ago to mark quadrats as part of a study carried out by a Trinity College Carmarthen student. It was suggested that the Llanelli Naturalists should obtain the results of this study from the college with a view to undertaking a further study. The old wooden 'bridge' into the Waun-cae-Philip fields had become very rickety and only two of the party were brave enough to cross!

The leader pointed out Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) growing in the water and led the way through more reed, the route being tailored to avoid both deep ditches and a large patch of Marsh Pea. Passing the several bushes of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) it was noted that they had not spread much, which was unexpected given that the area had hardly been grazed for a number of years. The girth of some had increased but it was thought that they had not substantially increased in number. Reed Buntings were observed at close quarters several times and Reed and Sedge Warblers were heard singing. In the shorter areas of vegetation, numerous plant species were recorded, including sedges which included Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata), Common Sedge (C.nigra), Glaucous Sedge (C. flacca) and Common Yellow-sedge (C. viridula ssp. oedocarpa). Also, Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) was noticeable by its distinctive seeds.

Members were delighted to see a Clouded Yellow butterfly on two occasions but it was concluded that it was probably the same individual rather than two different ones. Other lepidoptera seen were several Meadow Browns, two Common Blues, two Small Skippers and numerous Six Spot Burnet moths which were seen on the Marsh Pea, Southern Marsh Orchids and Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), often several on one flower. Also numerous pupae of this moth were seen on grasses. The leader collected a specimen of a suberect bramble from the edge of the dune ridge which he tentatively identified later as Rubus scissus.

Some discussion then took place concerning the grazing of the fen. It has proved difficult to get the area grazed adequately in recent years and it has been suggested that water buffalo would be suitable for several reasons, including the fact that they make 'wallows' (good for dragonflies etc), they browse willows and they dung in latrines which means that the nutrient levels can be controlled more easily, if necessary. They are docile and are already used at the Wildlife Trust West Wales' reserves at the Teifi Marshes, Cardigan and at Rhos Llawr-cwrt. Several plants of Greater Tussock-sedge (Carex paniculata) were seen lining the old canal on the western reserve boundary. A mammal track through the fen to the fence caused some speculation and was found to lead down the bank to the canal. It was confirmed as an Otter track by Jan Crowden. The group proceeded slowly towards the gate and a large Slow-worm, unfortunately with its tail shed, was discovered on lifting a sheet of corrugated-iron from the collapsed shed near the roadside hedge. The sheet was carefully replaced without disturbing the animal. Back at the layby the leader was thanked by everyone for a very enjoyable afternoon and he likewise duly thanked others for their assistance. He remarked that the afternoon had passed very quickly as such a large variety of interesting species had been seen.