Through the Resilient Grasslands project- Natures Network Fund 2, we purchased a new red 2 wheeled tractor with a flail and a cutter bar.  This will take over from the old green tractor.  It has modern stuff like an electric ignition and hydraulic brakes.  At the end of November we tried it out at Allt Rhongyr with sprinkles of snow on the ground.  It has also been to Taff Fechan (on the Brecknock side), where it tackled the dead bracken and bramble.  Taff Fechan reserve includes some nice grassland just below the Taff Trail down to the river gorge.  This work will help restore the species rich grassland which is being lost to bracken and scrub.  

Local Places for Nature in Ystradgynlais, Powys

The Local Places for Nature fund has helped us to improve the fencing in Ystradfawr which one of our larger reserves.  During November a contractor fenced a very boggy stretch alongside the Sustrans cycle track. Then a few weeks later the storm came and pushed an oak tree onto it! Two new and re-designed interpretation panels were installed.  

With the funding from Welsh Government through the Local Nature Partnership for Powys, we were also able to get a contractor to clear back the brambles from the paths and prune a diseased ash tree.

Freshwater Habitats Trust River Irfon

In partnership with Freshwater Habitats Trust River Irfon Project we have installed some leaky woody structures in the old drainage ditches of Vicarage Meadows .  We put into practice ideas and techniques learned at an event organised by hosted by Wye Valley National Landscape. The next day the team of wildlife trust volunteers quickly picked it up and put in a number of natural structures using just the materials around the reserve.  The structures will be closely watched to make sure there are no adverse effects on the special flora.