BWLCH COROG BLOG
Here’s the place to keep up to date with the latest news from Bwlch Corog.
Update
21.09.23
This month’s entry is more of a ‘blog within a blog!’ It’s been such a busy time at Bwlch Corog that we thought we’d put together a little update on everything that’s been going on. We hope you enjoy reading about all the exciting work we’ve been doing and about our numerous plans for the future.
Peatland Progress
11.07.23
Last week, Project Director, Katy and Habitats and Species Manager, Neil ventured to the furthest areas of our ‘big bog’ to do some informal monitoring of our peatland restoration work.
Last year, with funding from Natural Resources Wales’ National Peatland Action Programme, we were able to experiment with techniques for reducing the Molinia cover on our areas of deep peat. Following consultation with an ecologist and with the help of a specialist contractor, we scraped the purple moor grass from some areas, using the contours of the land to create small dams before planting sphagnum moss plugs. As is the nature of experimentation, not all areas have been 100% successful but on their latest visit, Katie and Neil were pleased to see great success in the areas of deepest peat – the sphagnum moss is thriving and the small ‘ponds’ are alive with lizards, frogs and dragonflies. We’ll continue with the work this year, adapting our techniques based on last year’s discoveries.
A very special new arrival
26.05.23
During the summer months, Bwlch Corog provides grazing for some of our trustee, Joe Hope’s cattle. This year, the herd will include a rather unusual calf as the latest addition to Joe’s farm has a very distinctive look! In Celtic folklore it is believed that white animals with red ears come from the Otherworld. As we sit at the heart of the land of the Mabinogion, perhaps we have been given a gift from Annwn! So, if you’re wandering Bwlch Corog during the next few months, be sure to keep an eye out for this rare creature. Find out more here.
Spotted!
09.08.23
While out and about at Bwlch Corog this week, our Habitats and Species Manager spotted this beautiful Drinker Moth – though not one of our rarer moths, it’s good to add another species to the list for Bwlch Corog! It’s thought that this moth is named because the caterpillar is believed to drink drops of dew on grass stems. They favour damp and marshy places so the upland areas of our site provide a perfect habitat for them.
Neil joins the team
28.06.23
We’re pleased to announce that our new Habitats and Species Manager has started in his role this week. Neil has a wealth of experience in the field and is eager to begin work on our many exciting projects including peatland restoration and developing landscape partnerships. As you can see from the picture, he has been vetted by some of the most important members of the team and we think that they approve of our new colleague! Welcome, Neil!