Tir Canol’s Nature Officer, Ben Porter, works with landowners and farmers, offering biodiversity surveys of their land, and any woodland on it, to establish their ecological condition and value. Thereafter, we offer intervention funding to those sites where Ben and the farmer have agreed on actions for improvement.
So far, his surveys of the ffridd (the transitional zone between the enclosed lowlands and the open uplands of farms) have revealed several red listed species including linnets Linaria cannabina, whinchats Saxicola rubetra, tree pipits Anthus trivialis, willow warblers Phylloscopus trochilus, and yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella.
These species thrive where there is a combination of scattered trees and scrub, so it’s important that methods such as ‘no-fence tree planting’ (planting single taller saplings in areas of bramble or low-lying gorse with a significant space between them) are used to ensure this Welsh habitat remains a haven for these endangered species.
When it looks like an agroforestry approach might be required, Ben will refer to some downloadable resources on Coed Cadw, The Woodland Trust’s webpage. These guidance documents include information and steps to take for hedgerow management, in-field trees, riparian planting, shelterbelts and sylvoarable systems. These prove valuable when making decisions about tree planting plans.
Ben’s time and support, along these downloadable resources, have been made possible with thanks to Coed Cadw, The Woodland Trust in Wales, with support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Get in touch with us if you want to know how Ben can support your land.
