Welcome to the Rangers' Corner of the Vale! Discover exciting updates from our parks and countryside, where conservation and community come together. From wildlife-friendly grazing at Cosmeston to woodland projects at Porthkerry, our Rangers are dedicated to preserving the Vale’s natural beauty...
NOVEMBER UPDATE:
At Cosmeston Lakes the livestock have returned once again for a second year, conservation grazing is taking place with small numbers of both cattle and sheep. The cattle which include Aberdeen Angus, Hereford and Short Horn can be seen in the Dovecote fields. The sheep which include Shetland Herdwick and Scottish Blacks are in the field next to the Medieval Village. Signage is in place at all access points advising visitors about livestock, for more information on conservation grazing please follow the link HERE!
Cosmeston has also seen the creation of two new ponds with grant funding from the Local Nature Partnership and consultation with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. The ponds which are located in the Dovecote Fields took 5 days to create and after the heavy rains have already filled to the brim. For more information on lakes and ponds please follow the link HERE!
PorthkerryCountry Park has received support from the Woodland Investment Grant Scheme(TWIG) and as part of the project we welcome our new Woodland Project Officer,Matt, to deliver on the aims.
Matt said, "I am enormously grateful to be part of the Porthkerry team and help manage their 84 hectare historic woodland. The TWIG funding will allow us to improve woodland access for all, engage with the local community and increase woodland biodiversity. Please look out for our upcoming woodland events and volunteering opportunities"
@HeritageFundCYM #NationalTreeWeek
The Rangers at the Heritage Coast have been putting a new remote controlled machine ‘Robocut’ to the test. Robocut was used to cut the parish field in Graig Penllyn near Cowbridge (Cae'r rhedyn SSSI) The parish field is managed as a hay meadow with the cuttings raked off by volunteers in the community
DECEMBER UPDATE:
At Porthkerry Country Park, car park improvement work is now underway thanks to funding from the Welsh Government's Brilliant Basics grant, with work set to continue until the end of March.
The Porthkerry Ranger team has been focusing on managing encroaching Sea Buckthorn along the Wales Coastal Path, ensuring the trail remains accessible and welcoming. Conservation grazing has also been successful this season, with 10 sheep grazing paddocks near the top fields and bottom car park. While the sheep have now been taken off-site, they will return for summer grazing.
Wildlife monitoring has been a highlight for the team, with wildlife cameras capturing activity from otters, badgers, and foxes throughout the park. Five bullfinches have also been spotted making use of the park's hedgerows, adding a vibrant splash of life to the winter landscape.
Porthkerry’s weekly volunteer groups have been invaluable, assisting with park maintenance and off-site efforts, such as shrub clearance at Aberthaw Nature Reserve.
However, a growing concern has been the noticeable increase in dog fouling, particularly in the top fields, with some waste bags being discarded in trees. Visitors are reminded to keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Header Photo credit: @bnfwlr1989
