Last month a group of students from Bridgend College, who are studying for qualifications in Nature Conservation, spent a day volunteering on the Nature Reserve. They carried out clearance of willow and birch scrub on an area of dunes and pools which had been cleared about 6 years ago – the photos show just how tall trees can grow in 6 years. The cut material was piled in suitable spots where it will provide a habitat for birds and insects. These activities are an essential part of the students’ learning about the principles of Nature Conservation , and about the safe use of tools
As well as enhancing the biodiversity of this part of the dune system, the clearance will enable regular surveys of the pools for the protected Great Crested Newt to be undertaken.
This work is important as it allows the flowering plants for which the Reserve is famous to thrive. Without regular scrub clearance , these plants would eventually disappear. Scrub and Bracken have developed widely in the last 20 years, as grazing has ceased on most of the Reserve during that time. We are re-introducing grazing by sheep and cattle on the major part of the Reserve in order to try to control the spread of coarse vegetation.
