North Wales Habitats & Meadows Network Newsletter 2022

The Habitats & Meadows group was formed at the 2016 Lacey* lecture to bring together people managing their own land to encourage wildlife. Three successful visits to see meadows at different stages of restoration were made in 2017. There were four visits in 2018, including sites with old hedgerows, new ponds and traditional meadows. The visit to a meadow being restored using a number of techniques including plug planting and spreading of green hay, from the counties Coronation meadow, was especially interesting. Five visits in 2019 included sites on Anglesey, Llanberis, Conwy valley and near Mold, word is spreading and membership increasing. In 2020 there were no visits, but 2021 has seen the most visits in a single year. In 2022 the timing of visits extended to November to include displays of waxcaps.

Visits are arranged at the invitation of the owner and details for joining sent to members by e-mail (Bcc). A short report is circulated after each visit. There is no membership fee, but it is hoped that all are members of the North Wales Wildlife Trust. The aim of the group is for members to learn from each other through the discussion and exchange of information that takes place during the visits.

How the group develops depends on the interest of members. Ideally a new member could be offered a visit from a volunteer botanist to help compile a species list for their site, in return for a donation to NWWT.

At present Kate Gibbs acts as co-ordinator keeping a list of members, arranging the visits and circulating details. To join or for more information please contact Kate.

*The 2016 Lacey lecture was given by Dr Trevor Dines of Plantlife entitled Magnificent Meadows.