In an exciting development at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, we are thrilled to reveal some remarkable recent discoveries made within our local nature reserve.During a visit by Liam olds of Buglife to advise us on how best to manage our grasslands and wood edges in our diverse colliery spoil habitats, we had the privilege of witnessing the presence of two extraordinary bee species: the Tormentil Mining Bee (Andrena tarsata) and the Bilberry/Whimberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola). These findings shed light on the ecological significance of Sirhowy Hill Woodlands and the success of our conservation endeavours in Blaenau Gwent County, Wales.

Background

The Tormentil Mining Bee, a nationally scarce bee species of conservation priority in Wales and England, has now graced our woodlands with its presence. Notably, this elusive bee had previously been observed in only one other location within Gwent. The inaugural sighting in Blaenau Gwent County bolsters our understanding of local biodiversity and solidifies Sirhowy Hill Woodlands as a sanctuary of exceptional ecological value.

The Tormentil Mining Bee (Andrena tarsals)

Happily for us the Tormentil Mining Bee (Andrena tarsata) has taken its rightful place in our woodlands as a captivating species with significant conservation importance. As a nationally scarce bee, its population has experienced a decline throughout the United Kingdom, necessitating focused efforts for its protection and preservation. We are honoured to provide a habitat conducive to the survival and prosperity of this vital pollinator and Liam has advised us on making sure the patches of tormentil which it depends on and is its preferred forage, throughout our woodland don’t get  diminished by scrub and woodland encroachment. The presence of the Tormentil Mining Bee at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands stands as a testament to our dedication to conservation and the extraordinary biodiversity harboured within our local nature reserve.

The Bilberry/Whimberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola): 

During our walk, we were blessed with yet another remarkable discovery—the Bilberry/Whimberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola). This magnificent species, known to inhabit upland areas, faces a concerning decline in its population. Each sighting holds immense significance as we strive to monitor and protect this invaluable contributor to our ecosystem. The observation of the Bilberry/Whimberry Bumblebee within Sirhowy Hill Woodlands not only adds to our understanding of its distribution but also underscores the rich variety of habitats fostered within our woodlands.

Conservation Triumph

The disvovery of the Tormentil Mining Bee and the Bilberry/Whimberry Bumblebee at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands represents a momentous triumph for conservation. These findings exemplify the success of our ongoing efforts to safeguard and restore colliery spoil habitats. By providing a nurturing environment for these rare bee species, Sirhowy Hill Woodlands serves as a vital cornerstone in upholding local biodiversity and bolstering the broader ecological well-being of Blaenau Gwent County.it also underscores how necessary it is to get some baseline in depth  surveys done as we may have lots more special species there that we don’t yet know about,as the last ecological survey was done in 2013 !!!

Conclusion

The presence of the Tormentil Mining Bee and the Bilberry/Whimberry Bumblebee within Sirhowy Hill Woodlands fills us with immense pride and renewed determination to improve the grassland habitats for the benefit of  invertabrates theseextraordinary discoveries not only emphasise the significance of our woodlands as a refuge for rare and threatened bee species but also demonstrate the positive impact of our conservation endeavours. We are also very grateful to the entire Sirhowy Hill Woodlands community and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to preserving our natural heritage. Together, we hope to continue to safeguard and conserve the ecological wonders and their habitats that grace our local nature reserve for now and for the future.

In our vibrant community woodlands, every session is filled with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared love for nature. Recently, a group of dedicated individuals including Olga, Oleana, Jacqueline, Susy, Miss Goode, and the enthusiastic pupils from St. Joseph’s school joined forces to engage in a fulfilling gardening session. Their main focus was on preparing the beds and planting sweetcorn, along with the exciting addition of a pumpkin patch. Let’s dive into the details of this wonderful endeavour and discover how our community is fostering growth, sustainability, and connection through gardening.

Preparing the Beds

The first task at hand was preparing the garden beds, ensuring the soil was nutrient-rich and ready to embrace the upcoming plants. Our hardworking team donned their gardening gloves and set to work, raking over the beds previously filled with rotted horse manure and straw and then covered with fresh compost and raking it leveli. This created the perfect foundation for a successful growing season.

Planting Sweetcorn

With the beds ready, it was time to plant the young sweetcorn which susy and Tom had grown in root trainers. Sweetcorn, with its tall stalks and deliciously tender cobs, has always been a favourite among our community members. Guided by experienced gardeners, the pupils from St. Joseph’s and Jacqueline, Olga and Oleana eagerly took part in the process, learning about proper spacing,  and watering techniques. 

The Pumpkin Patch

Adding a touch of autumnal magic to our community woodlands, the team at St. Joseph’s embarked on a delightful venture by planting pumpkins. These vibrant orange fruits, beloved for their versatility and association with Halloween, were carefully placed in a dedicated pumpkin patch. Under the watchful eyes of Olga, Oleana, Jacqueline, Susy, and Miss Goode, the pupils lovingly nestled the pumpkin plants into the hot soil, imagining the future jack-o’-lanterns they would create come harvest time. This addition to our community woodlands promises to bring a sense of seasonal wonder and anticipation for all members to enjoy and will hopefully supply us with pumpkins for our autumn pumpkin carving event.

The Importance of Community Involvement

The success of our community woodlands lies not only in the seeds we plant but also in the connections we cultivate. Collaborative projects like these provide invaluable opportunities for people of all ages to come together, share knowledge, and work towards a common goal. As the pupils from St. Joseph’s interacted with experienced community members, they gained practical skills, nurtured a sense of responsibility towards the environment, and formed lasting bonds. The invaluable lessons they learned extend beyond the garden, fostering empathy, teamwork, and an appreciation for the natural world, oh and they were adventurous in trying new tastes such as , cavola Nero, chives, sugar snaps and , chard

Looking Forward

With the sweetcorn and pumpkins now planted, our community woodlands hold the promise of an abundant harvest. As the seasons progress, we eagerly anticipate the sight of the cornstalks reaching for the sky, and the pumpkin vines sprawling across the patch, gradually transforming into plump and vibrant fruits. These upcoming moments of growth and abundance will not only serve as a testament to our collective efforts but also provide an opportunity for celebration and shared joy.

Conclusion

The recent gardening session at our community woodlands was yet another inspiring chapter in our ongoing journey towards fostering a sustainable and connected community. The dedication of Olga, Oleana, Jacqueline, Susy, Miss Goode, and the pupils from St. Joseph’s brought life to the garden beds as they planted sweetcorn and created a delightful pumpkin patch. This endeavour exemplifies the power of community involvement, as we nurture not only the land but also the connections that bring us together. As we eagerly await the coming seasons, we anticipate a bountiful harvest that will serve as a reminder of our collective achievements and the beauty of our community gardens

The captivating images showcased above capture the vibrant array of fresh produce thriving in our community allotment and greenhouse. These flourishing gardens play a vital role in supporting Charlie’s fabulous food on a budget sessions at the Sirhowy community centre, providing an abundant supply of vegetables for her engaging and educational free cookery demonstration sessions.