The LLNH-2 Pollinating the Levels project is working with a range of target audiences and stakeholders to conserve and connect pollinators in the Gwent Levels, as well as gather data on pollinator populations and raise awareness about pollinators and the services they provide. Since the project started in summer 2018, we’ve met with a number of landowners and land managers to discuss potential habitat management opportunities. These include Eastmans who have a significant amount of publicly accessible land just north of Shrill carder bee hot spot – Gwent Wildlife Trusts reserves ‘Great traston meadows’ – but the land is starting to scrub over and lose its value for pollinators. The aim would be to open these areas up and manage them more sensitively for pollinators. We are also in discussion with NRW and Gwent Wildlife Trust about management and enhancement of the sea wall, and some orchard sites. In addition, we have discussed habitat management and enhancement at Tredegar House (with National Trust) and with a number of other landowners across the levels.
Engagement, advice and training will be provided to landowners, partner organisations, local communities and volunteers on how to conserve and enhance populations of pollinators. This year we have delivered beginners bumblebee identification training and intermediate bumblebee identification training. More training will follow in later years.
The project is currently recruiting volunteers to help us monitor bumblebees on the Gwent Levels – see the role description here.
Contact Sinead and Clare to find out how you can help pollinators and/or get involved with one of our events and volunteer activities.
