Issue 1

A study of red squirrels in Clocaenog Forest

A symbol of our native wilflide, red squirrels may prove a test for our collective resolve to achieve wildlife conservation. Here SARAH CARTMEL reports on her research in a remaining red squirrel stronghold, which looked for the answers to some of the questions about what red squirrels need for their survival.

The research in Clocaenog has shown that red squirrels seem to be able to adapt to certain forestry operations such as thinning provided that there is some other suitable habitat in the vicinity of the work.

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The freshwater pearl mussel in Wales - a terminal decline?

The Freshwater Pearl Mussel may have been the reason for the Roman expansion into North Wales. Once it was common in some rivers where it purified the water, doing the work which expensive water treatment plants do today, as well as keeping the rivers clean for the salmon and trout which form part of its extraordinary life cycle. Prized as a source of precious natural pearls it is now on the verge of extinction in Wales, thanks to past exploitation, and the engineering and pollution of rovers in recent times. GRAHAM OLIVER charts this sad decline, and explains why we should attempt the difficult task of restoring freshwater pearl mussels to our rivers.

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Puffin Island – will removing rats bring back the puffins?

After habitat destruction, the damage caused by introduced species may pose the greatest threat to biodiversity, as well as costing billions of pounds. Here JOHN RATCLIFFE and WIL SANDISON describe efforts to tackle just one example of a precious ecosystem under threat from biological invasion.

It is estimated that the damage caused by alien species in the US runs into nearly £100 billion a year, while the rice farmers of the Philippines lose more than £30 million to the golden apple snail.

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Jack and the dormouse

Since dormice were discovered in one wooded corner of Meirionnydd, one man's enthusiasm has been an essential part of efforts to save them, as WENDY JOSS explains.

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The freeing of a river – restoring Afon Ogwen

Many of our rivers and their floodplains have been modified in the past, either to protect land and property from flooding or for land drainage. However, these modifications can seriously damage the landscape, amenity, wildlife and natural functions of a river.

BRYAN JONES of the Environment Agency tells the story of the first phase of an ambitious river restoration scheme.

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The lore of plants: the alder

Names including (g)wern (alder) are the most prolific of all Welsh place names referring to trees although the alder was never the most common tree in Wales. Article by DUNCAN BROWN.

This article is written in Welsh. A translation is available on request.

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Following nature’s way: agricultural policy reactions to Foot and Mouth Disease

MORGAN PARRY considers the future of agricultural policies in the wake of the foot and mouth disease.

This article is written in Welsh. A translation is available on request.

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