VOLUNTEERS WANTED for BRACKEN BASHING

We will do this as part of our litter picking day – which is always the last Sunday of every month.

Meet at Car park below Twmbarlwm at 10:30

(The above photo is taken from https://binevenaghaonb.ccght.org/ – permission has been sought)

As part of the Landscape management of the iron-age fort at the top of Twmbarlwm the society is calling for volunteers to come and help us flatten the bracken that is now encroaching upon the monument.

This work is at the top of the mountain – NOT around the car park area. The task will involve volunteers advancing through the bracken trampling the bracken flat at its base and/or striking with a stout stick – something like a broom-handle, sturdy walking stick or even an old golf club – a bladed implement like an old blunt scythe can be useful but is not absolutely necessary as there is no need to cut the bracken, simply breaking, bending it and bruising it is enough to weaken it and after a time it will die off all together.

We will have some gloves and tools available but if you can provide your own and the more prepared you are yourself, the better.

Bracken is an invasive species that overpowers all other indigenous plants and vegetation – therefore the object of the exercise is to gradually kill off the bracken to allow more native species to thrive, thus improving the bio-diversity of the area and reduce the fuel burden available in the event of wildfires. It could take several years to eradicate all together but each bashing session we do will lead to an improvement in the landscape.

The area we will be attacking is the southern slope immediately below the outer ditch of the hill-fort – we intend to start at the ditch and work our way down the hill for as far as we feel able on the day – we only expect volunteers to do as much as they feel capable and not to over-exert themselves – we want this to be fun as well as essential work.

All ages are welcome to help but children must be accompanied by an adult. Remember this is steep and rough terrain so you must be sure you are able and fit enough to participate – and you are responsible for your own well-being. It’s a steep climb to get up to the site in first instance.

You should ensure to dress appropriately for the terrain and weather conditions, remember the weather can change quickly on top of the mountain. Wear stout shoes/boots, long trousers and sleeves, and sturdy gardening gloves. Be aware the fibres of bracken can cut, similar to paper.

We only expect volunteers to work as much as they are comfortable doing. Take breaks and leave early if you need too. Any help is welcome. Kids welcome – they love it! Sun hat and cream advisable, along with water or other refreshment.

• We will have some gloves and tools available but the more prepared and self sufficient you are yourself, the better.
• We will also have some refreshments available – tea, coffee, cans and water – but best to bring your own picnic if you think you may need it.

This first bracken bashing event will be more to ascertain the extent of work we need to do and we expect to hold a few more events through the summer.

It would help us a great deal if you could let us know if you intend turning up to help – if only for an hour or so. If not this weekend we may do the same again on our litter picking weekend of the 30th July.

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

Other aspects of our Landscape Management project include:–

• There is now a new stock fence stretching from Pegwn-y-Bwlch around the south-western slope of the mountain to join up with the forestry land above the forestry extraction road.
• This has been done because a small number of cattle will be allowed to graze the top of the mountain in order to aid the regeneration of the fire-damaged sward of the Scheduled Ancient Monument – using cattle for this job will also increase the bio-diversity of the whole area – and the fence will ensure that cattle can not stray onto the forestry road and so on down to the Darren Road.
• A kissing gate is to be installed at the Pegwn-y-Bwlch side and then the cattle can be released on to the top. Once the cattle are there please be aware and make sure you follow the countryside code when approaching or passing them – give them plenty of space, do not startle them, and keep dogs under control on a lead.
• The pathway across the top of the hill-fort (the path with the trig-point in the middle) is also due to undergo some repairs as it is getting very bare and worn down in places. Some areas will be scarified, soil added where necessary and re-seeded. Another activity where we hope to call on some volunteer help.

Note – all this work occurs sporadically due to weather conditions and contractor availability, so if you are walking about up there and come across any working machinery please be sensible and keep your distance, keep your dogs under control and ensure the operators know you are there.

Remember – weather conditions can change very quickly on top of a mountain so please be dressed ready for all eventualities – and please keep an eye on our website and Facebook announcements because if the weather is forecast to be particularly inclement or even dangerous we reserve the right to cancel or postpone any event we hold on the mountain top.