Seeing the Changes 276

In Loughor, Marsh willowherb (Epilobium palustre) was in flower and a Cockchafer (Melolontha melolotha) but in an appearance. In Bynea, Ramping fumitory (Fumaria capreolata) and Bastard cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum) were in bloom. In Penclacwydd, the first Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) had a first damselfly, probably a female Common blue damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum), clinging to it.

Slag Heap to Country Park?

There was an interesting item on the BBC news (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8681905.stm) about the village of Newstead in Nottinghamshire that lost its raison d'etre when the colliery closed. They have apparently (with 5 other locations) won £400,000 from a BBC/Big Lottery Competition to set up a business on the former slag heaps in an exercise that will be a programme on the TV station. They intend setting up a Country Park in the hope of attracting more visitors and making the place 'less boring'. There seems to be some debate about what the Park might include e.g. venues for pop concerts, tree walks etc. It appeared, however, that much of the land had been successfully occupied by wild animals and plants. There does appear a potential danger of losing some of this new 'naturalness' to cater for the human residents (one can appreciate their concerns) and the film makers.

City Slickers?

The continuing tale of the BP oil disaster in deep water in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana shows no sign of an early end (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64A3QW20100511) and has now apparently started to threaten the company itself with a take over (its share price has fallen dramatically). In spite of enormous efforts, the oil has reached the coast where it is threatening fishing (both deep sea and around the shores), wild birds and holiday lets as far away as Florida. It seems to be the liabilities under US law (the clean up and compensation could amount to a considerable figure) that are causing the market pressures on the oil company. One should firstly comment that this location was always likely to be extremely problematic in the event of a spill and there has been an encouraging of such drilling to make the US more independent of world oil markets. I am not sure whether such drilling is any more acceptable than oil pipe-lines in Alaska or extraction from tar sands in Canada. Perhaps we need to redouble our efforts to wean ourselves away from a dependence on oil? It might even help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Seeing the Changes 275

At Bynea, the Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Black medick (Medicago lupulina) were in bloom. Also visited in Loughor by a Small phoenix (Ecliptopera sileaceata) moth.

Seeing the Changes 274

On the path between the University and Mumbles, recorded flowering Perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis); Cut-leaved cranesbill (Geranium dissectum); Wild mignonette (Reseda lutea) and a very large (about 200mm) but low member of the buttercup group.

Seeing the Changes 273

At Oxwich, Wild pansy (Viola tricolor) and Kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) were both in flower. There were also Green bottle flies (Lucilia caesar) and small bees (Chelostoma florisomme) were buzzing around along with more Bumble bees. Viviparous lizards (Lacerta vivipara) were also active. In Bynea, Great mullein (Verbasco thapsus) had unfurled. There were masses of Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus) on a small island near Loughor bridge. A Grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) had hauled out on a mini sandbank.

Birder's Bonus 69

Although numbers of people have spotted them earlier, I saw my first Swallows (Hirundo rustica) of the season in Bynea. A Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) at Oxwich seemed very interested in the swarming St Mark's flies.