Tigers and more

 Croeso Pawb,

Another week has flown by, at least the weather has been more summer like, even a noticeable increase in the number of insects to be seen 

I've had a few days out and about doing  site visits with Buglife and looking at a potential project with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Moss Carder

On Tuesday a few of the team met up with Liam Olds from Buglife to search for the Dune Tiger Beetle, Cicindella maritima at Pembrey Burrows.

Square Jawed Sharp Tailed Bee

Despite perfect habitat and weather, we didn't find any tigers but we did find, Moss Carder and Brown Banded Carder bees, as well as, the roll off the tongue, the Squared Jawed Sharp-tailed  bee and a Lesser Stag Beetle.

Second generation Small Blue butterflies were on the wing as well as a good number of Graylings

Wednesday I spent in the company of Bumblebee Conservation and Barry Stewart looking at opportunities to improve or create habitats within the Millennium Coast Park. Lots of ideas to be explored further, as plans progress I'll update the blog.

Lliedi Pollinator project

Where are the insects!

 Bore da pawb,

It seems shockingly obvious to me that there is a lack of insects this summer, I have seen very few bumblebees and butterflies especially.

Llyn Llech Owain weather station

Was it the prolonged wet winter? which seems to have have started in August 23 and is only just ending. Since 1st January 24 our weather stations at Pembrey and Llyn Llech Owain country parks have, respectively, recorded 463.2mm and 1198.4mm of rain so far; that's a lot of rain...

My own theory is that with the ground saturated for so long and over wintering adult or larval invertebrates succumbed, the recent sunny days have seen an increase in butterfly numbers and species but I think we will need a couple of decent winters and springs to get numbers back on track

Continuing the theme of disappointment, the image here shows the pile of dog poo, I stopped counting at 75 bags, and beer bottles that I removed from one of our Local nature Reserves, all piled up waiting for the litter fairies to collect, I'll  not say anymore...

Sea Lavender

In other news, our salt marshes are looking stunning with the annual show of Sea and Rock Sea Lavender, no need to wander onto the heart of the marsh just follow the main path passed the bird hide and you will soon see what I mean