Issue 18

Marine science communication

Scientific research is often thought to be rather mysterious with the results shrouded in secrecy. However, a new seabed-mapping project is revealing its discoveries to all. Project leaders ANDY MACKIE and CERI JAMES describe what a groundbreaking survey of the outer Bristol Channel is discovering, and how the survey is being taken into the classroom and the public domain.

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Churchyard conservation

Experience being the best tutor, you are most likely to appreciate the problems facing nature conservation by getting personally involved in real places and issues. Swifts and wild daffodils got STELLA WOODMAN involved with her local churchyard. Here she offers some general lessons about what should be done to ensure that the extraordinary wildlife value of our churchyards is recognised and cherished.

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Honey Buzzards

Intimate, dramatic images of honey buzzards, never seen before, are among the fruits of a unique partnership project between RSPB Cymru, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Forestry Commission Wales and the Wales Raptor Study Group. They have yielded research into a rare raptor and a very special public viewing opportunity. CATHIE HASLER lets us in on the secrets

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Deer management and forestry

Deer are spreading in Wales and as numbers increase, so does their impact on us and on other wildlife. The Forestry Commission (Wales) has a leading role in the study and management of these largely forest animals, as JOHN LEWIS describes.

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At the sea’s edge

A world of seaweeds, sea anemones, sponges and blennies lies like a linear aquarium just below the high water mark along our sinuous coast. For all its innate appeal, luring us to dip our fingers into rock pools and our toes into sea water, we probably know the names of few of the creatures which we encounter there. MICHAEL HAMMETT sheds some light on the startlingly beautiful plants and animals which inhabit this world.

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Sarn Cynfelin: an insight into its marine life

Three underwater reefs or ‘sarns’ stretch out their long fingers of rock below the waves in Cardigan Bay, unique structures with a diversity of life to match. In the last year, surveys by volunteers have increased our understanding of this richness and the banquet it provides for dolphins, turtles, sea birds and grey seals. JOANNE PORTER provides the details.

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Legislating to ensure a future for our seas

The Sea Empress disaster, back in 1996, was a major shock. The environmental and economic cost was substantial. MORGAN PARRY looks at its legacy and the future safety of our seas.

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

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