August 2016

Green Flag Award

 

We have heard that all three of our applications for a Green Flag award have been successful so the Upper Orchid Field, Community Orchard and Elizabethan Orchard will soon be displaying their award certificates. We have not yet seen the results for the rest of Wales but the probability is that we are the only village in South Wales, possibly all of Wales, to have three sites with Green Flags and we may have the first green space on farming land to have achieved accreditation.

Despite the indifferent and unpredictable weather the wildflower plantings are doing well and the Alps roundabout has been spectacular with its open and ‘sunny’ location. The blues of Borage and Bugloss came first followed by the oranges of Californian Poppy, Closer inspection (don’t try this when you are driving) reveals Clarkia, Cosmos, Zinnia and Coneflower.

We are grateful to Waitrose at Barry for including us as one of their charities for June. Unfortunately we heard too late to let people know for the June issue of Whats On so that they could consider voting for us. If you want to keep abreast of news from the group keep an eye on Facebook (Wenvoe Wildlife Group) which has up-to-date information and images. We would particularly like to hear from schools or other groups of young people as we can arrange guided visits, outdoor activities, pond-dipping etc.

The image in the photo is of a small bug and bee hotel which you will see popping up in our orchards. These can be purchased for a few pounds, look good and are used by solitary bees and wasps.