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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Sept 5, 2008 12:58:12 GMT 1
Every so often, circumstances change and TRPD project groups quietly reach the end of the road. Perhaps because of a natural decline in membership due to age, ill-health, infirmity or members simply moving on. Just as lives progress from birth to death, so too do groups - but rebirth from the ashes of one group is also more than possible. The Pet Craft Project, here online, is one such example, and that emerged from the original Pet Craft Project. Well, with only two members remaining active in the TRPD Cwm Clydach Woodland and Wildlife Project Group, and in this area, the time has come for yet another 'rebirth' to be attempted. Because this group is very much hands on and located in a specific geographical area, it will be necessary to attract members from that location, and a meeting has been held to discuss the best ways to do that, whilst ensuring that newcomers to the TRPD method of group structure and how this can be introduced in an area where most other community projects operate under a totally different 'committee-run' system! One often reliant upon outside funding and grants, and with 'bosses', conflicts, controversy etc. All things that interfere with the main purpose of the group, and the simple aims that each autonomous TRPD group sets out to achieve. During the meeting, it was felt that, by creating a little corner here in this forum that we could catalogue the progress of a new group from the start, and so that others can see for themselves what might be involved, it could well help many people to form other, similar groups in different parts of the country. Woodland, Wildlife and Environmental issues are things that concern many people, not least those that spend many enjoyable hours walking their dogs or riding their horses in their local countryside. To date, and apart from the little meeting mentioned above, and with just a handful of members of various established TRPD groups in the surrounding area, there has only been one other action to date. That was a brief meeting between myself and a representative of the local 'Community Regeneration Organisation.' There I was able to explain a little about a TRPD group's structure and how it varies from the norm. The lady I spoke with, at first, did not quite understand why I had immediately dismissed her suggestions relating to all the grants and funding options that their organisation could assist with! However, once I'd explained the ethics of cooperation, but not affiliation, and the importance of groups being autonomous and self-reliant, together with the simplicity of breaking things down into small, bite sized projects running within a single group's structure, it all began to make sense to her. Indeed, she became quite enthusiastic, and promised to discuss the ideas I'd put forward with local people that she knew and who might well be interested. I'll be speaking again with her soon, and have to prepare an article and newsletter about the project, which they (as supporters) will help to distribute to interested parties that may be attracted as members. Some of us who were present at the original meeting, or involved in the msn discussions, will have further discussions, and will keep this thread updated on progress toward the formation of this new group. We have named it the 'TRPD Llys Trerobert Woodland and Wildlife Project Group' simply because that is the name of the area that will provide 2.76 acres of land for the group's members to operate on. To view this by satellite please see this link: Llys TrerobertYou may wonder what is so special about this little bit of land - well, apart from its availability for the purpose, it has a wealth of flora and fauna already in situ, including a colony of rare butterflies that feed on the wild flowers that proliferate on the area of natural, rough grazing land that has not been subjected to any chemical treatments for as far back as we can remember! There are also a variety of native trees, riverbanks, opportunities to manage and create new hedgerows and other habitats to encourage wildlife etc. With the planning application now nearing completion, that will add to the opportunities to create nesting sites for birds, and provide shared facilities for the storing of equipment, shelter etc. Yes, in the legal sense, this land is owned by myself and my son, but to us, we are simply 'caretakers' and for future generations. Although I will want to become a member of the new group, legal ownership of it, isn't an issue, and is immaterial - other than that my primary purpose for having the land is simply as a place to graze my old horse and the ponies. Anything done there toward enhancing the environment for the benefit of wildlife, and that does not affect my ability to graze the equines there, will bring me pleasure, social interaction and so on. Obviously, if a group decided they wanted to plant a yew hedge, or grow a crop of ragwort in the fields, then that would not be possible, as both are extremely poisonous, therefore a danger to the humans and animals, so common sense and safety aspects do have to be considered of paramount importance, and take priority. However, there is huge scope there for educational and charitable activities that benefit the wildlife, the community and all who may be concerned - and plenty of resources available that can make any projects easily self funding and with sufficient people involved to bring potential projects to fruition. By charting progress over a long period, it is hoped that others will be inspired to do the same in areas throughout the country and beyond.
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Post by petdesigns on Oct 20, 2008 10:55:18 GMT 1
Are there any news? This sounds really interesting and maybe it can help us do more for the wildlife on the Dickerfield!
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 20, 2008 15:13:30 GMT 1
We have got the planning application approval... BUT there are conditions! The first being that we cannot go ahead with the rebuild until we've first built a car park with two bays and a turning area in the field that vehicles can use to enter and exit in a forward gear! That has to be done to their specifications and satisfaction, so I've got to find out more about that. It will probably mean building up part of the area as it's on a slight slope. Also, what my old car, with a good lock can turn a circle in, isn't what a tractor might need... It'll be next spring before we can start much anyway, and also we have to engage the building inspector, too. Dyl knows him, so will have a chat and get more info directly from him. There are a few other conditions, too, but workable ones. They have stipulated it can't be used for commercial purposes... Seems that rumour about me starting a riding school reached the planning department! (Yeah, like I'm in any fit state to even entertain that one, let alone have no desire to do so!)
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 10, 2009 14:08:49 GMT 1
Well, after a week of escaping equines, in particular the 3 years old filly, Bronnie, who had discovered how to jump, work commenced this weekend on replacing the fence next to the allotment entrace with post and rails. That, of course, is my personal responsibilty, however, the plan is to plant some small saplings, suitable for hedging, in between the posts. These will be initially willow, to get something established fairly quickly, and interspersed with hawthorn and holly, and possibly some elder and hazel next autumn.
As I was getting in the car to head down there this morning someone stopped me to express an interest in joining the project group as a member, too.
The builders will be starting work in a fortnight, pulling down the old stables and rebuilding those, together with an extra room to act as HQ for the project and storage for several other TRPD groups, plus, of course, that car park area where we hope to site various bird feeders and seating for people to appreciate the chance to relax there. Having a manure heap to hand can give one manay a chance to commune with the little wagtails that busy themselves gathering up the insects. Robins, blackbirds, wrens, tits, finches also abound, together with lots of crows, jackdaws, the occasional sparrowhawk or kestrel and a lone heron, after someone, sadly, shot its mate recently.
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Post by Florrie on May 13, 2009 13:22:48 GMT 1
good news keep us posted
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Post by petdesigns on May 13, 2009 14:43:35 GMT 1
apart from the shot heron this sounds brilliant! Especially the hopefully new member!
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on May 20, 2009 0:48:51 GMT 1
A couple of people have asked me questions by PM about what the plans are, and seem to find it difficult to figure out just what is what regarding this project and how it figures with the rebuild of the old stables. It's not an easy thing to explain exactly what the place will be like when the work is done, and so that it can easily be understood, but it is simple enough in practice. It helps a bit to understand the traditions of TRPD, though, and how those can work to the benefit of all in an atmosphere of co-operation rather than affiliation. My family's only practical purpose for having the land, is as somewhere to graze the old horse and the ponies, however, there is a lot of wildlife there that we, and friends enjoy. The place sits between the residential part of the village and the old colliery site, which is now reverting to nature, and a cycle trail has been established there alongside the eastern boundary. There is also access to some pretty walks/rides adjacent to the property. That cycle trail is bordered by a narrow strip of woodland on the other side of the river that runs alongside the grazing land - I hardly use that strip of woodland, other than to harvest self-seeded saplings that would be unlikely to survive anyway. Those saplings are either sold for various TRPD groups' causes (including the PCP) or used to fill in gaps in the hedge. Ideally, it needs managing better, is unfenced, and subject to invasion by youngsters. Some set fires there in dry weather, build dens, leave litter etc. The original (Cwm Clydach) Woodland and Wildlife group had various plans for it, including fencing it off, siting nest boxes there, and so on, but in reality, they did little more than take photos and dig up a few saplings for turning into Bonsai trees! Now there isn't a Cwn Clydach W & W group left, just a couple of its old members still around who are old crocks like me. As some know, a meeting was held, and it was suggested that, as I was aiming to apply for planning permission to rebuild the stables, we formed a new Woodland and Wildlife group, calling it Llys Trerobert, which is the name of the property on the parish maps, and relating to the underground stream that runs down the land and emerges as a spring near Nant Clydach (the river between the grazing land and the strip of scrub woodland. (We also have Llys Nant as the southern boundary.) It's a pretty place but could be much better maintained and utilised with more people taking an interest is specific aspects. By forming a group, the idea is that those who join can take on some of the responsibility of small projects within the group's remit - i.e. Improving its attraction for the wildlife and providing members of the group with the opportunities to study, paint, photograph and generally appreciate that and the walks adjacent to it. That can also include members of any other TRPD group - e.g. dog walkers from the PCP; somewhere for the Grubby Fingered Gardeners group to hold their plant exchanges etc. The odd caravan or camper van owning TRPD group member might also fancy parking up there for a weekend, too, in future, although there's no water on tap or facilities, as yet. Different members can also take on responsibility for the management of little areas or aspects they are most interested in and as recreation. That could be anything from siting nest boxes to planting trees/hedges or even rebuilding the stone walls or creating some sort of natural sculpture. We've no plans to make it a formal sort of visiting centre, and it will only be available privately to members of TRPD groups, not the general public. One part of the building will be for the use of TRPD groups as our own storage/workshop facilities. There's no electricity there at present, but that can come later, along with water. In a way, it could also provide those interested with a means to leave their mark in some natural way. That whether by planting a tree or a bit of hedge, or even designing a place to sit and enjoy a cuppa from their thermos and a sandwich after a dog walk! As a child, I recall visiting a place alongside the Talyllyn Railway ( www.talyllyn.co.uk/ ) and not far from Dolgoch Falls where they served cream teas. There the local sparrows would bring their caterpillars to the tables set out on the lawn, and to dip them in the dishes of cream and jam before eating them. The memory is as fresh today as when I was just a young child on holiday with my parents. I am often reminded of it when sitting down by the stable yard and watching the birds there, hence the idea of bird feeding stations. Quiet places where the birdlife and humans can interact. What I would hate, though, is things like gawdy plastic tables and chairs, barbeques, beer cans and the like! We get enough of that dumped on the frontage outside the gate, so the emphasis will be on respect for things natural, peace and quiet etc. By providing plants and trees that are attractive to the birdlife (yes, and squirrels) that already exist there, I am hoping also to stimulate a greater interest locally, and perhaps also deter the fly-tippers; litter-louts and idiots with air guns and so on. That 'car park' and turning circle was the price we had to pay to get the planning for the stables. As things stand, it's unlikely the car park and turning circle will ever be used on any regular basis, other than for the haylage deliveries. In fact, today we were discussing with the neighbours whether we could combine parking with an all weather surface for the horses to be exercised on! Whatever, it can and must be a multi-functional area, as otherwise it's just a darned great waste of space to my mind! At present, it is a mud bath and an eyesore - but the little wrens love creeping around the edges between the two yards, therefore when that part gets re-fenced, we'll need to re-create an environment there that will keep them happy, as well as be more visually acceptable. Perhaps that will be a challenge for the members on the forum here at some future date? Incidentally, we discovered the wren's nest site today. Glad to say that isn't anywhere that is about to be demolished tomorrow! Indeed, I went through that old building carefully to ensure there were no birds' nests! Only found one nest at all, in fact... a rat's! Alas, I think we won't be endangering a species if that disappears!
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Jun 2, 2009 15:42:55 GMT 1
The digger started work on the building site this morning and, while waiting for the horses to empty their buckets, I watched as or missing robin appeared and got very busy gathering beakfuls of worms and bugs and diving back into a tangle of ivy where he must have a partner and family. That could explain why I've not seen the robins lately, as last year they nested in a building on the adjacent yard, and near where this year there's a wren nesting. Had to go into town to the bank then, and passed the greengrocery place where the manager has been trying to get me a quote for the Leylandii trees we need for the screen between the plant hire place and the bird garden. Happened to spot one of their little goldcrest trees was damaged in front of the shop so offered to give it a good home! ;D Those only grow about a foot a year, but the sparrows seem to like hiding in them when big enough, and to escape the buzzards and hawks. Although its growing tip has been snapped off, it'll still make a nice bushy little tree in time and down in the bird garden. ;D
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Post by PennyB on Jun 17, 2009 12:16:24 GMT 1
Good luck with all this. Wish I was nearer as I enjoy helping with these sorts of things as am passionate about small wildlife/conservation projects.
However, am currently part of a Friends group regenerating a meadow and working with small groups that have been set up to enjoy it.
We have lost so much through overdevelopment these places are so much more important these days.
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Jun 17, 2009 12:41:57 GMT 1
You are not too far away for a visit and a dog walk around the adjacent tracks, once the car park has been created, Penny. Plus we hope to arrange some 'Plant Exchange' events there, perhaps next year. We are already starting to put together a 'wish list' of plants for this project, plus we'll be looking for things like bird boxes and feeders, too, if anyone makes those or has spares. At the moment, it is still a building site!
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Post by PennyB on Jun 17, 2009 12:49:01 GMT 1
You are not too far away for a visit It looks sort of walkable from Abercynon station - I do train + walking rather than car + walking
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Jun 17, 2009 12:56:17 GMT 1
Might be easier from Pontypridd? Could always meet you at the train station. There's a cycle trail that links up with the Taff Trail and runs adjacent to our piece of land enroute to Old Ynysybwl. Anyway, can have a chat about that in the future.
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Aug 7, 2009 18:40:19 GMT 1
I just looked at the satellite map again of the site and it's well outdated now! The fence erected back in June isn't even showing there yet. If anyone near the area would like to have a 'grubby day' working on the stream banks, and helping to shape those and line them with stone etc. Please let me know, as a little work can now be done on the landscaping aspects of bird garden.
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 14, 2009 19:12:07 GMT 1
A couple of the Woodland and Wildlife enthusiasts visited the site today, and especially to take a look at the hedge on the western boundary. The feeders are currently sited in that, and the council are due to come around with their ruddy flailing machine again. Their excuse is keeping the road clear of branches, but every year for the last five, they have also hacked off the saplings we have planted in the gaps and to extend the hedge to about 6" high. Those more expert in such matters than me, seem to thing the whole thing needs to be properly cut and layed, but at a sleepish angle, so that it isn't taken down too low, and a few of the better trees left actually as trees in the hedge. The idea being that it would then thicken up and become taller and more dense next spring, in time for birds nesting. I think they are going to have a chat with the GFGs with a view to doing some sort of fund-raiser to enable a contractor to tackle the job, which will cost around £350. When one looks closely, it is amazing just how much rubbish people have dumped in the hedgerow. There are even a load of broken asbestos sheets in one area! This last week, Peter, one of the helpers, cleared one little corner that fly-tippers were regularly dumping rubbish in and over the wall. It took him a day and a half to clear about 20' along the wall of all manner of stuff, including a rusty old bed frame and a load of rusty springs, and a child's bicycle! Since then, someone has dumped a blue carpet! Today, and for the bird garden, we had a donation of three white heather plants. I am hoping that those just might help to bring us some good luck there.
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 25, 2009 12:58:56 GMT 1
Well, as everyone probably knows, our group has to move its workshop and storage facility down to the new TRPD building at Llys Trerobert, due to our landlord, whom we sub-let from, having terminated his tenancy with the owner. Discussions with the other local TRPD groups involved have largely been sensible and amicable. The Grubby Fingered Gardeners and the Woodland and Wildlife groups' members have been fine about having areas in my feed and tool shed to store their 'muckier' things, such as gardening tools and the various wild bird food etc. The chemical loo facility will also be sited in the back of that room, and will have its own cubicle in time. That will all help to ensure that arts and craft materials can be separated more easily into a cleaner environment and kept tidy. My cutting table should then be available for anyone visiting to use for their lunch at times when the weather's not suitable to enjoy a picnic out of doors. We'll shortly be installing a mini camping kitchen facility, so that hot drinks can be made, along with basic meals such as bacon butties; hot dogs and just about anything else one would expect if camping. We have now erected a bird feeding station to the side of the TRPD building and, although the birds are still getting used to people being around, they are visiting that in ever-increasing numbers. Today I saw numerous coal tits, a great tit, a couple of blue tits, the resident robin, a black bird and a grey wagtail either on it or in its vicinity at the same time. Clearly they're very active there now when I'm not around, and judging by the rate the feeders are being emptied. I've made some enquiries about getting a camouflage net to hang in front of the building's door, as that may help ensure they are less afraid to feed when people are in there and we can view them more easily. This photo of the TRPD building was taken a few days ago and as volunteer, Peter, was starting to do the interior wall painting. I'll post pictures of the progress as that happens in this thread, but feel free to ask questions, share ideas, or make suggestions. There's lots more work to do there before we can move our workshop into the building. Those coming on the dog walk on 8th November will be able to see it for themselves then, and get a better idea of the potential we have for doing things at this site. Attachments:
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 26, 2009 19:41:58 GMT 1
A little more progress today, and Peter has again been busy painting the woodwork with gloss and the RSJ with black metal paint. Tomorrow he hopes to do the second coat. I wasn't much help as I forgot the rags and had to dash home for those before heading into town for a dental appointment. With a bit of luck the floor covering might arrive tomorrow.
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Post by Florrie on Oct 27, 2009 9:51:26 GMT 1
looking good
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 27, 2009 10:37:04 GMT 1
Been down to see to Merlyn earlier this morning, and off back there again shortly to do a photo shoot. Yesterday I had some spare camera batteries loose in my pockets and suddenly realised the keys, also in that pocket, had become extremely hot. One of the batteries must have been faulty! The keys were actually too hot to hold, and the battery wasn't much better. I'll see if I can get a shot of Peter up the ladder painting the beams for you, Sue. I do like to see a man at work, don't you? ;D Peter's family joined him for a while there yesterday, and the two kiddies helped me to muck out the stable. They wanted to groom him, too, but he was rather wet and muddy so I've left him in this morning in case they are with Peter today, and they can brush the dried mud off him before he goes out later to replace it all!
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Oct 27, 2009 16:24:34 GMT 1
Peter, hard at work finishing off the painting. ;D Attachments:
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Post by Florrie on Oct 28, 2009 9:53:10 GMT 1
I'll see if I can get a shot of Peter up the ladder painting the beams for you, Sue. I do like to see a man at work, don't you? ;D
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