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The land around the campsite on Hafod Lwyfog Farm has been under the Tir Gofal Management Scheme since
the year 2001. The scheme is designed to protect, enhance and restore
farmed land, and create habitats and landscape features.
We have also been involved in major woodland restoration work, with seeds collected in 2003 and the first trees planted in 2004/5. This woodland was planted around remnants of ancient forest and maintaining it is an ongoing commitment.
Some of the
key projects undertaken on this farm:
Hedgerows
Maintain existing hedges and restore derelict hedgerows to be living
field boundaries. This maintains the character of the local landscape
by retaining the historic field patters. It also benefits a variety
of wildlife including plants, small mammals and birds, as well as insects.
Dry stone wall restoration
The farm has two major walls – the lower and upper mountain wall.
These have had major work as part of the Tir Gofal scheme, and are stock
proof today. The walls have been rebuilt in the traditional local style,
to the original height and width.
Conversion of semi-improved to unimproved grassland
The intention is to restore the typical species of unimproved grassland,
on the lower fields, by taking a haycrop and lightly grazing the land
afterwards
Streamside corridors
Stock are removed from some stream boundaries so as to encourage development
of a diverse wildlife habitat, and the growth of native trees, shrubs
and tall vegetation. This provides cover for animals such as water vole
and otter. It also increases the water quality.
Extending broadleaved woodlands
An extensive planting program has been undertaken to establish new broadleaved
woodlands adjacent to existing remnants of ancient forest. Stock proof fencing and walling has also been necessary to
protect the woodland, as has rhododendron and bracken control. The tree nursery here is now run by Gwynant Trees, and can be contacted at gwynanttrees@gmail.com.
Rhododendron and bracken control
Rhododendrons thrive on an acid soil, and the southern end of Nant Gwynant
valley has been badly infested. Removing rhododendron is a very labour
intensive task, cutting the trees or bushes, and poisoning the remaining
stems. Bracken is also controlled in areas of tree-planting, by being
cut.
Permissive access areas
Access to areas of woodland, climbing areas and the lakeside is also
part of the conservation scheme. Footpaths have been established, and
“kissing gates” erected. Providing access to viewpoints,
woodlands and water features is an important part of conservation.
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