RSPB CymruOscar EdwardsBBC Wales4 hours agoA charity has bought a 96-hectare upland area of Gallt-y-bere in the hope of reconnecting two landscapes that are home to rare habitats and wildlife.RSPB announced the purchase of the “vital missing link” located by the banks of the River Tywi in Carmarthenshire.The area falls between two separated parts of the bird conservation charity’s Gwenffrwd-Dinas nature reserve in the Elenydd, it said.The move will allow conservationists to reconnect the fragmented landscape for the first time in 60 years, allowing wildlife to move across the different areas and build stronger, more diverse and sustainable ecosystems.RSBP CymruThe landscape is home to internationally important habitats, including rare Atlantic oak woodlands – also known as Celtic rainforests – ffridd [upland fringe], ancient woodland and peat bogs.RSPB Cymru said improving connections between these habitats across the reserve will deliver significant benefits for its stronghold of pied flycatchers – a summer migrant bird that thrives in oak woodland – as well as a range of other wildlife, including endangered hen harriers, cuckoos, wood warbler, pine martens and whinchats.The Gallt-y-bere purchase was made possible by a philanthropic loan as well as “generous support” from thousands of people responding to its fundraising appeal, it added.Jonathan Cryer, site manager at RSPB Gwenffrwd-Dinas, called Gallt-y-bere a “truly magical place”.”I’m thrilled that we’re in a position to expand and improve its rare habitats and wildlife.”Securing this site is a brilliant opportunity for us to strengthen ancient woodland, restore upland habitats and create the conditions needed for rare wildlife to flourish in the future.”RSPB CymruThe reserve is now large enough to support breeding hen harriers, with the “red-listed” bird seen occasionally in the area but not recently attempting to breed, the charity said.It has been active at Gwenffrwd-Dinas for more than a century, first by supporting the Kite Committee in their efforts to protect red kites, and later by acquiring land to protect vulnerable habitats and wildlife.With Gallt-y-bere now protected, RSPB Cymru said it was taking another important step towards creating a more resilient future for Wales’ wildlife.Surveys over the summer, funded by Natural Resources Wales, will help identify the full range of habitats and species present across the newly acquired land and inform future management.Existing wildlife-rich grasslands may be expanded and enhanced, providing greater resilience for important plants and wildlife, including species such as whorled caraway and wood bitter-vetch, the RSPB said.The charity added that it would also create opportunities to work closely with local farming tenants to demonstrate how nature recovery and sustainable farming can successfully work hand in hand across the wider landscape.In the future, RSPB Cymru said it planned to work with local communities and partners to restore and protect the newly connected landscape, ensuring it supports wildlife for generations to come.Related topicsWalesWildlifeRSPBMore top storiesSir Anthony Hopkins’ England football shirt sparks debate5 days agoBurnham provided ‘error-filled’ article about devolution, says WalesOnline5 days agoBoy’s face showed ‘pure hatred’ as he attacked teacher with knife, court hears4 days ago …
