If you have arrived at this page by scanning a QR code you found on Henllys Nature Reserve, you may be curious to know what is happening where you saw the QR code. Hopefully this page will help satisfy your curiosity.
New fences by the orchard?
As you will have seen, Friends of Henllys Local Nature Reserve volunteers have repaired, replaced and created new fences by the orchard. The repaired and replaced fences are to protect visitors to HLNR from falling into the culvert that runs under the path. The new fence is all about making dog walkers aware that the orchard will require you to keep your dog on a lead when there is livestock in the fenced off area. You will see signs to warn you when livestock is present.
Why is this fence here?
This fence was erected by Torfaen County Borough as part of their plan to introduce livestock (sheep in this instance) to Henllys Local Nature Reserve. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any consultation before the work took place so FOHLNR were unable to ask questions about the project. However, there is a consultation taking place now. Please head over to our FaceBook page and have your say. https://www.facebook.com/groups/FriendsofHenllysLNR/permalink/8510040535720864/
Why are there fences around the ponds?
Don’t worry, it’s not the fun police at work! This is the rationale given to FOHLNR by an ecologist working for Torfaen County Borough.
The fencing was erected to the help give the ponds enough breathing space to recolonise with vegetation and to hopefully enhance their biodiversity.
The excellent ecological work undertaken by Friends of Henllys LNR volunteers indicated that the ponds were uncharacteristically species poor, with a low community of aquatic insects. There can be many negative influences on small ponds that conspire to depress biodiversity value, notably poor water quality from the nutrient enrichment of agricultural run-off. However, another possible influence is pet flea treatments that can be washed off when animals enter the water. Recent research suggests this can be a problem https://www.buglife.org.uk/news/new-research-reveals-widespread-contamination-of-english-rivers-with-potent-pesticides-commonly-used-as-flea-treatments-for-pets/
At this stage we don’t know the reason behind the poor biodiversity value of the ponds. Animal flea treatments may not be the issue, and I agree that not all owner’s use these treatments, as it could well be external influences that are beyond our control. Nevertheless, if fencing helps us pinpoint the source of the problem then we can all work together on finding a solution that allows everyone the opportunity to maximise the well-being benefits of this nature reserve.
It certainly isn’t our intention to prevent children from accessing nature, as environmental education is one of the primary roles of LNR status. Encouraging children to explore nature through direct ‘hands on’ contact is fundamental to early learning and well-being.
We hope this all makes sense now.
No mud on shoes!
