Tredegar House to be transformed into bumblebee sanctuary
The estate, located on the Gwent Levels, is one of just five areas in Wales and England where the shrill carder bee still survives.
Chris Flynn, head gardener at Tredegar House, said: "We are pleased to be working alongside the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on this important conservation project.
"Bumblebees urgently need our help, and we want to ensure species such as the shrill carder can continue to thrive here at Tredegar House."
Orchard Garden in Tredegar House, on the Gwent Levels, one of five areas in England and Wales where the rare shrill carder bee still survives (Image: James Beck) The work is part of the Natur am Byth programme, Wales' largest-ever species recovery initiative, funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Planned habitat improvements will take place across 90 acres of gardens and parkland at Tredegar House, focusing on the creation of flower-rich meadows to support the shrill carder and other pollinators.
Mr Flynn said: "Our aim is to enhance the diversity of plants in the garden, thoughtfully extending flowering periods throughout the year to provide crucial nectar sources from early spring through to late autumn.
"We are carefully introducing nectar-rich grassland plants such as cowslip, crocus, snake's head fritillary, red clover, ivy, and bird's-foot trefoil.
"We hope these subtle, yet significant changes continue to support and attract bumblebees and other pollinators, while also enriching the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens for everyone to enjoy."
Other bumblebee species expected to benefit include the brown-banded carder bee and the more common garden bumblebee.
To monitor the impact of the project, National Trust staff and volunteers have joined the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's BeeWalk scheme, a citizen science programme that collects monthly bumblebee sightings from March to October.
Tom Bucher-Flynn, shrill carder bee project officer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: "We're delighted to announce that National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust are teaming up at Tredegar House."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Radio Wales presenter fronts a campaign in run up to results season
Aleighcia Scott said: 'When I was in school, I remember feeling that if I did badly in my exams then my whole life was over. 'There is so much pressure on young people nowadays, seeing what their friends are doing and comparing their achievements. 'Results day can be a particularly stressful or anxious time, especially if they're not confident about their next steps. But I want them to know that whatever happens, there is support out there for them, they have choices, and it will be okay. 'You don't have to have your life plan figured out by the time you leave school or college, even if it feels like everyone else does. There are so many different paths to get you where you want to go and finding something you love can take time. 'Music has always been my passion, but I didn't know how to begin my career. My parents gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.' As part of the Welsh Government's Young Person's Guarantee, anyone aged between 16 and 24 can access help to find a place in education or training, secure a job, or start their own business. Support is delivered through Working Wales, where young people can speak directly with an expert careers adviser for guidance tailored to their individual goals and circumstances. Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales, said: 'Results day can be a daunting experience, but it's important to remember that there's no single path to success. Our team is ready to help young people find the route that's right for them.' Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, skills and social partnership, said: "As thousands of young people across Wales receive their results, I want them to know that whatever those results show, their future remains bright and full of potential."
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Summer Reading Challenge returns to libraries across Wales
This summer, they are at the heart of a nationwide reading challenge and a major investment in digital services. The annual Summer Reading Challenge, now underway, invites children to read at least six books of their choice, with rewards including a medal and certificate for those who complete it. Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, said: "Digitisation of library services is not just something that makes their use easier, but something which is essential for their longevity. "I'd like to extend a 'diolch' to Cyngor Gwynedd for their hard work to ensure every authority is able to use the platform easily." The challenge attracts more than 33,000 participants each year and is part-funded by the Welsh Government through the Books Council of Wales. Libraries across Wales are hosting story times and themed events during the summer holidays to encourage even more children to take part. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said: "We are once again funding the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading during the summer holidays. "The Challenge helps capture children's imaginations and discover new authors and books, alongside developing their reading skills throughout the school holidays." A major step forward for Welsh libraries this year is the launch of a new digital platform. The £900,000 project, led by Cyngor Gwynedd, unites all 22 Welsh local authorities on a single system for the first time, making library services more accessible and user-friendly. Mr Sargeant said: "These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs that inspire learning, creativity and connection across all ages. "Through digital innovation and engaging summer programmes, libraries continue to play a vital role in supporting literacy, learning and community cohesion throughout Wales."
Leader Live
12-08-2025
- Leader Live
Leasing Scheme Wales transforms empty Wrexham properties
The Welsh Government's Leasing Scheme Wales allows landlords and empty property owners to lease homes to local authorities for five to 20 years, helping tackle homelessness and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Jayne Bryant, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, recently visited Wrexham to see the scheme in action. Ms Bryant said: "Wrexham is an excellent example of how the Welsh Government's Leasing Scheme Wales is not only providing housing, but stability and the opportunity for families to stay together. "This is exactly what we hoped to achieve when we launched the programme. "We know that empty homes are a wasted resource in our communities and this scheme is a fantastic way of increasing the number of affordable homes, and I look forward to seeing even more property owners and landlords signing up soon." During her visit, Ms Bryant met landlords Deri and Julie Rowlands, who have leased multiple properties through the scheme. She also spoke with tenant Eddie Parsons, who now has a stable home where he can maintain shared custody of his child. READ MORE: Police issue update following recent dog attacks in Wrexham The scheme is now active in all 22 local authority areas in Wales, with 430 properties signed up. Councillor David A Bithell, Wrexham Council's lead member for housing and climate change, said: "The leasing scheme is a fantastic way to bring empty homes back into use – providing an important boost to local communities, landlords and tenants. "The scheme is having a positive impact in Wrexham and it's a great example of how local councils and Welsh Government are working together to improve access to homes."
