Surveys

Providing base information for the development of conservation action, surveys are an important contribution to the work of the AONB unit. The assistance of volunteers and local residents is often crucial in gathering the information. Volunteers also often help with analysis of the data gathered. For details of how you can get involved e-mail: community@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk

Wye Valley Walls Survey

Initiatives within the AONB have included the Wye Valley Walls survey, which enlisted local people to record the length and condition of drystone walls in their area, and to note any unique features. This enabled the AONB unit to produce an overall assessment of the state and extent of the walls in the AONB, which can be used to prioritise walls for conservation.

Bee Survey

A survey of the distribution of the brown carder bee (Bombus humilis) in the Lower Wye Valley was carried out in 2003 following the discovery of a single specimen. This species is listed as a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and in the Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Despite the evidence that the habitat in and around the AONB is capable of supporting the species, and despite considerable effort by volunteers, no further specimens were found.

Deer Surveys

Heavy browsing by non-indigenous fallow deer has a detrimental effect on the biodiversity of the AONB's valuable woodlands. Recent surveys indicate a population three times the level, estimated by English Nature, at which deer are deemed to pose a threat to woodland.

The AONB unit co-ordinates annual deer surveys, to keep track of the extent of the problem, and works with two deer management groups - one covering the Woolhope Dome and the other operating in the internationally-important ravine woodlands of the Lower Wye Valley.

Veteran Trees Survey

Veteran trees are important cultural and landscape features and a haven for wildlife.

Funding is being sought to engage local people in a comprehensive survey of these features throughout the AONB. In Herefordshire, the AONB unit is working in conjunction with Herefordshire Nature Trust and the National Trust. In Monmouthshire partners are Gwent Wildlife Trust.

Invasive Weeds

In the summer of 2004, the AONB unit called for volunteers to help survey the invasive weeds along the course of the River Wye. Within weeks, enough volunteers had come forward to research the extent of the "alien invasion" along the entire length of the river within the AONB, except for a few inaccessible segments.

The survey focussed on Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed. All three species can form dense stands and out-compete our native flora. They are notoriously difficult to control.

Armed with the information gathered from the survey, the AONB unit will be able to identify areas where action needs to be taken most urgently. Meanwhile staff are researching the best way to try to control these alien species.