Pembrey Burrows
Local Nature Reserve
The Pembrey Burrows Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is simply
stunning. Not only does it boast an unspoiled, 8 mile long beach, but also a
complex dune system that provides an idyllic setting for a leisurely stroll.
There is a blue flag zone complete with lifeguards which is popular during the
summer, and a long stretch that is largely desolate, used recently by
horse-riders, dog walkers and locals wanting to escape the throngs of tourists.
Pembrey Burrows Local Nature Reserve. Sarah Beynon 2007 ©
I met up with Simeon Jones, who is
funded by CCW to manage the reserve in order to find out just what it takes to
deal with an area like this.
Pembrey Burrows LNR covers 150ha, with a similar sized
un-grazed adjoining salt marsh known as the Saltings. The dunes have the
perfect community composition of high-calcium dune slacks, and both the
saltmarsh and dunes are botanically and faunally rich and ecologically rather
important. The embryo dunes at Pembrey Burrows are also a rare ecosystem, as
the correct conditions for them to form are not often met.
One of the main problems facing the LNR is the introduced species Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). The Buckthorn arrived in the 19th century along with the pine trees that constitute the neighbouring forestry. It
is native to the East coast, but thrives in the calcium-rich soils of the west
coast, and spreads so fast that its long, vertical and horizontal roots and
suckers are even disturbing the tarmac roads!
Although Sea Buckthorn is incredibly invasive, it is also a
very useful plant. The bright orange berries have traditionally been used as
tribal war-paint on the face, and both the berries and leaves can be eaten. The
berries are in fact rather tasty straight from the bush!
Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides, Pembrey Burrows LNR. Sarah Beynon 2007 ©
Success in
controlling Sea Buckthorn
The Sea Buckthorn has now taken over
the majority of the LNR, and various techniques are in operation to halt its
spread. However, this can be a rather costly business. In 2007 £10,000 has been
forked out to bring in diggers for 3 weeks in order to remove the larger
stands. However, although the diggers
are effective at the removal of large bushes, small bushes are left intact. Due
to the invasive nature of the Buckthorn, if the mechanical removal is not
followed up with correct grazing management, the plant will simply return the
following year. Simeon has noticed however that there is very little re-growth
around Elders, which are left along with Willow
in order to maintain habitat heterogeneity.
There are also 2 experimental plots that are grazed with
cattle. In plot 1, buckthorn was mechanically removed, and re-growth was
sprayed with a topical broad-spectrum herbicide. However, there were problems
with surrounding non-target die-back from the spray. The 35ha plot is grazed at
a restoration grazing density of 0.8units/ha/yr. However, this intensity is not
sustainable over long term, and even at this density, there is still Buckthorn
re-growth present in the site. In plot 2, where there was initially less
buckthorn, there has been no mechanical or chemical removal. Cattle grazing at
the same density as in plot 1, are keeping buckthorn levels under check by
trampling it, but are not eating any re-growth, which is a cause for concern.
Another problem is that it has been necessary to introduce
supplementary feeding by December in 2006 and 2007, meaning that the area has
only supported the cattle for 3 months. In this way, it is not feasible for the
farmer to continue grazing the area.
Nevertheless, despite the problems faced, there is a
positive outcome to the project already: the area that is not grazed is
impassable on foot, but grazed areas are passable. Lady's Bedstraw (Galium verum), kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) (and hence lots
Small Blue (Cupido minimus)
butterflies) as well as Eyebright (Euphrasia
officinalis agg.) and the uncommon Frargant Evening-primrose (Oenothera
stricta) are flourishing in the grazed plots. The reserve also supports a
number of rare moth species including the Grass Eggar (Lasiocampa trifolii) as well as the Strandline Beetle (Nebria complanata) The area is well
botanised by the Llanelli Naturalists, which allows the restoration process to
be well monitored, and successes noted.
Future Plans
Simeon is considering introducing native sheep breeds such
as Herdwick to Pembrey Burrows LNR. Unlike cattle, these animals have been
shown to actually chew at the buckthorn re-growth. Simeon also urges that it is
important not to forget the importance of rabbit grazing, which creates the
most plant species-rich stands of the whole LNR.
However, as with any invasive species, there is no quick-fix
solution, and this management plan really must a long-term aim. If CCW funding
were to dry-up, Simeon believes that in 10 years, we would be back to where we
started. He adds that "hopefully we will get £10,000 to fence the area that has
been cleared this year so it can be grazed, or it will all be for nothing".
Sarah Beynon.