GAG - News

GAG News Bulletin No:18 March 2023

AGM 2022

In place of the usual style AGM, GAG held an open meeting on December 2nd. This included a power point show of many of GAG’S achievements over the years.

There was a good turnout with several members expressing willingness to help with projects.

Individuals keeping a watching brief on their little area of the town and reporting changes or problems to GAG would be useful.

The committee is however still short-staffed. Nominations for a chair person would be very welcome.

Enthusiasm as much as expertise is required, please put yourself forward if you would like to join the committee, or know someone who would like to join.

PLASCRUG

Plascrug Trees.

A survey has been completed, updating the original survey carried out in 2008

Tree girths were measured. All new trees were added to the map and the spread sheet was updated to include these trees. A column was added for all trees that have been labelled and those labels that have been lost or replaced also noted.

Nant Plascrug.

This has been dredged which will help the flow of water and improve the habitat. The silt was left along the bank but the bulbs are breaking through successfully. A litter clearing session will be organised on a Sunday when the weather is warmer. (to be announced on GAG Facebook)

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL

The Town Council has now taken over responsibility for most of the small green spaces in Aberystwyth from the County Council. These spaces will be managed for biodiversity with an emphasis on perennials and pollinator friendly planting. They include the planters along the Prom as well as the green spaces in Thespian Street, Mill Street, Skinner Street, Alexandra Road and Trefechan and on the corner of Pier Street and Great Darkgate Street. In time the Council hopes to take over Plas Crug Avenue and the Castle Grounds as well.

Around 50 trees have been planted around the town in the past year.

At the bottom of Penglais Hill next to the Tattoo Parlour the existing grass has been lifted and turf with wildflower seeds will be planted when the fear of frosts is over. This site is ideal as there is no depth of soil to support a tree.

STREET TREES

In addition to trees planted by the Town Council other trees have been planted by the Trunk Road Agency. Two oak trees on Penglais Hill will help soften the looks of the concrete structure of Bronglais Hospital car park. The TRA is responsible for the trees along North Parade where new pebble matting is being provided at their bases. GAG appreciates that this creates a uniformity along the road and is a surface easy to keep free of litter but hopes the resin pebble surface is adequately water permeable.

Cae’r Gog: new pebble surrounds and a better protective kerb line has been created around these trees.

Portland Street: There is increasing concern for the iconic Rowans that line this road. Several are now just stumps and others do not seem to be thriving. GAG is actively engaged in trying to rectify this problem.

SCHOOL TREE PLANTING

Following on from the successful planting last autumn of two Welsh Heritage apple trees in Ysgol Gymraeg grounds, further biodegradable protective mats have been put in place.

GAG has discussed a possible tree planting site with the Penweddig school groundsman.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GAG News Bulletin 17 (13th January 2022)

AGM 2021
Coronavirus in one disguise or another curtailed GAG activities in 2021.
The AGM for 2021 could not take place and many plans postponed in 2020 were put off yet again.
Committee meetings continued via zoom.
Some outdoor activities continued in a Covid compliant situation.
Here are some achievements of 2021 and other news.

WELLBEING WALKS
A joint project by GAG and the local NHS led to the production of a set of maps detailing self-guided walks at graded levels that visited some of Aberystwyth’s green spaces. These are designed as suitable for use as Green Prescriptions. The maps are centred on the three local GP surgeries and Bronglais Hospital and are available at these locations.
They are also available to download from the GAG website www.aber-gag.org.uk (follow the link to the ‘more information page’)

PLASCRUG
Plascrug Tree Labelling.
Labels damaged or lost have been replaced. It is encouraging to note that most of the labels have remained untouched.
There have been many new trees planted along the avenue in recent years. GAG will update the spread sheet held and add a column for those trees that have been labelled.

SCHOOL TREE PLANTING
Last year GAG engaged with Aberystwyth Primary Schools with the aim of providing trees and saplings.
2 apple trees were bought by GAG and planted in Ysgol Gymraeg grounds together with Wild Cherry, Birch and Oak saplings.
Potential planting sites have been identified in Penweddig.
Advice about ongoing maintenance of these trees has been provided.

PARC GWENFREWI
This is the new name for the old Bowling Green site in North Road.
Aberystwyth Town Council has been awarded a large grant to develop this site as a community green space. GAG has ongoing input regarding suitable trees to be planted here.

MUNICIPAL CEMETERY Llanbadarn Road
An excellent Invertebrate Survey has been conducted by George Ryley, a GAG committee member. This can be read on the GAG website.

PLANNING
GAG continues to monitor developments. Letters of support have been sent on behalf of the Waun Fawr village green application and a Town Council motion to change the management of the Cefn Llan Cemetery to benefit biodiversity.

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
The area below the Hugh Owen building has been replanted with almost 2000 shrubs, many similar to those in the original Basil Fox design that was instrumental in the grading of the campus grounds as of national importance in the Cadw Register of Historic Parks and Gardens in 2002.

NEW POND
GAG is delighted to see the Town Council has provided a new pond at the town allotments site.

www.aber-gag.org.uk www.facebook.com/aber.gag

email : aber-gag@outlook.com

Latest GAG Newsletter: Newsletter 30 (May 2024).