NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) will reduce mowing as much as possible on the land in its care during May to help tackle the nature emergency and in support of Plantlife’s ‘No Mow May’ campaign.

The scale and rate of biodiversity loss across Wales is accelerating. Every third mouthful of food we eat has been created by pollination, and without pollinators our food supply would collapse.

Half of the UK’s 27 bumblebee species are in decline, and of the 43 species of butterfly seen in Wales, 10 are in severe decline and 17 are declining.

There are several reasons for the decline in pollinators, such as climate change, pollution and pesticides, and change in how land is managed.

Throughout the growing season, NRW cuts grass and vegetation in areas such as forests, nature reserves, river banks, flood defences and reservoir embankments.

Reducing mowing in May will help biodiversity by allowing spring plants to set seed and grow to provide nectar and pollen for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

NRW will reduce its mowing activities in May as much as possible, but essential grass cutting will continue in some areas across Wales.

There are several reasons for this, for example:

• to manage access to forests and nature reserves to make sure people are safe when they visit.
• to easily inspect flood defences and repair them if needed, helping to reduce flood risk to communities.
• for nature conservation, for example to manage an invasive species or to benefit species in a certain area by cutting the vegetation.

David Letellier, NRW’s Head of Operations South Wales Central, said: “We’re committed to tackling the climate and nature emergencies and helping nature and people thrive together.

“We will reduce our mowing activities in May as much as possible to support pollinators, but we want people to understand that we may carry out essential grass cutting to benefit certain communities or species.

“For example, we may continue mowing flood defences to make sure they are in good working order, or if mowing some sites in May would leave wildflowers to recover and bloom throughout the late summer to benefit certain pollinators.

“We need to act now to protect our pollinators. This is why we manage all of our sites to make them as pollinator friendly as possible and to provide food and shelter for other species.

“There are things we can all do to make it easier for pollinators to survive. These can be relatively simple, such as managing grass verges in a more sensitive way, or leaving wild areas around our offices, homes and public buildings.

“We can all help by making our gardens pollinator-friendly by not using pesticides, not mowing the lawn as often, and growing pollinator-friendly plants.”

AS families across Wales head to the seaside for the bank holiday weekend, a national trade body is urging people to be wary of gulls as their egg-laying season gets underway.

During the breeding season, gulls have been known to launch attacks on people, says British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

After mating and nest-building in February and March, many gulls will be protecting nests and eggs towards the end of April and into May.

However, BPCA is also reminding people that avoiding gulls wherever possible is always the best course of action as interfering with wild birds, their eggs or nests could lead to prosecution.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that all wild birds and their eggs are protected, but people with the appropriate knowledge on licences, such as BPCA members, can take steps if the birds are causing a public health and safety concern.

Natalie Bungay, Technical Manager at BPCA, said: “We love British birds. All wild birds and their eggs are rightfully protected by law in the UK, so it is absolutely vital that holidaymakers, householders or business owners don’t interfere with them.

“However, gulls can pose a serious safety concern. They have been known to attack people unexpectedly, which can be a frightening experience, especially if they draw blood, which can occasionally happen.

“We often think of gulls as a coastal problem – which they can be in seaside towns where people have fed them regularly. But for some time now they have also been an increasing problem in towns and cities away from the coast too.”

Gulls can live for 25 to 30 years and many weigh around 1kg, with wingspans of around one metre.

Seaside visitors can try to avoid attracting gulls by ensuring picnic foods or chippy take-aways are kept covered or eaten out of sight of gulls where possible.

Nesting gulls can cause problems for homes and businesses both on the coast and inland, as well as at supermarkets and hospitals, as these buildings can offer ideal nesting sites which are difficult to access and proof.

Nests can clog gutters or chimneys, which may cause water overflows, or potential issues with carbon monoxide, as well as bringing a risk of secondary infestation from bird mites, ticks, fleas and beetles.

Properties are also at risk from bird droppings, which can carry some harmful bacteria and diseases, as well as even cause slips, trips and falls where they build up.

Natalie added: “Gulls are also protected by the law, so it really is important to seek professional help.

“BPCA members are trained in bird control and will be able to offer a management plan that will alleviate the issue.

“There are a variety of bird-proofing measures available, all of which will deter birds without causing them harm, and as gulls are large and heavy, any proofing measures need to be suitable for the job, very heavy duty and correctly installed by a professional.

“Bird prevention, proofing and control is a highly specialised area requiring specific equipment and techniques. Pest professionals are required to try all reasonably practicable non-lethal bird control methods before they consider lethal control.

“Always consult a BPCA member before considering any form of bird management. You could be prosecuted if you illegally interfere with a bird, its nest or eggs.”

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals with access to a range of specialist products not available to the public, as well as being regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.

BPCA members are also endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find

Joe Allen is one of Pembrokeshire’s most-famous sons. He has represented his country on 74 occasions and has also competed for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. The 34-year old is still plying his trade at Championship level for Swansea City, although his next move currently remains unclear. Allen is out of contract this summer and although he is keen to remain at the club, he admits that he is unlikely to be offered a new deal until the current campaign has concluded. 

Swansea are perfectly safe and cannot push for a play-off spot, so you’d expect the club to already be planning for the 2024-25 season, yet the club hasn’t necessarily excelled when it comes to future planning over the last few years. Manager Luke Williams is still relatively new to the job and he is likely to begin fully assessing his squad at the end of May. Allen is one of a number of players whose current deal expires this summer alongside veteran right-back Kyle Naughton and the inconsistent Jamie Paterson. 

Allen has featured regularly for the Swans this season, amassing 23 appearances (many of which came from off the bench), although he wasn’t involved throughout October and November whereas a recent groin and toe injury has limited his minutes throughout April. He admits that his recent fitness issues have made him consider his calling time on his distinguished playing career, however, he believes that he still has plenty to offer and he remains committed to making a difference on the pitch. His latest injury setback has come at a bad time, although he remains relatively confident of continuing his stint at the club. 

Williams prefers to play a possession-style and is believed to be an admirer of Allen’s tidiness on the ball. The former Notts County boss will be keen to keep some experience in the squad with many of the older heads having departed at the end of last season. 

If cutting ties with the club this summer, Allen may opt to drop down the pyramid with newly-promoted Wrexham likely to be searching for an experienced core to enable them to thrive in League One. The midfielder spent a short spell on loan at the Racecourse Ground in 2008, although the club has changed beyond recognition over the last few seasons. The Red Dragons, who are owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny are likely to be one of the favourites for promotion once the League One outright odds are released by the bookmakers this summer and with many online betting sites heavily promoting their betting offers for new customers at the start of each season, they are likely to be a popular pick for punters to achieve back-to-back promotions. 

Unlike Wrexham, the Swans are unlikely to be touted for promotion next season, although they may be able to challenge for the play-offs if Luke Williams is given a competitive budget and is able to retain key players such as Matt Grimes, Oli Cooper and Ben Cabango. 

Coaching may also be an option for the midfielder, who is widely respected within the game. Having recently chalked up his 200th appearance for the club, he would surely be in pole position for a coaching role alongside Williams should he wish to hang up his boots anytime soon. Allen joined the club at the age of 10 and was a key component in helping the club reach the Premier League and there is a possibility that the club will look to create a pathway for him to earn his coaching badges whilst working with the current squad. 

Some players opt to completely step away from football upon retirement and Allen isn’t short of hobbies and interests. He is an ambassador for the Welsh charity Action on Hearing Loss Cymru and having received a cockerel for his 24th birthday, he has been a keen keeper of a smallholding and his flock has grown exponentially over the last decade. Although he may enjoy spending more time with his chickens once his playing career has run its course, he is likely to still be involved in the beautiful game at some level. 

Joe Allen’s career has been a largely successful one and although he’s had a few recent setbacks, he will always be fondly remembered by fans of both Swansea and the Welsh National team. If he hasn’t done enough to earn himself a new deal in SA1, he has plenty of options and is unlikely to be short of potential suitors.