Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire ranger blog

If you have ever wanted to find out about all elements of our work from woodlands to uplands, estate management to conservation and nature, then look no further.

Getting close to nature
Brecon Beacons   Powys

Time to wrap up the year

Phoebe wraps up 2019 for the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire team and looks forward to what’s coming next year.

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One of the woodland rangers with the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire National Trust team
Brecon Beacons   Powys

November 2019 - Returning to the woods

With the seasonal change our woodlands team are returning to the woods. In this month’s blog, Ranger Tim shares what they’ve been up to.

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The improved track leading to the Georgian Round House
Brecon Beacons   Powys

October 2019 – Caring for our sites

We all have our part to play in looking after the sites that make up our Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire Property. Like cogs doing different jobs but ultimately working towards the same goal. This month's blog looks at the diversity of Area Ranger Simon's role and how he cares for several of our sites to ensure they remain special.

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A bronze age burial cairn at Abergwesyn
Brecon Beacons   Powys

September 2019 – Understanding and surveying the archaeology of our landscapes

There are many jobs a ranger carries out when managing the land, but all are equally as rewarding when you have a passion for the landscape. In this month’s blog, Upland Ranger Huw details the archaeological features of human impact across our sites and how we monitor this rich history.

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Airlift unloading scalpings on the summit of Pen y Fan
Brecon Beacons   Powys

August 2019 – Controlling erosion and maintaining footpaths

Lead Ranger Rob reflects on a busy summer and the fantastic work achieved thanks to the support from our volunteer and visitors on our upland sites in Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire.

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A farming landscape
Brecon Beacons   Powys

July 2019 - It’s all coming together for conservation grazing

We often talk about conservation grazing in relation to managing habitats. But the relationship between our habitats, grazing animals and humans has a long and complex history – which makes it a fascinating part of working in the countryside. In this month’s blog, Countryside Manager Joe delves into the history of the farming landscape and looking forward to its future.

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A drone survey photograph, detailing a small area of erosion on Abergwesyn
Brecon Beacons   Powys

June 2019 - Progress being made with peatland restoration at Abergwesyn

For centuries, peat has been viewed as a resource to be exploited for heating and compost, but now views are changing. There are four main reasons why peatlands are so important; biodiversity, carbon storage, historical value as well as water quality and quantity. The importance of peatlands for wildlife and climate change is becoming more apparent and Project Officer Vicky explains in her latest blog what she's doing to help restore it.

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A survey sighting of a Speckled Wood Butterfly at the Skirrid near Abergavenny
Brecon Beacons   Powys

May 2019 - Surrounded by nature at the Skirrid

It's important we carry out regular monitoring of all our sites to aid our conservation work and ensure the habitats we look after can thrive for future generations to see. Ranger Abbi shares her nature highlights at the Skirrid near Abergavenny.

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A meadow-rich landscape

April 2019 – Making space for nature at Ffynnonau Farm 

Spring is in the air and with the seasonal change nature continues to plough ahead with the first wave of blossom and flowers, and the return of our summer birds. Change is now happening fast. Read more from Joe, our Countryside Manager on the importance of nature at Ffynnonau Farm near Abergavenny.

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The scion is the brains that leads the tree on
Brecon Beacons   Powys

March 2019 - Orchard conservation and one old perry tree

When working in the outdoors, the ever-changing weather affecting our sites can sometimes be a challenge for the team. In this month’s blog, Woodland Ranger Tim talks about orchard conservation and one old perry tree in the wake of Storm Freya.

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Volunteer helping to repair the footpath leading to Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons   Powys

February 2019 - Brecon Beacons appeal a year on

Helping to look after the countryside and keep it accessible to all is an important part of our conservation work. This month's blog from Lead Ranger Rob looks back at a year of footpath repair work and erosion control thanks to your support since the relaunch of the Brecon Beacons appeal.

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Jess Whitehead, a ranger with the Brecon Beacons National Trust, repairing a culvert as part of some footpath maintenance
Brecon Beacons   Powys

January 2019 - stepping up at Henrhyd Falls

There are many jobs a ranger carries out when managing our land but all are equally as rewarding when you see a completed task and visitors enjoying our sites. Conservation Ranger Jess starts off our 2019 series of blogs with a look back at some recent maintenance tasks she's carried out along the access routes to the highest waterfall in South Wales - Henrhyd Falls.

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