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.

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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Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire National Trust woodland ranger carrying out some woodland management work
Brecon Beacons   Powys

October 2018 - can't see the wood for the cows

When working in conservation it's important to try new things to help effectively manage the land we look after. This month's blog is from Woodland Ranger Tim who discusses a woodland grazing trial in the Tarell Valley, part of the central Brecon Beacons, and the benefits this can have.

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Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire area ranger taking a break to admire the view near Cwm Gwdi in the central Brecon Beacons, one of the many sites cared for by the National Trust
Brecon Beacons   Powys

September 2018 - managing habitats

When working in the outdoors the time of year has a big influence on the ways in which a ranger will manage different habitats. Our latest blog comes from Area Ranger Simon with an update on what he has been doing as he continues to care for our sites.

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Brecon Beacons National Trust lead ranger clearing a culvert as part of essential footpath maintenance work
Brecon Beacons   Powys

August 2018 - footpath update, still battling the erosion

As we move into the cooler autumn months combating erosion on our upland footpaths is still a priority and with the central Brecon Beacons as popular as ever, Lead Ranger Rob and his team have more than just the weather to contend with when planning essential maintenance work. Read Rob's latest blog for an update on the work carried out to care for our mountains.

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Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire National Trust ranger carrying out a butterfly survey on the Skirrid near Abergavenny
Brecon Beacons   Powys

July 2018 - Conservation in action

When working in countryside management no two days are ever the same which is one aspect of the job our newest ranger finds enjoyable. Read Abbi's blog for an insight into her day and the conservation work involved when looking after the Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and Begwns.

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Victoria Squire, project officer for the Welsh Peatlands SMS (South) carrying out a peat bog survey at Abergwesyn Hill common, Powys
Brecon Beacons   Powys

June 2018 - The importance of peat

For centuries, peat has been viewed as a resource to be exploited for heating and compost, but now views are changing. The importance of peatlands for wildlife and climate change is becoming more apparent and Project Officer Vicky explains in our latest blog what she's doing to help restore it.

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Area ranger for the Brecon Beacons National Trust stimming near a picnic bench, one of many maintenance tasks carried out to keep our places special
Brecon Beacons   Powys

May 2018 - caring for our sites

The rangers within the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire team are often working independently doing different jobs but ultimately working together to achieve the same goal. This month's blog looks at the diversity of Area Ranger Simon's role and how he cares for our sites to ensure they remain special.

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Jess Whitehead, a ranger with the Brecon Beacons National Trust, working in a meadow carrying out a wildflower survey
Brecon Beacons   Powys

April 2018 - spring has sprung, time to survey

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. Read what Conservation Ranger Jess and her fellow colleagues have planned for a season of surveys.

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Lead ranger for the Brecon Beacons National Trust carrying tools in preparation for footpath repair work
Brecon Beacons   Powys

March 2018 - footpath erosion, an ongoing problem

Combating erosion on our upland footpaths is an ongoing job and a vital part of our conservation work. With thousands of people visiting the central Brecon Beacons every year, Lead Ranger Rob and his team have a big job on their hands, read our latest blog to find out how he does it.

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

February 2018 - bringing back the past, a woodland story

Patience is the key when managing woodland especially when you set out on a project to turn a conifer plantation back to ancient woodland. This month's blog comes from Woodland Ranger Tim who talks about the regeneration of the Skirrid near Abergavenny.

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Full Time Volunteer taking a breather whilst repairing footpaths in the central Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons   Powys

January 2018 - life as a Full Time Volunteer

Welcome to the first Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire ranger blog of 2018 coming from one of our woodland Full Time Volunteers talking about his experience with the team and the benefits of volunteering with the National Trust.

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