Community Woodland for Llangennech & District  

I have been asked by the committee of Troserch Woodlands Society to prepare a species account of the birds known to be present in Troserch Woods and its approaches. Both from a site visit made on 10 May 2007, together with a compilation of other county records available that relate to the site. Also, I have been asked to give an opinion as to aspects of a future course of action that may be beneficial.

Julian Friese
June 2007

Troserch woods, shown in the photo above, is a mixed woodland of approximately 80 acres situated about a mile northwest of Llangennech in Carmarthenshire, with a central grid reference of SN 550040.

Opinions and Points of Interest.

• The BTO Scarce Woodland Bird Survey (2005-2006). This survey targeted 28 woodland bird species across the UK, of which 8 were of particular concern. A measure of the relative importance of Troserch Woods is that of these 28 species, 20 were seen in and around the woods during the survey period.
• There would seem to be a strong population of both Dipper and grey wagtail along the Morlais river, as it flows through the woods, which is encouraging. And the Dipper population could be considered as an on-going survey.
• Sightings of Goshawk have been noted around the wood by a number of observers. Although far from common in this part of Carmarthenshire the woods itself does offer suitable breeding habitat and being a schedule I bird this may have implications for future woodland management.
• No pied flycatchers or redstarts have been recorded although both are associated with this sort of woodland. It may be a bit far south for Redstart, but as they have been noted further down the Morlais, near the marsh, they could well turn up if encouraged.
• The woods would seem to offer habitat for a fair number of wintering woodcock – which is worthy of note.
• The woods would seem to lack the older trees that have natural holes, nooks and crannies offering natural nest sites for a number of species. Perhaps you could consider the erection of nest boxes of various sizes over the winter. Some examples would be:

•  Open boxes would encourage Spotted Flycatcher – a species already noted in the wood which is showing a general decline nationally.
•  Boxes low down on deciduous trees would suit Marsh Tit.
• Small specialist boxes on the conifers would help Treecreeper.
• Large boxes would encourage Tawny Owl and Stock Dove and even Kestrel if placed on the woods edges overlooking the fields. 
• You could even consider placing a large plywood box on the ruin of the old mill for Barn owl.
• If any bridge construction takes places Dipper and Grey Wagtail boxes can be integrated and pipe nestboxes, suitably placed in a river bank would be good for Kingfisher, if you’re lucky.

• When tree-felling occurs it would be beneficial to ring-bark certain trees rather than cut them down completely, if at all possible – to allow future nest sites and feed sites. Also to leave stumps of various sizes. A tree stump about 4’ high would be ideal for Willow Tit as the wood rots away – the Willow Tit is another species noted in the wood which is of national concern. Larger stumps of about 10’ and around 18” in diameter would be ideal for woodpecker and also habitat piles of collected timber would encourage invertebrates.
• A mixture of tree species should be considered when re-planting occurs, both for birds and for butterflies. Cherry and Hornbeam for instance would attract Hawfinch, Alder Buckthorn would attract Brimstone Butterfly and Elms- the white letter hairstreak. Also Blackthorn scrub for Brown hairstreak Butterfly.
• There is a small population of Yellowhammer around the wood. This is a fast declining species, especially in Carmarthenshire and I feel every effort should be made to support it. Perhaps you could consider a feeding-station in a clearing at the woodland edge to help with winter feeding. Isobel Macho at the CCW may well be able to help with some sort of funding and/or advice.

Should you have any queries or need any further information please get back in touch.

Julian Friese