It's for Them

The ‘It’s for Them’ campaign aims to increase the awareness of the public, and people who manage grass cutting, of the benefits of mowing less.

Please click here for further information

Its_for_them_campaign_-_July_22.jpg

Concerns for Swifts - follow link

Facts about swifts

Swifts are beautiful and amazing birds.  They are black, with long swept-back wings in the shape of a sickle or scythe.  Although they look superficially like house martins and swallows, they are not related to either species.  Swifts are aerial masters and can fly up to an altitude of 6,000 metres.  They feed and drink (water droplets in clouds), sleep, and even mate on the wing, only landing to breed. 

Swifts come to Britain during the summer, arriving in May and departing during August to spend the winter in Africa.  Whilst here, they breed.  Traditionally, this would have been in caves, on cliffs, even in tree cavities.  However, these nesting sites are rare, so swifts have taken to nesting in buildings.  During the summer months, swifts can be seen flying above many of our towns and villages, particularly when they form what are know as ‘screaming parties’ where groups of birds chase each other at high speed.  The sight and sound of these parties is a quintessential element of our summers.  But, swifts are under threat!

Swifts, nest in colonies predominantly in pre-1944 buildings, church spires and towers.  They can nest in eaves, in holes around pipes, behind worn and missing masonry, and under loose or missing roof tiles.  All these sites are at least 5 metres from the ground with a clear flight path for the birds to fly directly to the entrance.  Access to the nest is usually small; typically 35mm deep and 65mm wide.  In houses, nests are usually situated just inside the outer wall, behind the soffit board; rarely in the main loft space.  Swift nests are clean, using very little material, which is glued together by the bird’s saliva.

The threats to swifts

Modern architecture, building regulations and techniques deny swifts access to potential breeding sites.  The demolition and renovation, particularly the re-roofing, of old buildings, also denies them nesting sites.  Worse still, most roofing work takes place during the summer, destroying nests and young, despite the fact that they are protected by law (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended).   As a consequence, it is estimated that the British population of swifts has declined by 60%.

Why should we care

The government has identified the diversity of our bird life as one of its Quality of Life Indicators.

Local authorities have a responsibility to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of their areas.  Therefore, planners, architects and builders have a special responsibility to protect the natural world.  Swifts are a vulnerable urban species that can benefit from considerate development works.  Minor low-cost initiatives in building design will ensure that swifts have a future in our towns and villages.

How to help swifts

Normal Building Regulations, Planning Laws and Listed Building Consents will need to be satisfied.

Roofing and soffit board work:

Not all buildings will have swifts.  However, for those that do, it would be illegal to intentionally damage or destroy the nests of swifts whilst they are in use.  It is essential therefore, that roofing and soffit work is not carried out during the period between 1st May to the end of August; a period of just 17 weeks or one-third of the total year.

Providing new nest sites:

Nesting sites must never be situated in strong sunlight.  Therefore, ideal locations for nest sites are on the north, north-east and north-west sides of buildings.

Houses

  • Plywood nest boxes, made from WBP 12mm plywood, can be fixed externally under the eaves. This is a cheap alternative when an internal solution is not possible. The boxes can also be fitted just inside the eaves, with a suitable entry hole accessible from beneath.
  • Internal ventilated plywood partitions (30-40cm) can be installed inside the eaves, with an open ventilation gap.
  • Swift ‘nest bricks’ (woodcrete) can be installed in the fabric/brickwork of a building (see Useful Information below).

 Offices, apartments, factories, warehouses and utility buildings

 Swift ‘nest bricks’ (woodcrete) can be installed in the fabric/brickwork of a building.

  • Two-storey surface-mounted woodcrete nest boxes can be fitted to an outer wall at roof-level on plant rooms and air conditioning units.
  • Nest sites can be built into ventilation turrets with swifts gaining access through the louvres.
  • Church towers and spires offer swifts (and bats and owls) safe nesting sites. This can be achieved by allowing access through existing ventilation slits, louvres and hoods to self-contained nesting areas kept separate from the rest of the interior.

Useful Information:

Nest bricks for buildings; model N25.  Order code A02044

Swift box (mimics bell tower louvres) No. 16 (single or double), plus nest mould

Swift box No. 18 suitable for fixing under eaves.  Order code A02041A

available from:

Alana Ecology Ltd, The Old Primary School, Church Street, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire.  SY9 5AE.  Tel: 01588 630173. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.londons-swifts.org.uk

Free advice: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please find attached Keep Wales Safe campaign material reminding people of the recent changes to testing requirements and self-isolation.

How the 5 day isolation rule works

Wedi profi'n bositif am coronafeirws?

Dyma beth i'w wneud 👇

https://llyw.cymru/canllawiau-hunanynysu

Tested positive for coronavirus?

Here’s what to do 👇

https://gov.wales/self-isolation

Changes to Testing requirements

Wedi profi’n bositif am COVID-19?

5 diwrnod llawn yw’r cyfnod hunanynysu nawr.

Cofiwch gofnodi pob canlyniad. Mae rhoi gwybod i ni am eich canlyniadau, yr un mor bwysig â gwneud y profion.

Cofnodwch eich canlyniadau yma 👇neu drwy ffonio 119.

https://llyw.cymru/profion-llif-unffordd-covid-19-ar-gyfer-pobl-heb-symptomau#section-75848

Tested positive for COVID-19?

We’ve reduced the self-isolation period to 5 full days.

Don’t forget to record your results. It’s as important to report your results, as it is to take a regular lateral flow tests.

Register your results here 👇or by calling 119.

http://gov.wales/lateral-flow-testing-people-without-symptoms#section-75848

New pop up recycling facility to be trialled in north Cardiff


A new, mobile-recycling facility is coming to north Cardiff. The pop-up facility, which will be available at different venues on different dates, is designed to help residents recycle larger household items closer to their homes.

The first pop-up facility will open at the former tax offices in Parc Ty Glas on Saturday March 5thbetween 9am and 3pm. It will return each Saturday - dependent on demand - for eight weeks. More information on the service, and other venues once added, will be publicised through the council's social media channels.

Residents can drop off their recycling without booking an appointment, but they will have to show proof of address that they live in Cardiff in order to use the facilities.

Cllr Michael Michael, Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Environment and Recycling said: "We are keen to explore options which will make it easier for people to recycle. The first of these mobile events will take place in north Cardiff and if the scheme is successful, we will be looking at how we might expand the service to other suitable sites across the city."

Residents will be able to recycle the following items at Ty Glas:

  • Books, CD's and DVD's
  • Textiles and clothes
  • Household batteries
  • Hard plastic
  • Scrap metal
  • Garden waste
  • Wood and timber
  • Small electricals
  • Cardboard 

As this is a temporary facility certain items, which are classed as ‘hazardous waste', or are too large to transport easily cannot be recycled at this site.

Residents should not bring items like these to the pop-up:

  • Car batteries
  • Bulbs and lighting
  • Paint
  • Tyres
  • Gas bottles
  • White Goods
  • Tv monitors and screens
  • Large domestic appliances.

If residents need to recycle this type of waste they should book an appointment at either Lamby Way or Bessemer Close recycling centre.

In line with the council's policy at all recycling centres, mixed black bag (general) waste will not be accepted at this facility.

Cllr Michael added: "From February 14th, recycling facilities will also be provided at five hubs across the city including Grangetown; Llanedeyrn; St Mellons, Whitchurch and Ely & Caerau. Residents will be able to recycle books, CD's and DVD's; small electricals; Tetra Packs, print cartridges and household batteries at these hubs. We hope that these local facilities will help residents, that don't have access to a car, to recycle their additional waste that isn't collected at the kerbside.

"If they prove successful, similar facilities will be rolled out to all hubs across the city. If we all work together and recycle as much of our waste as possible, we can continue to be the best recycling core city in the UK and aim to become the best in the world."

The new pop up recycling centres are temporary and mobile, so they do not require planning permission or an environmental permit.

These additional recycling facilities are for household waste only, so vans will not be permitted on site.

A number of new assets to support mental wellbeing, with the aim of reminding people of the simple changes they can make to look after their health this winter and subsequently help the NHS. The key messages we’re promoting are: 

  • It is important to look after your mental wellbeing.
  • Good sleep, a chat with friends and having some “me time” can all help with your wellbeing
  • If you are feeling really low or anxious, you don’t need to struggle alone. The CALL helpline is available on 0800 132 737 or text ‘help’ to 81066.

Suggested social media posts that cover the key messages are attached.

The new (bilingual) Mental Wellbeing videos, animations and gifs are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/taupyvo2dxikivz/AACFhkAoxjBPW_LNLd-QcD7ha?dl=0

The folder includes:

  • Wellbeing TV Advert made for social
  • A series of GIFs that help you to promote specific messages including:
    • Top 5 tips to improve your mental health
    • Gifs on sleep, a chat with friends and having me time, with a CTA to CALL 24 if more support is needed        

We would really appreciate your support in sharing these via your available communication channels to aid people’s understanding of how they can keep themselves well this winter.

We also really appreciate your support to date sharing the Keep Wales Safe -Disrupt the Transmission-key messages. Please find attached the vaccination and testing still. If you can share these messages over the coming weeks that would be much appreciated.

We’ve also provided some suggested copy to accompany these below:

Tested Copy:

Prawf llif unffordd positif, negatif neu annilys? Cofiwch gofnodi pob canlyniad.

Mae rhoi gwybod i ni am eich canlyniadau, yr un mor bwysig â gwneud y profion.

Cofnodwch eich canlyniadau yma 👇 neu drwy ffonio 119 #DiogeluCymru

http://llyw.cymru/profion-llif-unffordd-covid-19-ar-gyfer-pobl-heb-symptomau#section-75848

Positive, negative or void lateral flow test? Don’t forget to record your results.

It’s as important to let us know your results, as it is to take a regular lateral flow tests.

Register your results here 👇or by calling 119 #KeepWalesSafe

http://gov.wales/lateral-flow-testing-people-without-symptoms#section-75848

Vaccination copy

Nid yw hi byth rhy hwyr i gael eich brechiad 1af, 2il neu eich dos atgyfnerthu.

Mae'n haws nag erioed i chi amddiffyn eich hun - mae canolfannau brechu galw heibio ar agor.

Cysylltwch â'ch bwrdd iechyd lleol heddiw #DiogeluCymru

https://llyw.cymru/cael-eich-brechlyn-covid-19

It’s never too late to get your 1st, 2nd or booster vaccination.

It's easier than ever to protect yourself - walk-in sessions are now available.

Check with your local health board today #KeepWalesSafe

https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination

Green Flag flying at Ty’r Winch Playing FieldGreen Flag Community Award logo FOR SCREEN

Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space.  

Ty’r Winch Playing Field has achieved the coveted Green Flag Community Award in recognition of its high environmental standards, cleanliness, safety, and community involvement.

Old St. Mellons Community Council has once again received this prestigious award and we are very proud to be winners again and continuing to provide excellent facilities and commitment to delivery great quality green space for our community.

180 community managed green spaces across the country have met the high standards needed to receive the Green Flag Community Award.

Now in its third decade, Green Flag recognises well-managed parks and green spaces in 20 countries around the world.

In Wales, the awards scheme is run by Keep Wales Tidy. Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said:

“Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. Our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that a record number of community managed green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag status is testament to the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”

A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru 

 

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Council’s coronation event receives funding boost from Welsh housebuilder 

A Community Council in Cardiff has received a cash boost towards its community coronation event in May.

Old St Mellons Community Council has bagged £1,000 from Persimmon Homes East Wales through the housebuilder’s Community Champions scheme, which donates up to £50,000 a year to good causes across Wales.

The funding will be used by the Council to host a Children’s Coronation Tea Party in honour of King Charles Coronation on Sunday 7th May.

Chair of Old St Mellons Community Council, Cllr Dianne Rees, said:

“We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from Persimmon Homes East Wales, which will help support our Children’s Coronation Tea Party in honour of King Charles’ Coronation on Monday 8th May.

“It’s a once in a lifetime event and these funds will also allow us to give each child attending a Coronation mug.

“It promises be a very special event for the children with a special tea and an entertainer and a memorable occasion for all involved.

 

Persimmon_Old_St_Mellons.jpg

 “Persimmon has a significant local presence in our area with its St Edeyrns Village development and we are delighted to receive their support.”

Victoria Williams, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes East Wales, said:

“We’re delighted to be able to support the Council and the local community with this money for its special Coronation event next month.

“Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative is all about supporting the communities where we build, and our presence in the area only continues to increase through our delivery of much-needed new homes for local people at St Edeyrns.

“We would like to wish Old St Mellons Community Council and local families attending all the very best for the Coronation Tea Party next month.”

Persimmon Homes is currently building quality new homes at its St Edeyrns Village development. For more information, visit www.persimmonhomes.com.

To find out more or to apply for Community Champions funding, visit https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions-2023