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Dow Corning |
Dow Corning is a global chemical company with a
plant in Barry in South Wales, about eight miles from the Senedd in
Cardiff Bay. The whole area is a series of interconnected docks,
factories, light industry and warehousing under the flight path from
Cardiff International Airport. Far from being an ecological desert,
these brownfield sites, now cleaner than they have been for
centuries, are becoming a haven for wildlife. Dow Corning has given
this a helping hand by creating a fantastic fresh and brackish water
wetland area next to their factory at Cadoxton Ponds. Working with
the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales and other local groups,
they acquired the 30 acres of land and set to work improving it for
wildlife.
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In the summer of 2007, the ponds and
education centre were opened by Iolo Williams, patron of
Welsh Wildlife Partnerships. This was the culmination of a
four year project restoring and conserving habitat areas
within the grounds of the manufacturing site at Barry; reed
beds, meadowlands and ponds have been transformed into a
nature centre for use by employees of Dow Corning, local
residents, anglers and schoolchildren.
The reserve supports a wide range of
flora and fauna in three distinct wildlife habitats. The
area is home to four species of dragonfly, while wading
birds are encouraged by the design of shallow areas in the
ponds. Other species include the harvest mouse, bees and
butterflies. The site also offers a sheltered feeding ground
for many over-wintering species of waders, and a safe
nesting site for spring visitors.
The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales
have prepared a three year program of management and
monitoring for the reserve. The monitoring will allow us to
gather valuable data on species distribution and abundance
which will enable us to see the efficacy of the management
regime as well as adding to the knowledge base of wildlife
in the area. |
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The education centre, built overlooking the
ponds, can be used by schools and local groups for environmental
studies, field trips and science projects. With a commitment to
sustainability, Dow Corning used materials from sustainable sources
wherever possible for the education centre. Other environmental
features were incorporated, for example ground source heating and
solar panels provide heat and power for the centre, while rainwater
is harvested and recycled to provide a water source.
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By linking up with their local Wildlife
Trust, Dow Corning have been able to provide an education
officer to help run education programmes at the centre for
primary and secondary schools in the Vale of Glamorgan. The
activities have been designed to work with the National
Curriculum and to inspire a new generation about the wonders
of our wild spaces. Activities such as mini-beast hunts for
younger children and comparative analysis of grassland for
the older ones mean that this reserve is fulfilling its
purpose to be good for wildlife and people.
By creating this wildlife haven, Dow
Corning are achieving their goal to build and maintain
positive relationships with the communities where they work
and delivering on their commitment to protect the
environment in the areas where they operate. |
At the opening, Iolo Williams said: "I am
thrilled that Dow Corning have developed this education centre and
nature reserve to provide a resource for the budding naturalists of
tomorrow. It is essential that the business community plays a full
part in protecting and appreciating our natural heritage."
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