The rarest plants in Wales 1 April 2009 Scientists at Amgueddfa Cymru have been researching the possibility that the Perennial Centuary (Centaurium scilloides) colonised Britain by sea. For its size, Wales has a rich flora. The variation in rock types and landscapes from the limestones of the Gower Peninsular to the mud-stones and volcanic rocks of Snowdonia support many different and special plants. Wales is home to a number of rare plants. Some rare species are endemic to Wales and occur nowhere else in the world, such as Ley's Whitebeam or the Black Mountain Hawkweed. Other rare plants occur elsewhere but in the British Isles only occur in Wales, such as the Snowdon Lily or Yellow Whitlow Grass. Others are rare on an international basis, such as Perennial Centaury or Wild Asparagus. The Welsh Rare Plants Project aims to help conserve threatened Welsh plants by providing a firm scientific basis for their conservation. The advice is provided by collecting information on the size and location of rare plant populations, assessing threats to their survival, collecting ecological information, analysing genetic variation and making recommendations for habitat management. It is a joint project between Amgueddfa Cymru — National Museum Wales and the National Botanic Garden of Wales, with part funding from the Countryside Council for Wales. Click on the thumbnails below for information on each rare plant: Rare Plants Project Hieracium radyrense, Radyr HawkweedRadyr Hawkweed is a very rare Welsh endemic, recorded from two sites in Glamorgan. In Radyr in 1998, a total of nine plants were found in one garden where it grows on grassy banks and lawns, often in shade. It was not found at the type locality of Radyr Quarry, near where it was last seen in 1985. Neither the species nor the sites have any legal protection, and it could be under significant threat of survival in the long term from inappropriate gardening. Seed has been sent to the Millennium Seed Bank, and plants are being cultivated at National Botanic Garden of Wales. The work has been carried out in collaboration with Cardiff County Council. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/25_4_HutchinsonHieracium.pdf Hieracium pseudoleyi, Purple-flushed HawkweedReviews of historical data were combined with field surveys to assess the status of H. pseudoleyi, a rare endemic of North Wales. It has been recorded historically in three sites, and there are doubtful or erroneous records from four sites. In 2006, 798 plants were found on the Great Orme and 53 plants on the Little Orme. It was not refound at another site. It occurs on limestone rocks and in crevices in open vegetation. Under the IUCN (2001) threat criteria it is probably best regarded as 'Vulnerable'. Hieracium neocoracinum, Craig Cerrig-glaisiad HawkweedThis is a very rare, endemic plant, confined to Craig Cerrig-gleisiad National Nature Reserve in the Brecon Beacons (V.c. 42), Wales. It was first found in 1895 and has occurred in at least two places within Craig Cerrig-gleisiad. In 1975, its population was estimated to be 60 plants in one population. Field surveys in 2003 revealed 147 plants at the same place, and it was not refound in the second site but one plants was refound there in 2007. The population increase is probably due to colonisation of bare ground created by a landslip, and relaxation of grazing. Seed was collected for the Millennium Seedbank, and it is being cultivated at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/25_3_RichHieracium.pdf Hieracium holosericeum, Beautiful HawkweedHieracium holosericeum, Beautiful Hawkweed, is a British endemic alpine plant which is widespread and locally frequent in the Scottish Highlands but occurs more rarely in southern Scotland, the Lake District and Snowdonia. Historical records indicated between five and seven sites in Snowdonia, and it was locally abundant in at least some of those. Field surveys in 2000 and 2002 revealed only three remaining sites, but several more sites have come to light since. The most likely cause of the decline is over-grazing. The shyness of flowering in the wild may be a consequence of sub-optimal climatic conditions, and longer-term there may be significant implications for its survival from global warming. It does not grow well in cultivation. Hieracium asteridiophyllum, Llangattock Hawkweed Llangattock Hawkweed is a rare endemic species confined to cliffs around Craig y Cilau National Nature Reserve, Brecon in South Wales. In June 2000 surveys were carried out of the entire populations to assess its requirements for conservation. 512 plants of were found. Compared with population sizes in the National Nature Reserve in 1975, fewer of H. asteridiophyllum were found but the differences are probably due to the problems of recording. It is 'Critically Endangered' under the I.U.C.N. criteria, but is probably not at significant risk. Seeds have been sent to the Millennium Seed Bank, and plants are being cultivated at National Botanic Garden of Wales. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/2409Rich.pdf Sorbus minima, Least WhitebeamSorbus minima is a very rare Welsh tree, endemic to the Llangattock escarpment in the Brecon Beacons. It was first found by Augustin Ley in 1893 'in great abundance' at Craig y Cilau, where 744 trees were counted in 2002, and also at Blaen Onneu where it appears to have been destroyed by quarrying. One tree is also known at Craig y Castell and 27 at Cwm Claisfer. Quarrying of the Llangattock Quarries has probably also reduced the Craig y Cilau population markedly; populations on the quarried areas are c. 40% of those on intact cliffs. None-the-less it is regenerating and spreading back, and with time may recover its former population size. It is believed to have arisen as a cross between Mountain Ash (S. aucuparia) and possibly the Rock Whitebeam (S. rupicola). It is poorly fertile. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/25_4_WelshSorbus.pdf Sorbus leyana, Ley's WhitebeamThis species is only found in the wild in South Wales, on two steep limestone cliffs in the Brecon Beacons where it was first discovered in 1896. The total known population in the wild is probably no more than 16 adult trees. In August 1998 it was described as "Britain's rarest tree" and placed it in the highest category of threat: a "Critically Endangered" species. National Botanic Garden of Wales has collections in cultivation from a number of wild trees in the Brecon Beacons either as seedlings or grafted collections. Further research is being carried out into its genetic variation in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/25_4_WelshSorbus.pdf Sorbus leptophylla, Thin-leaved Whitebeam Thin-leaved Whitebeam was first described by E. F. Warburg in 1952, and is known from only two in the Brecon Beacons, Craig Rhiwarth (29 trees) and Craig y Cilau (45 trees). It is thus a very rare Welsh endemic. It occurs on Carboniferous Limestone and volcanic rocks, usually rooted directly into crevices, or occasionally on small ledges. Like other whitebeams it varies in fruit production, 1999 being a poor year and 2000 and 2002 being good years. Most fruits contain 2 or 3 large seeds which are highly fertile. Trees previously referred to this species from Craig Breiddan in Montgomeryshire are to be described as a new species. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/25_4_WelshSorbus.pdf Hieracium tavense, Black Mountain HawkweedBlack Mountain Hawkweed, is a very rare species endemic to Wales. It is restricted to one site in the Upper Tawe Valley, Brecon. It grows on base-rich ledges of a where thirteen plants were counted by climbing in 1998. The only real threat to its survival is a rock fall. Seed has been deposited in the Millennium Seed Bank, and it is being grown in cultivation at National Botanic Garden of Wales. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/Wats23p311.pdf Hieracium snowdoniense, Snowdonia HawkweedSnowdonia Hawkweed is a rare Welsh endemic restricted to Snowdonia. It was known historically from seven sites in Snowdonia, but it was last seen in 1967. After a number of unsuccessful searches it was feared extinct, but finally in July 2002 one plant was refound on a steep, north-facing, rocky cliff. Seeds were collected and 26 seedlings are now being cultivated at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/2438Rich.pdf Hieracium riddelsdellii, Riddelsdell's HawkweedRiddelsdell's Hawkweed is a very rare, Welsh endemic plant, confined to the western Brecon Beacons. It was first found in 1899. Field work in 2003-4 revealed about 870 plants in three localities, and it has either been lost naturally or destroyed in another three sites. Seed has been deposited in the Millennium Seed Bank and it is being cultivated at the National Botanic Garden for Wales.Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/Wats26p139.pdf Hieracium pachyphylloides, Carboniferous HawkweedA review of historical data combined with field surveys were out to assess the status of H. pachyphylloides, which is endemic to the Wye Valley. It has declined from six sites to one site, and is 'Critically Endangered' under the IUCN threat criteria. The main threats are rock climbing, closure of woodland canopies and spread of alien plants. Hieracium linguans, Tongue HawkweedHieracium linguans, Tongue Hawkweed, is a very rare endemic Welsh species. It was first found in 1898 by A. Ley in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. The historical herbarium and literature records were somewhat confusing, but indicate three localities in the Tawe Valley. In 1999 and 2000, only one population of 80 plants was found, and it was not refound in the other two localities. It is a perennial which flowers in July-August, and regenerates readily from wind-dispersed seeds. Seed has been deposited in the Millennium Seed Bank and it is being cultivated at the National Botanic Garden for Wales. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/Wats23p517.pdf Hieracium cyathis, Chalice HawkweedHieracium cyathis, Chalice Hawkweed, is a rare British endemic recorded from eight sites in Somerset and Brecon. Between 2000 and 2002 its sites were surveyed to establish its current status and determine its need for conservation. A total of 1304 plants were found in 8 sites. It is probably extinct in Carmarthenshire, has declined markedly at Cheddar Gorge, and may have declined at Craig y Cilau. Field, cultivation and genetic investigations of its variation give little support for the suggestions that plants from the Mendips differ from those in Brecon.Download publication: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119394264/abstract Hieracium cillense, Craig y Cilau Hawkweed Craig y Cilau Hawkweed, is a rare endemic species confined to cliffs around Craig y Cilau National Nature Reserve, Brecon in South Wales. It was first found in the 1890s and named as a variety, and was later raised to species status. In 1975, 253 plants were reported from the NNR. In June 2000, 204 plants were found. The decline might be due to differences in recording, or may be real and attributable to sheep grazing. However, another 263 plants were found in an extension of the population to the east outside the NNR. Seeds have been sent to the Millennium Seed Bank, and plants are being cultivated at National Botanic Garden of Wales. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/2409Rich.pdf Hieracium cambricogothicum, Llanfairfechan HawkweedHieracium cambricogothicum has been recorded from four, disjunct localities in England, Scotland and Wales but a review of its status by Sawtschuk & Rich (2006) indicated that it was only known with certainty from its type locality in Llanfairfechan (V.c. 49), and doubt exists about the identification of material from Kent (and possibly Forres in the absence of a specimen). No plants were refound in 2004 or 2006 and, sadly, it is currently regarded as extinct in the wild. Hieracium cacuminum, Summit HawkweedThis is a rare endemic Welsh hawkweed which has been confused with H. siluriense. A review of the records and fresh field work showed that 240 plants are known in three sites; it was not refound in three other sites. It occurs on Old Red Sandstone cliffs and rocks in the Brecon Beacons. It is 'Endangered' under the IUCN Threat Criteria. Hieracium cambricum, Welsh HawkweedHieracium cambricum, Welsh Hawkweed, is a rare species endemic to Wales. Its three known sites were surveyed in 1998. It is probably extinct at Treorchy due to a rock fall. 38 plants were refound at Llangollen (the first time it has been recorded since 1907) and on the Great Orme, the population is estimated to be c. 300 plants. Seed has been deposited in the Millennium Seed Bank, and it is being grown in cultivation at National Botanic Garden of Wales. Download publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/Wats23p305.pdf Centaurium scilloides - Perennial CentuaryCentaurium scilloides, Perennial Centaury, is a western European endemic with a very restricted distribution in the Azores, Portugal, Spain, France, England and Wales. To date, data have been compiled to provide the first distribution map of this species, field studies have been carried out on its ecology and its genetic variation is being investigated.Download publications: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/25_4_RichCentaurium.pdf http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/Wats25p275.pdf Asparagus prostratus, Wild AsparagusAsparagus prostratus is a Red Data Book species and is listed as a Priority Species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Historical records have been researched and collated with recent field surveys for Britain. It has been recorded from at least 34 sites but has not been recorded recently in six sites (18% decline). It is extinct in West Sussex and Anglesey and is on the verge of extinction in Dorset. Of the 28 extant populations, nine have fewer than ten plants and only three sites have more than 100 plants. Download PDF Publication: http://archive.bsbi.org.uk/2414Rich.pdf Request Publication
St Teilo's 12 March 2008 A selection of images from St Teilo's Church Decoration The screen from the west door. The carpenter’s signature, and the date the church was opened. It reads ‘XIIII Oct A.D. MMVII RJS fecit’. Translated from Latin, this means ‘14 October 2007 A.D. RJS (Ray J. Smith) made this’. This is a collection of all the so-called 'Passion', or Easter symbols. They tell the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, showing only the tools used. Aspects of daily life were reflected everywhere in this building in Tudor times. In our interpretation, we have added some local characters of our own. Here's Ray, the carpenter, again, surrounded by his tools! This is also a corrupted Pagan symbol. The hare, as symbol of fertility, is turned into a Trinity symbol. Their ears are all joined and the simple hare becomes a symbol of resurrection. Worshipper's lives in Tudor times were strongly linked to the natural world. As a consequence, symbols like the green man — the Pagan spirit of the forest — were acceptable in church. In the same way medieval church had many different functions, it also had many different messages and symbols conveyed through the building. This is a royal symbol, the Tudor Rose, bringing together the York and Lancaster roses. The apostles were painted by an artist called Fleur Kelly. She worked with our own historic painters to decorate the rest of the screen. The three saints hold an object in their hands, so that we can tell who they are. Philip was crucified for his beliefs, so he holds a cross. John was made to drink poisoned wine — and lived — so he holds a cup with a snake in it. Peter holds the keys to the gates of heaven, so he holds a key. Teilo's life is depicted in great detail on the loft. You can view it in full by clicking here . This panel shows the story of Teilo escaping from hounds, after trying to establish a community on the Count's land in Dol, Brittany. A closer view shows us how much is displayed on the Loft, too. Here are four of the twelve Apostles — Saints held in special view by Christians for their work spreading Jesus' message. Underneath is Teilo's life story, carved into oak. A closer look at the screen and loft. These fixtures would have been common all over Wales and England until the mid 16th century. The screen was built to separate the ordinary people from the priests who held the service. The loft on top was used for display, rather than as a minstrel's gallery or choir loft. Here's Ray Smith, Head Carpenter at our Historic Buildings unit, standing in front of the screen he made. The tools in his hand are what were used to make it — a hammer and chisels.
Wooden crucifix originally sparkled with gold 4 September 2007 The crucifix figure from Kenys Inferiour, Monmouthshire Detail of the head of the crucifix figure. Detail of the torso and loin-cloth in UV light. Detail of the torso and loin-cloth in reflected light. Scientific examination of a crucifix of the Middle Ages from Kemeys Inferior, south Wales reveals that the wooden object seen today was once richly decorated in vibrant colours and magnificent gold leaf. In 1850, the remains of a carved wooden figure of Christ were discovered in the church of Kemeys Inferior, a few kilometres east of Caerleon, south Wales. An object of exceptional importance Before the Reformation of the 16th century (when England and Wales officially turned from being a Catholic nation to a Protestant one), such figures of Christ were common throughout England and Wales and the Kemeys Christ is the most complete example of only a handful of medieval fragments to survive in Britain, and so is of exceptional importance. Fragments of the Kemeys Inferior figure were found, 'together with skulls and bones', in 'the blocked up rood-staircase' during repairs and alterations to the church in about 1886. It was transferred in 1930 to Amgueddfa Cymru. Although the figure was thought to be from the 14th century, arguments supporting this have never been set out in detail. Dating the figure relies on comparing other sculptures, and it is now thought to be from the late 13th century. Made in Wales Owing to the rarity of surviving figures in Britain from this period it is necessary to study objects from the continent for further clues. For example, late 13th-century crucifix figures from Sweden share several similar characteristics, whereas the 14th-century Christ from Mochdre, Denbighshire, the only comparable wooden figure from Wales, is quite different. The Kemeys Christ was more than likely to have been made in England or Wales. Investigation and analysis of the crucifix Very little of the colour that once covered the wooden figure can be seen today, but routine work done by Amgueddfa Cymru in 1999 led to in-depth investigation of the surface of the object. The figure was X-rayed and viewed under ultra violet (UV) and infra-red (IR) light before being examined under the microscope. This revealed the original colour scheme, with differences between the torso and the arms, previously considered to have been later additions. Vivid and rich colours In contrast to its present condition, the Kemeys Christ originally boasted a vivid and richly coloured appearance as was popular throughout the Middle Ages. Great care was taken in decorating the figure. When new, it would have shone with gold leaf. Examination of the figure has revealed considerable evidence of polychromy (use of many colours), and, like other examples of medieval sculpture, over-painting. Although little colour survives on the arms, the right arm does have two layers, which may suggest replacement of the left arm either during the first half of the 16th century or even earlier. At least three layers of painting have been detected, though the dating of each is problematic. The secondary colour scheme appears to have included gilding on the hair; gold, red and blue on the inside of the loin-cloth; dark brown and black details on the face; a green crown of thorns; and flesh tones in pale pink, with red emphasising the wounds. Stunning polychrome work like this would have been standard on such an important sculpture. The Kemeys figure clearly represents Christ on the cross, who is portrayed alive, with his eyes still open. The Kemeys Christ is a rare survival of pre-Reformation devotional figures once common in the British Isles. With the original height of about 94 cm, this powerful image of Christ's suffering would have been widely seen and prayed to, and formed a purposeful part of everyday life.
The largest turtle in the world 15 August 2007 The leatherback turtle on display at National Museum Cardiff was washed ashore on Harlech beach, Gwynedd in September 1988. Sadly, the turtle had drowned after being trapped by fishing lines. It was approximately 100 years old when it died. The turtle attracted worldwide attention as it was the largest and heaviest turtle ever recorded, measuring almost 3m (9ft) in length and weighing 914 kilos (2,016 pounds).The turtle's arrival on the beach saw a flurry of activity by Museum staff who were keen to exhibit the turtle. However, preparing such a specimen for display was not straightforward. The turtle had to be flipped upside down before repairing cracks on the underside. Displaying the world's largest turtleAfter undergoing an autopsy for scientific information, the skin was removed and preserved and a mould of the body shape was made. The preserved skin was stretched over the mould to produce a lifelike pose.The skeleton was also removed and prepared for display alongside the body. The taxidermy mount and associated skeleton were then put on display in their own gallery, with linking displays on the leatherback's history, threats, ecology and conservation. The Leatherback being cleaned and repaired Sixteen years onAfter 16 years on display, significant cracks had started to appear on the specimen. There had long been problems with cracking, and it had been patched up over the years. Low humidity was identified as a cause, so there was no choice but to close the gallery and conserve this popular specimen properly.The first stage was to clean the turtle of its layer of dust and oily grime. A non-ionic detergent removed the worst of the dirt.Once reasonably clean the next stage was to return the distorted parts of the specimen back to the correct shape. This involved soaking the exterior with a solution of deionised water, salt and detergent, enabling it to be moved back into position.Removing old repairsOnce the specimen was dry, the old repairs were removed. This was a long and slow process requiring care so as not to damage the turtle's skin any further. A large amount of the skin had been painted black some years before, so this also had to be removed. This was achieved with acetone and a mobile fume extraction system.Once the previous repairs and paint were removed, the turtle's original patterns and skin texture could be seen once more. Gaps and splits in the specimen were then filled in and painted over to blend with the turtle's original skin colour and texture. The Turtle after conservation The leatherback turtle in its new display at the National Museum, Cardiff RedisplayingThe skeleton was also carefully cleaned before the finished turtle was re-hung as before. After 4 months of work, the turtle gallery could finally be re-opened to the public.Another journey for the turtleConditions in the turtle gallery were continuing to cause conservation problems. As a result, during 2006 the turtle was moved to a new location in the adjoining 'Man and the Environment' gallery, next to the humpbacked whale. The new space has better environmental conditions, allowing the turtle to remain on open display. In addition, the information panels have been renewed with up-to-date information. The turtle now sits as a fine addition to this gallery space.
