Present: Mr. C.F. Street (Chairman), Dr. P.A. Jones (Vice--Chairman), Mrs. D. Hopkins,

(Treasurer), Mrs. M. Williams (Programme Secretary), Mr. R.D. Pryce (Secretary) and fourteen members.

Apologies: for absence were received from Mr. G.D.V. Williams (Hon . Solicitor).

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 11th February 1982 were approved and signed.

There were no Matters Arising.

The outgoing Chairman then called on the secretary to deliver his report.

Secretary’s Report. The Secretary thanked the outgoing Chairman for his contribution to society affairs during his two years of office.    The year's activities were then outlined which included seven outdoor and six indoor meetings. The society had commented on five Town and Country planning applications received by the Borough Council during the year and had registered its strong objection to the proposal to build a road across Pembrey Saltmarsh. Lengthy observations were also made on the Council's Tourism Discussion Paper. A start had been made on the mapping of ''sensitive" areas in the Borough to gather information should any future planning applications pose a threat to the wildlife-interest of a site. It was reported that liaison with the staff of R.A. F. Pembrey Sands continued to be very good and that conservation interests were consulted over future developments at the range. The speaker then thanked Mr. Mike Williams for his wardening of the Upper Lliedi Reservoir on behalf of the society, W.W.A. permits for which are now available from him. After describing the enactment of the new Wildlife and Countryside Bill and what its likely effect will be, the secretary spoke of the future, mentioning that 1983 would mark the tenth anniversary since the formation of the society.    He continued by stating that on more than one occasion criticism had been levelled at the society suggesting it is becoming too botanically biased.

Although the secretary's own botanical interest is obviously reflected in the running of its affairs, he refuted the claim but appealed to the floor for suggestions for future activities to cater for all interests.    Finally the secretary thanked all the officers of the society for their support and especially thanked Mrs. Webb for her unfailing service in typing the Newsletter stencils and much correspondence.

The Chairman echoed the secretary in thanking its officers - typist, tea ladies; and particularly Mrs. Marylin Davies for her service as press officer.

Treasurer's Report. The audited accounts were received and adopted. Cash in hand and at bank is now £688.20.    Membership had increased during the year.

Reserve Reports

Upper Lliedi Reservoir (Mike Williams) Casualties in hard January weather included 6 Chaffinches, 1 Barn Owl and 4 Starlings (one ringed in Stavanger, Norway) , 8 Bewick's Swans (first site record) and many Siskin’s were also seen in January. Another first record was a Ruddy Duck in February; Green Sandpipers, 2 Goldeneye, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were also seen during' the month.    A Grey Heron's nest was robbed, presumably by birds. The Great-crested Grebes did not nest in 1982 due to the fluctuating Water levels but ten pairs of Blue Tits and three of Great Tits nested in the boles provided. Two Spotted Flycatchers and a Peregrine were regularly seen.    Some nest boxes were again vandalised, there were

46 originally, now there are only 20, of which 13 were used. Even a Kestrel-box was demolished.    In 1983 it is hoped to return the conservation area to its original size, and this has been agreed with the W.W.A.'s Amenities Officer and new larger signs are to be erected. The W.U.A. has also s ; vested a hide be constructed, the authority to provide materials, the society, labour. Members were reminded that permits, were now available to visit the reserve.

Lower Lliedi Reservoir (Mary Williams) The 'island' intended for nesting birds has been unsuccessful as children still have access along the causeway, but the W.W.A. have been asked to remove it and also to dredge some of the silt accumulation at the top end. The railway embankment had collapsed during the year and the W.W.A, are currently making this good.

Stradey Reserve (Ian Morgan) Suckers of the Service Tree had been fenced in the

spring and are now growing well, together with oak seedlings. Many bird species seen during the year included a Lesser Whitethroat. Digging-out of Badger Setts is still a problem though the use of the woods by motor bike riders has subsided. Nest boxes have not been vandalized but have decayed through old-age; they have been replaced.

Factory Road Reserve (Frank Webb)    Grazing was stopped in 1982 after sever over¬grazing in previous years with the result that the Bloody Cranesbill is much improved. Re-introduction of grazing will be reviewed in the future.

Ffrwd Fen Reserve (Richard Pryce) In August a ditch was dug out using a contracted digger with the aid of a 50% grant from the Nature Conservancy Council, the aim of which is to create a stretch of open water to encourage the Frog Bit and Floating Club Rush, together with invertebrates and wildfowl. The Marsh Pea appears to continue to increase and cytological research is being carried out on the species by Dr, Jack Ellis of University College, London, who visited the site on two occasions during the year. It was noted that the Marsh Pea has now also been found on the shores of the Eastern Cleddau in Pembrokeshire.

Election of Officers: The number of nominations equalled the number of posts to be filled. Officers appointed were: Chairman: Mr. F.H. Webb, Vice Chairman: Dr. P.A. Jones, Secretary: Mr. R.D. Pryce, Programme Secretary: Mrs. M. Williams, Treasurer: Mrs. D. Hopkins, Newsletter Editor: Mr. I.K. Morgan, Publicity Officer: Mrs. M. Davies, Ordinary Members of Committee: Mr. B. Stringer (also R.S.P.B. representative), Mr. T. Frampton (Pembrey Country Park representative), Mr. Denys Williams, Mr. D.W. Hopkins, Mr. C.F. Street, Nature Conservancy Council Observer: Dr. R. Meade, Hon. Solicitor: Mr. G.D.V. Williams, Hon. Auditor: Mr. R. Oram.

Any Other Business: Suggestions wore sought from the floor for items to be included in the future programme.

After Coffee Mrs. Mary Williams gave an illustrated talk on North American Alpine plants.