Interview with Dr Neil Price of Cardiff University

Interview with Dr Neil Price, ecologist at Cardiff University regarding the various issues concerning Gower:

As one of the leading academic ecologists situated in Cardiff University (and previously of Swansea University) Dr Neil Price has conducted various research throughout Gower over the last five years. He has undertaken numerous surveys on butterfly populations, has been involved in various marine biology field work, and has excellent knowledge of the peninsula. I decided to contact him via e-mail to see what he feels are the most important ecological issues concerning Gower and likewise what he thinks should be done in order to tackle the situation. What follows is the interview conducted with Dr Price regarding his opinion about various issues.

What do you feel are the most important issues concerning Gower at the moment?

There are many major worries for Gower flora and fauna, which is of my principal concern. I guess the major one is the problem of sand dredging. I'm sure you're aware of the problems this causes, such as in Port Eynon.

What are the implications of sand dredging?

This has major implications on the sand dunes in particular, which are an important habitat for all kinds of wildlife (particularly the Fen Orchid in Whitford, and also many invertebrates such as the strand line beetles.) Essentially it is just a gross act of environmental vandalism. Habitats are being destroyed that can never be replaced.

What other issues do you feel are being overlooked?

Another issue, which is a problem all over the UK and not just in Gower, is agriculture. The use of chemical pesticides in the 1960s and 70s has devastated the insect population. Butterfly Conservation estimate that the butterfly population has gone down by 50% in the last fifty years. That's an incredible amount. The growth of monocultures is also a major problem; a low diversity of plants = a low diversity of animals. Japanese Knotweed - an evil invader plant - is causing major problems to native plant species in Swansea. I think (but am not 100% sure) its roots out-compete those of other plants. There is a campaign to stop this plant reaching Gower because if it does, it could devastate much of the local flora.

Indeed Dr Price addresses factors that are often overlooked in the debates surrounding sand dredging and other ecological issues. While it is commonly agreed that sand dredging affects the aesthetic appeal of the coastline, the implications on wildlife and local flora is not as widely covered. It is therefore relevant to consider such issues as they are undoubtedly integral to Gower's environment.

Contact: PriceDN@Cardiff.ac.uk