Re/Wilding and Sustaining the Countryside - Powys and Herefordshire

There's a new environmental group in Hay - with a new Facebook page that is already up to 129 members since it started on 2nd June.
They're discussing how to improve biodiversity locally, with specific examples like what to do with the new pond at Birch Close (presently still owned and managed by Persimmon). There's also a long discussion about apex predators, including the feasibility of re-introducing wolves to the UK, and the nasty things ravens do to sheep. There's concern about the numbers of people visiting the Begwns, and the consequences for the ponds there, and other wildlife - the lack of curlews on the Begwns in recent years has been noted.
They're also talking about whether it's a good idea to feed birds in gardens at this time of year, and what will happen when farming subsidies are changed in the next few years. Another topic they're interested in is the cutting of grass verges to preserve wild flowers that are an important food source for bees and other insects.

On the same general theme, a friend gave me a newspaper clipping this week with an idea to help hedgehogs. It's not Hay-related, but could be of interest to anyone who wants a good home for their mascara wands when they've finished with them. (I have never owned a mascara wand in my life!)
The North East Wildlife and Animal Rescue Centre (the New Arc) in Aberdeen is using old mascara wands to groom baby hedgehogs, to replace the grooming they would have received from their parents in the wild. They are asking people to wash the wands with warm, soapy water, and send them to:
The New Arc
Nether Auquhadile
Auchnagati,
Ellon,
Aberdeenshire AB41 8UW