Volunteers Get the Support They Need
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) has had a big boost to its volunteer scheme in the shape of a grant from the Millennium Volunteers programme.
The money means that young volunteers can be given help to meet the costs they incur when they volunteer at the centre, including travel expenses, meals and childcare.
CBMWC’s project manager Laura Mears commented: “It’s a terrific opportunity for local volunteers and for the Centre as it recognises the work we’ve been doing. It’s also good that our volunteers will receive more recognition for their volunteering efforts. The grant means that we’ll now be able to reimburse anyone who signs up to the Millennium Volunteer scheme who may have been put off volunteering in the past by the cost of travelling here or of having to buy lunch every day. I hope we’ll now be able to attract more young, local people and help them engage with the environment.”
CBMWC already attracts volunteers from all over the UK, Europe and even further afield who find that volunteering at the centre, which also does research into the marine mammal population of Cardigan Bay, impresses future employers.
Last year more than 50 people volunteered with CBMWC and this year a publicity drive for local volunteers has yielded impressive results.
Experience the wonders of nature during “Wildlife Week”
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales are challenging everyone to get outdoors and experience the wonders of wildlife during Wildlife Week (triple bill!) 2009.
Wildlife Week, which is a national, annual celebration of wildlife run by the Wildlife Trusts, runs from Saturday 30 May to Saturday 20 June 2009.
During the three weeks, many different events will be held across south and west Wales to celebrate the area’s brilliant local wildlife and special places. Prepare to be amazed by fantastic frogs, brilliant birds, dazzling ducks and more! (See upcoming events for more information).
Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Here in the UK we are lucky enough to live alongside a stunning array of wildlife, and Wildlife Week (triple bill) provides the chance for everyone inspired by nature to get outside and make the most of it. With so many activities on offer there is something for everyone.
“You can explore some of the UK’s most beautiful nature reserves to see butterflies, moths and mammals, and learn more about species at talks given by our wildlife experts.”
Lizzie Wilberforce , at the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, said: “the Wildlife of south Wales is really special, and this is a great opportunity for everyone to get out an experience it first hand. There’s something for everyone- whether you want to test your skills at identifying minibeasts, learn something about bats or ducks, or just enjoy the great outdoors in some stunning locations- there’s an event for you. We guarantee the children will love pond-dipping and treasure hunting- and so will the adults”
Carmarthenshire
Castle Woods, Llandeilo: Saturday 13 June. Wildlife Treasure Hunt in the Woods- fun for all the family. 10am-4pm. Entrance: £7 per group entering with prize for completion! Start from the Castle. Recommend parking in Llandeilo: if parking in the Dinefwr Estate a National Trust fee may be payable. For more information contact Lizzie Wilberforce on l.wilberforce@welshwildlife.org
Butterfly Orchids of Waunforfydd: Saturday 20 June. Visit by kind invitation of Mr & Mrs Lovatt. Leader Denys Smith. Meet Cwmdu (SN635302) at 2.00 p.m. For more information contact Denys Smith on 01558 822152.
Bat survey, Llandyfeisant Church, Castle Woods Llandeilo: Wednesday 1 July. Meeting with Carmarthenshire Bat Group to survey the churchyard for bat activity. For more information contact Lizzie Wilberforce on l.wilberforce@welshwildlife.org
Glamorgan
Duck Day! Saturday 13 June. Family event. Visit Parc Slip Nature Reserve in Tondu near Bridgend and discover all you need to know about Ducks!! Various themed events from 11am until 2pm, cost £1.50 per child. For further information please contact 01656 724100.
Trip to Bosherston Lakes: Saturday 20 June. Coach outing from Bridgend to Bosherston Lakes, Pembrokeshire- led by Nikki Anderson. Booking essential. Contact Peter Hatherley on 01656 662196 for more details
Pembrokeshire
Saturday 13 June: Launch of Wildlife Watch! We are launching the Wildlife Watch Group at Cilgerran Wildlife Centre between 11am -1pm. Children aged 8-13 years are welcome to come along and taste a session. We are also looking for adults, especially Welsh speakers, to join our team of Watch Leaders. For further information please contact 01239 621600.
Sunday 14 June: Visit to Penally Dunes and Giltar Point, south Pembrokeshire, to find the more unusual plants and insects of the area. Meet at 10.30 am at the railway car park (SS119990), and bring packed lunch. Leader: Robin Taylor. Contact Robin on 01348 840617 for more details.
Tuesday 16 June: Picnic at West Williamston Nature Reserve, south Pembrokeshire. Meet on reserve (SN030060) from 18.00 onwards (with picnic!) Contact Maddy Berridge on 01646 651218 for further information.
Sunday 21 June: Walk at Carnmenyn, near Crymych- with geologist Chris Evans. Walking boots and packed lunch essential. Meet 11am at GR SN165332. Book with Sally Sparkes on 01239 682931. Car share in operation- call Sally for details.
Thursday 25 June: Walk at Manorbier. An evening coastal, farmland and woodland walk at Manorbier, meeting at the car park below the Castle at 18.30, GR SS063976. Contact Maddy Berridge on 01646 651218 for further information.
28th June 10 – 4pm: Family Fun at the Welsh Wildlife Centre
Wildlife Treasure Hunt starting at the Visitor Centre
£7 per group admission
Free parking for participants
Scouts lend a helping hand in Poor Mans Wood
The birds of Poor Mans Wood, near Llandovery, have been given a helping hand by 1st Llandovery Scouts.
The steep oak woodland reserve, which runs up the valley side to the north east of Llandovery, is home to a wide range of woodland bird species such as redstart and pied flycatcher. The pied flycatchers on the reserve make extensive use of the bird boxes on the site, some of which have been reaching retirement age (a few even having been destroyed by grey squirrels!)
The Llandovery Scouts made and installed both bat and bird boxes for the reserve in spring 2009, and the new boxes have already attracted pied flycatchers to make their homes.
The reserve is currently in the process of being entered into the Better Woodlands for Wales grant scheme, which will pay for further new bird boxes and woodland management. The reserve ground flora is dominated by heather and bilberry in some areas, and in the lower stretches by bluebells and wood anemones- well worth a visit in the spring as the bluebells reach their peak.