Ynglŷn â'r digwyddiad

Join us for a fascinating evening with entomologist Liam Olds who has been studying the invertebrate life of these sites for over a decade.

His work has helped reveal the extraordinary biodiversity these post-industrial landscapes support, making them of national and international importance for conservation.

Liam is widely recognised as a leading voice on the importance of coal spoil and other brownfield habitats and has appeared on several TV programmes. His work highlighting coal spoil biodiversity was even mentioned in the Senedd.

He recently established Glo i Natur a ‘not for profit’ community interest company, building on his previous work and with new ambitions to develop funded species recovery, habitat restoration, community engagement and education projects around coal spoil sites and other overlooked habitats.

His illustrated talk will explore how coal spoil sites have become refuges for wildlife that's declining elsewhere, providing safe havens for rare and specialised species. These unique habitats support rich communities of invertebrates, including species that were previously unknown to science!

Through stories from the field and insights from over a decade of research, Liam will reveal why these under-valued and often overlooked sites are uniquely important for conservation. He will stress the urgent need to recognise and celebrate them, both as vital reservoirs of biodiversity and as a powerful ecological legacy of South Wales' industrial past. They need protecting for wildlife and for future generations.

As usual, the hall will be open from 7.10pm for free refreshments and the talk will start at 7.30pm. We request a donation of at least £1 per adult to go towards the group's costs. Under 18's should be accompanied by adults and are free of charge.

Please note: as a follow-up to this talk Liam has kindly agreed to lead a wildlife walk on Sunday 31st May at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon. Bookings will open on Eventbrite in May. 

The hall is fully accessible with disabled parking nearby and accessible toilets.

No dogs unless assistance dogs on leads.

Images © Liam Olds

Southern Marsh Orchids at Darren Fawr Tip, Blaengawr

Semi-slug - Semilimax pyrenaicus