Unknown Wales 2023

 White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), adult feeding chick at nest

Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

Unknown Wales 2023

The WILDest event in Wales returns for 2023!

In partnership with the Amgueddfa Cymru, we bring you the 13th Unknown Wales event! Join us for a morning about lesser known and hidden Welsh nature!

Speakers for 2023

Restoring White-tailed Eagles to Wales (Sophie-Lee Williams, Eagle Reintroduction Wales

In-person talk; in English

Sophie-Lee is a raptor biologist whose research is informing plans to reintroduce these magnificent birds to wild Wales. She completed a PhD in eagles at Cardiff University and is working with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and Gwent Wildlife Trust.

 

The Story of “Welsh Diamonds” (Tom Cotterell, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales)

In-person talk; in English.

Tom is a Senior Curator and expert on crystals and minerals. You probably haven’t heard of Welsh diamonds, and for good reason – there are no true diamonds in Britain! “Welsh diamonds”, though, are even more interesting and have a fascinating story attached to them going back many centuries. This talk will reveal all. 

 

A Hitchhikers’ Guide with a Difference (Gethin Rhys Thomas, Swansea University)

In-person talk; in Welsh

Gethin is a Senior Lecturer who will delve into the fascinating world of parasites, and their adaptations to get past their hosts’ defences. Parasites are often overlooked when we consider biodiversity, despite playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance – they can even hijack their hosts for their own nefarious ends!

 

Transforming a farm for nature (James Hitchcock, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust)  

Live virtual talk; in English

James, the CEO of RWT, will take us on a tour of Pentwyn Farm in mid-Wales and show how this livestock farm is being transformed into a haven for nature. He will outline the vision for the future and how the local community and stakeholders are being consulted on how the land is managed. From Redstarts to Red Kites, how will this place be transformed, over the next 5, 15, or 30 years? 

 

Plant Atlas 2020: What we've learnt from the largest ever survey of British and Irish plants (James Harding-Morris, Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland)

Pre-recorded talk; in English

James is BSBI’s Countries Support Manager and will reveal the brand-new Plant Atlas 2020, the most in-depth survey of the British and Irish flora ever undertaken. Thousands of botanists spent 20 years recording wild and naturalised plants. They collected more than 30 million records which fed into the Plant Atlas 2020 website, book and summary reports. What do the results of this unparalleled survey tell us?

Note: this talk is pre-recorded so there will not be an opportunity to ask questions. Publications relating to Plant Atlas 2020 will be available in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre.

Tickets

This event is suitable for ages 12+.

There are a limited number of tickets available. Tickets are sold on a 'pay what you can' basis and must be booked in advance.  Tickets are available NOW! Visit this page for more information. 

Our host will be bilingual, and all materials and resources provided for this event will be available in both Welsh and English. The talks will be held in English; however, we are happy to provide simultaneous translation if you would like to listen in Welsh. Please book a simultaneous translation ticket and book your tickets at least one week in advance.

More information

  • Unknown Wales will be held at the National Museum Cardiff, in the Reardon Smith Theatre.
  • Entry is via the North Door which is located on Park Place, not the main museum entrance.
  • Why not make a donation towards the cost of hosting Unknown Wales? Pay what you can - suggested donation £5.
  • Doors open at 09:30 AM, with the talks from 10:00 to 13:00 PM.
  • This is a hybrid event, so you can watch speakers live in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre at National Museum Cardiff or watch virtually.
  • The talks will be in the speakers’ first language. Simultaneous translation will be available.
  • Drinks are not provided but you are welcome to bring your own. Or why not catch up with friends after the conference in the museum coffee shop or restaurant?Or why not catch up with friends after the conference in the museum coffee shop or restaurant?

     

  • Suggested age suitability 12+. 

    Unknown Wales is a collaboration between Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales and the Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales.

 

 White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), adult feeding chick at nest

Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

unknown wales logos

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru are registered charities.