Kenfig Photographic Exhibition 2012

Kenfig exhibition 2012, originally uploaded by BridgendBites.

An exhibition of landscape photographs of South Wales has just opened in Kenfig National Nature Reserve visitor Centre. The exhibition, entitled ‘Here & There’, is the work of Bryn based photographer, Susanne Durie.

Susanne rediscovered her passion for photography when she and her husband moved to South Wales in 2003. She has spent the last 9 years exploring all aspects of the Welsh landscape and has captured some stunning images of our coastline, valleys and industrial heritage.

Susanne uses a variety of photographic techniques to create her images and tries to capture a unique perspective on the subject. These include using long exposures to blur the passage of time and create tranquil seascapes or combining multiple exposures to create extremely detailed architectural images.

The exhibition has a number of themed panels, including studies of flowers and animals, lighthouses and piers and the decline and regeneration of historic and industrial sites. Additionally there is a panel of images showing the transformation of the Prince of Wales dock in Swansea into the contemporary SA1 development. These are a subsection of the panel that was recognized by the Royal Photographic Society when Susanne became an Associate of the Society in 2008.

Kenfig Discovery Day

Kenfig Discovery Day, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

A day of wildlife events for all the family at Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Meet the wardens, take a guided nature ramble and have a go at building a nest box. Sunday 12 June, 12 noon – 4pm  Admission FREE This event is part of Wales Biodiversity Week . For further information
http://bridgendcountrysidevolunteers.wordpress.com/

Kenfig Castle

Kenfig Castle, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

Another jewel of the Bridgend area is the castle of Kenfig with its secret buried town covered by the ever changing and drifting sand dune system. The once important norman castle was established in the first half of the 12th century.

Today is World Tourism Day

Kenfig Pool, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

Today is World Tourism day and the theme this year is Biodiversity. and you don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to experience biodiversity. A great place to walk and get away from it all, Kenfig National Nature Reserve sand dune system and freshwater lake is a favourite for birders and rare sightings of migrant birds, harbour porpoises have also been seen off the golden coast, while spectacular views of the South Wales coastline and the occasional red kite can be found on top if its valleys. Bridgend is criss-crossed with a network of walks and cycle paths and suitable for all abilities, so wherever you go, get off the beaten track and experience nature.

Kenfig Beach

Kenfig nature reserve beach, originally uploaded by Foomandoonian.

Located just off the M4 near Bridgend in between Cardiff and Swansea, Kenfig beach is one of those secrets kept well by the locals and surfers looking for something special.  Accessible via the Kenfig National Nature Reserve where you can park free of charge, there’s a pleasant 20 minute walk through the dunes to the impressive expanse of coastline linking Porthcawl to Port Talbot.  Because of the walk, this is certainly off the beaten track territory and well worth the visit as you are likely to have the whole stretch of sand to yourself. Bliss.

Dune Trekking 4 kids this Summer!

Looking for something different for the children to do this summer, then this is it. Dune Trekking is a short summer holiday environmental play scheme in Kenfig National Nature Reserve for children between 8 and 12 years old. Over the four days they can expect to build a Survival Camp, do some Pond Dipping, Mini Beast Hunts, a Beach Treasure Hunt and of course, participate in our renown Eco-Olympics.

Children arrive at 10.30am and leave at 3.30pm, but as this is very popular you will need to book in advance (you can also book on one or more days if you want a real break!) Cost is £15 per child per day and please remember to bring a packed lunch and a drink or two! See you at the Dunes then.

Kenfig Discovery Day

Cirsium dissectum, originally uploaded by col_ford.

Well, this is off the beaten track for sure, not that far though, a stones-throw from the M4, near Bridgend you’ll find one of the most important ecological sites in Wales at Kenfig National Nature Reserve. As part of Wales Biodiversity Week on Sunday 13th June 2010 (from 12 noon), Kenfig Discovery Day will tell you all about this unique sand dune system. It’s a day of wildlife events, family activities a chance to meet the wardens who will be happy to take you on a guided nature ramble through the reserve. Be nice to them and they may even help you build a nest box!

There is a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Contact Kenfig National Nature Reserve on 01656 743386 for more information

Bird walks on Newton Burrows!

Rainbow Newton December 09, originally uploaded by chudsy.

Birds cant walk off that far of course but if they could, then Newton Burrows near Porthcawl in South Wales is a good a place as ever I would guess. On Wednesday 9th June 2010, as part of Wales Biodiversity Week, discover the fascinating array of bird species present on Newton Dunes with this organised walk and talk (6.30pm – 8.30pm). The perfect excuse to visit this stunning Special Area of Conservation, and finish up with a chat and a nightjar in the nearby Jolly Sailor pub.

Meet at Beach Road car park, Newton, Porthcawl Wednesday 9th June at 6.30pm. Please bring binoculars if you have some, and as this is an outdoor event, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Booking is not essential but is advisable. Contact Kenfig National Nature Reserve on 01656 743386

“Owl Puke and Otter Poo” event in Wales

Now this does sound interesting. How much can you tell about an animal from what it leaves behind?? Join wildlife experts in this fascinating interactive demonstration as they explain how to unlock the secrets of Owl Puke and Otter Poo.

Last year I attended this event myself and this year, will be taking the kids for sure, as I know they’re going to love it. It takes place at Kenfig National nature Reserve near Porthcawl in South Wales on Monday 7th June at 2010 for an hour from 5.30pm. The event is delivered by the charismatic Dr Dan Forman of Swansea University who I remember from last year had a great affinity with the children ensuring they were fully involved in the interactivity of the session. All in all, a very interesting, entertaining and above all informative hour. Also, a chance to explore Kenfig National Nature Reserve and even a walk on the beach through the dunes.

Meet at Kenfig Nature Reserve centre on Monday 7th June 2010 at 5.30pm. This event is another Wales Biodiversity Week event and is FREE, however, places are limited and booking is advisable. Contact Biodiversity@bridgend.gov.uk or 01656 643196

‘Beach Watch… Beach Clean’ at Sker Beach

Become a ‘beach-comber’ for the day on Saturday 5th June 2010 between 10am and 2pm at the picturesque Sker Beach in South Wales. You will join the wardens from Kenfig National Nature Reserve and the Marine Conservation Society to take part in this beachwatch project, as part of Wales Biodiversity Week. As volunteers you will help survey and clean the beach, and provide the Marine Conservation Society with vital information needed to tackle marine pollution at source. If you haven’t done this before, you’ll really enjoy getting away from it all, meeting new like minded people and doing something positive for the environment at the same time!

Meet at Kenfig Nature Reserve near Bridgend on Saturday 5th June at 10am, and as this is an outdoor event, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. For further information, please contact Kenfig National Nature Reserve on 01656 743386.