No Ant or Dec?

The team go into the forest, Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend, originally uploaded by Tourism Bridgend.

Well, here they are, the 8 from Bridgend County Borough Council who were selected to spend the night under the stars with Bushcraft expert Richard Rees form Wildspirit Bushcraft. Part of the lead up to Wales Biodiversity Week, ‘I’m a councillor get me out of here” involved a fire lighting course, foraging, shelter building and then spending the night in the wilds of Merthyr Mawr near Bridgend. Thankfully, the weather was lovely and everyone came through it OK. May be something we do annually possibly? More pictures, see our flickr page.

I’m a Councillor…..get me out of here!

Woodland bokeh, originally uploaded by ….Tim.

You may have seen the TV programme based on celebrities in the Australian tropical rainforest, the truth is, you dont have to go half way around the world to appreciate biodiversity, edible plants and overnight survival! In fact, tonight, to launch Wales Biodiversity Week and to demonstrate how diverse our own countryside is in Wales, 4 local authority councilors and 4 members of staff from Bridgend County Borough Council will spend the night with bushcraft expert Richard Rees from Wild Spirit Bushcraft in Merthyr Mawr. All in the name of charity and biodiversity, ‘contestants’ will have to build a shelter to sleep in, learn what to eat in the British woodland (and what not to eat) and learn some survival techniques such as fire lighting etc. This isn’t something that people can just do independently, anyone interested should seek qualified companies or experts to accompany you. Locally in Bridgend, we’re fortunate to have one on our doorstep!

For more information visit www.bridgend.gov.uk

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

‘Alien Gazing’ – Invasive Species in the Garw Valley

Alien Landscape, originally uploaded by ecstaticist.

Friday 11th June 2010 10:00 am (2-3hr walk)

Starting at Parc Calon Lân car park in Blaengarw take a guided walk through the Garw valley. The walk will provide spectacular views of the valley and beyond and will be a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife focusing on invasive species in the valley, their distribution and the problems they cause. This event is part of Wales Biodiversity Week, meet at Parc Calon Lân, Blaengarw

This is an outdoor event, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Booking is not essential but is advisable

Contact: Creation at creationdev@hotmail.com or (01656) 871911 / 871142 for further information

Improve the world (from the eye of a fish!)

Coro Pescado / Fish Chorus, originally uploaded by anikaviro.

In other words, Fishing Lake Habitat Improvement. Join wildlife specialists in this relaxed outdoor discussion at wilderness lake Porthcawl on how habitat improvement can benefit wildlife, anglers and the local community. Thursday 10th June 2010, 12 -1:00 pm at wilderness lake, Porthcawl.

This event is FREE and part of Wales Biodiversity Week. As it’s an outdoor event, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Contact Biodiversity@bridgend.gov.uk or 01656 643196 for more information. This event is weather dependent.

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

Bat night barbecue

7 Tuesday 8th June 2010 8:00 pm
Bat Walk and BBQ
A unique opportunity to discover the fascinating world of bats during an evening guided walk at Bryngarw Country Park just off the M4 Junction 36 near Bridgend in South Wales on Tuesday 8th June 2010 at 8pm. Stay after the walk and enjoy a burger or two and discuss the night’s activities with fellow participants and wildlife specialists.

Booking is essential for this event, which is another event to celebrate Wales Biodiversity Week. There is a cost of £2 per person (for basic “bangers & burgers”, charcoal etc). This is an outdoor event, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. This event is weather dependent. Contact: 01656 725155 for details

“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

Mammal Tracking in South Wales?

Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they are not there! Join experienced mammal trackers on a guided walk and identify the wealth of wildlife on our doorstep just by the clues they leave behind. Meet at Bedford Park Iron Works car park, Cefn Cribwr near Bridgend.

This event is another Wales Biodiversity Event and is FREE. However, places are limited and booking is advisable. As it’s an outdoor event, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. 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.