Tuesday July 15th 10.30 -12.30 h. (Meet on the Wild Gardens Rd. Bridge).
Bashing Himalayan Balsam at the Wild Gardens, Roath Park.
This is the last session of 2025 for tackling the Himalayan balsam at the Wild Gardens. Working with Roath Park’s Ranger and other volunteer groups we have already made a substantial impact to reduce the encroachment of the balsam. Beating back the balsam however requires sustained work over a couple of years, but it is a method that works. Thank you to those of you that joined these sessions previously. Our aim this summer is to build on the success to date, in order to improve the biodiversity of these woods. It is easy to do and has an immediate and visible impact. Volunteering at these events, even if it is not for the two hours that we have set aside, will made a major difference to the Wild Gardens. Clothes and footwear suitable for gardening are advised.
Saturday 30th August 2025, 7pm -10pm.
Greater Horseshoes at Ruperra
The greater horseshoe bat is one of the UK’s largest bat species and also one of its rarest. In Wales there are five major maternity roosts. Four of them are in west Wales, but the fifth is located at Ruperra Castle, north west of Newport. We are planning to visit the roost on Saturday August 30th, in conjunction with the Ruperra Conservation Trust and we will have ultrasound detectors so that we can listen to the bat echolocation calls as the bats leave at dusk. We will meet in the Ruperra car park just outside Draethen (ST 22838 87034) at 7.15 pm. We will then walk to the roost which is about one mile away, and this involves walking up a moderately steep track through the woodland. Please wear stout shoes/boots and bring warm clothing, a torch and insect repellant.
On the way back we will listen out for other bat species as we walk back through the woods.
Please note that in the event of rain, this event will be cancelled. Information will be posted on this website earlier in the day if this happens, so, if in doubt, please check here before leaving home.
Click on this link for a location map: Ruperra car park
For further information email: wtswwcardiff@gmail.com