April 15th at 10.30 - 12.30 h.
The Soundscape of the Wenallt.
This is an chance to wander through the mixed deciduous woodland of the Wenallt listening to and seeking to identify the birds of the Wenallt. This is an opportunity to improve or try out for the first time your knowledge of birdsong or just to immerse yourself in the sound. There will some amongst us who will have experince that they will happily share. Whilst the woods have clear paths they are uneven and after rain can be muddy. Stout footwear is advised. We will be walking down and and back up a noticeable slope.
We will meet in the car park at the summit of Wenallt Rd at 10.30. It is the first car park you come to on the right if you approach by turning left opposite Travellers Rest restaurant on the A469. There is another car park further on also on the right by a large field. The lane to the car park is narrow, and space in the car park is limited. You are therefore encouraged to car share to join this event.
Although we will not be put off by weather that is less than kind, if the weather is particularly inclement will post any cancellation by lunchtime the day before.
April 30th at 10.30 -1230 h. (Meet on the Wild Gardens Rd. Bridge).
Birds and a bit of a tidy up at the Wild Gardens, Roath Park.
Having made significant inroads into the Cherry Laurel and having planted several hundred whips of native deciduous trees over the winter we are now moving on to the next phase of improving the biodiversity of the Wild Gardens. We will focus this event on identifying the birds in this wood but will also take the opportunity as we wander through the woods to clear up the litter that has accumulated over the winter. This event is open both to those with experience of bird identification and to those who have no little experience. We will be led by Gareth Stamp the Park Ranger and others who will be pleased to share their knowledge. Equipment to safely pick up litter will be provided. We advise the sort of clothing and footwear that would be appropriate for gardening. Three further events at the Wild Gardens are listed below.
May 22nd at 10.30 - 12.30 h. (Meet at the Fairoak Road Entrance).
Birds of Cathays Cemetery.
This event is open to those who have the expertise to identify a full range of birds, to those who would like to brush up their skills and to those who just want to come along to enjoy the experience. We will check out the bird boxes that we put up in previous years. to see if they have generated any interest. We will also have an opportunity to make and record a list of the birds that we see as we walk around. The morning is held jointly with Friends of Cathays Cemetery.
June 10th, 17th and July 1st 10.30 -1230 h. (Meet on the Wild Gardens Rd. Bridge).
Bashing Himalayan Balsam at the Wild Gardens, Roath Park.
This is the next phase of the programme of activity to tackle 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