My Willowy Ramblings

A quick & easy survey to help student Sam!

I have a huge favour to ask please. My son Sam is asking for as many people as possible to complete this very quick and easy survey for his University project. Could you also send it on to anyone you think would complete it.  He needs as many done as possible in the next 2 weeks. I’ve also attached the paper copy in case some people wouldn’t want to fill it out online. Thank you so much for…

On Saturday the RSPB had a stand at Bryngarw Park to encourage visitors to sign up.   Ranger Keith had strategically placed some logs baited with birdie goodies in front of the window which was quickly being devoured piece by piece by a couple of Nuthatches.

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I decided to have a wanderand went to visit the Bryngarw Keepers in turn, and list the birds that I saw.   No sign of the Dippers on the river and a fairly quiet hour, but I managed 11 species. While enjoying a coffee and sandwich outside Cedars tearoom, I spotted my first Treecreeper, but he was too far away to get a decent photograph..

The Keepers were looking wonderful in the Winter sunshine and are always a source of inspiration.

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On Sunday morning, I topped up the feeders in the garden, made a cuppa and got ready with binoculars, the RSPB online form and enjoyed a lazy hour watching the birds.  Some of the regular visitors were missing, but I did see the first Sparrow of 2015 to visit plus a Wren was enjoying flitting around in the leaf litter.  11 species in total, with a bumper number of 12 Goldfinches.

Results are submitted and it’ll be interesting to see what birds are doing well and which ones are declining.  I can’t remember the last time I saw a Starling in the garden, when they were regular visitors just a few years ago.

I had the choice of a few outdoor events today, but as I have a bird watching weekend at Skomer coming up in April, I thought I’d better get some bird watching practise done.

So I headed for Kenfig on a bright and sunny Saturday for a brilliant bird walk with Glamorgan Bird Club, the first of 2015.

Strinda led 14 of us from the visitor centre at Kenfig, over Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club, past Sker House to the point at Sker Beach.

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We were hoping for a sighting of the Little Owl, but it wasn’t to be today. However, we did get 37 species including the highlights for me – an Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Kestrel & Golden Plover. We’re also 80% sure we saw the Glaucous Gull. It was hunkered down by some rocks, so difficult to get the scope on it, but it was large, pale and where it was seen yesterday.

I also had a chat with Sker farmer Tony who was tagging one of his baby organic Pedigree Welsh Black calves, born just 2 days ago. He farms organically, which is probably why it’s such a rich habitat for our feathered friends.

All in all a lovely start to the weekend.  This group of Glamorgan Bird Club  meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month 9am at Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Well worth joining.

Bird List: Woodpigeon Collared dove Starling Blackbird Carrion Crow Heron Long tailed tit Dunnock Blue Tit Great Tit Magpie Song Thrush Robin Stonechat Herring gull Reed bunting Golden plover Mistle thrush Linnet Kestrel Wren Goldfinch Meadow pipit Raven Pied wagtail Oystercatcher Turnstone Great black backed gull Black headed gull Glaucous gull Buzzard Chaffinch House sparrow Sparrow Green finch Cormorant Jay

Sarah had the instructions and Mary had the soaked rush, so we set about making our  little rushy reindeer.  As always,  a peaceful hush descended on Colwinston School Hall and after much head scratching and twists & turns we all made some very lovely reindeer.

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Some even stood up!

We enjoyed some chat, mulled wine and festive nibbles and will now be busy making even more reindeer tree decorations, christmas bunting…

Next meeting will be in January – like the  Facebook page to keep in touch

Welsh Basket Makers of South Wales

My pal Jane led today’s walk from Caswell Bay, Gower, along the beach, up the Coastal Path, past Pwll Du, then inland over field and dale, through a very muddy wooded valley, then back down through Bishopston Wood.

The main walk report will follow from Jane, but my highlights were a helicopter parked in the garden, some impressive fungi, seeing Mark, Sharon and little Molly Molls haring down the beach (too quick for a photo) and revisiting the willow whelk shell that I helped Mel make at the Love your Countryside Festival.

But most of all, seeing everyone again after such a long time – what a great bunch of people.

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I’ve been lucky enough to get my very own piece of kit  - thanks guys!!  So William the Billhook has his first outing.

Hywel went through the normal safety chat, why we lay hedges; shelter for stock,  excellent wildlife habitat, then we split into pairs and the banter began.

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This is one of my favourite traditional woodland skills.  Following Hywel’s instruction, 6 of us managed to lay about 20 metres of hedge in a few hours, which should last for a few good years.

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The next Bridged Countryside event is cutting down the Sea Buckthorn at Newton Beach, Porthcawl – Saturday 22nd November at 10am

Thankfully, my pal Julia was in the same mood, so we met at Bryngarw Park, collected our Keepers Star Talisman from Cedars Tearoom and started out on our Bryngarw Keeper’s Quest.

The Keepers are a unique interactive trail around Bryngarw Park that connects the visitor to their natural environment.  Leaving the Circle of the Flame in the car park, we made our way down to the river. There was no sign of the Dippers today and the river was running high and fast.  We stopped at the Keeper of the River and listened to her story.

From there we wandered through the Oriental Garden and discovered the Keeper of the Garden.  He has recently suffered a little at the hands of a failed attempt at vandalism.  The Keepers have been carved from ancient oak that has fallen at the park.  It’s an incredibly hard wood and with the determination of the Park Rangers & the generosity of Black Box AV, the old keeper of the Garden is still standing tall.

As well as the Keepers, there is plenty of wildlife in the park.  We were followed around by a few Robins, a couple of Buzzards overhead and some fabulous fungi.

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My favourite Keeper,  Keeper of the Woodland was looking and sounding as impressive as ever in the Winter sun and listening to his story was a highlight of the morning.

Finishing off our quest with the beautiful Keeper of the Meadow we were ready for some refreshment at Cedars Tearoom.  The pumpkin soup was definitely a winner!

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However, this island has such a magical quality it was wonderful to wander around the island, stopping every now and then to gaze wistfully out to sea.

There were quite a few outstanding moments, holding a Manx Shearwater chick, seeing Harbour Porpoises, Seals & Gannets diving at Garland Point, sitting with the wardens & volunteers at Birdlog and hearing the huge variety of wildlife seen that day. The volunteers that met us and helped carry our luggage up the steps, Wardens Bee & Ed for the warm welcome, volunteer Andrew for acting as our own personal guide and fire starter.

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Thank you to Gina & Lyndsey and baby Sam for being such fantastic company and making my first trip so special.

But mostly just being on the island itself, if only for just under 24 hours. It’s wild enough to make you realise that we are only a small part of this natural world we inhabit, but comfortable enough to enjoy all it has to offer the visitor.

Nope – still can’t think up a decent strap line!!  But I’ll definitely be back again next year.