January Volunteer Workdays
Happy New Year!
I am writing to inform you about our upcoming volunteer workdays for the month of January 2016.
6/1, 16/1 Yellow Azalea Control – Plas Tan y Bwlch: The beautiful gardens at Plas Tan y Bwlch are undergoing significant changes. The removal of non-native invasive species is one of these changes. The Yellow Azalea or Rhododendron Luteum is a deciduous plant native to South-eastern Europe and Western Asia. By removing these non native species, the gardens will have more space to grow and promote our native plant life. 16/1 – Free Transport from Bangor and Caernarfon
8/1 Snowdonia through the Lens (Wildlife Photography Talk) – Tŷ Hyll: Kick start your year with the Snowdonia Society by joining us at Tŷ Hyll for an inspirational talk about the beauty of Snowdonia. Gary Jones, a professional wildlife photographer from North Wales, will give us an insight to what life as a wildlife photographer is like, providing us with a few hints and tips, what inspires him and a beautiful display of his work. Space is limited at Tŷ Hyll so booking in advance is essential, if you’d like to come along, please get in touch!
15/1 Alder Coppice – Abergwyngregyn: We are teaming up with the Natural Resources Wales, Abergwyngregyn Reserve Managers to coppice the Alder woodland at Abergwyngregyn. The Alder woodland is split into several sections and rotated through a coppicing program over 10 years. The purpose of coppicing the Alder is to promote new growth in the woodland and therefore help preserve the Alder growing there. In the past, the Alder was used by itinerate clog makers who would travel to Abergwyngregyn to harvest the Alder for the soles of their clogs. The hardier Alder, especially in wet conditions, made it the perfect wood to use. Although the clog makers are long gone the Alder still stands, come and help us preserve it.
23/1 Y Dref Werdd Rhododendron – Blaenau Ffestiniog: We are proud to announce our partnership with Y Dref Werdd of Blaenau Ffestiniog, as we team up against the mighty Rhododendron. Rhododendron Ponticum is one of the top 3 invasive species to Wales and it is easy to see the damage that it has done to our native countryside. Blaenau Ffestiniog is one of the worst hit areas, which is why Y Dref Werdd have decided to tackle the problem head on. Y Dref Werdd is an environmental community project funded by the Big Lottery working with the local community on a number of projects. This is a great opportunity to work alongside likeminded people and to extend the locations of our volunteer workday program into new areas. 23/1 – Free Transport from Bangor and Caernarfon
26/1 Woodland Workday – Ty Hyll – The upkeep and maintenance of our spectacular woodland depends on the generosity of our fantastic team of dedicated volunteers. Whether you’d like to help out with our bird survey or you fancy something a bit more physically challenging like footpath maintenance, join us to tackle this month’s woodland tasks!
28/1 Cwm Mynach Workday – Dolgellau: Cwm Mynach is a hidden valley nestling on the flanks of the Rhinog Mountains. After the Second World War, much of the land was planted up with commercial conifer crops but since 2010, the Woodland Trust has been working to restore this thousand-acre wood to native broadleaf woodland. In February 2014, hurricane force winds caused significant damage in some parts of the Sitka spruce crop, including parts planted on the ancient woodland site. Once the fallen timber is cleared, we need to re-establish a canopy of broadleaved trees as soon as possible to secure the ancient woodland remnants and improve habitat connectivity along the river’s edge. As well as tree planting, we’ll also be clearing glades for lichens and controlling the hemlock. Kylie Jones-Mattock from the Woodland Trust will be joining us for the day and will be at hand to answer any questions! 28/1: Free Transport available from Bangor and Caernarfon
29/1 Conifer Clearance – Abergwyngregyn: We are teaming up again with the Natural Resources Wales, Abergwyngregyn Reserve Managers to control Conifer regeneration on the northern hillside of the reserve. Controlling the Conifer regeneration is important in order to preserve our native broad-leaf woodland in the area. If you love our native woodlands, then come and help us preserve them.
31/1 Big Garden Birdwatch – Tŷ Hyll: A fun, free, family day out. The Snowdonia Society and the RSPB need your help to complete the 2016 Garden Bird Watch at the Ugly House. This is an excellent opportunity for you to help us with our species records and learn about the birds you’ll find in your own garden. The activities are suitable for all ages, whether you’re new to bird watching or a seasoned birder. “Every year, up and down the country, families watch the birds in their gardens and report what they see. Come and join us all this year!” – RSPB. The morning will include the 1 hour Bird Watch Survey as well as fun activities e.g. learn how to build your own bird feeder
Tŷ Hyll: Wildlife Garden, every Monday: An opportunity to help maintain the beautiful garden and woodland at Tŷ Hyll.
Contact Owain to register:
owain@snowdonia-society.org.uk
01286 685498
