Meeting owls at Magor Marsh
In September we had a visit from a local bird of prey rescue centre to discuss the dangers that birds of prey and owls face in their day to day lives.
Stand for Nature Wales autumn activities
Visit to Elan Valley Reservoirs
Here is an insight into what the Nature Nurturers and Wildlife Warriors have been up to this autumn.
Bird of prey rescue
The rescue centre brought along some birds that were temporarily under their care including a barn owl, tawny owl, buzzard and kestrel
Lantern Making
In early October we were joined by the Future Wales Coast Path project to make lanterns by reusing tin cans and creating a picture on the surface using a hammer and nail. The lanterns were for a light procession in partnership with a sister project in the Bay of Bengal.
Hedgehog Home Construction
The Wildlife Warriors had fun constructing hedgehog hibernation homes using wood and plastic tubing. They learnt the importance of using the correct design and valuable hand tool skills.
Hedgehog Home Construction
Two teams worked on the hibernation homes that were located in Eveswell Community and Woodland Park in Newport.
Elan Valley Reservoirs
During the October half term, we visited Elan Valley reservoirs. Bethan, one of the rangers from Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water explained how they were taking measures to cope with demand for water and the impact of climate change on the water supply.
Elan Valley visit
The tour included a walk inside the Pen y Garreg dam along to the central tower. At the central tower we were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery and a display from Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water of how they measure the water levels using an audio measuring tool.
Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre
Following the visit to the reservoirs, we made our way to Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre ready for feeding time at 14:00. Some of the youth group members are keen on wildlife photography and were able to practice their photography skills from inside the viewing hide.
Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Centre
An estimated 300 red kites came to get their share of meat scraps that were scattered across the field by the centre staff. There were also buzzards, crows, ravens, rooks and jackdaws present to get a piece of the action.
Screwfix Ebbw Vale contacted us to ask for assistance when they found out that blue tits were nesting in their cigarette bin. The Nature Nurturers youth group members wanted to provide alternative accommodation so made and installed a blue tit nest box at the front of the building.
Installing nest boxes at Screwfix
They also made and installed a robin nest box around the back of the building near some handy trees and bushes.
Reptiles and Amphibians talk
Former Wildlife Warrior now volunteer Michael Rodgers came to Magor Marsh in November to give a talk about reptiles and amphibians.
Reptiles and Amphibians talk
Youth group members had the opportunity to hold frogs and toads and learn how climate change is effecting reptiles and amphibians in Gwent. In some cases, temperature determines the gender of reptile offspring while developing in the egg, which is already causing a serious issue as temperatures rise.
Are you aged 9 to 24 and would like to save nature to help combat climate change? Visit the Stand For Nature Wales webpage for more information about how you can join one of our youth groups and help in your local community.