Project Calendar - practical conservation workdays
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2013 Conservation Project Snowdonia Work Days
We are trying to get an accurate idea of how many volunteers will be attending workdays, we are therefore trialling a procedure where volunteers contact us to confirm their attendance and we then tell them where and when we will be meeting. Please contact mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk or jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk or ring 01286 685498 for further information and to confirm your intention to attend.
Many thanks
Mary-Kate and Jenny
June 2013 Workdays
Friday 7th June - Footpath Maintenance
Continuing from recently highly successful and productive days when we made some great progress on Snowdon's footpaths, we will be continuing work on the Pyg and Miners tracks to complete our work here for this season. Our work will concentrate on improving all aspects of drainage including clearing culverts, cross-drains, side drains and removing loose debris from the path itself. The workday will require a good walk in to get us to a new section of path to work on.
Wednesday 12th June - Himalayan Balsam clearance, Bala
The Balsam pulling season has begun! Himalayan balsam is an aggressive, non-native plant. Dense stands suffocate other plants, pushing out native plant communities, and when it dies back in winter it leaves bare river banks which are more vulnerable to erosion. Himalayan balsam also produces copious amounts of nectar which attracts pollinators away from native plants. We have been working with the SNPA over recent years on a very successful program of control for this plant, which has resulted in previously infested sites now clear of balsam. We will be hand pulling this easily dislodged plant and targeting tributaries that feed into Bala Lake.
Saturday 15th June - SeaWatch Foundation Marine Mammal survey
Join us for the first ever marine mammal survey undertaken by Snowdonia Society volunteers! Working with the SeaWatch Foundation, who will give a talk in the morning, we will be undertaking a land-based survey, recording sightings of marine mammals, which may include harbour porpoise and bottlenosed dolphins. Welsh waters are known to host healthy populations of both of these species and collecting data on their distribution helps to highlight important areas for feeding and breeding. The venue for this day is yet to be confirmed but is likely to be on the Great Orme in Llandudno.
Friday 28th June - Dee Day - The Invasion, Bala
Following the success of the annual Big Dee Day river clean-up, organised by partners working on the River Dee, a new event will be held this year to tackle invasive non-native plants and animals, such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Chinese mitten crab. This new event will be the first ever coordinated event to control these alien invaders across the Dee catchment, from the river's source in Snowdonia National Park right through to its estuary. This event involves partnerships between organisations both in Wales and England, to cover all the River Dee catchment and we will be focusing on the area around Bala lake, complimenting the work program already started here. The event will be followed by a BBQ in the afternoon, organised by the SNPA.
If you are interested in joining us for one or more of these workday, please contact Jenny Whitmore 01286 685498 or jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk
Workdays in May 2013
Friday 3rd May – Litter pick and survey, Snowdon
Cancelled due to high winds
Wednesday 15th May – Footpath maintenance Snowdon
Due to the difficult weather conditions in the mountains during the past few months, we will be focusing our efforts on completing more footpath maintenance work on the Pyg and Miners Tracks on Snowdon. Our work will concentrate on improving all aspects of drainage including clearing culverts, cross-drains, side drains and removing loose debris from the path itself. During December, we completed work on the beginning of the Pyg Track, therefore, all workdays will require a good walk in to get us to a new section of path to work on.
Enjoy a fantastic day in the mountains; learn new skills; meet new people and explore Snowdonia!
Saturday 25th May - Annual Harlech Beach clean and BBQ
We will be clearing litter accumulated over the winter months from this spectacular and expansive beach with the assistance of the Maritime Unit, the SNPA and Natural Resources Wales.
The world's largest recorded Leatherback Trutle was found washed up on Harlech beach in 1988 - and with the unique communities of plants, animals and invertebrates, this site is truly one of Snowdonia's gems.
Brian Macdonald of Wildlife Wales will be setting up an identification station to identify any items of interest collected throughout the day, as well as giving a talk on the wildlife of the area.
We are planning a BBQ and social in the afternoon from 3pm for all volunteers whether you are able to assist in the clear–up or not, please join us for a great day out by the sea!
Wednesday 29th May – Tool maintenance workshop, Gwaith Powdwr
Whether you have a trusty axe that needs honing or you just want to learn more about tool maintenance, come along to hear Mike Bithel advise on keeping tools in good condition. We will be joining NWWT volunteers for this day and enjoying the space and facilities of the workshop on the reserve at Gwaith Powdwr. Feel free to bring any tools along that need some attention.
Please contact Jenny Whitmore or Mary-Kate Jones 01286 685498 jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk or mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk .
Conservation Opportunities April 2013
Focus on footpaths!
Due to the difficult weather conditions in the mountains during the past few months, we will be focusing our efforts on completing more footpath maintenance work on the Pyg and Miners Tracks on Snowdon. Our work will concentrate on improving all aspects of drainage including clearing culverts, cross-drains, side drains and removing loose debris from the path itself. During December, we completed work on the beginning of the Pyg Track, therefore, all workdays will require a good walk in to get us to a new section of path to work on.
Enjoy a fantastic day in the mountains; learn new skills; meet new people and explore Snowdonia!
We will be holding workdays on:
Wednesday 3rd April
Sunday 21st April
Tuesday 30th April
Transport to the workday will be available from Llandudno and Bangor on Sunday 21st April.
Please contact Jenny Whitmore 01286 685498 jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk for more details.
Volunteering opportunities in March
Snowdon Litter pick and data collection, Snowdon (Date TBC)
We will be taking the litter pick to a further level this month, when we will not only be collecting, separating and recycling the litter we collect from Snowdon, but will be noting the amount, type and if possible origins of the rubbish dropped by visitors to the mountain. This will help to inform further action that may be taken to reduce littering on Snowdon and Snowdonia as a whole.
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO jenny Whitmore (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries
February workday program
Thursday 7th February - Rhododendron clearance, Bryn Gwynant
Having made such progress the last time we visited this site, we have a lot of cut Rhododendron to burn and clear as well as further shrubs to cut down on this day. So bring your marshmallows and potatoes for the fire! Rhododendron is an invasive species which is changing the diversity and habitats in the Nant Gwynant valley, with support from SNPA, we are working to eradicate this species from the area. It is very satisfying work, so please come along to this beautiful site in the heart of Snowdonia.
Sunday 24th February - Peatland restoration, Rhyd Ddu
Transport is available leaving from Bangor, please let us know if you would like to suggest a pick up point en route.
We will be assisting in the restoration of a peat bog and raised mire at Ffridd Uchaf, Rhyd Ddu, where ditches have previously been opened in order to drain the land for agricultural purposes. The Snowdonia National Park Authority, working alongside the Countryside Council for Wales, are hoping to restore this rare and diverse habitat by blocking these ditches, resulting in the improvement of multiple ecosystem services. We will be cutting peat from spoil heaps left when the ditches were originally opened, and using them to fill in these drains in order to raise ground water levels, to improve water quality, and to slow down the flow of water from the bog.
Wednesday 27th February - Rhododendron clearance - Gwaith Powdwr
Working with the North Wales Wildlife Trust, we will be working to cut back regrowth of Rhododendron Ponticum from the Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve. Gwaith Powdwr was an explosive works from 1865 to 1995. It and now exhibits a range of habitats including woodland, scrub, heathland and open water and supports a wide range of species, including nightjar, barn owl and pied flycatcher. We will also be checking on our control plots which have been set up to monitor the effectiveness of different methods of Rhododendron control.
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO jenny Whitmore (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries
Thursday 17th January - Willow clearance
Continuing the work begun in September, we will be finishing the clearance of willow from the waterlogged meadow at the Pensychnant Conservation Centre. This work is a crucial step in returning this area to a meadow that can again be grazed, allowing rare plant species to thrive here. Two species of orchid used to be found in this field, the Heath Spotted and the Marsh Orchid, it is hoped these flowing plants will again be found here in the coming years following this restoration work.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WORKDAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. WE WILL REARRANGE THIS WORKDAY IN THE FUTURE. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
January 26th – Footpath maintenance rescheduled
Due to weather conditions in December, when we changed the venue of a number of workdays, we will again be attempting to reach the intersection on Snowdon to clear blocked culverts and drains. We may also be dismantling a number of cairns which have been built by walkers and are leading people off the path and into dangerous sections of the mountain. If weather conditions persist, work will be aimed at lower level footpaths or lower sections of the Pyg and Miners Track on Snowdon.
PLEASE NOTE THIS DAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED, THE WORKDAY WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT TY HYLL WHERE WE WILL BE WORKING ON THE POND, FOOTPATHS AND HABITAT CREATION. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE DETAILS. 01286 685498.
Thursday 31st January - Hazel coppicing Ty Hyll
Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management and encourages long-lived trees, biodiversity and provides wood for a number of uses. We will be coppicing the hazel trees at Ty Hyll, which involves cutting stems to the ground level and allowing the stand to re-grow over a number of years until it is cut again. It is hoped the new growth with produce more hazel nuts which will encourage Dormice (already thought to be present at Ty Hyll) and encourage a diversity of plants to thrive in the newly cut, lighter parts of the wood.
Please note that upcoming footpath workdays on 21st November, 29th November , 6th December and 13th December will all have mini bus transport (free of charge) leaving Bangor . Limited places are available on these buses so please let us know if you would like a place reserved for you.
Footpath maintenance workdays
We have been asked by the Access Officers of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, to take on the work of enhancing and maintaining the footpaths various footpaths around Snowdonia, by clearing accumulated debris from the paths; this includes build up of soil and debris, dislodged stones, and shale which has washed onto the paths. We will also be removing stones and blockages from the culverts and drainage channels, to improve water flow away from the paths, thus reducing erosion. Build up of debris also currently means that walkers are going around the worst sections, eroding path edges and masking the clear line of the paths.
Date: Sunday 2nd Dec, Thursday 6th Dec, Thursday 13th Dec
Location: Pen y Pass
Bring: Please come prepared for a day in the Welsh mountains with waterproofs, sturdy boots, warm clothes, a warm drink and packed lunch.
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO jenny Whitmore (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries
November Conservation Workdays
Litter picking and barbed wire clearance in Fairbourne
Today we will be working with the Fairbourne Light Railway to clear an area of partly buried wire in SSSI sand dunes. This hazard poses a threat to dog walkers, locals and tourists alike and the aim is to make the sand dunes a safer place. We will also be clearing litter from the surrounding area. The group will enjoy a free ride on the Fairbourne Light Railway which will escort us to the worksite!
Date: Saturday November 3rd
Meet: 10:00am, Fairbourne Railway Station. Free car parking opposite. Travelling North from Dolgellau on the A470, turn right onto the A493 to Fairbourne, take the right turn signposted railway as you enter Fairbourne. The station is on your left, and car park on your right.
Bring: Waterproofs, sturdy boots, warm protective clothes, a warm drink and packed lunch.
Footpath maintenance workdays
We have been asked by the Access Officers of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, to take on the work of enhancing and maintaining the footpaths various footpaths around Snowdonia, by clearing accumulated debris from the paths; this includes build up of soil and debris, dislodged stones, and shale which has washed onto the paths. We will also be removing stones and blockages from the culverts and drainage channels, to improve water flow away from the paths, thus reducing erosion. Build up of debris also currently means that walkers are going around the worst sections, eroding path edges and masking the clear line of the paths.
Date: Wednesday 21st and Thursday 29th November
Meet: 9:30am for 10am start, Pen Y Pass Car park, Snowdon. we advise using the Sherpa bus service which leaves from a number of nearby towns, you can then park and ride to Pen Y Pass. See www.snowdoniagreenkey.co.uk for details.
Bring: Please come prepared for a day in the Welsh mountains with waterproofs, sturdy boots, warm clothes, a warm drink and packed lunch.
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO jenny Whitmore (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries
Many thanks for your continued hard work during my absence for maternity leave, I know Mike enjoyed working with you all. I feel refreshed and excited as I look ahead at the variety of work we have lined up for the coming months and hope to see you enjoying the fresh air and satisfaction of a Snowdonia Society workday very soon!
Jenny
Snowdonia Society workday program October 2012
Willow clearance at Pensychnant Conservation Centre:
We are following up on our “save the orchids work” last spring at Pensychnant. The field has been home to two orchid species; the Heath Spotted and the Marsh Orchid, the Heath Spotted had been in decline here for some time and the latter had not been seen here for 15 years. We will be assisting the Warden to clear willow from the site.
Date: Wednesday October 3rd
Meet: 9:45 am for a 10:00am start. Post code is LL328BJ. SH-753771. The centre is at the top of the Sychnant Pass, 2½ miles from Conwy and Penmaenmawr on the North Wales coast. It is signposted at the end of the driveway (on the right hand side coming from Conwy direction). The sign is perhaps less obvious when travelling from the Penmaenmawr, because the angle of drive is a sharp turn back on yourself from this direction)
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. The site is very wet, please bring wellies!
Annual Snowdon Litter Pick
Join us to clear litter on Wales’s highest mountain! The Snowdon Mountain Railway will again be supporting us by offering volunteers a free ride to the summit on the 8am train. The group will then be walking down and clearing rubbish from the Llanberis Path. We will be supported by SNPA Wardens and the Mountain Rescue team.
Date: Thursday October 4th
Meet: 7:40am at the Snowdon Mountain Railway station in Llanberis. If you would like to walk up and meet us at the summit for 9am, with support from the Rescue Team, just let us know. Please car share where possible or use public transport. Free parking is available in the Snowdon Mountian Railway car park behind the station, please let us know your car registration number in advance as you will incur a £90 fine if you park here without arrangement.
Bring: Weather in the mountains can change quickly, please come prepared for a day on Wales’ highest mountain. Bring waterproof and warm clothing, sturdy boots, food and drink.
Places on the train are limited, please book your seat by emailing jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk or calling 01286 685498.
Pont Arenig layby Dolwyddelan workday
We will be continuing to help the community volunteers maintain this layby for the benefit of visitors and residents. There is plenty of weeding to be done following another summer’s growth and we will also be tackling the Station car park to keep on top of the weeds there.
Date: Thursday October 11th
Meet: 9:45 am for a 10:00am start. Roadside pull-in / Car Park at Pont Arenig. (On the A470 just above the village). (SH731524).
Bring: Packed lunch, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, sturdy boots. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Cors Bodgynydd tree pulling workday:
Cors Bodgynydd is a beautiful area of wetland above Ty Hyll, near Betws Y Coed. It is one of only 4 places on North Wales where the Marsh clubmoss is found. It is also a popular feeding area for the nightjar which is best sighted during June. This workday will aim to conserve the wetland area by pulling up/cutting trees which have invaded the area. By removing the trees the water is left in the reserve and it can continue to provide habitat for the important wetland species found there.
Date: Thursday October 25th
Meet: 09:45am Forestry Commission carpark (SH765583) behind Ty Hyll (to car-share onwards). Ty Hyll is between Betws Y Coed and Capel Curig on the A5, Tŷ Hyll / Ugly House is on the corner of a sharp bend by the first bridge leaving Betws Y Coed. (Postcode – LL24 0DS, grid reference SH756576). From Betws Y Coed, take the small steep road which runs at the side of Ty Hyll, the Forestry Commission car park is on the right after Cae Hydgyll, also on the right, about 1.5km from Ty Hyll.
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. All areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and Wellington boots!
Footpath maintenance workday, Snowdon
We have been asked by the Access Officers of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, to take on the work of enhancing and maintaining the footpaths of the Pyg Track and the Miners Track, by clearing accumulated debris from the paths; this includes build up of soil and debris, dislodged stones, and shale which has washed onto the paths. We will also be removing stones and blockages from the culverts and drainage channels, to improve water flow away from the paths, thus reducing erosion. Build up of debris also currently means that walkers are going around the worst sections, eroding path edges and masking the clear line of the paths.
Date: Saturday October 27th
For this workday, the volunteer group will be walking from the Pen Y Pass car park, up the Pyg Track to the junction with the Miners Track where we will be clearing down the stone steps and clearing the culverts. We will return back to the car park on foot along the Miner’s Track.
Meet: 10:15am Pen Y Pass Car Park, we advise using the Sherpa bus service which leaves from a number of nearby towns, you can then park and ride to Pen Y Pass. See www.snowdoniagreenkey.co.uk for details.
Bring: Please come prepared for a day on Wales’ highest mountain with waterproofs, sturdy boots, warm clothes, a warm drink and packed lunch.
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO jenny Whitmore (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries
November workdays – dates for your diary, details to follow
Saturday November 3rd
Friday November 9th
Snowdonia Society workday program September 2012:
These volunteer days allow you to have fun, make friends and make a difference to the conservation of your local area. Contact Mary-Kate (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org,uk) or Jenny (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) or call 01286685498
Path clearance at Cwm Mynach, Bontddu
On this workday we will be clearing an old tramway of over grown vegetation. Cwm Mynach is set in a beautiful location with breath taking views. It’s a really lovely place to spend the day. Kylie Jones Mattock from the woodland trust will be joining us early on to give the history of the area as well as information on the current management strategies.
Date: Thursday September 6th
Meet: 9:45am. From Dolgellau, take the A496 toward Barmouth, passing through the village of Llanelltyd. Opposite the first toll bridge to Penmaenpool is a right turn leading up through the village of Taincynhaeaf - take this turn and follow this minor road uphill for about a mile and half (be careful, it is rather narrow). Just before a bridge and a gate across the road, you will see a Woodland Trust sign and parking area to your right. The nearest postcode is LL40 2TU
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended - who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Habitat management at the Spinnies, Aber Ogwen
We’ve teamed up with the North Wales Wildlife Trust on one of their workdays on this reserve. Various habitat management is needed to keep the area suitable for a variety of birds as well as the occasional otter. Come along for the opportunity to work on this beautiful reserve – bring your binoculars (if you have any), who knows what you might be lucky enough to see?
Date: Friday September 7th
Meet: 9:45am for a 10:00am start. We will be working until approx 1pm.
Take the exit for Tal y Bont a the Penrhyn castle round about and follow signs for Tal y Bont. When you come to a fork in the road keep left – don’t head into the village. The reserve is sign posted (about 1km down the road) on a brown sign.
The number 5 bus also leaves Bangor at 9:05am and passes the reserve.
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended - who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Rhododendron bashing at Pensychnant Conservation Centre
We’re back at Pensychnant clearing rhododendron from part of the wooded area. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to be involved in setting up semi permanent quadrats to allow us to monitor the long term effects our efforts have on rhododendron. Rhododendron, popular with the Victorians, is out competing with our native flora, creating a biological desert. The dense branches and thick leaf growth create areas where nothing else can grow. This poses a great threat to the unique and internationally important habitats of Snowdonia.
Date: Wednesday 12th September
Meet: 9:45 am for a 10:00am start. Post code is LL328BJ. The centre is at the top of the Sychnant Pass, 2½ miles from Conwy and Penmaenmawr on the North Wales coast. It is signposted at the end of the driveway (on the right hand side coming from Conwy direction). The sign is perhaps less obvious when travelling from the Penmaenmawr, because the angle of drive is a sharp turn back on yourself from this direction)
If you would be interested in attending this workday but have no access to transport please let us know asap. If there are enough people in the same situation we will put a mini bus on – but will need an idea of numbers AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended - who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Rhododendron bashing at Bryn Gwynant Youth hostel
We’re back at Bryn Gwynant Youth hostel to tackle rhododendron. Rhododendron, popular with the Victorians, is out-competing with our native flora, creating a biological desert. The dense branches and thick leaf growth create areas where nothing else can grow. This poses a great threat to the unique and internationally important habitats of Snowdonia. There will also be the opportunity to be involved in the monitoring of semi permanent quadrats on this workday. The aim of these quadrats is to allow us to assess the success of various methods of rhododendron control with volunteers.
Date: Wednesday 19th September
Meet: 9:45am for 10:00am start in the Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostel car park, Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NP. SH644514. This is on the A498 from Beddgelert; the Youth Hostel is on the right signposted, just before you reach the lake on the left, when heading up the pass to the Pen Y Gwryd Hotel.
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots/ and sun block are also recommended - who knows what the weather will do?!
Please Confirm:
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO jenny Whitmore (jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries
August Volunteer program:
The Big Balsam Bash!
We continue our purge on Himalayan balsam through the summer months. The work will involve uprooting these invasive plants, which often grow in areas boggy, uneven and wet underfoot. These volunteer days allow you to have fun, make friends and make a difference to the conservation of your local area. Contact Mary-Kate (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org,uk) or Mike (mike@snowdonia-society.org.uk) or call 01286685498
Himalayan Balsam bashing in Betws y Coed Golf club:
Dates: 2nd August
Meet: 10:00, First turn on the right going into Betws y Coed after crossing the Waterloo Bridge, signposted 'Golf Club on a brown sign: https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=LL24+0AL+%28Golf+Club+Betws-y-Coed%29&hl=en
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Himalayan Balsam bashing at Bala lake
Dates: 8th and 9th August
Meet: 10.00am beside Bala Lake, in the car park close to the warden’s office, just past the leisure centre. This is on the left as you leave Bala on the A494 heading towards Dolgellau. GR SH 921 356.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat.
Wellington Boots and sun block are again recommended.
Brithdir Village Evening Balsam Pull
Date: 8th August
Meet: 5pm at the Village Hall car park Brithdir, near Dolgellau. The village hall is on a minor road, just off the B4416, turn off by a red phone box and letter box on a pole, and the village hall will be on your right hand side. GR SH 7703 1876 - hope to see you there
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Balsam Bashing near Mynydd Llandegai, Bethesda
Dates: Thursday 16th August
Meet: 09:45, Take the St Anns turning off the B4409. It is the first house on the left by the 30mph sign. (yellowish house) Postcode: LL574AX. The number 6 bus leaves Bangor at 9am and passes right past the site.
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended - who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas may be very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
July volunteer program
The Big Balsam Bash!
We continue our purge on Himalayan balsam through the summer months. The work will involve uprooting these invasive plants, which often grow in areas boggy, uneven and wet underfoot. These volunteer days allow you to have fun, make friends and make a difference to the conservation of your local area. Contact Mary-Kate (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org,uk) or Mike (mike@snowdonia-society.org.uk) or call 01286685498
Himalayan Balsam bashing at Bala:
Dates: 4th and 5th July 18th and 19th July, 8th and 9th August
Meet: 10.00am beside Bala Lake in the car park close to the warden’s office, just past the leisure centre. This is on the left as you leave Bala on the A494 heading towards Dolgellau. GR SH 921 356.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?!
Himalayan Balsam bashing at Moleyci Environmental Centre:
Date: 11th July
Meet: 9:30am at the main house (up the hill past the shop and market garden). If you’re heading towards Llanberis from Esso/one stop/burger king, take the first turning up to the left. Moelyci is at the top of this hill on the right hand side (there’s a big slate which says Moelyci on it) – if you hit the lamp post with the dirt track opposite you’ve gone too far. Parking is available immediately on the RHS.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?!
Himalayan Balsam bashing at Parc Meurig, Bethesda:
Dates: 19th July
Meet: 13:00, Ogwen street car park, Bethesda. The car park is off the high street in Bethesda which has regular public transport links.
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas are very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Himalayan Balsam bashing in Gerlan, Bethesda:
Dates: 22nd July
Meet: 10:00, The playground near Stryd Goronwy, Gerlan (please get in contact if you require directions)
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas are very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear!
Himalayan Balsam bashing at Coed Doctor, Llanberis
Date: 25th July
Meet: 10:00, Padarn Country Park car park (Please get in contact if you require directions)
Bring: food and drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat. Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – who knows what the weather will do?! Some areas are very wet so please bring suitable clothing and footwear! Wellies are recommended!
June's Volunteer Programme
Last month’s programme held a strong emphasis on tackling invasive species and restoration of important habitats to help conserve and enhance the biodiversity of our National Park. This month, and through much of the summer, we will be following this theme through ... WITH A VENGEANCE!
We’ll have a special focus on Himalayan Balsam control, if you know of a ‘hot spot’ locally, in and around the park, and would be interested in getting involved - PLEASE DO CONTACT US to register the location and your interest –also keep a watch on this site for further details ...
Monday 12th June Balsam Clearance - Bala Lake area
We start the June programme in partnership with Snowdonia National Park warden, Bill Taylor, a good friend of our society who has worked closely with us in the past. Bill has a vast knowledge of the location of Balsam growth clusters, which over previous years he has surveyed and mapped out in intricate detail. Including not only the main lake shores but also feeder streams. Bill’s experience and contacts with local landowners will be a key to help undertake an effective, strategic approach to this enormous task. The work will involve uprooting these plants, which often grow in areas boggy, uneven and wet underfoot. This will be the first of 8 dates with Bill ... more to follow.
Meet: 10.00am beside Bala Lake in the car park close to the warden’s office, just past the leisure centre. This is on the left as you leave Bala on the A494 heading towards Dolgellau. GR SH 921 356.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat.
Wellington boots and sun block are also recommended – a strange combination? Both are important!
Wednesday 13th June Rhododendron Sapling Pull –Hendre Gwenllian - Maentwrog area
This is an opportunity to not only witness, but also to take part in a different, and hopefully final phase, of an area of the Snowdonia National Parks Rhododendron clearance programme; pulling out regenerating seedlings. Following an introduction from Snowdonia National Park warden Gethin Davies, we shall tread where commercial contractors have previously worked. Once consent of the land owner has been given, we shall be working in an area where large amounts of Rhododendron have been cleared, our task will be to uproot new growth, by hand. This growth will have emerged from within the seed bank that was left behind, this is an essential phase of the tough war against this alien species.
Meet: 10.00am, in the lay-by, opposite Llyn Mair, just off the B4410, between Maentwrog and the village of Rhyd.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat.
Sturdy boots or wellingtons and sun block are also recommended.
Wednesday 20th June Balsam Clearance - Bala Lake area
This is day 2 out of 8, following on from June 12th, working with Bill Taylor. After meeting at the same location, based on progress the previous week, the weather, and the size of the group, Bill will select the next area for our squad to ‘hit’. (I’m sure glad I’m not a Himalayan Balsam plant!). As before, come prepared to be working on uneven, wet and boggy ground.
Meet: 10.00am beside Bala Lake, in the car park close to the warden’s office, just past the leisure centre. This is on the left as you leave Bala on the A494 heading towards Dolgellau. GR SH 921 356.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers, including a hat.
Wellington Boots and sun block are again recommended.
Tuesday 21st June – Rhododendron Clearance at Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostel
Yet again! We are returning to the breach once more, this time to complete the clearance of the area we were working on with Capel Manor College last month (to be featured on Channel 4 TV in Autumn and on BBC Radio Wales during June), please join us. We shall be using small hand tools including bow saws and loppers – these and gloves will be provided.
Rhododendron, popular with the Victorians, is outcompeting with our native flora, creating a biological desert. The dense branches and thick leaf growth create areas where nothing else can grow. This poses a great threat to the unique and internationally important habitats of Snowdonia. We aim to rectify this!!
Meet: 10.00 am in the Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostel car park, Nant Gwynant,
Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NP. SH644514. This is on the A498 from Beddgelert; the Youth Hostel is on the right signposted, just before you reach the lake on the left, when heading up the pass to the Pen Y Gwryd Hotel.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old warm clothing layers including a hat.
Sturdy boots or wellingtons and sun block are also recommended.
Further Balsam clearing dates planned for July into August in the Bala area:
Please put these dates into your diaries:
Wednesday July 4th
Thursday July 5th
Wednesday July 18th
Thursday July 19th
Wednesday August 8th
Thursday August 9th
Remember ... we are looking for local volunteers to help coordinate ‘Balsam pulls’ in their local areas in and around the Snowdonia National Park.
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING AND/OR KNOW OF BALSAM IN YOUR AREA – LET’S ALL WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS ERADICATING THIS INVASIVE SPECIES!
More information to follow.......... keep your eyes peeled!
Please Confirm:
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO Mike Klymko (mike@snowdonia-society.org.uk mobile 07854 773967) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or Mary-Kate Jones (mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for group enquiries/community engagement activities.
Conservation Workdays in May
Our programme in May has a strong emphasis on tackling invasive species and restoration of important habitats to help conserve and enhance the biodiversity of our National Park
Monday 14th May and also Wednesday 16th May – Rhododendron Clearance at Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostel
Yes!! We are returning to continue to battle and to win the war, please join us. Along with students from Capel Manor we will be making greater in roads into sections of the thickets of this invasive species. Rhododendron, popular with the Victorians, is outcompeting with our native flora, creating a biological desert. The dense branches and thick leaf growth create areas where nothing else can grow. This poses a great threat to the unique and internationally important habitats of Snowdonia. We aim to rectify this!! You are invited to either or both of these days.
Meet: 9.30 am in the Bryn Gwynant Youth Hostel car park, Nant Gwynant,
Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4NP. SH644514. On the A498 from Beddgelert, the Youth Hostel is on the right signposted, just before you reach the lake on the left, when heading up the pass to the Pen Y Gwryd Hotel.
Bring: Packed lunch and a warm drink, waterproofs, old, warm clothing layers.
Sturdy boots or wellingtons are recommended.
Tuesday 15th May – Restoration of blanket bog in a European Habitats Directive Special Area of Conservation (SAC) - Ffridd Trawsgoed – South West of Bala
This is a project in high level remote and wild country, below the mountain Arenig Fawr, there will be a 2.5km walk ascending along a forest track followed by a strenuous trek across undulating blanket bog – turn out if you dare! This session will have a true wilderness feel, we could be blessed by brilliant sunshine, or blighted by horizontal rain driven in by gales. Whatever the weather, and you’ll need to arrive well equipped for either extreme, this site can capture your imagination with its unique beauty.
Our mission for the day is to help restore the blanket bog habitat. The initial work, carried out by contractors 5 or 6 years ago, was the felling of an inappropriate conifer plantation. We will be removing small conifer trees that have regenerated from the seed bank, left from the former plantation, within the bog area. The work may also include removal of old fencing.
This work is of vital international importance because of the site hosts rare mosses and an upland breeding bird habitat. The area also provides important eco-system services including carbon absorption and flood alleviation.
Meet: 10am: At the farm house marked on the OS map ‘Trawscoed’, SH846 326.
Travel 8km south west of Bala on the A494, (just north of the village of Llanuwchllyn), take a (very narrow) minor road passing through Dolhendre. After passing the woodland Coed Wenallt, take the right hand fork, a gated ‘no through route’ the leads only to Trawscoed farm. This route is unsuitable for large vehicles. Allow plenty of time for route finding!
Please note this task includes a strenuous 2.5km walk in order to access the site.
Bring: Packed lunch, including hot drink, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, hats, wellingtons (remember this is a bog) or sturdy boots. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Please Confirm:
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO Mike Klymko (mike@snowdonia-society.org.uk mobile 07854 773967) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or (sarah@snowdoniasociety.org.uk) for group enquiries/community engagement activities.
Forthcoming workdays - April
During April we will be planting trees, building a green roof at Ty Hyll and litter sweeping in the Bala area
Wednesday 11th April - Tree Planting and Grounds Maintenance Ty Hyll Plus a Green Roof Demonstration
We will be planting a number of under story and hedging trees, to increase the biodiversity value of the woodlands at Ty Hyll. Most of these trees are coming to us thanks to the generosity of the Snowdonia National Park Authority, so if you would like to get some planting done before the end of the planting season, come along and help.
Meet 10am: at Tŷ Hyll between Betws Y Coed and Capel Curig on the A5, Tŷ Hyll / Ugly House is on the corner of a sharp bend by the first bridge leaving Betws Y Coed. (Postcode – LL24 0DS, grid reference SH756576). These workdays will finish at 1pm.
Bring: Warm clothes, waterproofs, sturdy boots, lunch and a drink. All tools provided.
Saturday 14th April 2012 litter-picking in Bala
More Details to Follow
Wednesday 7th March – Save the Orchids at Pensychnant
This is another opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and the conservation knowledge of Julian, the warden of Pensychnant Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve.
The task is to clear a field area of dense brambles and small trees. Why do we need to do this? The field has been home to two orchid species; the Heath Spotted and the Marsh Orchid, the Heath Spotted has been in decline here for some time and the latter has not been seen here for 15 years.
We are aiming to clear enough brambles from the field so it can be grazed again. This is important because the process of grazing the field will keep down the brambles and more vigorous grass species, and we hope, will enable the orchids to thrive again.
Julian will be inviting us back for a guided walk in a few months time to see if our work has paid dividends.
Meet: 10.00am at Pensychnant. The centre is at the top of the Sychnant Pass, 2½ miles from Conwy and Penmaenmawr on the North Wales coast. It is signposted at the end of the driveway (on the right hand side coming from Conwy direction). The sign is perhaps less obvious when travelling from the Penmaenmawr, because the angle of drive is a sharp turn back on yourself from this direction). Unfortunately, the number 75 bus service has been withdrawn, anyone requiring a lift from Conwy please contact Mike.
Bring: Packed lunch, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, Wellingtons are recommended. Tools and gloves will be provided. A hot drink will also be provided but you may wish to bring extra in a flask.
Wednesday 14th March - Beach Clean at Harlech
Morfa Harlech is considered one of the most important actively growing dune systems in Britain. It is highly protected, forming part of the Morfa Harlech and Morfa Duffryn SAC, many nationally scarce plant and invertebrate species such as Welsh mudwort, dwarf spike rush and mining bees can be observed here. A lot of conservation work is underway to restore the dune system to a dune heath habitat; this has included re-introduction of the sand lizard and clearing of scrub to help butterfly species that are in decline.
We’ve had reports that the beautiful dune system at Harlech is in need of a clean up, so come along to help give it a ‘big hit’. Ifan Jones from the Snowdonia National Park, who will explain some more about the areas conservation importance, will join us.
Meet: 10.00am at the Harlech beach car park, north of the golf course at grid reference SH 574 317. Please note there is a car-parking fee of £4 for the day – we must pay and display our tickets. The harbour master has kindly arranged for these fees to be repaid to volunteers.
Please save your tickets at the end of the day to submit a claim for a refund.
Bring: Packed lunch, hot drink in a flask, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, Wellingtons or sturdy boots are recommended. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided.
Monday 19th March - Tree Planting at Borth-y-Gest
Parc y Borth is a local nature reserve situated high on a hillside, above the sheltered bay at Borth y Gest. We will be planting trees in partnership with the Porthmadog Rotary Club, to extend this beautiful oak woodland, in the company of Hayden, the reserve warden. Hayden will explain about some of the conservation work being undertaken by volunteers over a couple of sites in the area.
Meet: 10am in the car park (no fee) at Borth y Gest, a couple of kilometres south of Porthmadog; grid reference SH 566 374. There will be a short walk up the hill through the woodland to our work site.
Bring: Packed lunch, hot drink in a flask, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, sturdy boots are recommended. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Monday 26th March – Tree Planting at Dolwyddelan
We have worked with the community at this site on previous occasions, the last time in July last year, so do come along and see how things have been progressing. We will be working with local community volunteers to improve the village for the local community and visitors to the area, this will include planting approximately 20m of hedge row, also some aftercare and maintenance of previous planting work
Meet: 10am. Roadside pull-in / Car Park at Pont Arenig. (On the A470 just above the village). (SH731524).
Bring: Packed lunch, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, sturdy boots. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Please Confirm:
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO Mike Klymko (mike@snowdonia-society.org.uk mobile 07854 773967) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or (sarah@snowdoniasociety.org.uk) for group enquiries/community engagement activities.
Previous Workdays for Information
January - February 2012
Thursday 19th January 2012 - Path Maintenance Work on the PYG Track
This is part of our work to make a difference in the ongoing repair and maintenance tasks on Snowdon's paths. We will be helping to maintain some lower sections of the PYG track, a very popular route on Snowdon. The work will involve clearing out drainage channels using spades, picks and shovels. A national park warden and a mountain leader will accompany us; we will need to carry our tools to our work site.
Meet: At the Pen-y-Pass car park 10.00am outside the warden centre opposite Pen-y-pass youth hostel, the postcode is LL55 4NY and grid reference is SH 647 556.
Bring: Packed lunch, tea/coffee, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, sturdy boots are essential, (steel toecaps are recommended). Tools and gloves will be provided. The meeting venue is over 1000 feet in altitude, we will be working in cold winter conditions, it is very important to bring lots of layers of warm clothing, including spares, also a hat, scarf, waterproof coat and trousers plus your packed lunch and a hot drink in a flask.
Tuesday 24th January 2012 – Shed Erection Work in Llanberis
We are purchasing a new larger shed (in kit form) to store our expanding collection of tools. We will be assembling this in a new location closer to our office at the Caban. DMM (the climbing and mountaineering equipment company) have kindly allowed us to locate our new shed in their secure yard near Llanberis.
The work will involve assembling a 10 feet by 6 feet shed together from a kit, installing some fixings, and (weather permitting), applying a coat of preservative.
Meet: Outside the white bungalow with a red door, in the yard of DMM Engineering, Llanberis at 10.00am. The postcode is LL55 4EL and the grid reference is SH 574 608. The factory is on the north side of the A4086, coming from Caernarfon side, DMM is on the left hand side, just after the 40mph signs, opposite the Gallt y glyn hotel.
Bring: Packed lunch, tea/coffee, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, Wellingtons or sturdy boots are recommended (steel toecaps if possible). Tools and gloves will be provided.
Wednesday 8th February 2012 – Rhododendron Clearance at Pensychnant
We are returning to the delightful woodlands around Pensychnant Conservation Centre to follow up some work undertaken 3 years ago. We will be clearing some rhododendron that has regenerated. The work will involve using bow saws, loppers and billhooks. This is part of our programme to control and remove invasive alien species from the National Park. We will be working in the company of the centre warden, Julian, which will also provide an opportunity to learn about the other interesting projects and the extensive programme of events offered by the centre.
Meet: 10.00am at Pensychnant. The centre is at the top of the Sychnant Pass, 2½ miles from Conwy and Penmaenmawr on the North Wales coast. Post Code LL32 8BJ, Grid ref. SH 752 770. It is signposted at the end of the driveway (on the right hand side coming from Conwy direction). The sign is perhaps less obvious when travelling from the Penmaenmawr, because the angle of drive is a sharp turn back on yourself from this direction). Unfortunately, the number 75 bus service has been withdrawn, anyone requiring a lift from Conwy please contact Mike.
Bring: Packed lunch, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, Wellingtons or sturdy boots are recommended (steel toecaps if possible). Tools and gloves will be provided. Hot drinks will be provided but you may wish to bring an additional hot drink in a flask.
Thursday 23rd February 2012 – Sabre Tree Planting – Dyffryn Mymbyr
No – Sabre isn’t a species of tree! It is a technique developed by the charity ‘Tree Shepherds’ to restore native broad-leaved trees to the hills and valleys of Snowdonia. It is a method of planting providing resilience to grazing from sheep without the need for protective fencing. We will be working with a National Trust warden, planting oak, ash, rowan, birch and alder on the slopes around Dyffyn Mymbyr farm.
Meet: 10.00am in the lay-bye (space for around 20 cars) along the A4086 road, 2 miles from Capel Curig, in the direction of the Pen y Gwryd Hotel. Grid Ref. SH 696 571.
Bring: Packed lunch, tea/coffee, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, sturdy boots are essential, (steel toecaps are recommended). Tools and gloves will be provided. The meeting venue is remote and in the mountains, we will be working in cold winter conditions, it is very important to bring lots of layers of warm clothing, including spares, also a hat, scarf, waterproof coat and trousers plus your packed lunch and a hot drink in a flask.
Please Confirm:
We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending any of the above, by contacting our office at Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR, on 01286 685498, or by e-mailing CSPO Mike Klymko (mike@snowdonia-society.org.uk) for workdays/attendance enquiries, or (sarah@snowdoniasociety.org.uk) for group enquiries/community engagement activities
For previous workdays see the Conservation Snowdonia archive.