Snowdonia Society events this month focus on the fascinating wildlife and heritage of this spectacular corner of Wales, with a guided walk discovering Snowdonia's feral goats on 21 August, a rockpool ramble and beach clean at Criccieth on 15 August and a lecture on Survival in Snowdonia on 7 September at Plas Tan y Bwlch.

Saturday 21 August - Snowdonia's Feral Goats

On Saturday 21 August Debbie Wareham has kindly agreed to lead a group on a guided walk around the lower slopes of Tryfan, where we hope to see foraging groups of feral goats. Debbie will talk to us about the biology, ecology, social relationships, origins and conservation of these fascinating animals.

Tryfan is home to a well established population of feral goats. These animals are highly sociable, living in groups of various sizes throughout the year. During the summer months the goats split into smaller foraging groups and can spend some of their time around the lower slopes such as those near Tryfan Bach, Bochlwyd Buttress, and within Cwm Tryfan. The aim of this walk and talk event will be to find a group of goats and, while observing some of their behaviours, we will talk about their biology, ecology, why they stay in social groups, how they manage their social relationships, their origins and conservation.

Please let us know if you would like to come along by emailing sarah on sarah@snowdonia-society.org.uk or calling 01690 720 287.

This event is free for members of the Snowdonia Society and £5 for non-members.

Sunday 15 August 2010 – Rockpool Ramble followed by a Beach clean – Criccieth

We will be working alongside Dafydd Jones, the Pen Llyn a’r Sarnau Special Area of Conservation Officer, on the Turning Tide / Troi Llanw project, for this workday. We will start with a Rockpool Ramble, looking for some of the species to be found along our coastline, then after lunch we will do a much needed Beach clean, if any of you have travelled on the train from Pwllheli station recently you will know exactly why!!  It is a huge eyesore, with a massive amount of rubbish building up along the beach near to the railway fencing – Dafydd recently took a group of school children to make a start on this litter and the 30 collected bags made no impact on the overall impression!
Meet: At 10am  on the Eastern edge of the promenade in Criccieth, by Café Moranedd SH511384 (the café is a CADW: Welsh Historic Monument in itself) Moranedd Cafe 9 Hole & Putt Green, Criccieth LL52 0HU. Tel 01766 522773.
Bring: You may need waterproofs and wellies if you are enthusiastic about the Rockpool Ramble. Packed lunch, waterproofs, warm clothing layers, sturdy boots. Tools and gloves will be provided.

Please Confirm: I would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be attending the above conservation day by contacting the office on 01690 720287 or e-mailing Bea Kelsall (volunteer@snowdonia-society.org.uk).

Saturday 28 August - As Night Falls - Experience the magic of Cwm Idwal by Twilight

This event is being run by the North Wales Wildlife Trust.

Responding to a unique landscape and habitat, As Night Falls… brings together live artists in different media to animate Cwm Idwal for an evening, and celebrate this special place at a special time of day. Introduced by local poet Rhys Trimble, the evening will involve a walk up to Llyn Idwal, and include (amongst other things) an appearance by renowned musician Gwilym Morus. View a poster for the event here. The event begins at 7.30 pm at Ogwen Cottage.

THE NORTH WALES WILDLIFE TRUST IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER STEWARDS FOR THIS EVENT - FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO VOLUNTEER, PLEASE CONTACT BEA@SNOWDONIA-SOCIETY.ORG.UK OR CALL 01690 720 287.

Tuesday 7 September - Not just a pretty place, a lecture by Huw Jenkins at Plas Tan y Bwlch

On 7 September Huw Jenkins will give a lecture entitled Not just a pretty place: survival in Snowdonia at 7.30pm in the auditorium in Plas Tan y Bwlch. Huw will present a collection of stories from his book of the same title, all linked by the theme of survival. His subjects include not only the flora and fauna of Snowdonia, but also rural crafts and communities. The lecture is both a celebration of and a plea for sustainability.

This event is free to members of the Snowdonia Society and £4 for non-members. A raffle will be held for an annual subscription to Natur Cymru.

Call Sarah on 01690 720 287 for more info or to book!