Out of the Woods 2012

The Out of the Woods Festival 2012 organised by Cardiff Council in Bute Park turned out to be a nice day as hoped and Cardiff Naturalists were proud to be a part of creating enjoyment for adults and children alike

We had an informative display with information on the things that have been seen in the parks, with some specimens of common plants collected to be able to explain what they were to people

We also had books for sale and pictures of local plants, animals and scenery for people to admire

Mike Dean and Danii Roberts manning the CNS stall at the out of the Woods festival

Out of the Woods and into the Sunshine (hopefully)

Cardiff Naturalists are pleased to be presnt at the 2012 Out of the Woods festival in Coopers Field Bute Park organised by the Cardiff Sity Council Parks Department on Sunday 19th of August 2012

Lets hope its as nice a day as this was in October 2010 when I took a wander to see the Autumn colours

We will have a stand with some botanical specimens for you to see, things that you can find in the park

We will also have information about the society, posters about what we do and books for sale of you want something to take home

We will have a number of rare titles available at reduced prices so do stop by and say hello if you are able 

If you want more details you can find them here and here

Coryton Orchid Stolen

It is with great sadness that we report that the Common Spotted Orchid Var.rhodochila that was reported  in the Newsletter and again in 2011 in leaf and in full flower has been reported stolen

This wonderful bloom was reported as having been dug up in the following way

I am contacting you & your Society as probably interested persons, to inform you of illegal activity which has occurred at the Coryton roundabout Cardiff. 

I have been studying our native orchids for over 30 years & have visited many sites all over the UK. It was already known to me that an unusual form of the Common Spotted orchid (var rhodochila) occurred at the Coryton roundabout & this year after a trip to the Kenfig NNR on June 24th with 4 other naturalists, we stopped at Coryton on the return journey & found amongst the many normal Common Spotted & hybrid orchids, 2 beautiful specimens of var. rhodochila. One was fully out & the other which was the best specimen was just opening. I have seen var. rhodochila in Somerset,Wiltshire,Hampshire & Kent but this partly opened specimen at Coryton was the best I have ever seen.

I returned yesterday (1st July) to obtain photographs of this plant at its best & was devastated to see that both plants had been dug up. The selfish person who has done this has denied genuine naturalists the opportunity to see these beautiful plants possibly forever at this site & they will probably die off if the roots have been damaged.

Hoping that some plants may return one day.

Since that communication we have been in touch with the council and  the traffic wales group and there are no cameras covering the site so the police have no evidence to take action upon
 
Please if you hear anything get in touch and we can (in confidence if needed) pass on any information

Regards
Andy

Ptarmigan in Denali National Park

A picture submitted by Eirian Edwards one of our members as a challenge for the newsletter which deserves to be available in higher resolution for those harder of seeing at that scale (click on the picture for a full sized image)

Regards
Andy

New Member new website to enjoy

We recently received a note from one of our new members 

Hi

I have very recently joined the CNS.  

Since retiring last year, I've found time (just) to indulge my interest in natural history and photography. Whilst I'm no great shakes behind the lens, I often take pictures on my walks as an aide-mémoire of the day and last week I started a photo blog. I intend to post photos, mainly of wild flowers in Bute Park, birds at RSPB & WWT outings &c. Just thought I would mention it in case anyone was interested...

http://butenature.wordpress.com/ 

Regards

Karen Francis

You are welcome and we are of course interested and we'd like to share as it looks a really good site with already some excellent pictures - Thanks Karen 

Regards

Andy

Traditional Orchards Wales

We recently received the following which may be of interest to our members

"Dear Cardiff Naturalists’ Society,

I recently contacted you to inform you about the PTES Traditional Orchard Survey project which is taking place across Wales.

We have now finished mapping the orchards in the Cardiff area using aerial photos and are ready for volunteers to go out and survey them on the ground. We need hundreds of survey volunteers across Wales to ensure the inventory is as accurate and complete as possible, so this is an appeal for help in recruiting them!

If you have a website, newsletter, social media page or noticeboard where you would be able to publicise the project please get in touch. The attached project leaflet can be circulated to other local groups or anyone you think may be interested (hard copies are available if required). I can also provide articles, posters or flyers.

The survey requires no prior experience as we provide a full survey pack with clear instructions, and volunteers can do as little or much as they feel able in their own time.

I look forward to hearing from you with any offers or suggestions"

If you want further information take a look at their website  http://www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=95

Whiteford Field Trip

An update from Bruce

I have now sorted out details of the Whiteford Field Trip with Steve Bolchover which will take place at 10am on Saturday 9th June, starting at Cwm Ivy car park near Llanmadoc, Gower. Steve is an expert on beetles and is the county recorder for them.

As he lives on Gower he knows the area well. This is an opportunity for those with little knowledge of Coleoptera to learn some basics and professionals will also find Steve's knowledge informative.

We could see the rare Dune Tiger Beetle photographed in 2012 at Whiteford - see photo.

it is bound to be a grand day out as we would say in Yorkshire... please make every effort to join us

Regards
Andy