Ring Ousel Talk

Rhayader by Nature are delighted to present a talk by well-respected ornithologist Mick Green regarding the Ring Ousel at 7.30pm on Thursday, 14^th March at CARAD, Rhayader.   An upland cousin of the much more common blackbird, the ring ousel used to breed in Mid-Wales, but has sadly become much rarer and is now more often seen when passing through our area.  Mick Green is an expert on the species and his talk will cover its biology, conservation and what the future might hold for this enigmatic bird. 

This talk will be of interest to anyone interested in the management of the uplands and their wildlife.     Tickets are £2/adult, children are free. 

Rhayader by Nature Newsletters

Our current newsletter (Autumn/Winter 2023-24) can be found along with earlier editions at https://app.box.com/s/32gc6ly1valuu3kvjueztwnojuebqpn7 .

Wilder Marches

Rhayader by Nature are delighted to present a talk by Wilder Marches Programme Manager Jenny Jackson-Tate at 7.30pm on Thursday, 15^th February at CARAD, Rhayader.   This is a groundbreaking cross-border project to more effectively manage and restore wildlife habitats that stretch between Radnorshire, Montgomeryshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.  This talk will be of interest to anyone interested in habitat management and restoration and the means to finance such work while also benefitting the local economy.  Tickets are £2/adult, children are free. 

Further information about the Wilder Marches project can be found at https://www.rwtwales.org/our-projects/wilder-marches .

Sense & Sustainability…in a Sacred Landscape

Plaxy Muetzel will be giving an illustrated talk at CARAD at 7.30pm on Thursday, 18th January 2024 about keeping a small farm afloat, fertile and fruitful, 800 years and counting!

“Mystery, measurements and imagination – a historical perspective, back to the Cistercians dairying in this valley; some clues about medieval land management – and moving on in the current climate, and the yearning for connection.”

Dawn Chorus

On the 25th May 2023, Toby Hay recorded the dawn chorus at the Cwm, from the first calls to a rousing crescendo. You can find the recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW9V0YL9tRU .

As we go into winter, the recording is a reminder that Spring is not too far away and there is much to look forward to.

Relax and enjoy…

Celtic Rainforests LIFE Project Seed Collection Event

Come and join the Celtic Rainforests LIFE Project for this Seed Gathering event in the Elan Valley! There will be an opportunity to go on a Seed Hunt at a Celtic Rainforest site, and scatter the seed afterwards in the new woodland the project hopes to create.

There will be lunch provided in the Dwr Cymru Visitor Centre following the session. The walk will be of moderate difficulty. Bring suitable clothes and shoes because all of the activities will be outdoors.

This event is free but please pre-book your space so that the the Visitor Centre can order your lunch. To book your space, please visit the Celtic Rainforests Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/helfa-hadau-cwm-elan-seed-collection-tickets-719679048407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Or email julia.harrison@rspb.org.uk

Long-Serving Chair Steps Down after 20 Years

At its recent AGM, Rhayader by Nature gave a heartfelt thanks to its Chair and founder member Richard Knight, who stepped down after 20 years in the role.

Richard and his wife Pam have played a crucial part in the success of Rhayader by Nature since it was first formed in 2003 and formally constituted in 2007.  An excellent naturalist with a deep love for our local countryside and wildlife, Richard successfully conveyed this strong interest to others, inspiring and bringing together with grace and good humour a wide range of local residents into supporting the group and its activities.

Highlights for Rhayader by Nature from the last 20 years have included holding a wide range of popular talks and field events, the support of farmland birds such as the yellowhammer, the erection of nest boxes for swifts, the publication of a beautifully illustrated book on our local wildlife (appropriately called “Rhayader by Nature”, with a foreword by Iolo Williams), the control of invasive Himalayan Balsam and most recently a major project on Rhos Pasture in collaboration with the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

Richard played a central and inspiring role in all these achievements and we are indebted to him.  With events throughout the rest of the year, new committee members and exciting projects ahead, Rhayader by Nature is in a strong position to continue the work that Richard and his other co-founders started when it began in 2003.

Saving Our Curlews

Rhayader by Nature are delighted to present a talk by Mick Green of Gylfinir Cymru/Curlew Wales at 7.30pm on Thursday, 16^th March 2023 at CARAD, Rhayader regarding the latest efforts to prevent the extinction of the curlew in Wales.  This beautiful and charismatic bird was once widespread, with its iconic and haunting call one of the wildlife highlights of the Welsh countryside.  Its range is now sadly much reduced, but a small population remains in the Elan Valley.   

The talk will be of interest to anyone interested in saving the curlew and the practical ways to do so, as well as in the wider countryside and wildlife.   Tickets are £2/adult, children are free.  For further information, please contact Gafyn Blakeway on 01597 810804 or by email at gafyn@blakewayb1.plus.com.

An adult Curlew.  Picture by David Swann, Curlew Action

Events

Tentatively we included two walks in the latest members’ newsletter. The first was on Sunday the 16th of May and with Covid-19 restrictions eased, fourteen members gathered, desperate to get out and enjoy searching for wildlife together. This, first since the autumn, exploration was to Coed y Cefn, otherwise known as the prysg, just west of Rhayader town.

The principal focus of this morning meeting was to help members learn some bird songs and calls. Fortunately it was a very fine and calm morning when we met at 09.00hrs and made our way into the mixed woodland. At one point we were able to hear the songs of both Pied Flycatcher and Redstart very close at hand. The rather unmusical but pleasing Pied Flycatcher ditty contrasting with the distinctive coursness of the Redstart. Other singers included Song Thrush, Blackbird, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin, Wren, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest.

It is a shame that the current need for social distancing makes it impossible to gather round closely. Sightings such as the Scalloped Hazel moth that fluttered across our path and the spectacularly coloured Dor Beetle that lumbering along in defiance of the attentions of a myriad of Wood Ants, were passed back as Chinese Whispers. It may be that the last in our throng were passed identifications quite new to science – a Spelloped Hastle and a Bore Peetle perhaps !! Sorry about that – hopefully by the next meeting things will be easier.

Check out your latest Members’ Newsletter in readiness for the next exploration on Saturday the 12th of June – An Introduction to the Wildlife of Rhos Pastures.

Cancelled Events

All further scheduled Rhayader By Nature events this summer and autumn have been cancelled due to the uncertainties and risks created by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Future events will be confirmed on the website.