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There's plenty going on throughout Wales this half term. Here are a few of the more nature & outdoor orientated activities you might like to try:

Welsh Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran

Spider Workshop: Saturday 29 May, 2pm.
Join Mike Bailey from Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) for a walk around the variety of habitats on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.Learn about a variety of collecting techniques and see what you can find in the undergrowth. £5 per person

Bat Walk: Tuesday 1 June, 8pm.
Wildlife Trust Officer Nathan Walton will take you through the interesting life of bats, followed by an opportunity to become your very own bat detective with a walk along the river in search of bats. £3 per person

Moth Breakfast: Thursday 3 June, 8am.
Join Mike Snow to discover the world of moths. Learn how to identify species and what moths can be found on the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve.Breakfast roll and coffee to follow in the Glasshouse Café at 10am. £5 per person

Wildlife Themed Arts & Crafts: Friday 4 June, 11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.
Come along and create some wildlife themed crafts to take away with you.£2 per child

Butterfly Workshop: Sunday 13 June, 2pm.
Join butterfly expert Red Liford for a guided walk around the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve looking out for butterflies and learning about the habitats in which they live.
Adults £7.50, Children £2, Under 5's Free.

National Trust sites in North Wales

Chirk Castle near Wrexham:' Grow your own' Week (2-6 June, 11am - 4pm)
Discover the beauty of growing your own seasonal food, and get started by potting your own seeds to take home. Is it a weed? Try the identification quiz and find out how to make your own compost with the garden team.

Erddig, Wrexham: Green Day (30 May, 11am - 4pm)
Find out how to reduce your carbon footprint and live a greener lifestyle with demonstrations, exhibitions and hands-on workshops throughout the day. Meet a couple who really do live the 'Good Life', watch circus performers, meet the owl rescue team, learn about bees and see the eco 'Green Man'.

Powis Castle, Welshpool: Hidden History Tours (27 May & 3 June, 12pm - 12.45pm)
This is your opportunity to discover hidden areas of the castle, which are not normally seen by visitors, with fascinating tours led by a member of the house team every Thursday during, May & June. Normal admission price + £3. Booking advisable on 01938 551929.

Behind the Scenes Tour in the Garden (3 June, 10.30am - 12pm)
Join the garden staff as they look at work in progress, seasonal plants and items of interest, as well as going to the nursery and any other areas not normally seen by regular visitors. Normal admission price + £4. Booking essential on 01938 551929.

Pot up at Powis (5-6 June, 11am - 5.30pm)
Paint a pot, plant a seed and then take it home to grow. Find out more about how and why the kitchen garden was transformed into the formal gardens we see today by taking part in the children's garden quiz. Normal admission price + £1.50 for the additional activities.

Penrhyn Castle, Bangor: Abseil down the Ice Tower (6 June, 11am - 4pm)
The experience of a lifetime. £3 per abseil.

Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll:
Green Fingered Wildchild & Mr Bimbamboozle (2 June, 11am - 4pm)
Are you a green fingered wild child? Why not join us for pot planting craft workshops. There are activities for all the family and traditional family fun. Some activities may have a charge.

National Trust sites in South Wales

Aberdulais Falls, Neath: Calling Young Photographers (29 -30 May, 10am - 5pm)
A photography weekend for children. Take a picture at the Falls and enter our competition to win a prize. Bring your own camera (or borrow Mum/Dad's). No need to book and members of Port Talbot Camera Club will be on hand with computers to help and advise.
Adult £4.40, Children £2.20, Family £11.

Colby Woodland Garden, nr Amroth: 'Grow Your Own'Ìý (31 May, 11am - 3.30pm)
Discover how easy it is to grow your own food with advice and demonstrations from the Colby gardening team.

Badgerwatch (29 May & 5 June, 7pm)
Experience the magic of the deer park at dusk, with a rare chance to observe badgers and appreciate these shy creatures in the company of our expert warden.
Adult £10 Children £6 Family £30. Booking essential on 01558 823902.

Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Llanwrda: Gold Fever (29 May - 6 June, 11am - 5pm)
Try your luck at panning for gold and enjoy different tours into the mountainside. Children can take part in treasure hunts to find out what mythical creature has been visiting Dolaucothi and what clues it has left behind. There's also treasure to be won.

Pennard, Gower: Pennard Cliffs and Pwll Du Guided Walk (30 May, 10am - 2.30pm)
11km circular walk along Pennard Cliffs, down into Pwll Du bay and back up to Pennard. Discover history, caves, an underground river, quarries, woodland and wildlife, and hear stories of smugglers and buried sailors. Families welcome. Please bring lunch with you.
All Tickets £3 and booking is essential on 01792 390636

Brecon Beacons: A Wild and Wooded Valley Guided Walk (8 June, 1.30pm - 4pm)
Discover the hidden treasures of the stunning Upper Tarell Valley, set between the Central Beacons and Fforest Fawr on this delightful circular walk through ancient woodland, along the Tarell river and unspoilt landscape. Meet at National Trust basecamp, Dan y Gyrn, Brecon. Booking is essential on 01874 623366.

Meadows Jewels and Marsh Treasures Guided Walk (10 June, 1:30 - 4pm)
Come and join National Trust Wardens for a fascinating and fun exploration of Berthlwyd Farm. The farm boasts a wealth of complex and rich habitats, as well as important vernacular buildings. Complimentary refreshments and cake at the end of this lovely walk. Suitable for families but not for pushchairs. Booking essential on 01874 623366.

St David's Visitor Centre & Shop, Pembrokeshire:
The St. David's Peninsula - Evening Talk (3 June, 7.30pm - 8.45pm)
Enjoy an illustrated tour of land in the care of the National Trust within this special part of Wales with Andrew Tuddenham, Area Warden. Booking is essential on 01437 720385.

Stackpole Estate, Pembrokeshire: Sea Kayak Festival (28-31 May)
This well established residential festival will include a choice of island and coastal journeys with Caldey & Skomer Islands within striking distance (weather permitting). Guides will be on hand to share their wealth of knowledge of the bird and marine life. Evening activities include talks by guest speakers as well as barbecues and social events. Fully catered residential accommodation at Stackpole Centre. Booking is essential on 01646 661425.

Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion: Urdd National Eisteddfod (31 May - 5 June)
There will be plenty of activities for everyone at Llanerchaeron throughout the Eisteddfod week. Entry to Llanerchaeron is through the Eisteddfod entrance and there is discounted admission for members of the National Trust.

And finally - don't forget all the Springwatch: Wild Days Out happening throughout Wales in May and June.

So, there are a few ideas to help keep you and the kids out of mischief. I hope the weather is kind and you have a great time, whatever you end up doing.

Gull

Well another bank holiday weekend is upon us and, as is often the case, there is some rain in the forecast!

Of course, we do need the rain given it's been a dry spring, but I can promise some dry weather and some sunshine as well, although if you're planning a trip to the beach it's not going to be anywhere near as hot as last weekend.

Tonight rain will spread across the country after midnight, the wind backing south to southeast and picking-up with lowest temperatures seven to 11 Celsius.

Tomorrow a wet and breezy morning with heavy rain in places and hill fog. However, during the afternoon it will turn drier and brighter with a few scattered showers. Top temperatures 13 to 16 Celsius and breezy, especially in the south and on the Bristol Channel coast.

Sunday a much better day. The odd light shower in places otherwise dry. The cloud breaking with
some sunshine. Temperatures 13 to 17 Celsius with a moderate north-westerly breeze.

Bank Holiday Monday looks set to bring us more dry weather. The best of the sunshine in the north and east. Cloudier in the west and southwest with a risk of a little rain, especially in the evening. Warmer. Highest temperatures 15 to 19 Celsius with a south-easterly breeze.

The Urdd Eisteddfod in Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion starts next week. Most of Monday should be dry. Some rain possible on Tuesday. But the weather should improve for the rest of the week when we could be in for a taste of summer!

A few people have been in touch to say that a tornado struck Neyland in Pembrokeshire last night, Thursday 27 May.

At around 9.40pm a loud roar was heard and a rush of wind in the Wood Lane/Honeyborough Grove areas of the town.

Mrs Dawn Delahaye says "the sky went very dark. There was heavy rain, the wind suddenly picked-up followed by a severe gust which lasted for a few seconds.

"The wind hit the house, stripping tiles off the roof and caused more damage to my neighbours roof across the road. It was very frightening."

It is difficult to say whether the gust of wind was due to a tornado or not without further evidence, but I wouldn't rule it out completely. A trough moved through Pembrokeshire yesterday evening bringing heavy showers.

The air was unstable with cumulonimbus clouds, which tower upwards, and these can sometimes bring heavy rain, hail, thunder and sudden gusts of wind. If conditions are right in the atmosphere, these clouds can produce a funnel cloud. If the funnel cloud touches the land it is called a tornado. If it touches the sea, it is called a waterspout.

www.torro.org.uk

The third round of the British Mountain Biking Championships arrives in Margam Park, Port Talbot for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Friday 28 May:
1300-1800 XC Race Practice Open
1800-1900 Team Relay

Saturday 29 May:
0900 XC Practice
0900 Regsitration open for xc and marathon
1000 Demo Course Open
1000 Race 1.Ìý All Female categories and Juvenile/Youth Boys
1200 Practice
1230 Race 2. Elite/Expert/Sport/Junior Men
1500 Race 3. Master/Veteran/Grand Veteran/Super Veteran Men/Open
1500 Last demo rides begin
1600 Demo course closed.
1730 Free under 12s races.

Sunday 30 May
1000 Demo course open
1000 Margam marathon begins
1500 Last demo rides begin
1600 demo course closed

There's plenty going on including kids races, leisure rides as well as a huge demo event - featuring all the latest gear and innovations from the world of mountain biking for you to try out.You can also camp at the event.



See some .

On Sunday there's a big ride around the feared Margam 'enduro course' so pack your body armour!

Enjoy, and if you're taking part - send in some pics to me at wales.nature@bbc.co.uk and I'll show some in the blog, next week.

Gull

Who doesn't love fluffy young chicks? Not us, that's for sure. Now, we know that nature is '' but as Spring gets going we've indulged in some unapologetic celebration of ducklings, goslings and cygnets.

You and see the full gallery of photos taken from our ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales Nature group here.

But here's a selection from the gallery:

First up is this inquisitive duckling from prolific photographer Ashley Cohen, aka WalesBirder. You can see the original on Flickr .

Here's a great pic of a swan with its cygnets from Mark Riley, aka master47. You can see the original on Flickr .

And what's better than this little gosling from John Bennett? You can see the original on Flickr .

Do you have any photos of water bird chicks to share? Make sure you join our and show off your shots!

Has your car been covered in a yellow dust recently?

It's nothing to do with the volcano on Iceland, which has stopped erupting for the time being.

It is more likely to be tree pollen.
Ìý
I contacted the Woodland Trust today and was told that pollen from wind pollinated trees can travel very long distances and in very large volumes. There have been of birch pollen from northern Europe coming in vast yellow clouds across the English Channel and mainly reaching the South East of England, although it is entirely possible it could find its way further west into Wales.

This is the right time of year for tree pollen and sudden warm spells combined with wind can result in pollen clouds. There are no reports of pollen clouds of this nature over the weekend, but it is entirely possible.

Records show that birch trees in Cardiff started flowering in late April, so it may be a little late now to see very large amounts of local pollen, although it is possible.

The tree pollen season is now coming to an end but the grass pollen season has begun and will continue until late July or early August. Grass pollen affects 95% of people who suffer from hay fever, including myself. So although I am looking forward to summer, I am not so keen on the itchy eyes and the sneezes which I have had to put up with every year since I was a boy.

So give your car a wash and keep the tissues handy!

Derek

Last weekend was the hottest of the year so far with temperatures soaring to 27 Celsius, 81 Fahrenheit in a few places such as Trawscoed in Ceredigion.

Mind you, despite the heat there was still a few patches of snow on the mountains in Snowdonia as the members of found out. Instead of sun-bathing they ended-up throwing snowballs on Carnedd Gwenllian, 2,993 feet above sea level!



Since then it has turned cooler and fresher. Highest temperatures today were typically 15 to 19 Celsius across Wales, 21 Celsius, 70 Fahrenheit in parts of the south and the cooling trend is set to continue over the next few days.

Spring this year has been drier than normal, especially April, and I know some people are desperate for rain given the ground is a bit parched. However, theÌý reservoirs seem to be coping reasonably well. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water have informed me that their reservoirs are 75% or more full at the moment with none considered to be 'low'. There is some maintenance work taking place at a couple of reservoirs, eg the Cantref reservoir in the Brecon Beacons where it has been necessary to lower the water level. Severn Trent say that water levels in their Welsh reservoirs are a little lower than normal for this time of year but this is not a cause for concern.

Apart from a few showers I can't promise much rain this week. However, the weather pattern may change over the bank holiday weekend when low pressure in the Atlantic may bring us some significant rain. Not good news if you've got any outdoor plans but at least the gardens and allotments will get a watering.

One of the UK's most endangered mammals is getting a conservation boost this summer when 100 water voles are released into a specially-designed habitat in Powys.

Llangorse lake will be the new home for the young voles, as part of an ongoing scheme by the to arrest the species' decline. Speaking to the North Wales Daily Post, Environment Agency Wales' biodiversity officer Stuart Craxford said, "We intend this project to be the first of many re-introductions to suitable sites across Wales.

"To complement the releases, we're improving the network of drainage ditches around Llangorse, creating new ponds and undertaking tree management work.

"This will encourage the plant growth that provides the essential cover and food water voles need."

A police campaign to protect prime natural habitats in north east Wales has had backing this week from an unlikely source. Stunt motorcycle rider Jason Rennie has pledged his support for 's .

The campaign aims to combat damage to the Denbighshire countryside done by off-road motorbiking and 4x4s. North Wales Police say, "Ancient hillforts and burial chambers that withstood the Roman occupation are now under siege from a biker blitzkrieg sweeping across the uplands in Denbighshire.

"Rare species and their priceless habitats are also being illegally endangered and damaged by off-road motorbikes and 4x4s.

"But now a concerted campaign, catchphrase 'don't leave home without it', led by Denbighshire Countryside Services is encouraging farmers, ramblers and others who enjoy the county's wide open spaces to carry a special telephone number with them - or even key it into their mobile phones - to report the vandals."

The police can now seize and crush vehicles and fine their owners up to £20,000.

, Rennie said, "People just don't realise the damage they are doing riding bikes across those mountains. What we need is as minimal impact on the land as we can to make sure the wildlife and the natural habitat is protected.

"Bikes and 4x4s tearing up the moorland create massive scars all over the mountains. Water channels out of the ruts and causes even more damage and racing around forest tracks is a massive danger to legitimate users."

Denbighshire County Council's Heather and Hillforts Project covers the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Horseshoe Pass and Llantysilio Mountain, part of the Ruabon/Llantysilio Mountains and Minera Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

To report illegal off-roaders, call police on 0845 6071002 or 0845 6071001 for Welsh language callers.

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of South Wales will be aware of one of the jewels in the coast's crown: Gower.

With a range of different habitats, it can be thought of as distilling all Wales into just a few square miles. From moorland and woodland to ancient dunes and sandy beaches, Gower has a lot to offer.

will be hosting the second of nine guided Gower walks this Sunday (30 May), which will include Pennard Cliffs, Pwll Du Bay and Bishopston Valley on an 11km circular route.

The National Trust says that booking is essential as places are limited. The walk starts at 10am at the National Trust car park at Southgate.

To book, phone The National Trust on 01792 390636 or email gower.admin@nationaltrust.org.

It's amazing what a change of wind direction can do. The other week the wind was from the north and we were shivering with below average temperatures and some frost. Now the wind has turned into the south bringing much warmer and moister air from the tropics. Over the next few days, temperatures will continue to rise across Wales.

In fact this weekend is going to be the hottest of the year so far with temperatures soaring into the low to mid twenties Celsius. 26 Celsius likely in a few spots which is just short of 80 Fahrenheit. However, there is a small fly in the ointment.

The air is moist and humid and as it crosses the sea it cools forming low cloud and mist so if you're heading to the seaside, you may be unlucky and find yourself building sandcastles surrounded in fog!

As the heat builds inland this may trigger the odd heavy shower later in the afternoon but these will be few and far between with most of the country having a dry weekend.

If you're heading to Wembley for the football on Saturday. Cardiff City taking on Blackpool in the championship play-off final. It's going to be a cracking day weatherwise. Sunny and very warm. Highs of 24 Celsius, 75 Fahrenheit. So don't forget your hat and suncream! The sun is very strong given we are only a few weeks away from the summer solstice.

The Radio One Big Weekend is taking place at the Faenol Estate near Bangor, Gwynedd this weekend. Plenty of music and fun is forecast and the weather looks good too. Fine and warm with lots of sunshine. So a taste of summer this weekend, but make the most of it, next week it looks like turning cooler again and if you want rain, I'm afraid there's no sign of any on the horizon.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Cymru Wales is set to inspire new wildlife heroes to do something for nature this summer in a Springwatch season of events and programmes.

The season kicks off with three Springwatch specials on 17, 19 and 20 May. The main Springwatch series then runs from Monday, 31 May - 17 June on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two Wales.

Families in Wales will be able to attend Springwatch Wild Days Out, offering hands on nature activities from 20 May - 12 June.

The wild season will mark the 2010 with a series of events and programmes to promote the importance of protecting a wide range of species across the UK and around the world.

On Monday, May 17, the 'Springwatch Wild Season' in Wales kicks off on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Wales - highlighting the plight of the bees.

Morning presenters Jamie Owen and Louise Elliott will join the Bee Part of It campaign to learn more about the bee and its crucial role in our circle of life.

Springwatch Wild Days Out in Wales:

• 20 - 22 May, National Museum Cardiff

Three days of hands on wildlife activities at National Museum Cardiff. Meet ´óÏó´«Ã½ wildlife presenter - Rhys Jones and his reptiles and take a behind the scenes natural history tour. For more information, visit

• 22 May, 24 hour Bio-Blitz, Bishop's Wood Nature Centre, Caswell Bay. Starts at 5am.
  

Join the City and County of Swansea Nature Conservation Team and Swansea Biodiversity Partnership to help record and identify grasses, mammals, insects, trees, seashore life, birds and more.

• 22 June, International Biodiversity Day at the Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon.

Learn about Roman animals and go wild making some animal art.

• 31 May - 5 June, National Urdd Eisteddfod Ìý

Six days of nature activities down on the grounds of Llanerchaeron. Have a go at making a home for bees and butterflies, discover life in the lake with pond dipping and angling andÌýget out and about on a nature trail and mini beast hunt. Visit the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Cymru Wales tent to find out more.

• 5 June, Green Meadow Farm, Cwmbran. ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
  

Visit the Gwent Amphibian & Reptile Group's exhilarating exhibit - meet the slow worms, lizards, toads, newts and frogs.

• 6 June, Treborth Botanic Gardens, Bangor
  

Take part in a range of activities: mini beast hunt, rock pool safari, see live reptiles and amphibians, learn to build bird boxes, weave willow and listen to live music. There'll be something for everyone. For more information contact Kate Williamson on: 01766 772255; e-mail Kate.Williamson@eryri-npa.gov.uk

• 12 June, Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar.

Meet ´óÏó´«Ã½ wildlife presenter - Rhys Jones, and lots of wild animals including otters, owls, bats and reptiles. Have a go at making homes for birds and insects. Go pond dipping or on a nature walk. Play fun games and activities such as face painting and the ladybird quiz.

AÌý full list of events can be found on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Breathing Places website.


Gull

The first half of May was pretty chilly with the odd frost but warm air from the tropics is heading our way.

Tomorrow and Thursday will be mostly cloudy and damp with mist, hill fog and drizzle but it looks like we're in for a taste of summer on Friday and over the weekend!

High pressure will bring plenty of fine weather, lots of sunshine with temperatures rising into the low to mid twenties Celsius (70 to 77 Fahrenheit).

It will also feel humid and the heat could spark off the odd thundery shower.

Sea breezes will keep coasts pleasantly cooler but still fine with some sunshine.

Don't forget the suncream.

Derek

RSPB Assistant warden, Lisa Morgan has just sent in her May report from Ramsey Island via a passing guillemot:

"Chough are one of our most important breeding birds on Ramsey. With a limited distribution around our west coast, they cling to Celtic shorelines, with up to 300 pairs in Wales, representing three-quarters of the UK population".

"These beautiful birds have glossy blue-black plumage with distinctive bright red bill and legs. We have seven pairs breeding on the island this year, with many more non-breeding birds also in residence".

"Considering the cold winter and the lack of feeding opportunities for chough when the ground is frozen, they have come through in good numbers".

"Many of our pairs are now feeding small chicks. It is rare for us to actually see a chough nest, as they are built way up in the top of our enormous sea caves".
Views from Ramsey Island:


"However, by watching their behaviour we can be sure of which stage of the breeding cycle they are at. Female chough incubate the eggs and will brood small chicks alone".

"The fact that we are now starting to see two birds coming out to collect food, implies chicks in the nest that can thermo-regulate, keeping themselves warm, without Mum's help. Birds bringing out white faecal pellets for disposal are also a dead give away".

"We hope to see young chough out of the nest by early June which is a great time to come and see them".

"Noisy family parties of chough can be encountered all around the reserve. The juveniles beg for food and their dutiful parents oblige with ants, grubs and insect larvae".

Comical choughs in flight. Image by Martin Aaron:


"This all links into some work we have started on the island to look at chough diet. We are particularly interested in one of their favourite crunchy snacks; the dung beetle".

"Ramsey is a working farm and our varying numbers of sheep, red deer, ponies and cattle produce plenty of dung, which is extremely attractive to many different species of beetle".

"This year, the RSPB has initiated a study in collaboration with Oxford University to investigate the abundance and diversity of these insects on the island".

"Initial results are hugely encouraging, with the range of species present and the vast number of beetles they are finding, creating quite a stir among entomologists".

And because you were all expecting a picture of a chough from an RSPB warden, here's a stunning minotaur instead!"

Image of a minotaur beetle by Lisa Morgan:

Ìý
"Although crawling around on the floor all day looking for beetles may not be everybody's idea of a good day out, these fascinating creatures deserve a second glance".

"For instance the fearsome looking Minotaur Beetle, the male with three horns on its head, is the only 60 dung beetle species in Britain to roll droppings with its hind legs whilst going backwards down its burrow".

"You will come across these insects on Ramsey's footpaths, where the tunnels, dug by the female, look like little mini molehills".
Ìý
"It's becoming clear that Ramsey is a hugely important site for dung beetle conservation and that in turn bodes well for the continued success of island chough".
Ìý
"So whether it's birds or beetles that excite you, or if you just want to see the island's spectacular coastal scenery and spring flowers, Ramsey is open daily".

Visit for all the information you need to plan your visit.

Exciting news just in from the RSPB:

The Glaslyn osprey pair's first chick hatched on Saturday 15 May at 11.27am, watched by a crowd of eager onlookers in the visitor centre.

The second egg hatched this morning at 8.05am, this time with just Project Officer, Geraint Williams and volunteer Margaret Williams as an audience.

On Saturday the mother osprey was very agitated a minute before the egg hatched and then the egg literally split in two and the chick emerged.

When the second chick hatched, the mother was seen looking down and appeared to be listening to the egg beforehand.

While she was feeding the first chick the second head appeared. Visitors to the viewing site at Pont Croesor near Porthmadog today will be among the first to see the new arrivals.

Geraint Williams said: "The remaining egg continues to be incubated by the adult birds and if everything goes to plan we hope the third egg will hatch on Wednesday. We will not know if they are male or female until they are ringed at four weeks old."

Margaret Williams, who was on protection duty this morning, said: "The new arrivals are both completely bald and very tiny, as you would expect from chicks just a few hours old. Their eyes have opened fully and they are feeding well, and the father osprey is catching fish locally and bringing them back to the nest."

This is the seventh successful breeding season for the Glaslyn ospreys in Wales. Since 2004 12 chicks have fledged from the double bed sized nest.

When the third chick hatches, all three will remain in the nest until the second week in July - when they will stretch their wings and learn to fly.



2010 on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Local North West

This summer, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ joins forces with the National Trust for a national campaign, launching on Monday 17 May to investigate the plight of honeybees in Britain.

The Bee Part Of It campaign is supported by ´óÏó´«Ã½ Local, Springwatch and wildlife presenter Kate Humble, who now manages her own bee hives at home.

Bees are the world's most important pollinating insects and honey bees are worth around £200 million a year to British agriculture. Their dramatic decline in numbers recently has become a cause of global concern.

Bees, along with other pollinators like butterflies, moths, beetles, and hoverflies are crucial to the entire ecosystem.

Albert Einstein is alleged to have once said that, without bees, humanity would die out in four years - now there's a scary thought!

Perhaps Hollywood should stop making movies about apocalyptic global warming scenarios and focus on the extinction of bees instead?

As Iolo Williams recently mentioned - the biggest threat to our planet is mankind and it is us who will ultimately suffer. Nature will resume, long after we're all gone...

As part of the build up to this campaign I've been asking you to send in your best bee photos. Here's a gallery of some of the best ones so far.

All native bees have been in decline for some time and a combination of factors are believed to be responsible: habitat loss, pesticides, and disease are key.

A bee by Steve Tynant:

Recent poor summers have also caused enormous damage to honey bees: a third of all colonies were lost in 2008.
Ìý
Matthew Oates, the National Trust's Chief Conservation Advisor, says: "Bee consciousness is vital and we can all help; we can do simple things like planting bee friendly plants and flowers to encourage bees into our gardens. We want more people to understand the crucial role that bees play in our food chain."

The main focus of this campaign is the honey bee, and as part of this project, Radio Wales has adopted two new hives on National Trust property.The first will be at Dinefwr in West Wales. The second hive location has yet to be confirmed.

Each hive comes with a bee keeper who'll look after the hive for the summer and hopefully deliver up to fifty jars of honey at the end of the season. I've already bought a new toaster! ;)

We'll monitor the hives progress for the duration, and you'll be able to follow the story locally on the Jamie & Louise show as well as on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales Local websites.

We're also giving away packs of bee friendly flower seeds in June (details to follow), and bees will feature at the Springwatch Wild Days Out.

In the meantime, find out which species of flowers are bee friendly from the RHS website and get planting.

Bee keeping isn't just a rural operation - bees can thrive in villages, towns, and cities, as long as the conditions are right.

Bee Facts:

• There are 250 species of bee in the UK consisting of bumblebees, honeybees and solitary bees.
  

• Pollination delivers €14.2bn to the European economy, most of this is through bumblebees and honeybees.

• Bumblebees have smelly feet. They produce oily secretions to inform other bees which flowers have already been visited

Source:

That's it for now. If you've got a story concerning bees in Wales then do get in touch. I can mention it here in the blog and pass on any useful information to colleagues involved in the campaign.

Gull

Having trouble identifying bees? Try the .

If you've got any plans for the weekend, Saturday looks the best day for a picnic, trip to theÌýcoast or a walk in the hills.

Any mist first thing on Saturday morning will clear, leaving a dry day with sunny spells. And after a chilly start with a local ground frost it willÌýfeel a little warmer than recently.

Top temperatures will be between 12 and 15 Celsius with a light to moderate west to north-westerly breeze.

SaturdayÌýevening looks dry but rain over Ireland will spread into Wales after midnight.

On Sunday morning, have a lie in because Sunday will start off wet and breezy. However, the rain will clear, leaving a much drier and brighter afternoon and evening -Ìýso some sunshine and just the odd shower.

Temperatures 12 to 15 Celsius with a moderate to fresh south to south-westerly wind veering west to north-westerly once the rain clears through.

Next week will be warmer but not completely dry. Fronts from the AtlanticÌýwill bring cloud in but with high pressure over us - there shouldn't beÌýtoo muchÌýrain.

There are two walking fantasticÌýfestivals on in Wales this weekend:

with 20 walks to suit all abilities.

Enjoy

Ìý

Derek

Now here's something you don't see everyday...

Roving wildlife photographer Mike Davies has been keeping an eye on a pair of nesting swans on the Neath canal for a few weeks now.

In this shot taken yesterday, the female swan can be seen on the nest inspecting her eight eggs:


Mike was out and about early again this morning on swan patrol, when to his astonishment the male swan pulled out a large eel in it's its beak and ate it.

The male swan with the eel in its beak:


I've never ever heard of such behaviour before and always assumed swans only ate small insects, molluscs, water plants, other vegetation and the occasional small fish but never eels?

A close up of the shot:


If anyone has witnessed this behaviour before or can shed any light on it then I'd love to hear from you.
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Please leave a comment in the blog.

Gull

There is a chill in the air again today and it was certainly cold in Mid Wales.

Last night at Tirabad in Powys, the temperature dropped to -4 Celsius, 25 Fahrenheit - making it the coldest May night there since 1996!

Gardeners need to be on their guard again tonight because more frost is expected.

Tomorrow night, though, will be different; cloudy and milder with outbreaks of rain.

And then over the weekend, some ground frost is likely in places but next week will become warmer with south-westerly winds.

Derek

'The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path National trail' or as most of us know it, the Pembrokeshire coastal footpath celebrates it's 40th birthday.

It's officially forty years since walkers started to explore Pembrokeshire's natural wonders and scenic beauty by following its coastal path

Incredibly it stretches for 186 miles, from Amroth in the south to St Dogmael's near Cardigan in the north.

Walkers enjoying the coastal path near Skomer Island. Image by Dave Maclachlan - PCNPA:


The path was opened in May 1970, after 17 years of preparation to secure a continuous route along the coast, including the installation over 100 bridges and thousands of steps.

Since then the and the have continued to work with local partners to maintain and improve the routes and open them to everyone.

Over 400 stiles have been removed in the last 10 years to make the path easier and more accessible which can only be a good thing for walkers. The 42 mile section between Pembroke Dock and Nolton Haven is now stile free!

Enjoying the scenery near St Govans. Image by Dave Maclachlan - PCNPA:
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Don't panic if you're not up to doing the full 186 miles either! You can do it in chunks and hop on the coastal cruiser buses in between so pick and choose your routes.

A favourite of is mine is the section between Freshwater East and Barafundle Bay but on a nice sunny day it all looks amazing.

The path has recently been voted 'Britain's best coastal path' by the readers of Coast Magazine and around 900,000 people use the routes daily providing a massive boost to the local economy and businesses.

Taking in the views at Porth Egr. Image by Dave Maclachlan - PCNPA:
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Things to look out for whilst walking the trails this summer:

• 300 million year old rocks and the coloured, textured and patterned cliffs.
• Amazing views courtesy of the large headlands and little promontories across wide bays, sandy coves and deep estuaries.
• Many species of flowers - including thrift, sea campion, sea plantain, spring squill, bird's foot trefoil, kidney vetch while grasses such as red fescue form a soft springy turf.
• Birds including razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, gulls, shags, cormorants, rare choughs and peregrine falcons.
  
• The tidal mudflats in Angle Bay and Pembroke River host many waders and duck.Ìý
• There's plenty of history too - old chapels, Iron Age hillforts, Bronze Age burial cairns, Norman castles and Victorian maritime forts.

Find some interesting places to visit in South West Wales on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales Nature portal.

Use our wildlife guides to spot the bird life.

Gull

For all you fans of men in tights shooting baddies with bows and arrows - the wait is almost over!

The Ridley Scott Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe is being released in cinemas across the UK tomorrow on Wednesday, 12 May.

The film makers found the perfect location for their epic adventure right here in Wales in Pembrokeshire.

The National Trust's beach at Freshwater West was used to help create a major battle scene in the film.

600 extras and 150 horses staged an impressive Robin Hood battle scene on the beach which represented the south coast of England, where a climactic battle scene complete with longboats and medieval landing craft took place right on the beach.

Image courtesy of the National Trust:


Nearby an outcrop of soft cliff to the south of Freshwater West stood in for the Brittany coast off France.

Extensive unit bases - including temporary stabling for the horses were erected, as well as replicating the historic seaweed drying hut above Middle Bay with several more, to create Breton peasant hovels.

Mike Davies was on hand to snap a few pics too:


The National Trust's Head Warden Richard Ellis said "The dunes, which are a sensitive area of wildflowers and ground-nesting birds, had visitor pressure taken off them for a month because of security during filming, so, environmentally it was also a huge success. We would love to have the film crew back."

Another pic from Mike Davies showing the longboats coming ashore:


Take a look at our Robin Hood photo gallery courtesy of our man at the beach - 'Scotty' who was on hand to capture exclusive pictures for me during filming last year.

I came so close to being an extra in it too..I made it through the auditions and if I'd just managed to get the time off work for filming - I could have been in a Hollywood blockbuster!

Ah well, it'll be fun seeing friends from Pembrokeshire 'taking some arrows' as extras in some of the battle scenes.

Gull

You may have heard the old saying 'Ne'er cast a clout till May be out'. It's been in use since at least the 18th century. A clout is an old word for a piece of clothing.

Some people think 'May' refers to the month but others take it to mean the May flower orÌýhawthorn. The tree flowers in late April or early May.

In other words, the old saying means don't take your warm clothes off until the May blossom is out because cold weather can return during the spring months which is what is happening at the moment.

Hawthorn blossom by Oakwoodlot on Flickr:

The air over has come from the Arctic bringing a drop in temperature. Ann Ankers from Bwlchgwyn near Wrexham said she had sleet this morning with a temperature of only 2 Celsius.

Bwlchgwyn is 1090 feet above sea level but it goes to show how cold the air is. Some frost is likely over the next few nights, especially in the countryside and rural areas. Of course, cold snaps are not uncommon in May.

Thankfully, it should become a little warmer over the weekend and next week but in the meantime keep your vest and scarf handy and watch out for jack frost.

Derek

RSPB warden - Sioned Jones has been in touch to give us an update on life from the Lake Vyrnwy reserve in Mid Wales.

April was buzzing with lambing season in full swing on the farm and over 200 adults and children passing through the farm gates to meet the new arrivals.

Field teacher, Janet Evans with a new lamb:


1 April was the first day of the (DWN) campaign at Vyrnwy.

The peregrines have nested on the cliffs at the northern end of Lake for nearly 30 years and have been almost entirely successful throughout that time.

However, there was no sign of them towards the end of March and Gary, the DWN Officer, was beginning to think he was part of an elaborate April Fools joke. Then, right on cue, the peregrines arrived.

However, as with all things in life, there have been a few setbacks. A second pair of peregrines arrived in the shape of a juvenile male and a mature female which caused unrest in the camp.

Battles began at the beginning of April, with both pairs fighting for territory on the cliff side but as the days wore on, it seemed that age and experience would prevail.

The adult pair have now settled on the cliff side and we are hoping for a nest pretty soon, so watch this space.

The lakeside hide, has become home to both staff and volunteers monitoring the peregrine's nest who are on site to talk visitors through the triumphs and tribulations of these beautiful birds.

A sunset view of the lake from Springwatch 2009. Image by Martin Aaron:


Visitors have been lucky enough to see them on hunting sprees, stooping at speeds in excess of 150 mph and striking their prey in mid air.

It is not just peregrines stealing the limelight either. On 2 April, the lake's illusive osprey swooped down over the water where it's been spotted regularly.

One of the resident otters also popped its head up and swam right in front of the hide too - much to the delight of the visitors.

Other migrants that have made their way back to Vyrnwy include ring ouzel, redstarts, pied flycatchers and willow warblers.

A pied flycatcher:


Warden Jim reports: "Goshawks are looking promising this year and crossbills are here in high numbers and breeding well but chiffchaff numbers are a little low."

Black Grouse counts are now under way with the monitoring of hen harrier and merlin following closely behind. Fingers crossed on all counts!

You can follow the team on Facebook or Twitter under 'RSPB Lake Vyrnwy'.

Gull

The political map maybe changing but so is the weather!

At this time of year, it should be getting warmer but instead its turning colder...

A few people have even been in touch to say there's been some snowÌýe.g. in Torfaen.

I am surprised at this, but certainlyÌýwouldn't rule it out completely with temperatures on high ground dropping to 4 Celsius. It could also be soft hail though which can sometimes be mistaken for snow.

Either way it's not that warm and there's no chance of a heat wave this weekend as it's going to stay cool with north easterly winds.

On Saturday a few spots of light rain are likely, especially in mid, south and east Wales. The north and north west should beÌýmuch drier. The best of the sunshine will be in Conwy, north west Gwynedd and on Anglesey.

Temperatures will only be aroundÌý10 to 12 Celsius, 50 to 54 F with a brisk north easterly wind.

Sunday should be a better day all round. The odd light shower here and there otherwise dry with some bright spells with the best of the sunshine in the west.

It should be less windyÌýand feeling a shade warmer with highs between 11 and 14 Celsius, 52 to 57 F.

Next week, will remain on the cool side with a mixture of sunshine and showers and againÌýit will be cold enough at night for a ground frost in places.

Derek

Don't forget to watch Iolo Williams' new wildlife series on Sunday, 9 May on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One Wales at 9pm.

Filmed over a year, with stunning aerial and wildlife photography, the first episode features the beautiful landscapes of South and West Wales

Iolo starts in Pembrokeshire with red deer, seals and a rare sighting of red squirrels. In the Brecon Beacons he discovers spectacular waterfalls, amazing cave structures and bats hiding in dungeons, and also nesting hobbies, goshawks and some stunning birds in Glamorgan and Gwent.

In the meantime here's a sneak preview of what's in store for episode one:

Fans all over Powys are welcoming the revival of . The famous sign on the A44 near Crossgates disappeared in November last year, just days after a had been started in its honour.

"I could hardly believe it," said Nicholas Whitehead, the man behind the airport sign. "After seven years or so, I thought the sign might have had its day.

But I was wrong. Someone startedÌýa FacebookÌýgroup and it suddenly filled with people wanting to know what had happened to the sign and demanding its return."

The sign first appeared in 2002 when Nicholas who used to live in Radnorshire noticed that the roadside advertising sign was vacant.

"I was visiting friends in Llandegley one evening and we came up with the airport idea," recalled Nicholas. "The people at the billboard company were a bit doubtful when I told them what we had in mind but I was willing to pay the going rate so we had a deal."

Since then, the sign has been discussed in national newspapers, featured in the TV series Great Welsh Roads and has even appeared in the pages of Hansard as part of a parliamentary debate.

Sign upÌýnowÌýfor the first moon balloon tripsÌýand get ready for direct flights to Smelterville in the USA. IÌýwonder ifÌýthey do business class?

Derek

The weather affects everything we do - from what we wear toÌýwhat we eat and even to how we feel but what can it affect the way we voteÌýin aÌýgeneral election?

Some peopleÌýbelieve that theÌýweather on polling day is very important and can have a majorÌýimpact on turnout...

You may think that bad weather would result in a low turnout with people preferring to stayÌýindoors and keep dry and that fine weather would encourage more people to go out and vote.

However, looking back through the weather records it's not easy to find an obvious link between voting and the weather.

The biggest turnout for any post-war election was 83.9% in 1950 and this was indeed a fine day.

Polling day in 1955:

However, whilst election days in 1970 and 1997 were warm and sunny -Ìýthese had two of the lowest turnouts at 72% and 71.4% respectively.

The highest turnout for an election in the past 50 years was in February 1974 when theÌýweather was cool and wet but turnout was nearly 79%.

More recently, in 2001, the weather in Wales was mostly dry with sunny spells but the turnout across the UK fell to 59%, the lowest since 1918!

Turnout was slightly higher in 2005 at 61% with a mixture of sunshine and showers.

So, ifÌýyou're heading to the polling station tomorrow take an umbrella just in case.

Some rain is likely in places, a few heavy showers but I can promise some dry weather as well with temperatures around average or below typically 11 to 14 Celsius.

So in summary the forecast for tomorrow isÌýby no meansÌýclear cut, and a little uncertain - a little bit like the latest opinion polls.

Derek

Gale - a regular from our has recently made an unusual discovery.

She was out walking and spotted an old road sign by the side of a quiet country lane. Curiosity got the better of her and she lifted it up...


Now you'd normally expect to find a load of beetles and worms or perhaps a slow worm if you're really lucky but there underneath, was a perfectly formed robin's nest with 3 eggs inside!


I've never come across robin's nesting at ground level before? But I guess they're quite opportunistic as a species and you'll often find them nesting in obscure places in garden centres and shops etc

Let's hope the chicks stay safe once hatched as they'll be easy targets for predators on the ground.

If you find a nest - remember to leave well alone and replace everything exactly as you found it (like Gale did) - so as not to spook the birds or they'll abandon the nest and the eggs will perish.

If you've found anything unusual whilst out walking - send in your photos to us at wales.nature@bbc.co.uk or join our and upload your pics.

Gull

Ever fancied doing a spot of wildlife volunteering? Now's your chance, as the rare sandwich tern colony at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey need your help.

An informal volunteer training session will give you a unique opportunity to meet wardens, and learn how you can help protect the terns.

Sandwich tern by Ben Stammers:


The volunteer training event, run by the (NWWT), will be held on Saturday, 8 May at 4pm at Cemlyn Nature Reserve, Anglesey.

NWWT's Ben Stammers, who is coordinating the event, said "It's crucial that we protect these birds so that future generations will be able to come here and witness the amazing spectacle of the colony."

Cemlyn Bay:


Tern numbers have stabilised at Cemlyn, following a few bad years for the breeding colony in 2007 and 2008 when increased pressure from disturbance, predators and bad summer weather caused the colony to crash.

Setting up a concerted vigil by volunteers and wardens in 2009 secured a safe place for the birds to breed.

It's an amazing place to visit. I was there in 2009 and chatted to some of the volunteers who spend hours down there in all sorts of weather - guarding and monitoring the terns.

The terns are amazing to watch though, flying in low over the waves at break neck speed, as they return to their hungry chicks, dodging the predatory gulls on the way in - literally within a few feet of you, if you sit quietly on the beach.

Read my blog about Cemlyn Bay from Springwatch 2009.

Gull

Well, not bad a weekend weather-wise for many of us in the end?
The odd shower but enough sun to keep us all happy, even if those NE winds were a bit on the chilly side!
A quick update on the Welsh National Surfing Championships which took place on Saturday 1 May at Freshwater West beach in West Wales.

Waves at the start of the contest in Middle Bay:


Sadly, I was unable to attend the contest this year but apparently it all went smoothly with the heats being finished off in one day.

The contest area:


Half of the contest was completed in 2-3ft surf. The remaining heats will take place at a later date this year. Apparently, there are a number of competitors away currently, so it was felt it would fairer to hold the other heats once everyone is back in Wales.

Trophy time for the juniors:


Here are the winners from the weekend:

U12 - Max Payne, U14 - Jack Davies, U16 - Dave Williams, U18 - Tom Good, U18 - Longboard Connor Griffiths, U18 - Girls Olivia Jones and Masters - Greg Owen.
As usual a great effort from the , and assortedÌý volunteers who give up their free time every year to make this event happen.Gull

A Roman water wheel is being unveiled at the Dolaucothi Gold Mines in Carmarthenshire, two thousand years after the Roman miners left this part of Wales.

The wheel has been painstakingly recreated by local craftsman - Harry Guile, based on an original fragment found buried in the mines during the 1930's. It took him ten weeks carving full-time, using oak from the Dolaucothi Estate.

The finds, discovered underwater in one of the mines' vertical shafts, included Roman tools, which disintegrated as soon as they were brought into the light, The original piece of wooden wheel is now on display in the , Cardiff.
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"I started with drawings and photographs of the original piece of wheel, then made a full-scale template in plywood, because it's such an awkward shape to create".

"The measurements to make a perfect circle have got to be exact and I have to admit there were times when it all got quite stressful."

"By the time the final oil finish was painted on, the whole thing just came to life. The only test then was to see if the wheel held water and after that was confirmed, I felt very proud of it."


The wheel is a half-scale reconstruction of the original and measures six feet in diameter and is surrounded by a frame and staircase, so that visitors to the goldmines can try it out.

The structure was originally used by people who worked the wheel with their feet to clear water from the level where they were mining - a bit like a treadmill.

The new wheel has been installed in what is thought to be its original location, near the entrance to one of the two Roman 'adits' (tunnels) on the site.

Inside the tunnels, you can still see pick marks made by Roman miners two thousand years ago. The Roman themed season at Dolaucothi, begins on 1 May and runs until the end of July 2010.

It will include special Roman tours, giving an insight into what life was like for Roman miners as well as opportunities for children to dress up in Roman costumes and work the wheel.

You can find out more about the Romans on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales History.

Gull