Local Events in Snowdonia

Workdays in May 2013

Saturday 25th May - Annual Harlech Beach clean and BBQ
We will be clearing litter accumulated over the winter months from this spectacular beach with the assistance of the Maritime Unit and Gwynedd Council. 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!

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
Email: jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk or
mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk

Walks and events in Conwy

Saturday 1st June
Y Garn and the Elidir Ridge
Past Llyn Idwal, this route ascends steeply to Y Garn, following the broad ridge to Foel Goch. A steep descent takes us to Bwlch y Brecan where we can branch off to the rocky summit of Elidir Fawr before returning to the Bwlch and following a little used traverse high above the Nant Ffancon Valley back to Cwm Idwal
Duration: 6.5-7.5 hours
Distance: 14.5km/9m
Meet: 9.45am Ogwen Cottage car park
Start: 10am GR: SH 649 604
Bookings: Aled Owen 01690 760112
Very Strenuous

Wednesday 12th June
From Bats to Beer!
We will follow quiet country lanes from Rowen to the Woodland Trust’s Parc Mawr wood, finding out about the hidden history of the site and how its mining past is now good news for lesser horseshoe bats.
As dusk approaches, we will keep our eyes peeled as the nocturnal residents of the site start to stir, climbing up to the 12th century Llangelynnin Old Church to watch the last rays of the summer sun illuminate the Conwy valley below.
At sunset, we will return to the Tŷ Gwyn Pub where you are encouraged to enjoy some much needed refreshment!
This walk will involve some steep ascents and the terrain may be muddy so sturdy footwear with good grip is essential.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Distance: 9km/6m
Meet: 5.45pm at village car park in Rowen. LL32 8YU.
Start: 6pm GR: SH 760 720.
Bookings: Kylie: 0845 293 5785 kyliejonesmattock@woodlandtrust.org.uk
Moderate

June 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.

Contact: Jenny Whitmore 01286 685498
Email: jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk