Over the past couple of weeks North Wales seems to have been a hive of activity.
There seem to be plentiful visitors making the most the best events and attractions North Wales has to offer, not least of which are the beautiful views you can experience by taking a walk in our uplands, whether it be in Snowdonia, around Hiraethog, the Migneint area, the Berwyns or the Clwydian Range.
The walkers at Moel Famau, outside Ruthin not only have the great experience of the view from the top but can now have an extra treat once they make it back to the car park as well with the new Shepherd Hut that was launched earlier this month. The old portable Shepherd Hut which was traditionally used as a shelter by (you guessed it) shepherds as they tended to their flock out on the moors, has been converted to provide shelter with a modern twist for any weary hiker who could do with hot drink at the end of their voyage. With a lovely log burner and a selection of cakes and hot beverages it’s a very welcome addition to the landscape in the Clwydian Range. The launch event was a great success and we were even entertained by a flash mob who sang a rendition of ‘The Sound of Music’ (complete with nuns!) and a bit of ‘Happy’ by Farrell to finish.
I saw many different kinds of black and white birds over the Easter weekend at home in Anglesey as well. We went for a walk at Cemlyn to see the Sandwich Terns and to South Stack, where we caught a glimpse of a Peregrine Falcon sitting on her nest. There were so many other species on show and many more visitors taking in the sea air.
Last weekend I was lucky enough to join Jan at the last Lambing Event of the year on the farm at Vyrnwy. There was only a small group this week, which I preferred really as the children all got to hold the lambs for much longer and were much more inclined to ask any questions. They were so curious and not at all squeamish or horrified by the realities of a working farm at lambing time. The parents clearly appreciated the importance of teaching children where their food comes from and the value of farming to the economy and to wildlife.
I do apologise if I’m rambling on, I’ve been awake since 3:15 this morning!
I was helping out with a Black Grouse count near Llanuwchllyn so we were meeting in the dark at 4:30am to be given our instructions. I had never taken part in a survey like this before so I was very excited, even though we didn’t expect to see anywhere near the numbers that have been seen in other parts of North Wales this year (apparently the mild Winter seems to have contributed to a bumper year!).
Once we got up above the fog we set out across the boggy ground, navigating between patches of conifer forest, accompanied by the call of at least 4 cuckoos. As the sky lightened and we moved slowly, stopping every now and then to listen for that distinctive grouse sound (which was quite difficult to do with the variety of voices who were taking part in the dawn chorus!) we were followed for a while by a small herd of Carneddau ponies who roam the forest and moor. We finally heard a single Black Grouse calling across the Heathland! After quite a while searching using our ‘bins’ we saw him strutting his stuff on top of a rocky ridge on the far side of the bog. They really are magnificent birds, so I was quite happy with my first ever sighting even if it was just a black dot in the distance without using binoculars! I hope I get a chance to help out on a survey again some time, and I’d recommend that you take the opportunity if it ever arises.
To find out more about the Moel Famau Shepherd Hut, go on their website www.shepherds-hut.com/ or follow them on Twitter @MoelFamauHut or search ‘Moel Famau Shepherd Hut’ on Facebook.
For future events at South Stack and Lake Vyrnwy reserves go to www.rspb.org.uk/events/