Celebrating the first 20 years of RSPB Conwy

Hundreds of people came to our birthday party last weekend, and it was great to see so many old friends and new visitors to the reserve. The weather was glorious on Saturday, and more than a bit damp on Sunday, but on both days there were lots of happy faces exploring nature and discovering how we give nature a home at Conwy.

Below are a selection of photos that we hope capture the spirit of the day.

The first job on Saturday was for our special guest, tv naturalist Iolo Williams to unveil Perspectives, a new wooden sculpture by chainsaw carver Simon O' Rourke.  This is one of several new sculptures that Simon has installed along the trails, most donated to the reserve by families in memory of friends or relatives for whom the reserve was a special place. See how many you can spot while you're here.

As well as leading two superb guided walks, Iolo also cut our 20th birthday cake, made and donated by Beckie from Lovelies Delights. 

In the weeks leading up to the birthday party, local children were busy drawing, painting and sculpting their artwork on the theme of Giving Nature a Home.  Iolo awarded the prizes to the winners: Bella Haf Jones (4) who won the under-7s category with her hedgehog model; Anne Heyes (8) and Amelia Roberts (12). There were also runners-up prizes for Annie Williams and Fraser Williams.

There were three performances on Saturday of The Memory Keeper, by theatre group Puppet Soup. Based on a story by Llandudno's Joann Rae, the play was one element of a partnership with Conwy Arts Trust and Venue Cymru. 

The Memory Keeper tells the story of the creation of the nature reserve from the destruction of habitats caused by the construction of the A55 road tunnel, and is an uplifting musical story of how people can make the countryside better for nature, so long as enough of us care.

Getting closer to nature is what RSPB reserves are all about, and the moths found by our volunteer Bob Evans proved popular throughout the weekend. Garden Tiger and Small Elephant Hawkmoths proved that moths are not all small and brown.  "It's tickly" said six-year old Emily.

Pond-dipping is always a popular activity. Newts, pond-skaters, shrimps and midge larvae were among the minibeasts found, as Amber and Jai Chauhan discovered.

The British Trust for Ornithology stand was popular, with the opportunity to see a range of small birds in the hand.

More than 70 birds of 16 species were caught and ringed over the two days, including reed warbler (above), lesser whitethroat and lesser redpoll.

On the Maes, the fire pit was a popular activity - on Sunday, it was about the driest and warmest place to be!

Toasting marshmallows was a favourite for many, including Finley Jones, and even more popular was putting the oozy mallow between two chocolate digestives to make a s'more. There were plenty of messy faces!

Conwy Pop Choir added a musical flavour to Saturday's event

Lovelies Delights cupcakes proved popular, especially because children were able to have a go at decorating (then eating!) their own

Andrew Jenkin, watercolour artist, has exhibited his work at the reserve before, so it was great to welcome him back. In between chatting to visitors, he was painting another RSPB nature reserve, South Stack on Anglesey.

Artist and illustrator Philip Snow also exhibited his work at the event. Philip has had a long association with the reserve: he exhibited and sketched on our opening day, back in April 1995, and his illustrated trail maps adorn the hides at Conwy.

So, with plenty of cake consumed, lots of wildlife seen, great conversations about conservation, the gazebos dried out and put away, we'd like to thank everyone who supported the event, as visitors, exhibitors or volunteers.

The first 20 years of RSPB Conwy created a great home for nature, thanks to thousands of people.  The success of the reserve is down to amazing volunteers, great ideas, and the wildlife that has moved into a place that two decades ago was a moon-scape of mud.  Thanks to everyone who supports what we do, by donating, visiting or volunteering.  What will RSPB Conwy be like in 2035?