Lake Vyrnwy really does do something to you, visitors, RSPB staff and volunteers all tell of the impact of this magical place on their lives. Recently it may have been the Valentine’s day influence at the heart of things:
Kate joined us last year as Visitor Experience Manager maternity cover. You may have read some of Kate’s blogs on working at Lake Vyrnwy, but now she is moving on, but guess what, Kate is talking about coming back to Vyrnwy as a volunteer. I asked Kate for her reflections on her time at Lake Vyrnwy:
I felt really blessed when I was appointed to the post of Visitor Experience Manager last May. It was a wonderful learning curve, as I'd never worked on a reserve before or done that sort of role, but the experience was one I wouldn't have missed for the world. Every day was different and I learned a lot about the running of the reserve, not only from visitor experience side of things in the shop and organizing events and marketing, but also the conservation aspect through talking to the wardens. The reserve itself has got to be one of the most stunning places in the UK and driving over the dam for the first couple of weeks sent a shiver down my spine. I've signed on to become a volunteer myself, at Lake Vyrnwy and also at Ynys Hir, so I'll be back driving over the dam again very soon.
Good luck Kate and thank you for your work over the past eight months and for the events you have organised for our visitors, the most recent being the family fun events on Valentine’s day.
Dan was also involved with the family fun events, helping visitors build their own nest box from kits we produced in our workshop. Dan joined as an intern and stayed on as a resident volunteer. I asked Dan for his thoughts on 12 months of volunteering at Lake Vyrnwy and he sent me this heart felt message:
Well what can I say after being here for a year now I arrived in the snow and by the looks of it I will be leaving in the snow what a great way to start and finish a truly superb experience. I have never met harder working, more knowledgeable, dedicated and passionate people in my life. From the first day until my last I have been treated like part of the team and welcomed by everyone I have worked with and met outside of the RSPB in the local area. I have learnt a hell of a lot not only about the amazing wildlife here but also about the RSPB and the important work that is carried out by this organisation. You have certainly shown me the area in which I want to work from now on and I will not give up until I have succeeded but my time here has given me a great starting point.
For all the good memories and turning me into a birder (kind of) thank you to you all. I have memories and knowledge that will last me a life time and I will always look back on my time here with fond memories and smiles.
Good luck Dan with developing your career in nature conservation.
So as the seasons change we welcome new volunteers to Lake Vyrnwy. Volunteers have been helping the conservation team with planting 200 new trees and putting up the tree guards to protect them from sheep, wild ponies and other woodland traffic. The trees are mainly downy birch, specifically selected to encourage Welsh Clearwing Moths. Gwyneth helped with the planting having stayed on the reserve for two weeks. Lake Vyrnwy obviously worked its magic on her because she wrote the following in a thank you card:
“A huge thank you for the last two weeks volunteering experience! And what an experience!! In a truly outstanding location.” Gwyneth
Next month volunteers will be coming to the farm to help with lambing and the lambing events (see the website for details and how to book, which is essential). We are also in the process of recruiting two new interns as long-term resident volunteers. Interns stay with the RSPB for 6 to 12 months learning about conservation management, surveying and gaining training and real practical experience. Many go on to pursue careers in caring for nature.
New blood always brings new ideas, but sometimes the old ways come out on top. We had some timber that needed moving, but using machinery was not an option, enter Barbara from Ceffylau Gwaith Carnog Working Horses and the magnificent Tyler and Molly (check out Barbara's website here or Facebook page).
Extreme Horselogging
We have just completed a couple of weeks in the stunning and extreme climate that is Lake Vyrnwy. As machines could not reach, the horses were called on to help clear the unwanted conifers from the hardwood which included downy birch, rowan and beech. We used a combination of techniques, single, pair, timber arch and pulley set ups, to work off the steepest sections. Hard work but very satisfying. (Extract from carnog.co.uk)
Jim the RSPB Warden was in charge of the project and he told me that he thinks the trail they used to move the timber may have been an old trail used many years ago to carry peat dug from the moors down to the village, the original village which is now beneath the lake. Great to see and recognise that although technology can be a great help, traditional skills still have a role to play in conserving nature. Fascinating, almost mystifying to see horse power used again on an old trail where ponies may have worked all those years ago.
Numerous people talk about the magic and mystery of Lake Vyrnwy and its effect on them – or to quote the old Cole Porter song “You do something to me, something that simply mystifies me”
John, RSPB volunteer Tasgmon/Handyman
Previous Blog: Coed y Capel Hide