Mid-Symposium Field Excursions
The following excursions are likely to be available for the Wednesday of the symposium. All are full-day, leaving from and returning to the university campus. A packed lunch will be available, as part of the accommodation package.
- An indication is made where an excursion is likely to be especially strenuous but delegates should ensure that they are both physically capable of undertaking their choice of excursion and that they are suitably equipped.
- Stout walking shoes or boots and water / windproof clothing, such as an anorak are advisable, even in the Welsh summer although sun protection may also be required. Those undertaking excursions in upland areas should also take at least a warm jumper.
More detail on each of the excursions will be provided by the leaders in the near future.
Kenfig NNR [possibly 2 groups]
Sand dunes system, from shoreline to woodland and a freshwater pool. Management for maintenance of rare species, notably fen orchid. Ornithology, environmental education. C8km walking over dunes, slacks, foreshore and grassland.Brecon Beacons National Park [2 groups]
Group A: Limestone habitats with a variety of management issues – moderate.Group B: Craig Cerrig Gleisiad SSSI protected habitats - Strenuous in parts.
Rhondda-Cynon-Taff
Post-industrial biodiversity, at a variety of sites, probably in the north of the county, such as the Dare Country Park. Will also pass through traditional valley communities.Gower [2 groups]
Both relatively short journey times, but still full day excursions.Group A: Whitford Point. Salt marsh, sand dunes, RSPB
Group B: Oxwich Bay. Grasses, river, sand dunes.
Wye Valley AONB
The longest trip in terms of coach-time, with an early start.Wooded area, including a visit to the Forest of Dean, managed for vegetation and mining since early times and possibly Tintern Abbey.
Nash Point, Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Julian Woodman
Wooded reserve, with limestone grassland within a steep valley mostly variations on mildly base enriched dry neutral grassland with scrub encroachment and wooded valley.Management intensity is an issue here but it maintains some interesting grassland and associated rare species Also a visit to marshy grassland (Rhos) near Bridgend - species rich areas with a mix of base-rich and heathy vegetation, to provide an idea of some typical South Wales vegetation (or rather what used to be typical when there was more around).
