Paul's Blog - All comments and views are my own,

WOW that was wet, almost continuous rain on Wednesday did not deter our hardy band from getting stuck in to various tasks at Morfa Berwig LNR, we were joined by students from Coleg Sir Gar doing community work as part of their Bronze DoE award. The primary task was to install a new Oak sign at the A484 roundabout entrance, fortunately after a very short while I was delegated to take some of the students and support worker to remove some fencing, which whilst equally wet was a lot easier than digging three holes for the sign. Despite the best efforts of the "sign team" progress was slow due to the difficulties in digging through the substrate to a depth sufficient to hold the sign, so after lunch it was back to it. Fair to say we were all wet and muddy by the end of a tough day, some more than others! Almost there...... ..in context Finished..... In completely different weather, today, I attended a site meeting with Simeon, local residents, Outdoor

Despite having had a really good holiday, it is always nice to come home.... I visited Pembrey Burrows and had a good look around, despite the cold wind the Skylarks were in full song, the sea and beach were oddly quite but all the cattle were present and correct. We have had a much wetter winter so far, compared to 2016/2017, evidenced by the fact that the ephemeral ponds in GF3 are full. Morfa Berwig LNR has certainly dried out quite a lot with the water levels dropping in all parts of the reserve. The refurbishment works on the bridges has been completed with them both looking good, the work should keep them safe and sound for a while to come. Looking good

Well just back from a week on the Portuguese island of Madeira, and what a great week it was. Just 3.5hours flying time from Bristol but a world away in habitats and scenery. A result of volcanic activity the archipelago consists of Madeira, The Desertas island (a national park with restricted access) and the Savage island (a bird reserve totally off limits). The highest point is Pico Ruivo at 1826m. A moderate climate where summer temperatures average 25'c and the winter is mild at around 17-19'c at lower elevations with snow on the mountains for a few days each year; t he weather  we experienced was mixed with every season experienced from SNOW on the mountains to gales and hot sunshine. There are a number of endemic land bird species on the island, and although I visited over 20 years ago I never really got to grips with them, so this trip they were firmly in my sights. I booked a half day trip with Madeira Wind Birds , run by Hugo and Catarina two loca