Share and use the countryside responsibly

 Hello, I didn't write anything last week as there was not a great deal to report on, this past week has been almost equally as quiet but there have been a few highlights.

On Monday I and a small cohort of our conservation volunteers made the journey to Kenfig National Nature Reserve, where Chris Jones the warden kindly spent three hours or so showing us some of the highlights of the reserve and discussing some of the issues he faces, issues with which we were equally familiar.

Fen Orchid

The highlight was to see the Fen Orchid, Kenfig has 90% of the UK population and whilst this year hasn't been as good for this diminutive orchid as some previous years we were lucky enough to be shown some lovely specimens

Northern Marsh Orchid

Chris is a wealth of knowledge, especially when it comes to the many hybrid forms of the marsh orchids, such as Southern Marsh X Common Spotted and so forth. As impressive as these hybrids are it was the lone Northern Marsh Orchid which stole the show a very showy specimen indeed.

We were also treated to sightings of the beetle, Trichius fasciatus -the Bee Chafer.

Bee Chafer

The remainder of the week was business as usual involving training for our new volunteer fishery bailiffs, who will help to engage and educate anglers in the Millennium Coast Park, at Morolwg and Dyfatty lakes. The both lakes hold very nice specimens of common carp up to 25lbs.

Common Carp

On Saturday we held a session for Wales Nature Week, which runs from 29th June to 7th July, ay Ynysdawela Local Nature Reserve where people of all ages took part in pond dipping, bug hunting, and crafting. Perhaps it's been a busier week than I thought!

Now to go back to the blog title, there are many demands on the Carmarthenshire countryside but there is space for all activities provided everyone is prepared to share and share responsibly.