Ceredigion Nature Newsletter 04/09/26
Ceredigion Nature Newsflash 04/09/26
WEST WALES WILD WATCH - September
Free wildlife recording sessions with West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre. A great way to discover the local wildlife.
Maes Y Pwll, New Quay – Wednesday 16th
Coetir Anian Cambrian Wild Wood, Bwlch Corog – Saturday 26th
ACTIVITIES
Introduction to Beekeeping
Learn the basics of beekeeping, honeybee biology and sympathetic beekeeping, Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth: Saturday 5th–Sunday 6th September 10am–4pm = £248.
Denmark Farm Events
F = Free for Local Residents
X = See website for price
Community First Aid & Defibrillator Training – Thursday 17th September 10am–1pm = F
Sourdough Bread – Friday 18th September 10am–4pm = £65
Introduction to Crochet: Crafting Nature – Thursday 10th September–22nd October, 10am–1pm = X
Willow Weaving: 3-Day Squarework Skill-Builder – Monday 28th–Wednesday 30th September, 10am–4:30pm = X
Willow Log Basket – Thursday 1st–Friday 2nd October, 10am–4:30pm = X
Willow Trivets – Sunday 4th October, 10am–4:30pm = X
Sauerkraut & Kombucha – Friday 16th October 10am–2pm = £50
National Bat Conference – Hybrid
An opportunity to hear from experts, develop your skills and connect with bat workers from across the country. Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September.
Autumn Open Day
Naturewise Community Forest Garden is holding an autumn open day with crafts, talks, children’s activities, plant sales, cakes, tea, coffee and more. Saturday 19th September 1–6pm. See attached.
Great British Beach Clean
Taking place from Friday 18th – Sunday 27th September, this event will see thousands of volunteers head to the coast to remove and record litter.
Nature Connection
Tir Coed is offering bushcraft and nature connection sessions for adults of working age who are not currently working, including people with health conditions, caring responsibilities or disabilities from 10am–2pm.
Wednesday 21st September– Naturewise Community Forest Garden, Cardigan
Thursday 1st October 10am–2pm – Woody’s Lodge, near Newcastle Emlyn
Thursday 8th October 10am–2pm – Coed Tyllwyd, near Aberystwyth
Contact [email protected] or 07376 299354 for more information.
Good Life Tasters
Hands-on introduction to self-sufficiency, conservation, wildlife protection and land management at Orchid Meadows, Tregaron. Residential and day visits are available, with activities changing throughout the year.
September – Sphagnum bog management or hawthorn jelly making
October – Apple juicing
November/December – No-dig vegetable bed maintenance
January – Planting for tall trees
February – Living willow sculpture or willow pollarding and woodland management
March – Firewood production or Devil’s-bit scabious potting and turf-seeding
Dates are arranged by mutual agreement = £45+
NEWSLETTERS
Tir Natur
NetPool Park Newsletter: See attached.
TREES
Wales Coast Path Oak – Tree of the Year 2026?
A small but remarkable oak at RSPB Ynys-hir is one of 10 finalists in the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year 2026 competition.
Vote by Tuesday 29th September 5pm to help this Ceredigion tree take the title.
Grey Squirrel Damage - Online
Explore grey squirrel damage online in UK woodlands, including new research into bark stripping and what drives this behaviour. Tuesday 15th September 11.15am – 12noon.
Restoration of Elm - Online
Explore the ecological and cultural restoration of elm in Britain, including research into attitudes and connections to lost tree species and their restoration. Tuesday 22nd September 11:15am – 12noon.
The History of Your Woodland - Online
Explore the history of British woodlands over the last 12,000 years. Thursday 24th September.
COURSES
Forest Gardening Course
Design, create and manage a forest garden through this seven month accredited online course. £420+
Botanical Anatomy
Build your understanding of botanical anatomy of leaves, flowers and fruits and seeds, germination and flower fertilisation in this intermediate online wildflower course= £60.
FUNDING
The Ashley Family Foundation
Funding for charities, unincorporated organisations and community groups with a charitable purpose.
Future Generations Fund
Grants of up to £12,500 funding wellbeing, skills and employability, financial resilience, healthy food, and environmental awareness and conservation.
Closing date: Monday 5th October.
Retrofit for the Future Fund
Grants of up to £25,000 improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of community buildings. Closing date: Monday 5th October.
RESOURCES
Meadow Management Guidance
If you manage an old burial ground, making small adjustments to your grass-cutting routine can transform it into a vibrant meadow filled with wildflowers.
DYFI BIOSPHERE
Dyfi Biosphere News
Dyfi Biosphere News
Voices of the Dyfi Biosphere
A series of interviews with people and organisations across the Dyfi Biosphere including some familiar faces.
WEBINARS
Curlews and Grouse Moors
Explore the importance of managed grouse moors for struggling curlew populations. Monday 14th September 6.30-7.30pm.
Urban Pond Conservation
Learn how to create, improve and manage urban ponds for amphibians and other wildlife. Tuesday 15th September 6pm.
Lasius Ants
Learn about ants including familiar species such as the Yellow Meadow Ant and the Black Garden Ant. Tuesday 22nd September 6-7.30pm = £12.50.
Discoveries After Dark
How insects connect us to nature. Thursday 24th September 1-2pm.
Growing Out of the Margins
Learn how growing spaces can create opportunities for young people and marginalised groups, supporting connection, education and empowerment. Thursday 24th September 4–5pm.
SoNaRR 2025: Drumbeat Webinar Series
Webinars exploring key findings from the State of Natural Resources Report 2025, with expert sessions translating evidence into practical insights for policy, planning and delivery across Wales. Open to anyone interested.
Evidence driving action for Welsh:
Seas – Wednesday 16th September, 12pm
Rivers – Wednesday 14th October, 1pm
Land – Wednesday 4th November, 2pm
Animals and plants – Tuesday 17th November, 11am
Urban Wales – Thursday 10th December, 2pm
WHITEBEAMS
Identifying Whitebeams
Learn about whitebeams, rowans and service trees, including how to identify different species and distinguish natives from non-natives. Tuesday 29th September 12.30 - 2pm = = £12.50.
Endemic Whitebeams
Learn about the endemic whitebeams found only in the British Isles. Tuesday 13th October 12.30-2pm = £12.50.
SURVEYS
Camera Trap Survey
Use your camera trap to monitor garden mammals during late summer 2026 and/or winter 2026–2027 to help Gardenwildlife.org understand what animals are using your spaces.
Marten Month
Survey collecting public sightings and information about attitudes towards pine martens across Britain.
Starlings & Farmers Survey
This survey aims to understand livestock farmers’ experiences with European starling on farms.
Sick from Swimming
Have you felt sick after being in the water? Tell Surfers Against Sewage your story and help fill a crucial evidence gap.
Woodcock Survey
Annual monitoring surveys take place at specific sites, alongside a national survey every 10 years. Find out how to take part.
Ancient Tree Inventory
Record ancient and old trees to help protect our valuable tree heritage.
Orchard Survey
Volunteer to survey traditional orchards in your local area. Survey packs and instructions are provided.
Mammal Mapper
Use the free Mammal Society app to record mammal signs and sightings during everyday activities.
Great British Hedgerow Survey
Assess the quality and structural condition of hedgerows and explore management options.
Healthy Hedgerows
Carry out a quick hedgerow health check and receive instant management options.
CONSULTATIONS
Forest Management Plan
A draft Forest Management Plan is being developed for Pencoedtop with the aim of increasing biodiversity. The owners are seeking comments from neighbours, consultees and the local community as part of the consultation. Comments are requested by Thursday 10th September. See attached.
Sheep Dip Guidance
Farmers, land managers and other interested stakeholders are invited to help shape updated guidance on the safe use and disposal of sheep dip.
Community Consultation
Coetir Anian want to hear your ideas and feedback to help plan activities at Bwlch Corog for the next three years.
Draft Environmental Principles and Integrating Environmental Protection Statement
Seeking views on the draft statement required under the Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Act 2026. Closes Friday 11th September.
Priorities for the Climate Change, Environment, Sustainability and Rural Affairs Committee
Share your views on the key priorities and issues the Committee should consider during the Seventh Senedd. Closes Friday 11th September.
Rural Proofing and Environmental Sustainability White Paper
Consultation on issues including a statutory duty on rural proofing, waste and environmental legislation. Closes Wednesday 14th October.
National Development Framework
Seeking views on the draft Statement of Public Participation, National Conversation Engagement Plan and the role of the revised National Development Framework. Closes Friday 20th November.
COMPETITION
Vinyl Prize Draw
Prize draw for a unique piece of musical and visual art, featuring field recordings of British bats.
LOCAL NATURE SERVICES
RTT Environmental Consultancy Services
RTT Environmental Consultancy Services helps developers, landowners, farmers and conservation organisations protect and enhance nature. From ecological appraisals and impact assessments to habitat management advice and environmental data, RTT can help you make informed decisions for your land and projects. See attached.
JOBS & PARTNERSHIP
Delivery Partners Wanted
Keep Wales Tidy is looking for partners to deliver environmental and community projects across Wales through its new Dynamic Purchasing System. Opportunities are open to small businesses, charities, community groups and independent contractors, including work in green space improvements, environmental training, surveying and community engagement.
Community and Engagement Officer
Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust. Closing date: Friday 11th September.
Assurance Manager
Plantlife. Closing date: Monday 14th September.
Communications & Campaigns Officer
The Rivers Trust. Closing date: Monday 14th September.
Cymru Policy and Campaigns Coordinator
The Landworkers' Alliance. Closing date: Sunday 20th September.