A Suprise Trip

This week started off with me feeling frustrated with college. I yearned for a whole day of animal lessons, not a day interspersed with business plans and politics. I am appreciative that they teach us this, however, I just wanted to immerse myself more into the animal world and Monday is a day that our timetable only permits this indulgence in the morning for 3 hours only.
However, all this changed upon arriving into the usual Biology class on Wednesday morning. A few weeks ago, a very welsh, slightly over 50 man came in to give us a presentation about the Amazon and Conservation. We expected the usual fare; a speech full of un- imaginable facts and figures that would instantly leave our heads as soon as we stepped out if the classroom. However, as soon as this guy started speaking we were captivated (and not only by his strong, lilting welsh accent). He was so passionate about his subject as he spoke animatedly, every now and then telling a few anecdotes. He told us a touching story about the death of a young tribal girl and showed us a video that details in stark reality the damage that Dove is doing to the Amazon Rainforest. (The video can be found here) Then he announced he was taking a group of Year 2's to the Amazon to meet "his tribe" and "brothers and sisters". Green with envy does not even begin to describe our chagrin! However, upon arrival this Wednesday, our tutor announced there were free spaces.

After umming and ahhing about finances, I made my decision. Waking up every morning I knew that I had to do it, this is a trip that doesn't come around very often. I read the itinerary which cemented my decision; standing on the equator, travelling up the Andes through the Cloud Rainforest region, travelling by plane then canoe up the Amazon spotting wildlife and eventually ending up at the indigenous tribe to spend a few nights and take part in a shaman healing ceremony, going to a local school to help make local crafts...... I could not miss this.

The man's name is Phil Williams. He is a truly inspirational man who travels the UK to spread the word about Conservation. If you are lucky enough to hear him speak, the world would be in a much better place.

A (College) Trip to Chester Zoo

Yesterday entailed a trip to Chester Zoo for my college course. We all felt giddily excited as the tutors read out the register on the bus to check everyone was all present and correct; it felt like we were 12 again and about to set off on a big adventure, packed lunches in tow and begging to be eaten right away. The weather was far from pleasant, rain fell sporadically as the wind just got stronger and stronger but nothing could dampen our spirits... we were off to the zoo!! I felt so liberated to finally be among people who openly shared their passion for this trip, to see the animals and just sit and watch them, study them.

Upon arrival, we were given an Animal Behaviour task which called for us to watch the Meerkats for 2 15 minute slots in order to fill out an ethogram. For our Exotic module, we were given a work book put together by our tutor and the zoo. Inside was a treasure trove of information about the animals and various other subjects, including Animal Welfare issues. One exercise called for us to observe the birds in the Tsavo Bird Aviary; this took longer than expected but we were soon enchanted by the wonderful colours and bustling activity of the Village Weavers et al. With the help of a friendly birdwatcher, we spotted a bird, the Superb Starling, we’d all but given up hope on. From here on in, we would eagerly seek it out.

After a quick refuelling at lunchtime, we made our way back to the Meerkats. The young were still play fighting and running around at the speed of sound. They were also learning how to perform sentry duty, however, all that playing must have worn them out as they often fell asleep on the job.

Our next job was then to head over to the giraffes and assess their enclosure in terms of whether it met the five animal freedoms. We then rushed over to the Education Centre. During our rush over, we had time to catch quick glimpses of the Horn- Billed Toucans and the Giant Tortoises.

We then were seated in an Education classroom where a very well- spoken member of the zoo presented us with a powerpoint presentation which included information on zoo legislation, research case studies and enrichment techniques. My inner geek thoroughly enjoyed this!

Unfortunately, the end of the presentation meant the end of our day at the zoo. I’d enjoyed the work we’d had to do and found the whole experience extremely educational and fun. I did regret that we had not had the time to see more of the animals (and spend more time with my beloved elephants!) but studying the animals in a more educational capacity was fabulous.

Now, it’s only 5 more weeks until my birthday and I know what that also means....a trip to the zoo! 

Llyn Brenig- BBQ and Moonlit evening organized by North Wales Wildlife Trust

On Saturday (24^th), my partner and I ventured to Llyn Brenig at 6 in the evening. I had found about a month ago whilst exploring the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s (NWWT) website, an event that caught my eye. It described itself as a BBQ and Moonlit safari evening to be enjoyed in and around the visitor’s centre at Llyn Brenig. I tried to search for more information and, although advertised on many a “What to do in North Wales” website, the same info was presented to me; “Come join us for some food and a moonlit trail to find some bats, moths and other wildlife”. Therefore, we were expecting to either be the only ones there, the only young ones there or the only couple there without children. When we arrived it was a mixture of the two latter. There were around 20 people present, already being served at the BBQ or taking in the magnificent sunset view of the calm waters and surrounding hills. An admission fee was not in force. Food was charged for but given the quality of the evening this was not even a second thought. The BBQ served the typical fair and hot, fluffy chips were eagerly munched on. After 1 hour, the guy in charge deemed it dark enough to start our trail. He was a very happy chap, bouncing around with a smile plastered on his face and talking a bit too loudly. My partner and I decided he resembled a Welsh Darren Beasley (from Animal Park). Unfortunately however, I cannot remember his real name. He introduced himself to the group along with his co-worker (Rhian maybe? I vaguely remember her name due to “Darren Beasley” repeating it over and over in his over- enthusiastic manner) and what we hoped to find. We then set off in the direction of the yacht club. On our way over, “Darren” and the children, closely followed by a few parents who failed to keep up in the long grass and muddy terrain, inspected various reptile traps. One held a tiny frog which was held by the kids until it hopped to freedom. Once at the yacht club, we were given Bat Detectors and told what frequency to set them at. Eager as any other kid, I raced to get one. Walking back towards the Visitor’s Centre, we didn’t seem to be picking up any bat- like signals. “Darren” then decided to lead us through a designated path through the now pitch black forest. I must admit, I really liked this part. Trekking though the mud and crossing bridges with trees all around you and only your torch for light was quite exciting and I felt like quite the adventurer! All being said, it would have been a different story on my own!

After, we decided to walk the opposite direction and carry on our search for bats. Due to it now being officially night-time, our detectors came to life. As the bats flew overhead, the noise they emitted through the machine sounded like blowing bubbles in water. Rhian told us that when they made a raspberry sound, they had caught their prey (moths). My partner and I became quite adept at spotting the bats; I would follow the sound on my detector and tell him where it was coming from and he would follow them with his super strength torch (the light didn’t bother them). Rhian told us what frequencies would pick up what species of bats but we still weren’t sure what we were seeing as she didn’t announce this information to the whole group.

Back at the Visitor’s Centre, my detector wouldn’t stop beeping, but now was time to also inspect the moth traps. These consisted of huge, bright lights covering the “trap” which was made up of cardboard egg containers which were crawling with wildlife. A man was standing vigil, explaining and handing out these “traps”.

All in all, this event was superb. The organization of the walk, the traps and the food was very well thought out and prepared. The people were friendly and everyone’s enthusiasm was infectious. However, the one drawback was the lack of information from our two guides “Darren” and Rhian. We were well equipped with our detectors, but a bit more wildlife knowledge from them would’ve made for a more rounded experience. On the other hand however, there were a lot of kids there and the hands on experience that was on offer allowed them to touch nature, to feel and see it and thus get excited about it. They need this passion first as a child before being bombarded with too much information.

I fully recommend to anyone, family or not, to take part in one of these events. It makes you realise how much is on offer in your local area and that there are other people who share our passion.

North Wales Wildlife Trust- Events

This link contains info about Llyn Brenig and other nearby lakes and woods:

 Llyn Brenig

Sing A Little Whale To Me

Again, I find myself writing about the recent, and last, episode, of Ocean Giants. This week was entitled Voices of the Sea and so focused on the beautiful vocal abilities of the dolphins and family. Each noise they utter is meant with purpose and is just as beautiful as any other human language. Amazon dolphins “talk” in order to make sense of the world around them whilst in Spotted dolphins they seem to converse socially with each other just as we humans do. There is more mystery however, surrounding the reason as to why blue whales “sing”. The fantasy is dead that they sang their mates to them, but I refuse to let my fantasy die that they sing for pleasure: watching them move their colossal fins in order to “feel” the music they were making, a sort of whale ballet dance hints to me that they enjoy music just as we do. To be honest, I’ve never been one to find whale music relaxing. Yes, I have always found it inspiring, magical and sometimes even eerie but I have never willingly thrown on a CD of relaxing whale music to chill out to whilst the stresses of the day slowly melt away. Yet, when I watched these massive mammals seemingly dance to their own music I found my shoulders relaxing, my thoughts stopping and there seemed to be no other sounds or images other than those of the whales. To me, relaxation is watching the world’s largest creature move with delicate grace to its own symphony.

The Course

I am now, I’m very proud and excited to say, an official Level 3 Animal Management (Science Route) student! After spending a whole childhood and teenage hood planning out my career as a Zoologist or Marine Biologist, I’ve finally made it on to a course that actually deals with the relevant subject criteria.

It’s taken me this long to finally get on to the course of my animal dreams as, after a dismal A Levels Science results day, I was forced to change tack. I enjoyed, and still do, music but didn’t wish to make it my career so instead opted for Spanish. Languages held a mystery; to learn them was to unlock the door to a whole other world... literally. I do have quite the travel bug, and one of my dreams was to live in a foreign country and through my Spanish degree I was able to do this. I adore the sound of Spanish and could listen to my friends chatter all day long.

However, during this summer, I realised that, even though I had utterly fallen for Spanish, studying anything animal related was falling farther away scared me. I knew I still wanted to pursue this. So, after hours spent reading various college course syllabuses, I eventually stumbled across The Course.

Whilst reading the syllabus, I got giddily excited about the fact that I could well soon be learning about animal biology, ecology and conservation, wildlife populations and also undertaking “investigative projects” and work experience. My mind suddenly ran away with me and wished for me to do well and to return to university asap to do a Zoology degree.

So, here I am. A student again. Frantically trying to find a job to cover course fees. But looking forward to every minute spent on The Course.

Ocean Giants

I have just finished watching the latest episode of Ocean Giants on the BBC's iPlayer. Today’s episode examined just how clever and in tune with the world dolphins, and their cousins the whales, really are, even claiming that there brains are a lot bigger than our human ones.

As I watched, transfixed in equal measure by the beauty of their movements and the incredible facts that were being lain down before me in Stephen Fry’s dulcet tones, I found it easy to understand why many people claim these animals as their favourites. Watching the bottle noses play for hours in front of the mirror or with a circular bubble machine made me appreciate just how incredibly intelligent and beautiful they are. As the three year old dolphin checked himself out in a mirror, the biologist claimed that this existential view of themselves may show us that they go through the same emotional development as us when young. Thus, they do indeed share the altar with elephants, gorillas and humans in their ability to feel empathy and, even more astonishing, the ability to feel empathy towards a different species. The ability to forgive another species, as the whale mothers had after humans had nearly wiped out them and their young, is a story we could all do with knowing. To see how happy both species were in the company of the other (and that both were voluntarily seeking the other out) gave me such hope and joy! It just proves that we are capable of co-existing on this planet and that if we did, it would be an even more wonderful place to be.

The beauty of the film was incredible. Whilst watching, I imagined phoning my friends and insisting we arrange trips away to Australia, Alaska and the Bahamas’ right away. Watching documentaries such as these always prompts my feet to get a little itchy and my mind to forget finances whilst it runs away with itself arranging madcap adventures on far flung lands. I have always loved the idea of adventure and now added onto a long list of ones I plan to take is to travel and experience the presence of these animals.

The point that excited me most was the fact that in about five years time, we could possess the ability to communicate with these astonishing creatures. The mystery of what whales exactly get up to after they dive could be solved and open up a whole new area of marine biology to us. It would be like having insider information.

Open Ocean

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphange

Orphan Elephants

This link contains photos from the National Geographic of orphaned elephants at  the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Nursery in Kenya. I can honestly say that each photograph touched my heart, most notably the first one of baby Shukuru been kept warm by the keepers in the rain.
I remember Michaela Strachan going to either this Elephant Nursery or one like it. She spent the days following the keepers around as they cared for the orphaned animals; it was heart breaking to watch newly abandoned elephants to enter the reserve but heart warming when they finally found their place in the mini herd of baby elephants before moving on to the "adult" tribe. The keepers shephered the elephants everywhere, caring for them as children, even sleeping next to them at night.

I may be a softy but who couldn't be in the face of these pictures. You remember that list of adventures I had? Well visiting a truly inspiring place like this is at the top.

Stanney Woods- Ellesmere Port

Saturday called for me to go pick up some friends from the airport in the early afternoon. Before leaving, I decided this was a good opportunity to go exploring. After a quick internet search, I discovered a fair few nature reserves on the way to the airport. I decided on one, typed the coordinates into the sat nav, and off I went with Mother in tow. The place we had decided on visiting was a place we’d seen signposted on our way to many a shopping trip to Cheshire Oaks but had never paid it any mind: Stanney Woods.

Stanney Woods is surrounded by housing estates so it’s easy to miss it as you whizz past on the carriage way. As we pulled out of the unusually busy but still-a-bit-quiet-for-a-Saturday traffic, we were greeted by a near empty car park. Stepping out of the car, although the road still close by, we were protected from the majority of the hustle and bustle sound by the calm rustling of the tree branches hanging overhead, inviting us into the woods. After a quick glance at the map on the notice board, we ventured inside. It was quite surreal I must admit, to be walking down a woodland path looking to your left to see a myriad of trees and trails then to your right, to see a myriad of houses and cars. It possessed the gorgeous woodland smell that I love so much but it was mixed in with the smell of industrialisation. It didn’t ruin the oaky notes but it did emphasize the fact to me that at least man was trying to make space for nature in this ever growing world. Walking along, we noticed that the trees, in a perfect juxtaposition to the symmetrical houses, grew in new and interesting shapes and hid many secrets within their branches. Venturing off the beaten track, where many a parent and child were out on their bikes, we discovered various ponds. Some were covered in a green algae substance and others were more mud than water. At first glance, they were the usual council estate ponds containing no life and the odd Cola bottle but on closer inspection they were the home of many a tiny insect; flies flew around in groups whilst butterflies danced just above the green surfaces proving that beauty can indeed be found in unlikely places.

Moving on down the path we had chosen, one could well forget that they were next to a carriageway. Now in the woods, the road noise was barely audible over the sound of Doves, Jays and Robins. A few of the said Jays led us on a wild goose chase. As we gazed up into the tall trees, they teased us with fleeting images as they sped from one tree to another. They always proved to be just out of reach to photograph properly (if you see any on my photos, then please tell me where they are!)

As we walked on, I imagined being a child around here and how many adventures one could have in these woods! We turned off onto a little path that led us into the heart of the woods. It was filled with mud pits, long grass and secret hideaways in tree roots. There was also a long thin watery ditch that was only passable by either balancing on a broken tree branch or swinging from another. If I were a kid, I would’ve pretended to be some great explorer in the Amazon, gallantly fighting my way through everything nature had to throw at me.

To me, having something like this for a child to experience nearby is essential. They are free to explore and learn about nature of their own free will and parents are able to spend real quality time with their kids as they set off on adventures with them.

Back at the car, we ate Mum’s home-made pork pies and some cherry tomatoes washed down by some cherry cake.

Although not a nature reserve in the truest sense of the word, Stanney Woods provides an outdoor classroom for kids about nature and proves to be a place of respite from the busy world that lies just outside its doors.

"Astonish Me"

http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/50th_anniversary/astonish_me/?src=homepage_banner&position=1

I have just finished watching the WWF short film “Astonish Me”. It was made to celebrate the charity’s 50^th anniversary and features newly discovered species from around the world. I thought the film was very fitting within the WWF image especially when the phrase “There’s still so much to discover, if we preserve what we’ve got, we have a chance to find it” appears at the end. If we indeed succeed in preserving our world, we will learn so much more about it.

What astonished me the most was the proclamation that there could be an “undiscovered” bear species living in the Himalayas. Many travellers, adventurous or indigenous, claim to have seen mysterious tracks derived from an unknown source. These tantalizing pieces of evidence left behind by this reclusive animal emphasize the fact that we as humans indeed do not know everything.

This is contrasted by the use of modern technology within the film. Technology equals modernity and modernity equals power and knowledge. However, here our power and knowledge pale into insignificance when the young boy stands in the middle of a room, marvelling at all the new and exciting animals. And these animals weren’t little insects or obscure beings from the bottom of the sea: they included a Goodman’s House Lemur, a Gunnison Sage-Grouse, a Pygmy Sloth and a Sunda Clouded Leopard. Yes, some of these species were previously known to science but further study of them has enabled biologists to determine their differences and thus name them accordingly.

I think we should view this as a positive. That within a world full of messages of how to cut your carbon footprint and thus stop the ice- caps melting; there are still new, undiscovered animals to be found. Amid messages of fear for losing rainforests, raising sea temperatures and over- fishing there is still good news that can rally the best of us to see that all is not lost. That there is still hope to feel giddy delight at having discovered a new reptile or mammal. That we indeed, do not know everything. And this is exciting.

We don’t know everything about our world.

And in a world where people have a thirst to know everything and appear “modern” this can only promote the very real possibility of discovering new and beautiful creatures with whom we have unwittingly shared this planet without even knowing it.

The Wildlife Trusts

The Wildlife Trust covers the U.K and manages many local nature reserves and runs marine conservation projects around our coastline. It promotes both a "Living Landscape and Living Seas".

The Wildlife Trusts

Within the site you can navigate through up-to-date news articles that apply to the whole country or look at more specific things for your local community.
Last night I had a little looksie at the events that would be taking place in North Wales. Among the best that I plan to attend are the BBQ and Moonlight bat and moth safari at Llyn Brenig, The Dyfi Osprey Project (I think this will entail a "look behind-the-scenes" approach of the project), a lecture on our changing coastline and, closest to my heart, Man and Nature in Extramadura. This one is especially important to me as I have studied Spanish and lived there for a year teaching English. I love that country and it's bulls and lizards!

North Wales Events and Activities

Welcome!

WELCOME!

This blog has not been set up to tell you what I ate for breakfast yesterday or what I thought of Cheryl Cole's dress or even to talk about celebrity gossip (even though I do hear on the ol' grapevine that Sex and the City will not be returning to the TV... sob) no, it has been set up in order to celebrate the world's wild nature.

Cue the bit where I profess my love for all things wildlife related:- Ever since I were a wee welsh girlie I read copious amounts of wildlife- related fare (I must confess right now that I am a self- confessed geek and am not ashamed to admit it) and loved being hoicked around the country by the family to experience different wildlife be it Little Terns at Gronant, Asian Elephants at Chester Zoo (although my favourite are the African variety as you will come to learn), Crabs at Moelfre and Red Kites at Rhaeydr. I love British wildlife and wildlife from around the world.

In this blog I hope to share my experiences with you in the form of writing, pictures and videos (when I get my camera working as it insists on not doing so at the moment!) and I will also share articles from wildlife websites, magazines etc... I welcome people to comment, participate and to share their knowledge, wisdom, expertise and stories and I hope this blog becomes a forum for good ol' wildlife learning and debating :-)