Events in the Elan Valley for July 2012

1 Sun Managing Wildflower Meadows

An opportunity to join Consultant Ecologist, Mike Hayes for a guided excursion to some of Wales most species rich meadows. You will learn about their history and conservation management and how ongoing research is helping to safeguard the future survival of these unique and precious sites.

Meet at Nantgwyllt Church car park at 2pm, finish by 4.30pm. Please bring waterproofs and stout footwear. No dogs please. 

            Photo by Liz Fleming-Williams

Visit some of the finest flower-rich meadows and lichen-rich woodland in Wales.
Meet at Penbont car park at 7pm, back about 9.30pm. Please bring warm clothes, good boots, insect repellent and a torch. No dogs please. Joint leaders Ray Woods and Sorcha Lewis.

This is a joint meeting with Plantlife and Rhayader by Nature.

4 Wed Meadows, Moths and Mammals - Troedrhiwdrain Farm - Evening Ramble

Join Sorcha Lewis, Head Ranger and Radnorshire Mammal Group Co-ordinator on a two mile guided walk to marvel at the diverse natural history of the area; Water Voles, Orchids, Small Mammals and the Red Data Book very rare Welsh Clearwing moth.

Meet at Gwaelod y Rhos car park at 7.30pm, back around 9pm (possibly later for those wishing to stay on for the moth trap results). Please bring warm clothes, good boots, insect repellent and a torch. No dogs please.

Further info: radnorshiremammalgroup@live.com
or Sorcha on 01597 811533

6 Fri Local screening of London 2012 commissioned film

Join local artist Chris Tally Evans at this special screening of his new short film, "Turning Points". The film features Hollywood legend Sir Roger Moore, Olympian Jamie Baulch and local schoolboys Daniel Chapman and Morgan Evans. The film, an unlimited commission for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, showcases locations in and around the Elan Valley. Free and open to all. 7pm start at the Visitor Centre. For further information contact Chris on 01597 811154.

7 Sat and/or 8 Sun

Elan Valley Outdoor Activity Days 2012, organised by the Elan Valley Lodge:

Tree Top Challenge

New for 2012! Get outdoors, be adventurous and have great fun with your family and friends. Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, zip line and adrenalin jump, in a stunning setting alongside Caban Coch Reservoir. You don't need any experience or to be super fit, we will brief you, provide all the specialist equipment and make sure you have a great day safely. You must be over 10 years old, over 1.4m tall, less than 20 stone with a waist of less than 43".

Meet at the Visitor Centre 9.30am back by 12.30pm, you will need transport (2 miles) stout shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. A family and friends event so no unaccompanied under 18's please.

For more info and to book online www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

In accordance with the Visit England tourism initiative for the 2012 Olympics, we are offering Caneoing and Kayaking on the Elan Valley Reservoir and the chance to experience our new High Trees Challenge at a special promotional rate of 20.12% off:

Cost: £19 adult, £12 child

Canoe or Kayak on the Reservoir

A unique opportunity to try this stunning sport and get a different view of the Valley from a 2 person canoe or kayak. After a short intro and safety talk we head for the water to learn how to paddle your boat before heading off around the reservoir in the company of your instructor. Hear about the history of the Dams during your well deserved rest breaks. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Min age 8 years, max weight 18st or 115kg.

Meet at the Visitor Centre 1.30pm back by 4.30pm, you will need transport (2 miles) light shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, a complete clothing change and a towel. A family and friends event so no unaccompanied children please.

For more info and to book online www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

In accordance with the Visit England tourism initiative for the 2012 Olympics, we are offering Caneoing and Kayaking on the Elan Valley Reservoir and the chance to experience our new High Trees Challenge at a special promotional rate of 20.12% off:

Cost: £15 adult, £9.50 child

For August and September dates please check website or phone 01597 811143.

7 Sat Meadow Walk     

An easy wander around wildflower meadows guided by a Countryside Ranger to look at orchids and other typical plants of our unique meadows.

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm, back about 4.30pm.

A joint event with the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

12 Thur Penglaneinon Shearing

You are invited to join us on shearing day at a traditional hill farm. Learn about ear marks, ear tags, pitch marks, hefted flocks, tups, wethers etc and witness a traditional hand shearing demonstration. Enjoy a cup of tea or a customary glass of cider! (Non drivers only).

Penglaneinon is situated off the Claerwen Valley Road: follow the signs and park at NGR SN 913627.  Join us between 2pm and 4pm.  Stout footwear and no dogs please. Note: this event may be affected by prolonged wet weather.  

12 Thur Meadows, Moths and Mammals - Pen y Garreg Farm - Evening Ramble

A two mile guided walk to look at the natural history of the Elan Valley Trust's Pen y Garreg Farm, with lovely scenery from above Pen y Garreg Dam. There will be an opportunity to check mammal and moth traps.
Meet at Penbont car park at 7.30pm, back about dusk. Please bring warm clothes, good boots, insect repellent and a torch. No dogs please.

 Further info: radnorshiremammalgroup@live.com
or Sorcha on 01597 811533

14 Sat Gorllwyn and Gamrhiw

Event jointly organised by the Elan Valley Trust and the Cambrian Mountains Society.  Richard Tyler, former Elan Valley Trustee, will lead a challenging walk to the peaks of Gorllwyn (613 metres) and Gamrhiw (599 metres) on the southern boundary of the Elan Estate, approximately 10 miles. Meet at Llannerch y Cawr car park at 10am, back about 4pm. All dogs on leads please. Please bring waterproofs, stout footwear and a packed lunch. 

14 Sat Festival of British Archaeology 2012 - Family Archaeology Day with the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT)

A free activity day for young people and families! Things to make and take home - design your own shield, make a brooch, colour an Iron Age warrior and Roman legionary. Things to try - reconstruct a pot from an archaeological dig, discover and excavate real finds.

This event will start at the Visitor Centre at 10am, finish at 4pm.

Contact: Abi McCullough and Sophie Watson on 01938 553670.
Email: abi@cpat.org.uk or sophie@cpat.org.uk

15 Sun Dambusters Walk

A 4 mile guided walk to look at the fascinating history and biodiversity of the area, including the remains of Nant y Gro Dam which was used for tests before the WW2 Dambusters Raid. There is a steep climb of 40m up the steps to the top of the dam and then a very steep 140m climb.

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 2pm, back around 5pm.

This event will also be held on Sunday 19 August
and Sunday 16 December this year.

21 Sat - 5 August Sun Elan - Land of Water Exhibition

Lorentz Gullachsen is an advertising and fine art photographer. This is a photographic exhibition on the Elan Valley and its connection to Birmingham.

"My project aims to illustrate this wonderful area which has delivered our most essential basic need- water. Although initially a dramatic change to the landscape, the dams and the infrastructure have created a wonderful environment that can be enjoyed today and we should celebrate this". 

Open from 10am to 5.30pm at the Visitor Centre.

             Photo by Lorentz Gullachsen

21 Sat - 31 August Fri Kids' Summer Scavenge

Running throughout the summer holidays anytime between 11am and 5pm. Call into the Visitor Centre to pick up your collecting bag with instructions about what to do. This is a family event - no unaccompanied children please.

28 Sat Archaeological Walk

Join professional archaeologists Jenny Hall & Paul Sambrook for this moderate 5 mile walk to consider the history and archaeology of an area of the upper Elan Valley as part of the "National Archaeology Festival". On the walk you will look at house platforms, pillow mounds, boundary stones, burial cairns and enjoy spectacular views over the landscape whilst reflecting upon earlier activities and the advent of the reservoirs. 

Meet at Pont ar Elan car park at 11am returning mid/late afternoon. Please bring waterproofs, stout footwear and a packed lunch. No dogs please.

                                                                                                               Photo by Jenny Hall

29 Sun Caban Ramble - Crwydro Caban

(A Welsh language appreciation walk)

A 3 mile guided walk to appreciate the history and natural history of the area. Your guide will introduce you to some Welsh words and their definitions as you enjoy this lovely walk. A steady climb of 170m over 1.5miles.

Meet at Llannerch y Cawr car park at 2pm (or at Visitor Centre at 1.45pm for a lift to start), back about 5pm.

31 Tue Dam Open Day

A chance for you to go into Pen y Garreg Dam and up to the central tower. Our team of Rangers will be on hand to answer any questions. There are steps inside the dam which may be wet and in some areas there are low light levels. Children should be carefully supervised at all times.

Park at Penbont car park and take a walk through the woodland, up the steps to the dam entrance. Turn up anytime between 1pm and 4pm. Entrance £1 adults - children 50p. All proceeds to the charity WaterAid.

There will also be Dam Open Days on Friday 24 August
and Thursday 1 November this year.