Events in the Elan Valley for May 2010

2 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join Pete Jennings (County Bird Recorder) or Simon Breeze (Elan Countryside Ranger) on a Landrover trip looking for the typical breeding birds of the area. Suitable for beginners and experienced alike.  Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9.30am, back about 1pm.  Please bring binoculars if you have them and suitable clothing/footwear as there will be short walks.

Join Pete Jennings (County Bird Recorder) or Simon Breeze (Elan Countryside Ranger) on a Landrover trip looking for the typical breeding birds of the area. Suitable for beginners and experienced alike.  Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9.30am, back about 1pm.  Please bring binoculars if you have them and suitable clothing/footwear as there will be short walks.

9 Sun Strata Florida, Teifi Pools and Domen Milwyn

This walk partly traces the route of the Cambrian Way Long Distance Footpath and will be led by Michael Rolt, Secretary to the Elan Valley Trust.  This is a fairly strenuous 14 mile hillwalk that leads to Domen Milwyn (555m), to the west of the Elan Estate. 

Meet at the car park at Strata Florida Abbey near Pontrhydfendigaid at 9.30am, return by 5.30pm. Please bring waterproofs, stout footwear and a packed lunch. All dogs on leads please.

9 Mai Dydd Sul Taith Gerdded Cymraeg y ‘Dambusters’

Taith gerdded Cymraeg 4 milltir fydd yn edrych ar hanes a hanes naturiol yr ardal, gan gynnwys olion Argae Nant y Gro a gafodd ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer ymarferion y ‘Dambusters’ yn ystod yr ail ryfel byd. Mae yna ddarn serth o’r daith sy’n dringo 40m i ben yr argae ac mae yna ddarn arall serth sy’n dringo 140m. Byddwn yn cwrdd yn y Ganolfan Ymwelwyr am 2yp, a byddwn yn dychwelyd tua 5yp.

This walk has been organised in partnership with Menter Brycheiniog a Maesyfed (The Welsh Language Initiative for Brecon and Radnor) www.mbam.org.uk

15 Sat Watercolour Landscapes for Absolute Beginners. A simple and easy introduction for anyone wishing to start from the first principles. Demonstrations and painting exercises will introduce the qualities of the materials and techniques involved in producing a landscape watercolour painting.

16 Sun Watercolour Landscapes. For the beginner or improver wishing to review their painting techniques and perhaps learn new ones. Demonstrations and painting exercises will look at the techniques, composition, perspective and planning needed to produce a landscape watercolour painting

Project Packs and some material will be provided for a cost of £5.00 which is payable in advance, details at time of booking.  The day will be led by local artist and teacher David Ward.

10am – 4pm both days at the Visitor Centre.

15 Sat National Moth Night and Bats

 Join the Rangers for an evening of moth trapping and discover the beautiful and diverse array of night fliers present in the valley. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9pm till late; please bring warm clothes, insect repellent and a torch.

16 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join a Countryside Ranger on a Landrover trip looking for the typical breeding birds of the area. Suitable for beginners and experienced alike.  Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9.30am, back about 1pm.  Please bring binoculars if you have them and suitable clothing/footwear as there will be short walks.

22 Sat An Introduction to Photography Using a Digital Camera

The day is designed for people who wish to learn more about photography using a digital camera.  The emphasis will be on practical ways of improving both technique and results.  There will also be an outdoor session [weather permitting] followed by an opportunity to discuss issues and problems resulting from the visit.

The day will be led by David and Catherine Clarke who have held a number of photographic exhibitions locally, including at the Visitor Centre. Numbers are very limited so please book early on 01597 810898. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 10am, till 4pm.

30 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join Pete Jennings (County Bird Recorder) or Simon Breeze (Elan Countryside Ranger) on a Landrover trip looking for the typical breeding birds of the area. Suitable for beginners and experienced alike.  Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9.30am, back about 1pm.  Please bring binoculars if you have them and suitable clothing/footwear as there will be short walks.

29 Sat – 31 Mon Birds Treasure Trail

Discover the wonderful world of birds in the Elan Valley. Call into the Visitor Centre anytime between 11am and 4.30pm to pick up an instruction pack. A prize awaits every returned answer sheet. All correct answered entries will be entered into a prize draw. Entry 50p per child. All children to be accompanied by an adult.