Elan Valley

Events in the Elan Valley for May 2013

5 Sun Dawn Chorus

Set your alarm clocks early and join a local bird expert for a stroll through Cnwch woodland discovering birdsong, in celebration of International Dawn Chorus Day!

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 6.30am, back around 8.30am.

This is a joint event with the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

5 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join a local bird expert 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.

Please book in advance on 01597 810898.

5 Sun Outdoor Activity Day -
High Trees Challenge:

Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, a zip line and an adrenalin jump - all in a stunning setting alongside Caban Coch Reservoir.

You don't need experience or to be super fit - just over 10 yrs old and 1.4m tall. Sorry - but you need to weigh less than 20 stone with a waist of less than 43".

You will also need transport, stout shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. No unaccompanied under 18s please.

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9.30am, back by 12.30pm.

For more information and to book online visit www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

Cost £20 adults, £12.50 under 18s.

Activity Days will also be held on 19 May, 2 June, 16 June, 30 June and 14 July,
check online for August and September dates.

5 Sun Outdoor Activity Day -
Kayaking on the Reservoir:

Get a different view of the Valley from a two person kayak. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.

Minimum age 8 years, maximum weight 18 stone. You'll need transport, light shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, a complete change of clothes and a towel.

No unaccompanied children please.

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 1.30pm, back by 4.30pm.

For more information and to book online visit www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

Cost £15 adults, £10 under 18s.

Activity Days will also be held on 19 May,
2 June, 16 June, 30 June and 14 July, check online for August and September dates.

6 Mon Meet a Hedgehog!

Howey Hedgehog Rescue will be visiting the Visitor Centre with some of their rescued hedgehogs.

They will be offering advice on helping hedgehogs in your garden, correct feeding, hedgehog homes, dangers to hedgehogs and much more.

The hedgehog is as rare as the Siberian Tiger, so come and see these reclusive creatures at close quarters.

Come and see them at the Visitor Centre between 10am and 3.30pm.

11 Sat Understanding Birds

A morning walk to mark the 25th anniversary of Gilfach. Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Meet at Pont Marteg bridge (Grid reference SN 953715) at 9am.

This is a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust event.

12 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join a local bird expert 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.

Please book in advance on 01597 810898.

12 Sun Wildlife Tracking and Field Skills Course - tracks, trails, signs and cameras.

Join a Countryside Ranger to learn about the art of wildlife tracking. Have an opportunity to learn about the skills required to catch wildlife on film!

This event will start at the Visitor Centre at 10am and finish at 12.30pm. Suitable for budding wildlife detectives of all ages.

Please book in advance on 01597 810898.

15 Wed The Foel Roundabout

Join Tudor Davies for a moderate 4 mile evening walk around Y Foel, visiting the ruin of Pant-y-Cerdin (known locally as Pen-nebo). Fantastic views so you are advised to bring your camera and binoculars.

Meet at Foel car park at 5pm, return by 8pm. Please bring stout footwear and a drink. Dogs on leads please.

Further information: email info@elanvalleytrust.org or call the Elan Estate Office on 01597 810449
or contact Tudor direct on 01597 811299.

19 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join a local bird expert 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.

Please book in advance on 01597 810898.

19 Sun Flipping Crazy - FULLY BOOKED

Join Fiona on a relaxing one day workshop where you will create a piece of handmade crazy patchwork which could be made into a cushion, book cover, bag etc.

This is suitable for beginners and those with some experience. Just bring along a small sewing kit i.e. needles, scissors, pins, plus a ruler and a pencil. Fabrics, threads and embellishments will be provided.

These workshops are bookable only and will be held at the Visitor Centre between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

For more information please contact Fiona King on 01597 870311 or s.seahorsedesigns@btinternet.com.

There is a small charge of £5 for a session.

This event is in support of Adult Learners' Week.

19 Sun Outdoor Activity Day -
High Trees Challenge:

Platforms, bridges, unusual obstacles, a zip line and an adrenalin jump - all in a stunning setting alongside Caban Coch Reservoir.

You don't need experience or to be super fit - just over 10 yrs old and 1.4m tall. Sorry - but you need to weigh less than 20 stone with a waist of less than 43".

You will also need transport, stout shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather. No unaccompanied under 18s please.

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 9.30am, back by 12.30pm.

For more information and to book online visit www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

Cost £20 adults, £12.50 under 18s.

Activity Days will also be held on 2 June, 16 June, 30 June and 14 July,
check online for August and September dates.

19 Sun Outdoor Activity Day -
Kayaking on the Reservoir:

Get a different view of the Valley from a two person kayak. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience.

Minimum age 8 years, maximum weight 18stone. You'll need transport, light shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, a complete change of clothes and a towel.

No unaccompanied children please.

Meet at the Visitor Centre at 1.30pm, back by 4.30pm.

For more information and to book online visit www.elanvalleyleisure.co.uk

Cost £15 adults, £10 under 18s.

Activity Days will also be held on 2 June, 16 June, 30 June and 14 July,
check online for August and September dates.

23 Thur The Elan Valley Reservoirs

Once again join Noel "Water Supply" Hughes for a gentle evening walk to get an insider's insight into the operation of the Elan Valley Reservoir System.

This 5 mile linear walk starts at Craig Goch Dam at 6pm and finishes at the Filter Beds at approximately 9pm where refreshments will be provided together with transport back to Craig Goch Dam.

Please bring stout footwear and waterproofs, but no dogs please.

Further information: email info@elanvalleytrust.org or call the Elan Estate Office on 01597 810449.

25 Sat - 2 June
Day and Night by Ian Collins

Ian's exhibition of landscape images taken in and around the Elan Valley showing its beauty not just by the wonderful quality of light this area produces in daylight, but also the magical views which can be captured by night.

Ian's images showcase what is one of the very few dark sky locations left in the U.K. to enjoy our magical night sky.

Open from 10am to 5pm at the Visitor Centre.

25 Sat 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 40 metres up the steps to the top of the dam and then a very steep 140 metre climb.

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

There will be further Dambusters Walks on 30 June,
20 July, 25 August and 29 December this year.

26 Sun Birdwatching Safari

Join a local bird expert 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.

Please book in advance on 01597 810898.

26 Sun
The Welsh Landscape in Watercolour
- FULLY BOOKED

Learn to paint the wild and rugged scenery in and around the Elan Valley from rushing streams and sparkling waterfall to rolling hills against a dramatic sky. With step-by-step demonstrations and personal tuition in painting your own landscape projects the workshop is suitable for beginners or the more experienced.

Project Packs and some material will be provided for a cost of £8 which is payable in advance, details at time of booking.

The day will be led by local artist and teacher David Ward. 10am - 4pm at the Visitor Centre.

Booking essential on 01597 810898.

This event is in support of Adult Learners' Week.

28 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 be further Dam Open Days on
23 July, 23 August and 30 October this year.

31 Fri Bug Bonanza

A fun afternoon of pond dipping and bug hunts suitable for all the family. Come along and discover more about the exciting world of bugs.

Meet at Dol y Mynach lay-by at 2pm until around 4pm.

It is essential to book a place on this event - please ring 01597 810898.

There will be further Bug Bonanzas on
30 July and 29 August this year.