Issue 155

Conservative conservation

08th May 2007

Next weekend the Conservation Society will be heading out to Cardigan Bay in West Wales, to participate in some dolphin spotting with wildlife conservationist Steve Hartley.

This time the annual trip will go into its third year where the society has ventured out to see to check out the local wildlife. They will be helping Steve Hartley with his important conservation project which he does in conjunction with the local council.

He monitors a pod of dolphins looking at things from their eating habits to their breeding successes; he also keeps a close eye on the water quality in the area.

Society president Catherine McMillan said that the trip is the highlight of the year, though you have to make sure that you have your sea legs, "it can get quite choppy out there, especially if we go beyond the calmer waters of the bay."

The range of mammals that you get to see is extensive. "There is everything from the Bottle Nose dolphins, to porpoises and baby seals." They also get the opportunity to look at jelly fish, birds and of course fish in general.

The Conservation society considers itself to be an educational society and has links with lots of different wildlife organisations across South Wales. McMillan admits, "It's probably my fault we do so much to do with wildlife, I love it!" The society recently took part in a National Trust project where they built steps at Bishopston Valley, where there is ancient woodland; by building a path and steps they hope to prevent visitors from walking on the wild flowers and destroying the historic woodland.

They also recently did a scrub clearance on Pennard cliffs, with the help of the National Trust. This involved clearing back bracken and other plants that had made the cliffs over grown; this will then allow Chauffs and other birds to nest successfully.

As well as strong links with the National Trust they often do work with the RSPB and the local Gower Bird Hospital, which looks after injured or orphaned birds and animals with an aim of returning them to the wild.

This year the society has teamed up with People and Planet and taken part in the Go Green Campaign. As well as Fair Trade Fortnight where we saw lots of events, including the banana eating competition. They have also held bush craft days, that involved learning to cook in the wild, shelter building and general survival skills, in a true Ray Mears style!

They are also having a talk from a Hare Krishna follower, which they hope will give them a spiritual outlook on the environment and nature. As with all societies they have active socials which are often themed events, such as the green wellies night and Noah's Ark evening.

The dolphin watching trip is taking place on 12 and 13 May and costs £15, spaces on the trip are however limited to 12 people per day, due to the size of the boat!

If you would like some more information about the Conservation Society or the dolphin watching trip you can contact them at: uwsconservation@hotmail.com

Dawn Lewis