In a bonus meeting, arranged at short notice Clare Flynn, (Outreach Officer, Bee Wild West Wales for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust) gave an introductory talk about bees in general, and went on to concentrate on the 20+ varieties of Bumble Bee.
Bees have an important role in pollination, but numbers have been falling, associated with the trend to more intensive farming, since the second world war. Increasing use of insecticides further challenges bee survival.
It was fitting that Colby NT was the venue, as the walled garden was a good place for Clare to whisk bees into her net before transfer to a container for us to see and have identification explained, before their release. Also, Colby is following the example of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in seeking Bee Friendly status, in recognition for it’s work in enhancing wildlife habitats.
On another fine evening we strolled north from Lawrenny Quay, through the oak woods, taking in the views of Benton Castle, across the river. Alex Shilling pointed out the rare Wild Service trees, in the under storey. The path came out on the beach that led to Garron Pill, with the road taking us back to Lawrenny village. From there we took to the fields again, to climb for the view of the estuary towards Carew.
Mark Underhill explains “bigger-better-joined up” for the coastal wildlife zones, with the backdrop of Abermawr Beach.
On another fine summer evening, Mark led us north from Abermawr. At the far end of Aberbach beach we had the excitement of walking the plank, across the stream, to access the coastal path beyond, which gave views of nesting sites for various sea birds.
Walking the plank at Aberbach Beach
The farmland of Treseissyllt is being let out to sheep farmers who are willing to conform to the strict organic principals that the National Trust require.
Ian and Nia came to meet us, and tell us about their sheep grazing at Treseissyllt. Mark Underhill, our guide for the evening is closest to the camera.
Our evening finished with supper at The Farmers Arms, at Mathry.
Steve Whitehead, Head Gardeners and Manager for Colby, led us back to the fields around Little Craig Y Borion farmhouse to see the continued expansion of wildflower meadows.
The footpath network in the area is being expanded.
Full thickness hedgerows are encouraged, (see photo) to create good wildlife corridors.
Steve showed us one of the bat detectors that has been bought from the PNTA recent donation. These detectors prove popular on the organised evening walks through the estate.
I think I can say that it was very successful, thanks to the beautiful weather, scenery and the fact that everyone, including Richard our driver remained hale and hearty for the whole five days.
We set off on Sunday morning, bathed in sunshine. This had been almost too much to hope for, as up until then our spring weather had been disappointing to say the least. The coach was full and the passengers were in good spirits. We were blessed with a very personable driver who’s driving skill was to be put to the test on the narrow winding Lake District roads
Our first stop was for coffee in Aberystwyth, then lunch in Chirk. The gardens were looking pretty and the rhododendrons and azaleas glowed in the sun. Our destination was to be an hotel just outside of Lancaster- the Lancaster House Hotel and we arrived in good time. The check in process was a little chaotic when we found that we had to make our menu choices for dinner at the same time. The chaos continued into the dining room as too few waiting staff tried to cope with our varied menu choices, but everyone was good natured and spent the time renewing old friendships or making new ones.
Monday saw us heading off for Coniston Pier to board the Steam Gondola, run by the National Trust after spending many years in a state of dereliction. It was as good as new, almost silent in its operation, and despite a touch of oil on pair of favourite trousers, everyone marked the trip as one to remember. A small splinter group disembarked at John Ruskin’s landing stage, where they were able to enjoy an interesting poke around his house, the stupendous views across the lake, strolls around the garden and a pretty fine cafe. The larger party went on to Grasmere, where a goodly number made a bee line for an unassuming NT property- Allanbank- and enjoyed a restorative hour or so -again enjoying views to remember. By now the splinter group had rejoined the majority and after boarding the coach we headed off for the last treat of the day- Holehird Gardens
Run by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, it is perched on a hillside with incredible views. The walled garden and its environs had many enthralled and would be sure to get a good rating on trip advisor!
Day 3 saw us Blackwell an arts and craft house standing above Lake Windermere. Split into two groups we learned the history of its coming into being, thanks to the architect Baillie-Scott and the first owner of this impressive holiday cottage, the wealthy Manchester brewer Sir William Holt. Everyone was struck by the attention to detail, the maximisation of light and the craftmanship.
A short journey brought us to Sizergh- a fortified house that had been in the Strickland family for over 700 years. Lunch, a tour of the grounds and house, brought the day to a peaceful end.
Day 4 saw us going back to Windermere, boarding a Launch for a trip to the southern end of the lake at Lakeside, counting the islands as we went- still in the sun and still counting our blessings. We finished the day at Holkham Hall- once the home of several Dukes of Devonshire -not .a NT property but highly recommended both for its house and amazingly varied garden. By now the small cubby hole in the coach that Richard had kept clear of any luggage, was overflowing with plants that had been purchased, by a very few members of the party. For this reason only it was just as well that this was to be the last proper day of the holiday.
Back to the hotel, nerves were
jangling in anticipation of the post prandial quiz.
A good three quarters of our number nailed their colours to the mast and in the end it was a close run result (- if only the rest of the team had accepted the Sahara desert!)
Too soon our little holiday was at an end- back on the coach the next morning with a final flourish in Powys Castle. We were treated to more wonderful gardens, some trying hard to avert their eyes from the plant sales. Another refreshment stop in Aberaeron and abracadabra we were home.
Bountiful thanks to Andrew for all his meticulous planning and ensuing insomnia and to Richard for bringing us safely back through tiny lanes filled with occasional would- be marathon runners, caravans and coaches. Those 5 days have filled our memory boxes with good humour and pleasing images to treasure until the next time.
Annie Weaver
On the Gondola at Coniston.Inside the gondola.Enjoying the view at Allan Bank NT, Grasmere.Holehird Gardens, near Windermere.The Arts and Crafts of Blackwell House, Windermere.Where to go next at Holker Hall.En route home, at Powis Castle.
PNTA secretary Annie Weaver presents a cheque to Jonathan Hughes, Manager for Pembrokeshire National Trust.
At the AGM, Chairman Andrew Weaver reflected on a variety of well supported events.. From monies raised during the year and using some of the carried over financial balance, a donation of £5050 was made towards Pembrokeshire NT projects. £1750 of this will go to Tenby Tudor Merchants House for dolls and the herb garden. £1800 will fund an interpretation board to tell the story of the winch wheel from mining days that is being brought to the Little Milford car park in Hook. Colby will utilise the remaining £1500 for additional bat detectors and bug hunting and identification kits.
After the formal meeting, Ranger Sarah Jones gave a talk about Dinefwr NT, concentrating mainly on the Fallow Dear herd and the White Park cattle. We look forward to seeing her work in action on our Day Trip to Llandeilo on 21st June 2018.
To read in more detail about her presentation, please click on this link ->Talk Dinefwr 05 04 18
