In at the deep end for art...
COLEG Meirion-Dwyfor’s Countryside Day is an annual event organised by dedicated staff at Glynllifon Farm near Llandwrog with the aim of introducing local schoolchildren to countryside management and farming.
Some 100 primary schoolchildren, from Bro Lleu, Talysarn, Llanllechid and Brynaerau schools, arrived at the campus bright and early to spend the whole day exploring the site and have an introductory taste of several countryside activities.
Mr John Islwyn Jones of Pen y Bryn Falconry was present on behalf of Big Ideas Wales; Jackie Owen of Marian Bach arrived with several different types of gundogs and several Pen Llyn Keepers were there.
Mr Brian Hayes, of the National Gamekeepers Association, brought a selection of taxidermy to explain gamekeeping’s role in countryside management; Gwilym Jones from Glasfryn Estate and Mr Jono Garton of Boduan Shoot also spokeabout gamekeeping.
Angling Cymru’s Ken Parry and Len Lee demonstrated fishing skills and talked about Salmon Fishing, while Red Squirrels Ranger Holly Peek of the RSPB discussed red squirrel conservation.
There was great excitement as the children participated in the many different activities on offer.
They met Siân, a fully-grown 16-week old owl, currently being trained by John Islwyn Jones of Pen y Bryn Falconry to deliver wedding rings to the best man at church weddings.
The children were delighted as they took part in flying demonstrations and learned how Sian’s flight is completely silent.
The children were taught basic fishing techniques, explored a professional fishing kit and learned about the cycle of salmon farming. They then learned how to make fatballs to attract red squirrels, using lard and seeds to cover pinecones – a nice messy task which they enjoyed.
Gundog demonstrations by Jackie Owen taught them how different dog breeds fulfil different roles. The children could handle and pat the dogs if they wanted, and this proved a popular part of the day. THE coastal environment around North Wales is outstanding in its diversity and fascinating wildlife.
People flock to the coast to experience much of what it has to offer, but do they really get the full experience?
Taking time to take in the view and watch wildlife always rewards visitors, with scenes of wild lives lived out before their eyes.
Which is why The North Wales Wildlife Trust is going ‘Snŵdling’ again this year.
The North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) and award-winning artist Kim Atkinson are combining forces to take a small group of people on an unusual tour of our underwater world.
Called Snŵdling (snorkeling and doodling) participants are encouraged to depict the view through their mask on a whiteboard whilst snorkeling, thus enhancing their underwater experience.
They can, once back on land, add to their pieces with support from Kim.
Last year, Jan Albin, a local resident, went along to a Snŵdling event at Porth Dinllaen.
“Snŵdling, apart from being great fun, made you much more observant in looking at the marine life, colours and ‘landscape’ of the marine environment,” she said.
“The extremely knowledgeable event organisers identified many organisms that are so easy to miss when looking casually.”
At last year’s event, the NWWT found that the participants who stated they have never felt able to even attempt to produce a piece of art on land, let alone under the sea, got an enormous amount of enjoyment out of both the snorkeling and the creative experience.
Kim provides the guidance required to help everyone produce wonderful artwork, which expresses their overall impressions of their underwater experience; a wonderful souvenir to keep.
“I’ve always been curious about life beneath the surface of our beautiful coastal waters, and excited by the idea of drawing fish and seaweeds, anemones and crabs.
“With simple materials it is nearly as easy to draw underwater as on land, so come along and be inspired,” she said.
With seagrass, kelp, wrasse, shore crabs, pipefish, prawns, anemones and so much more to keep everyone entertained while they sketch, you can see why this is such a popular event. ● For more information, or to book a place (£25 per person; £20 if you have a wetsuit), please contact Dawn Thomas on dawnthomas@ wildlifetrustswales.org Booking essential for Snŵdling on either Saturday 22nd or Monday 24th July on the Llŷn Peninsula.