Day to discover nature on suburban heathland
FROM endangered bats to moths, beetles and unusual critters, a Swansea suburb is giving locals an opportunity to discover exactly what’s living on their doorstep.
Tomorrow’s Cadle Heath Bioblitz event, funded by the Swansea Nature Partnership, is a day packed with scavenger hunts, guided walks and opportunities to learn about wildflowers, bugs, birds, reptiles and mammals and help to gather important nature data by recording the unusual species living in this urban heath.
The nature reserve is one of Swansea’s best-kept secrets and stretches from behind Swansea Community Farm on Carmarthen Road to the popular shopping destination of Pontarddulais Road Retail Park.
The event, organised by Swansea Community Farm, the South East Wales Biodiversity Records
Centre and Penderi Green Regeneration project, takes place at the farm from 10am-3pm.
It will be followed by a bat walk at 8.30pm, giving people the chance to listen for the elusive, red-listed lesser horseshoe bat in its natural habitat.
Kate Mccabe from Pobl, leading on the Penderi Green Regeneration Project, said: “Cadle Heath is one of the best examples of urban heathland in the country and we are proud to have such a rich, exciting space for nature in the heart of Swansea’s Penderi region.
“The fact that the heath is home to a red-listed bat species is something we should be really proud of and something we should protect and celebrate.
“Cadle is in such a highly populated part of Swansea that it is often overlooked and people don’t often realise the hidden haven that exists for local wildlife. This family-friendly event will really bring the area to life, giving people a unique opportunity to really explore the area with the guidance of passionate scientists and nature experts.”
Katharine Aylett, from Swansea Community Farm, said: “We are proud to be hosting such an important and exciting event for the area and to be partners of Pobl’s Penderi Green Regeneration Project. At Swansea Community Farm, we know the positive effect activities like this have on the community and local wildlife; it’s about raising awareness of the natural world and bringing people together outdoors.
“The Penderi Green Regeneration Project itself is vital to the area and is already having a clear impact on this part of Swansea. We’re looking forward to working with them on future events and initiatives.”
The Penderi Green Regeneration Project is an initiative to support local people in their desire to improve local green spaces, helping boost health and wellbeing.
Through a series of physical and educational opportunities, the initiative will bring the wider neighbourhood together to regenerate green spaces in the Penderi area of Swansea.
For more information on the free event, visit www.swanseacommunityfarm.org.uk
You can book a place on the bat walk at www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/bat-walk-at-cadleheath-tickets-329783028917