As advertised in Capital Times, March 2013:

The Story of Parc Cefn Onn, Wednesday 20 March 2013, 2pm, Bute Park Education Centre. To book call Cardiff Council on 02920 87 2730.  £3.

Those eagerly awaiting the launch of our first photo competition will be pleased to hear that the 3 categories will be the winter, spring and summer seasons. The rules, judges, method of submitting entries, etc are almost in place and prizes identified. Watch this space for imminent info. There is nothing stopping you clicking away already though. I’d expect some great photos opportunities for the first category appearing this weekend (according to Mr Brockway)!

Check out some simply stunning photographs of wildlife, plants, and scenery, by our Park Ranger, Alec Stewart, on his website dedicated to the amazing sights you can see around Cardiff and the South Wales valleys. http://alecstewart.weebly.com/

Many members have suggested that we coordinate an annual photo competition for all of the regular photographers who use the seasons in the Park as their subject or as a background. We think this is a great idea and are seeking a volunteer or two to help organise it. Categories could include plant, wildlife, seasons, pets, etc. Our Park Ranger, Alec, himself a competition photographer, has offered to assist as well and can certainly arrange an experienced judging panel. If you are interested helping or want to find out more just fill in a query on our ‘contacts’ page.

The Friends and Cardiff Council were recently thrilled to accept the UK National award of Green Flag status for the Park for 2012 – you may have spotted us in September’s Capital Times! Both the Council’s and Friend’s management plans for the Park formed the backbone of the application and Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas s that “this clearly demonstrates the Council’s commitment to managing and developing the park in conjunction with the local community.” The Friend’s group think this is great news for the park and just shows what can be achieved when local people work together.

Green Flag award 2012

Full press statement at: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?id=13211&d1=0

Sept 2012 Capital Times article on page 6: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?id=12485&d1=0

In early June, James Byrne, Chairman of Cardiff Bat Group, helped us conduct a Bat Survey in Cefn Onn. A number of members/ families turned up for what turned out to be a very successful evening. We spotted at least three species in the Park: The Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, and the Noctule. Pipistrelles are the smallest and commonest bat in the UK and Europe, weighing around 5 grams (less than a £1 coin) and may consume up to 3,000 insects in one night! The rarer noctule bat is one of Britain’s largest bats (18g – 40g) and can fly at an amazing 30 miles per hour. All of these species have declined in the UK, mainly due to loss of habitat and changes in farming practices. James suggested the Park would benefit from some bat-boxes and a number of suitable locations were identified. Our next step is to try and secure some funding for these boxes, and the Bat Group will assist us further with their installation.

This July’s heavy rains have claimed a casualty or two in the Park recently. The most prominent of which was the toppling of the large tree on the banks of the Top Pond. I bet the goldfish got a shock !

Friend’s member, Peter Kent, lead a a very interesting and humorous guided walk around the Park pointing out nearly 80 of the fascinating botanical specimens. He wove his route and talk into all corners of the Park incorporating descriptions of trees from the smallest to tallest, and from the most common to one which is only one of five in the entire UK. (Hopefully after the very high winds the following weekend they are all still there!) For those who attended and would like a record, or those who may like to do the walk themselves, Peter’s descriptions and maps 1 and 2 of their locations are here.

Park Cefn Onn Tree Walk

Parc Cefn Onn tree walk – map 1         Parc Cefn Onn tree walk – map 2