Everything changes in Cefn Onn during October and early November as autumn changes to winter and it is always really spectacular. From the changing colours in the trees to the leaves fluttering on the ground it is such a contrast to the greenery of only a month or so ago. Well worth an autumn visit if you haven’t already.

The weather wasn’t great for this year’s Lisvane Fete where we had a stall to publicise the work the Friends Group does and seek to recruit some new members. However we were very pleased to meet interested Fete goers and also further develop links with the Mayor of Cardiff (Cllr David Walker)/ photo below left, the North Cardiff Assembly Member (Julie Morgan AM)/ photo above right, the leader of Cardiff Council (Cllr Phil Bale), and our neighbouring stall of the RPSB. Thanks to all who visited Tony and I on the damp afternoon!

What a fascinating evening all who attended Rosie’s history walk of Cefn Onn had in June.  Following an excellent presentation at our AGM in 2014, Rosie James (Cardiff Council) agreed to turn it into a guided walk for us this year . That lady is so full of knowledge and enthusiasm that we were all enthralled for almost 2 hours.  Rosie seems to discover more facts, info, and clues to its past to add to the story every year. To me, visiting Cefn Onn is about both its current tranquillity and its past history. Hopefully, later this year, with  some effort, funding, and a following wind, the Friends can capture this history (which doesn’t seem to be recorded elsewhere) in a new pamphlet that will prevent this knowledge fading away for us and future generations.

AGM? Sounds boring? Like all our AGMs we really focus the evening on Park related topics we feel confident members will be interested in. This year was no different and we had two fascinating presentations: the first was on the vision for substantial Heritage Lottery funding to really renovate the upper pond/dingle area of the Park and increase access for all. If successful (we should hear early 2017) this will significantly add to the experience of visiting the upper parts of the Park. (Please complete the survey in the article below.) The second presentation was of the results, hot off the press, of the environmental survey we have commissioned for the lower park pond. This is to ensure that our development plans for it are sound and sustainable; techy stuff but fascinating for anyone interested in environment protection and renovation. With little time left, we still managed to review another successful year, confirm the accounts, receive the Park Ranger’s report, and elect a Committee for 2015/16. Thanks to all who attended and our two marvellous guest presenters. As Chair, I thanked all 100 member households (present and not), Cardiff Parks Dept, and Lisvane Community Association for their support over the last year. The vision and enthusiasm of our Group are strong but effectively fruitless without that support. Looking forward to our 5th year!

As part of developing their plan for improving the upper part of the Parc and application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cardiff Council would like your feedback on your recent visit. If you would like to take part there is an on-line survey which can be accessed directly from here or via the Cardiff Council website. Having the Parc users views is vital to such grant applications and how the Parc is improved so the Friends Group would like to encourage you to take part.

Walkers who regularly make it to the top field will have noticed that a new addition appeared up there in May. With the remainder of our Pollinating Plants Grant from Keep Wales Tidy we have created a flowering area on the right hand side as you go up the field. It is supposed to be informal so does not have fixed borders etc and the Council grass cutters will leave this area to hopefully blossom. The down side of informal areas like this is that the plants may get trodden on by un-noticing visitors or trampled by dogs. If you do notice this happening we would be very appreciative if you could politely point out the area to whoever who hasn’t spotted it. Once it becomes more established it will be quite obvious and hopefully add a great splash of colour!

The 2nd May Spring Walk with Rangers Alec and Raj was fascinating and very enjoyable once again. As expected, the slight drizzle didn’t dampen either of their sprits or banter. This is the current bluebell display in Tranch y Hebog woods (go out of the top of Cefn Onn and just beyond the golfcourse). The next guided walk is Saturday 9 May – see post below for details and other guided walks from Cefn Onn.

Cardiff Council have recently published their GUIDED WALKS AND PARK EVENTS 2015 which gives you details of many walks around Cardiff throughout the year. Below are those relating to Parc Cefn Onn that you might be particularly interested in joining. First event is this Saturday 2^nd May.  Note that for some walks you need to reserve a place and for most there is a small charge. Maybe see you there!

02/05/2015     10:00‐13:00 CEFN ONN SPRING WALK

Join the Rangers for a brisk walk from Cefn Onn to Tranch y Hebog to discover the spring flowers and other wildlife that abound in this beautiful woodland on the edge of Cardiff. Meet at Cefn Onn car park. This is a bookable event so please contact the Ranger Service to ensure your place on 07976 132824 or 029 2044 5911.  £1    Slightly energetic walk. 

09/05/2015    10:00‐16:00 NORTH CARDIFF RIDGEWAY WALK FROM TAFFS WELL TO LISVANE

A linear walk exploring the wooded Ridgeway footpath to the north of Cardiff, starting at Taffs Well train station and ending at Cefn Onn Country Park, Lisvane. An ascent onto Craig yr Allt rewards with panoramic views overlooking Cardiff and Caerphilly. A well‐earned rest can be had on the train journey back to Taffs Well train station. Please remember to bring train fare and refreshments. SENSIBLE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ESSENTIAL. Meet at Taffs Well train station £2      11km     You need to be fairly fit. 

31/05/2015   14:00 – 16:00  Peter’s tree walk 2015 

Friend of Parc Cefn Onn member, Peter Kent, will repeat his very popular guided walk identifying nearly 80 of the Park’s fascinating botanical specimens including our Champion Trees. Peter explores all corners of the Park identifying trees from the smallest to tallest, and from the most common to one which is only one of five in the entire UK. £1    2km   Easy walk.

25/06/2015    18:00 A WALK AROUND CEFN ONN

Led by Cardiff Parks Services, discover the fascinating history of this beautiful park. The walk is quite vigorous in places, those who feel unable to complete the full walk are welcome to come and enjoy the views of the swimming pool (upper pond) missing only the short, more demanding, section. Meet at Cefn Onn Car Park. Free  Slightly energetic walk, wheelchair accessible. 

05/09/2015    20:00‐22:00 BAT WALK AT CEFN ONN PARK

Led by the Park Rangers. Discover the bats feeding around the park and woods using bat detectors. Please bring torches with you. Meet at Cefn Onn Car Park. To book a place contact 07976 132824 or 029 2044 5911.  £1    2km   Easy walk.

10/10/2015    10:00‐16:00 NORTH CARDIFF RIDGEWAY WALK FROM CEFN ONN TO TAFFS WELL

A linear walk exploring the wooded Ridgeway footpath to the north of Cardiff, starting at Cefn Onn Country Park and ending at Taffs Well train station. An ascent onto Craig yr Allt rewards with panoramic views overlooking Cardiff and Caerphilly. A long gentle descent follows onto the Taff Trail to Taffs Well train station where a well‐earned rest can be had on the train journey back to Lisvane and Thornhill stations. Please remember to bring train fare and refreshments. SENSIBLE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ESSENTIAL.  Meet at Cefn Onn car park.  £2    11km   You need to be fairly fit.

Spot the difference ?! For many years the Friends Group have been trying to arrange for the old viewpoint in the top filed that overlooks Cardiff, the River Severn, and across to Somerset to be opened up for everyone to enjoy. This has been overgrown for 20 years.  The Friends spent our February Workday clearing all the vegetation and the Council Parks Dept subsequently removed the old wire fencing and built the nice new wooden fence. Hopefully everyone who manages to walk all the way to  the top field will be rewarded with magnificent sunny views once again! [Left photo 2011, right photo 2015]