Unsurprisingly Cardiff is not an area with nature reserves. The only reserve, Coed y Bedw on the edge of Cardiff, is currently shut due to Ash Dieback. Cardiff also lacks the extensive sweeping cliffs and rolling mountains that are characteristic of much of the area that the Trust covers. However, Cardiff has considerable green space. We also know that urban areas are increasingly important for wildlife. Most importantly the City is diverse and we know many people are keen to make a difference for wildlife. The Council is keen to further the wildlife and climate change agenda. There are a considerable numbers of voluntary organisations in city either directly engaged with nature or else keen to support it. This makes Cardiff the ideal location to use the potential of partnerships, community led engagement and local action. This lies at the heart of our Trust's ‘Team Wilder’ strategy. To take this forward as a Local Group we have set ourselves three aims:
- To work with others on practical projects that allow members to make a difference on the ground. So far we have established partnerships with the Friends of Cathays Cemetery to understand and encourage wildlife in that space. We are also working with Cardiff Council to support wildlife in the Wild gardens at Roath Park. This approach will also help us contribute to recording the ‘State of Nature’ in Cardiff.
- To provide members with opportunities learn about and contribute to the debates about how to restore nature by continuing our programme of autumn and winter events. These have proved to very successful online occasions where we have discussed, this autumn, how to make a difference in Cardiff, farming, nature, and Marsh Fritillary Butterflies. In January we have a discussion with Kathryn Brown from RSWT on climate change and biodiversity. Kathryn will be sharing her experiences of attending the Biodiversity Conference in Montreal. We also have an event on cemeteries as havens of wildlife.
- To enable members to be out and about in nature. We are currently putting a summer programme together.
Of course none of this would be possible without the excellent work of The WTSWW staff, led by Meg.
This is your city and your Trust. Let us know how you think how WTSWW members can together contribute to the restoration of nature in Cardiff. Send us your ideas or if you want to know more visit our website.
- Rob Pickford: Chair, Cardiff Local Group.