I spent a good chunk of time at the beginning of the month, working through samples from Pentwyn, separating specimens into different piles of ‘hoppers’, ‘Heteroptera’ and ‘everything else’. The bags in the freezer are slowly going down, hopefully, I can move onto some identification soon – the exciting part!
Sample Sorting
As a break from sample sorting, I spent time looking at some of the samples I collected from The British, during the summer months. The British is a post-industrial site owned by Torfaen Council, but will soon have management from Gwent Wildlife Trust. I am going to provide them with a Hemiptera species list. It turns out The British is a very interesting site for Hemiptera. So far, I have three really interesting species, in particular one hopper, which seems to be the second record for Wales. Thanks to my wonderful volunteers, Maddy and Jeff who helped on this day!
Paluda adumbrata – second record for Wales
Liam and I attended the Nuffield Presentation evening this month, we represented the Museum as placement providers (as Mike was away). It was a pleasure to have the girls during the Summer, and we are very proud of the projects they carried out. It is a lot quieter without them! It was a great evening, which consisted of the girls showcasing their posters and answering any questions from the public – they did very well. Along with the many other Nuffield students, Becky and Steph were presented with their certificates by a Nobel Prize winner…
Steph (left) and Becky (Right) talking to the public about their posters and projects
Becky with her poster
Students with their certificates
Annual meet up to Leeds! It seems like a very long time since our very first meet up in Scotland, back in the Spring. It was great to get together with the fellow trainees once again, and good to have a glimpse at what they have been up to during their traineeships, as a part of the ‘skills share’ sessions.
Sue having fun at Skelton Grange, during annual meet up
Annan’s great skill share session !
At the end of the month I went out for the first time in a while with my botany mentor Steph Tyler, and Elsa Wood (also a botany expert). It took a while to get my brain engaged, especially when most of the flowers have now gone, leaving just the leaves from which to make an identification – good practice! It was a beautiful day, sun shining and good to get back into it! I hope to get out with them again next week. Here are some of our findings…
Common Centuary still in flower – almost!
Sweet Woodruff
Trailing St John’s Wort
Beautiful views and some Mistletoe
More beautiful views
Fly Agaric Fungi
The month ended with a brilliant day out with the Gwent Wildlife Trust lot. I joined the practical conservation work task day, the job was to clear the ancient woodland of litter that had blown over from the old landfill site. A nice gentle task, a good opportunity to catch up with everyone at the same time. After lunch, we were challenged with chasing sheep out of the reserve, always fun – made easy by Reserves Officer Tom, who seemed to get rid of them single handily!
Spot the volunteer!
Stunning Silent Valley Nature Reserve
Ancient Woodland at Silent Valley Nature Reserve, Cwm
Job done, sheep are out!