Identification Time!

Good news… I have finally finished sorting through the samples from my two main projects, Ffos Y Fran and Pentwyn. With an empty freezer, and specimens nicely organised into tubes, I have made a good start at some identification – the fun bit! My finds have varied from the very common but amazing Cicadella Viridis, to the not so common Rhopalopyx adumbrata. I will share more finds in my next blog!

Although it has been very cold, even a spot of snow here in the valleys, I have still managed to get out and about quite a bit. I have had some very enjoyable trips out with my botany mentor all over Gwent, it is becoming increasingly tricky to identify plants in their vegetative state, but handy to learn!

I have also been out and about with volunteers from Gwent Wildlife Trust, to carry out some practical conservation tasks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A first for me in November – Bryophytes. I am always keen to learn about new things, and I have never learnt anything about Bryophytes before, so it was great to get out with some experts to pick up some of their amazing knowledge.

At the end of November, I attended the NBN Conference at the Museum in Cardiff. The theme this year ‘Data – what is it good for?’. It was an interesting day with talks on a variety of topics, from Bryophytes to Earthworms. It was also a great day for Liam Olds, ex-natural talent trainee who won an award for best Adult Newcomer – well deserved for all his work on Coal Spoil, continuing from his Natural Talent Traineeship.