The Open Day on the Upper Orchid Field on June 13th was our biggest and best yet. Very pleasant weather always helps and it was a good day without being too hot – the rain holding off until we were packing up. Visitor numbers were up on previous years with people coming from as far as Bridgend and it was nice to see several families with younger children along with ardent botanists.

Gwyndaf Breese led a walk in Welsh which had good support and the snail-racing proved to be so popular that we had to repeat it. Second time around the snails were even slower off the mark butwhilst some wandered around in ever-decreasing circles, there will always be a few oozing towards the finish. If you happen to see a snail wandering around the Upper Orchid Field with a number on its back, you are looking at one of these finely-tuned athletes. Particular thanks are due to all at Springfield Stores for kindly donating the drinks and to Liz from the Vale of Glamorgan’s biodiversity team for leading the bug hunts and giving out 50 hessian biodiversity bags which are much-prized possessions. Ian’s snail-racing circuit will no doubt be used by other groups and the cakes baked by Wenvoe Wildlife Group committee members went down a treat. Thanks also to Cemex for allowing us access via the Quarry Access Road, to the Wildlife Group members who helped on the day and finally to all from the local villages and further afield for showing their support by turning up on the day.

Conservation Days will be Thursday 1st July from 5pm until 8pm and Sunday 18th July from 10am until 1pm.