Come and enjoy a buzzing Bioblitz – at Stackpole!

Today (Saturday 21st July 11,00a.m.), there will be a blitz of wildlife surveying at the Stackpole estate in Pembrokeshire. The challenge is on to record as many species of plants and animals as possible in 24 hours.

Silver studded blue butterfly, Photo ©CCW

Stackpole cliff and coastal grassland, Photo ©CCW

With flowers such as the sea carrot and the yellow horned poppy in bloom and birds and insects all around, it’s a great time to see the reserve at its busiest.

So why not come down and join the Bioblitz and see what you can learn about the wealth of wildlife on this special part of Wales’ coastline.

Paul Culyer, Senior Reserve Manager for the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), said:

“The variety of habitats on the estate, allow you to see an amazing array of wildlife here, and the Bioblitz is the perfect opportunity. Look out for the dragonflies patrolling the lakes! If you’re lucky, you can see otters in search of a fishy meal, or head for the clifftops for a sight of birds such as the rare Chough or the Razorbills near Broadhaven and Barafundle bay. The scrambled-egg lichen is a particular favourite of mine, see if you can spot it?”

Paul added: “The estate also houses numerous bat species, and is home to nearly 10 per cent of Britain’s endangered Greater Horseshoe Bats. So there’s plenty of wildlife for people to come and see.”

There will be free events throughout the day and into the evening, finishing off on Sunday morning. The events at Stackpole Quay include a chance to explore the rocky shoreline and an opportunity to pose any questions to the marine biologists, whilst at the Stackpole Centre you can take part in butterfly and dragonfly surveys and learn all about bushcraft around the estate. There will also be a night time bat and moth walk.

The excellent access and facilities at Stackpole, which include three car parks, mean that the reserve is accessible to people of all abilities and caters for families. The 1.5km lakeside path close to Stackpole Centre has wheelchair access and is a gentle scenic route to the coast.

Stackpole estate is owned by the National Trust. The majority of the site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and is managed in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales.

The National Trust (NT) and CCW often have walks and talks for visitors. The NT run courses from their Outdoor Learning Centre, so if you would like to find out more contact: 01646 661425 or visit www.ccw.gov.uk

Ends.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information contact CCW Press Office; Brân Devey on 02920 772 403 / 07747767443 or Helen Evans on 01248 387377 / 07717225589.

The Countryside Council for Wales is a Welsh Government Sponsored Body, working for a better Wales where everyone values and cares for our natural environment www.ccw.gov.uk.