Week 1

Craig Gwladys at  Pensycnor in Cilfrew

Situated on a wooded hillside offering spectacular views of the lower Neath Valley, the park is a must see for those who enjoy walking way-marked forest footpaths at Craig Gwladys at  Pensycnor in Cilfrew,
Neath, just off the A465. Craig Gwladys Park has been closed from 17th
December 2012 for approximately 6 months. this closure is necessary to
allow for the clearance of the Larch trees affected by the Phytophthora
ramorum disease.

The last trees standing

The Larch lap trees which  also include the nesting trees  for the Grey Heron at the park, the herons have been arriving here for more than 20 years, I have personally photographed their arrivals and departures.  For the last 15 years it's been a very educational, interesting, and enjoyable experience.  The nesting trees have had a stay of execution for these particular Larch lap trees for this years breeding season.

Alas soon afterwards the nesting trees are to come down, as for now they are the the last trees standing there are around 4/ 6 pair which arrive in late January and stay until the breeding season usually ends approx around late July, they usually have 2 young to a nest so there's quite a colony in the summer months, these photographs were taken recently.

I wonder if the Grey Heron will  ever return  in 2014 to continue to visit our country park and keep us entertained throughout the years to come?