The Ecological Park Varzea in Quinta Do Conde in Portugal

A lot more to the town of Quinta Do Conde

Map of the Ecological Park (Photo: Steve Andrews)

If you were driving through on the main road through the town of Quinta do Conde in Portugal you might not think there was much to see there. You might think it was merely a typical Portuguese town with plenty of houses, apartment blocks, local businesses, a share of restaurants and bars, as well as shops, roads, and all the usual urban ingredients.  A pleasant enough place if you lived or worked there perhaps, but not a lot else there, and not much to see. However, you would be very wrong. If you are interested in nature, ecology and gardening, Quinta Do Conde has an amazing Ecological Park known as the Parque Ecológico da Várzea da Quinta do Conde. This park is actually right next to the main road, and just minutes from the busy local Continente and Pingo Doce supermarkets, but it is a real haven for wildlife, a wonderful place for relaxing, and it even has an allotment area where local people can grow fruit and vegetables.

Turtle Lake and White Storks

Lagoa Cagados (Photo: Steve Andrews)

The Ecological Park has a lake known as Lagoa Cagados, which means Turtle Lake in Portuguese and presumably refers to freshwater terrapins that can be found there. I didn’t see any any when I visited but I did see a number of frogs jumping into the water. They were Iberian Water Frogs, a species that is common here. There is a large area of swampy meadow where I have seen flocks of White Storks gather. They are easy to see from the main road and I have noticed them on my way to the shops. I expect these large birds are hunting frogs that are plentiful in the park. I saw more of these amphibians in a reedy pool but the creatures were too quick for me to get any photos.

According to an information plaque, Grey Herons also frequent the wetlands provided here. I am not surprised because there are many ponds, water canals and reed-beds. In one part there is a lookout point for birdwatchers.

Swampy Meadow Where Storks Gather (Photo: Steve Andrews)

Walking Areas

There is a system of paths and walking routes around the park, as well as areas with tables and benches where you could relax or enjoy a picnic. I was impressed with the number of small birds I saw and heard in the park, and also there were plenty of honeybees collecting nectar from the catkins of the Sallows, or “Pussy Willows” as I also know them.

Pussy Willow (Photo: Steve Andrews)

I noticed a lot of Fennel sprouting amongst the greenery, and this plant is eaten by the caterpillars of the Swallowtail Butterfly, which breeds in the park. I found a clump of Salad Burnet too, which is another edible herb.

Salad Burnet (Photo: Steve Andrews)

Woodlands

There are plenty of trees and woodland areas in the Ecological Park and many of the trees are labelled. I saw an Alder covered in catkins, and there are also Cork Oaks, Pines, and at least one Strawberry Tree. In one part of woodland I noticed a large pile of rocks. It had been fenced off and I wondered if this was intended as a place for reptiles and amphibians to shelter and hibernate in winter. It would make a great place for this. According to an information board I saw, the Viperine and Ladder Snake can be found there, as can Fire Salamanders and the Common Toad. I would not be at all surprised. It is simply a wonderful location for wildlife of most types.

Fish and amphibians (Photo: Steve Andrews)

The Allotments

Allotment (Photo: Steve Andrews)
Continuing my walk around the grounds of the Varzea Ecological Park of Quinta Do Conde, I had a look at the area given over to allotments. This area is very much for wildlife as well as people, and I noticed nest-boxes were in use to encourage nesting birds.

Nest-box (Photo: Steve Andrews)

Here in the allotment section, local gardeners grow cabbages, kale, onions, leeks and many other vegetables.

Vegetable Plot (Photo: Steve Andrews)

The plants all looked very green and healthy, and the plots of ground are watered with water from the ponds and water channels. These pools and areas of freshwater provide further areas for aquatic life, amphibians and water birds, and I could see thousands of the Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki) in one of the larger ponds. This is a fish I was used to seeing in Tenerife when I lived there some years ago. Mosquito Fish have become naturalised in many subtropical parts of the world where they were originally brought, as their name suggests, in an effort to control mosquitoes. These little fish are very adaptable and can tolerate high and low temperatures, polluted and brackish water.

Pond with water used in the allotments (Photo: Steve Andrews)

I saw a few dragonflies too and would think the park would have loads of these insects later in the year. I am lucky to have this park near to where I live so will be making many more visits and seeing what goes on there in spring and summer. I imagine the ponds will have a loud chorus of frogs and plenty of tadpoles will be swimming in the water. I love the sound of frogs croaking!

Iberian Water Frog (Photo: Steve Andrews)

Pentrebane Farm, Barn Owls and the Great Crested Newt

Barn Owls and Great Crested Newts Threatened by Plasdwr

Steve Andrews and Michael Deem at Pentrebane Farm

The Plasdwr housing development plan threatens to destroy green belt countryside on the outskirts of Pentrebane, St Fagans and Radyr in the west of Cardiff. Rare species, such as the barn owl (Tyto alba) and the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) live and breed in this area. Pentrebane Farm is one place they can be found and if those behind Plasdwr and Redrow Homes, who are doing the building, have their way, this historic farmhouse will be converted into a pub and the fields will be built all over.

TV presenter and naturalist Iolo Williams has called the Plasdwr proposal “sheer madness” and has pointed out that it threatens many species, including the great crested newt, the barn owl and the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). Williams is not only very concerned about the destruction of the habitats of these species, but also explains that the building of some 6,000 houses will mean a lot more traffic on the already overburdened roads in and out of this side of Cardiff.

A visit to Pentrebane Farm

Sue Caldwell and Michael Deem

I went along to Pentrebane Farm with my friends Sue Caldwell and Michael Deem. Michael, by the way, is a councillor for Radyr and Morganstown Community Council and South Wales Central Regional Assembly Candidate at Plaid Cymru. Along with Neil McEvoy, Assembly Member for South Wales Central at Y Senedd, he has been campaigning ardently against Plasdwr.

Michael Deem makes a new friend

My first impression of Pentrebane Farm was what an amazing place it is, and this impression was to be confirmed and to grow. The farm is a still-surviving example of an old-style farm with a muddy farmyard, barns full of hay, cowsheds, cows out in the fields, several friendly sheepdogs, and a stables for the horses.

Pentrebane Farm

There are plenty of green fields, hedges, trees and large pond with a stream. Pentrebane Farmhouse is a Grade II Listed Building in St Fagans. It dates back to the 18th century and has a largely unaltered Victorian character. The views are wonderful in this very rural setting.

Barns and Barn Owls

Pentrebane Farm Barn

Amongst its attractions are its barns. Barn owls nest in these in the special boxes placed there for them. There are two pairs using the farm as a place to live and hunt from. These owls are having problems throughout the UK and a home for them such as this is vital for their survival and wellbeing.

Inside the Barn

It would be a real tragedy to think that this majestic barn could one day just become part of a modern public house, if the planners get their way. The barn owls would no longer have this wonderful home, and if somehow they managed to adapt, they would have to hunt over houses and streets, instead of the fields and countryside.

Pentrebane Farm Pond

 Pentrebane Farm Pond

We went to have a look at the pond too. It was very muddy but we all had ‘wellies’ on and I went wading about in the shallow. Sue’s dog Cleo jumped in and made the water even muddier. I didn’t see any newts but could see that it would be a great place for them. Newts don’t mind a lot of mud! The experience took me back to my childhood when I used to spend a lot of time wading around in ponds, as can be read in previous blogs about ponds and newts.

Redrow Homes have already started

Redrow Homes Danger Sign

Right next to Radyr, Redrow have already been given the go ahead and have begun work. They have fenced off fields that are all ploughed up. Hedges have been felled, bulldozers, ‘Keep Out,’ and warning notices complete the depressing picture. It is too late here but, hopefully, not for Pentrebane Farm and other parts included in the Plasdwr plan.

The Solution

Fields

Iolo Williams explained on a video presentation, in which he talks about the problem of Plasdwr, that a solution exists. Obviously houses need to be built somewhere but there are brownfield sites in the Cardiff area that could be utilised without any need to destroy the beautiful countryside threatened by the plans. Concerned residents are urged to contact their AMs and local MPs and voice their worries. Let’s Say NO to Plasdwr, and Save Our Green Fields!

Contact: MikeDeemPlaid@gmail.com Twitter: @MichaelDeemPC  

Forest Farm and Glamorganshire Canal are Great Places for Nature

Forest Farm Reserve and the Glamorganshire Canal

Photo: Steve Andrews

Just on the outskirts of Cardiff lies a wonderful area for nature that I have been visiting since I was a boy. I am talking about Glamorganshire Canal and the Forest Farm Nature Reserve, which offer long stretches of freshwater, pools and wetland habitats, forests and fields.

Photo: Steve Andrews

There are several ways to get there but I usually walk up through Hailey Park in Llandaff North and continue along Ty-Mawr Road that goes past the old Melingriffith Tin and Iron Works and the old water wheel which is still there as a relic of the South Wales industrial past. The Melingriffith Works that were founded sometime before 1750, closed in 1957.  At the end of the road you reach the end of Velindre Road, which is part of the suburb of Whitchurch.

Here you can either go into the Forest Farm reserve or wander along the banks of the canal, which ends below Tongwynlais and in the area of the Coryton Interchange. It is also possible to get there by crossing the River Taff from Radyr.

Herons and Kingfishers

Photo: Steve Andrews

Birdwatchers can easily spot herons in this area and if lucky you can get a glimpse of the kingfisher too as it hunts for prey in the waters of the canal. I remember seeing one there many years back and it inspired me to write a song, aptly entitled "Kingfisher."

Mallard ducks are very common here and can be seen on the Glamorgan Canal and on the feeder which runs alongside it, as are moorhens. Water rail, snipe, dippers and reed warblers are also reported from Forest Farm Reserve. Even the elusive bittern have been seen here.

Photo: Steve Andrews

Beech and Oak

Beech and oak are the main trees that grow alongside the Glamorganshire Canal and in the Long Wood. Some of the trees are said to be 200 years old. In autumn the dead leaves in their brown and golden autumnal shades can be seen coating the ground and floating on the canal’s surface.

Common Toads

Common toads gather to spawn in the canal in springtime, and I remember when some ponds many miles away on the banks of Llandaff Weir were destroyed many years ago. I remember seeing toad tadpoles in the canal that year and wondered if it was possible that some of the displaced toads had somehow found the canal even though it was miles away. I often wonder what amphibians do when they return to spawning grounds to find them gone.

Grass Snakes

I have seen grass snakes swimming in the Glamorgan Canal too. It is good to know these once much more common reptiles, have found a home here.

Waterlilies

In summer the surface of a lot of the Glamorgan Canal is covered by the large rounded leaves of the yellow water lily. However, when I recently visited in late autumn they had all died back. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my recent walk along this canal that is an interesting place to visit all year around.

Photo: Steve Andrews

Outdoor life and recreation in London - parks, lakes and city farms

More to London than just its famous buildings

London is the cosmopolitan capital of the UK, and apart from famous buildings, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, as well as places of interest like Trafalgar Square, the city has plenty of parkland offering inner city recreational areas.

Primrose Hill, London (Photo: yaili)

Hyde Park

One of London’s largest and most well-known parks is Hyde Park.  It is one of the eight Royal Parks of London and is famous for its Speakers’ Corner where lively outdoor public speaking and debate can take place.

Speakers’ Corner (Photo: Wally Gobetz)

Visitors to London often choose hotel accommodation for the length of their stay and there are plenty of hotels to choose from near Hyde Park.

Hyde Park has a large lake known as the Serpentine. It is often used for sporting activities including swimming. In 2012 it was the venue for marathon swimming events in the Olympics.

Ducks, geese and a heron on the Serpentine (Photo: Christine Rondeau)

The western half of this lake is called the Long Water. It is divided from Hyde Park by a bridge and is in Kensington Gardens.

The Long Water (Photo: Jon Colverson)

Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is a very large park situated in the heart of London’s north-west.

Regent’s Park Lake (Photo: S Pakhrin)

Its 395 acres contain many attractions and amenities, including London Zoo, Queen Mary’s Gardens, Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park Lake, and the largest outdoor sports area in London.

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is another of the Royal Parks of London with its own lake.

Pelicans in St James’s Park (Photo: Garry Knight)

Here you can expect to see ducks, geese and even a resident colony of pelicans.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of all the London parks and is situated in the south-west of the city.

Deer in Richmond Park (Photo: Sam Greenhaigh)

It is important for nature conservation and has hundreds of deer living in it, as well as a number of ponds and streams that attract wildlife.

Green Park

Green Park lives up to its name because this park in central London has no buildings and no lake, but plenty of grass, flowers, bushes and trees.

Baseball in Green Park (Photo: nikoretro)

Its peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to relax and very popular with sunbathers.

London’s Commons and Heaths

London also has a lot of commons and heaths that make great places for walking, having picnics, relaxing and enjoying nature.

Hampstead Heath (Photo: Francisco Antunes)

Clapham Common and Hampstead Heath are two of the most well-known.

London’s City Farms

London has many city farms that offer a slice of rural life without leaving the city.

Hackney City Farm  (Photo: Rosa G.)

These farms often offer volunteer programmes as well as catering for children.

The River Thames

A view of the River Thames (Photo: Berit Watkin)

Besides the parks, commons and city farms, London’s River Thames offers all sorts of outdoor activities, including boating, water sports, wildlife spotting or simply strolling on the riverbanks.