Fiona had introduced herself to us at the Bionet conference a few months earlier, suggesting that her smallholding would make an interesting venue for a Cofnod Recorders’ Day. After a recce earlier this year we agreed and set the date for the 13th May 2026.
The weather looked changeable, but a hardy group of recorders descended on Cwm Penmachno for an enjoyable day of recording. We started the day with a Panad, before fanning out over the land to record our different species groups.
Pond nets, hand lenses, binoculars and vacuum samplers investigated every nook and cranny of the site looking for interesting species. Our hosts had even made us delicious vegetable soup, freshly baked bread and cake for lunch – clearly setting the bar very high for future recording events!
Records are still being collated, but some interesting highlights including a Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) calling from the edge of a Conifer plantation, and the Money Spider Evansia merens which lives within ant nests and is rarely seen.
We are always keen to hear from landowners with interesting habitats that might be suitable for a Recording Day – please get in touch.
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