This week we’re talking science and all things wildlife related at the Eisteddfod from the 4th to the 11th of August.

Going Wild at the Cardiff Eisteddfod!

This year we’re helping with the science activities for the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay and more excitingly taking tour groups around the Cardiff Bay Wetlands to take in the amazing variety of Wildlife found in our capital! The wetlands are a wonderful place where you can see a wide variety of different bird species such as Grebes, Herons, Sand Martins and more. There are also wildflower areas which attract pollinators such as butterflies and many different bee species. In the ponds you can find frogs, fish and plenty of dragonflies and damselflies darting around. There is even a resident fox who can be seen stealing eggs from nests!

We at Eco-explore Education are scientists with a passion for science communication and Cardiff Bay has an important place in our hearts. Cardiff Bay is important for wildlife and scientists. Many research projects have been conducted in the Bay and because of that work we now know more about how we can protect some of our vulnerable ecosystems from the effects of climate change. It’s also the place where the idea for Eco-explore Education first started and a walk around the wetlands turned into an exciting project designed to make a real difference to young people.

This year the Eisteddfod is a little different, entry is free and unlike other years the location is accessible. These differences are part of what makes this years Eisteddfod so exciting. We work with communities who live in areas of economic deprivation. Having an Eisteddfod which is easily accessible by public transport is fantastic as many of the families we work with don’t have access to cars. The cost of travelling to and attending the Eisteddfod often means that families are dissuaded from participating in this wonderful event which is so integral to Welsh culture. We’re proud to be a part of the first free Eisteddfod and we hope to see more in future.

We wouldn’t be at this years Eisteddfod (in fact we wouldn’t be here at all!) If it wasn’t for funding provided to us by the Big Lottery Fund. We owe you a huge thank you for all your support and encouragement and we look forward to seeing you at the Eisteddfod!

Lots of love,

The Eco-explore Education Team 💚🐝🐦🌻

We’ll be taking tours around the wetlands reserve in the bay every day of the Eisteddfod at 11am and 2pm. You can book a tour at the Red Information Hub, located at the Cardiff Bay Pierhead during the Eisteddfod or by emailing me at eco-exploreeducation@gmail.com