The sun shone on Gilfach Nature Reserve near Rhayader last Friday for the opening of the new Welcome Gateway and Interpretation Hub by the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust’s president Julian Gibson-Watt.

The ceremony was preceded by songs from the Radnor Wild Choir, an introduction to the project by Chair of Trustees, Chris Ledbury and a speech by Ray Woods, Trustee of the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and well known Fungi and Lichen expert.

The event was well attended with more than 50 guests, including representatives from Natural Resources Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Many of the guests joined the Trustees at the Old Farmyard for lunch and a guided walk .

Upcoming events at Gilfach over the May half term begin this Saturday, May 26, with a Free Family Fun afternoon at the Old Farmyard, from 2.30 to 4.30pm with American Indian themed crafts and games.

The Indian theme will include making a mini totem pole, a feather headband, and a wigwam as well as following an Indian trail.

On Tuesday, May 29, there will be a free guided nature walk led by Bronwen Jenkins from the Welcome Gateway at 2.30pm.

Find out about the jungle in the meadow at Gilfach in another free family event on Thursday, May 31, between 2.30 and 4.30pm with bug hunts, games and crafts. Meet at the Old Farmyard.

The Radnorshire Wildlife Trust will be holding a joint stand with the South and West Wales Wildlife Trust and the Welsh Beaver Project, in the Science tent (Pabell Gwyddoniaeth) during the Urdd Eisteddfod next Monday to Friday, with activities about water quality and pond dipping.

On Friday, July 20, the Gilfach reserve will be welcoming Chris Packham, the naturalist and TV presenter, wildlife specialist, photographer and author with a passionate concern for conservation and the environment, visiting as part of his UK Bioblitz tour highlighting the state of our nation’s wildlife.

MEMBERS of the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust with volunteers and funders are pictured at the opening of the new Welcome gate at Gilfach last Friday.

Picture by MIKE SHERIDAN/ County Times (MS103-2018).