The summer this year in the UK has bee characterised by being somewhat wetter and duller than is normal. This has meant that the farmers are behind their usual schedule - some of their harvesting did not occur until late September. This means that the other activities, such as collecting the bales of straw and ploughing, has occurred later as well.On a fine morning in early October I went for a short walk with my camera to the fields across the road from where I live. In this posting I am showing a few results of this early morning walk.The first photograph shown above is showing a field that has been recently ploughed - or at least the edge has. The centre of the field has, I think, been turned with a disk harrow. I love the bright blue sky in this image, along with the low shadows...
It has been a bit hectic this week, I have taken delivery of a new desktop PC to replace my old one that was getting to be very slow and unreliable. The new PC came with Vista but my photo editing software does not work with Vista. I tried using 'The Gimp' but could not get on with it, so I had to use my old PC to do the editing then copy it across to the new - a bit of a fiddle!This week I have chosen to show a moth, the 6 Spotted Burnet. This is a day flying moth. The first photo shows a moth feeding on a spotted orchid. The conditions were a little awkward as it was late evening so quite dull, with a breeze blowing; so it was very difficult to get blur-free shots.The second photo below shows several moths having a feeding frenzy on the flowers of a thistle. Again, the conditions were...
A Public Meeting will be held in Aberdare on Thursday 9th October 2008, at the Sobells Sports Centre.
At the Meeting Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillors will decide on the new Gloucesters & Ironworks site planning application.
All Welcome.
A Planning Application has been re-submitted to the local Council. The plans are for 130 houses to be built on the Hirwaun Gloucesters and old Ironworks site. This area is much valued and used by the community as an area for recreation and leisure and home to an abundance of wildlife and flora.
Councillors voted to refuse planning permission in July 2008.
Local Council Planning Officers are trying to persuade Councillors to change their minds and approve this application, despite overwhelming objections from residents over the last 3 years.
The...
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You are invited to a Public Meeting to show Hirwaun residents want a say in the future of Hirwaun Village.
The Meeting is at 5pm on Thursday 9th October 2008 at Sobells Sports Centre, Aberdare.
Where R.C.T. Councillors will be deciding on the Gloucesters/Ironworks site planning application which will have a huge effect on the life of [...]...
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A Public Inquiry will be held by the National Assembly’s Planning Inspectorate into a planning application for a series of wind turbines near Hirwaun
The application, submitted by Pennant Walters Ltd. is for the erection of nine wind turbines, an anemometer and associated infrastructure and buildings on land south of the A465 in Hirwaun at Hirwaun [...]...
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This week I am showing photographs of the Broad-leaved Willowherb - at least that's what I think it is. Some of the information in my field guides seemed to conflict, so it may be another Willowherb such as the Great Willowherb. I would be grateful if anyone can positively identify this plant for me.These photos were taken of plants growing in some waste ground of my previous smallholding in Wales. The 'studio' shots had to be taken quite quickly as the plants soon started to wilt once cut and brought inside. As before, my 'studio' is a cardboard box with a black card background.In the first photo, I am trying to show the main parts of the plant (flowers, leaves and stem) to give an overall view of the plant. In the second image below, I am concentrating on a couple of flowers. I do like...
The firey coloured palette of Autumn slowly comes into focus across Aberdare.
These balmy blue-skied days this week bring out the rich red and golden leaves.
Passing Aberdare on the main A4059 road today, one could savour the young trees in the empty Duke Street Car Park.
Green-leaved trees become variegated and then slowly become deep radiant reds and golden coloured.
Click on the Thumbnails below to see Nice Big Beautiful Autumn Pics...
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This week, unusually, I am featuring two sets of photographs in the one blog. The first is of a small orange beetle, commonly known in the UK as a Soldier Beetle. The second is a set of photographs of the 'Red Arrows' display team at Lowestoft Airshow which I took a few weeks ago.The Soldier Beetle:The first photograph shown above, is a close up of the soldier beetle. Is is feeding on the flowers of a hogweed - a wild flower of the hedgerows and verges. This, as with many of my close-up photographs, is taken in my home-made studio of a cardboard box with a black card background. I like this because of the detail in the photograph, not just the insect. You can see the individual flowers of the hogweed that make up the complete flower head and the pollen on the head of the beetle.This...
This week I am featuring the wild flower that is a member of the geranium family: 'Long Stalked Cranesbill' - Geranium columbinum. This plant has a small pink flower that is only about ½ inch (15mm) across. This flower was growing along the narrow lane that lead to my previous smallholding in Wales.The top photograph is an attempt to show the full flower with an unopened bud behind it. I was quite pleased with the way the lighting worked with very little in the way of deep shadows.In this second image, I am showing more detail of the leaves and buds around the flower. With much of my photography of wild flowers, I am not just attempting to get an artistic image of a pretty flower, I am also trying to show detail of the plant - leaves, buds, seed heads etc.In this third photograph, it is...
These photographs of Red Campion (Silene dioica) were taken at my previous smallholding in Wales. It is small, somewhat spindly plant that grows in the meadows and hedgerows. It does have an attractive red-pink flower. I find that I prefer the wild flowers over the highly hybridised modern garden plants that are, for me, too 'showy'.This first photo shows the complete flower head of two adjacent flowers. This, and the other photographs were taken in my cardboard box studio that has black card as a background.The purpose of the second image was to show leaf and stem detail, as well as the side view of the flower heads. Like many of the wild flower plants I have photographed, the stems are slightly hairy which show up quite will in the flash lighting used.In this third photo, I am showing...
This week I am featuring a wild flower that I believe to be Herb Robert - Geranium robertianum. This is a plant that was growing in my previous smallholding in Wales. If my identification is correct, it is an annual or biennial plant with, as you can see, small, pink flowers with 5 petals. It grows from spring through to the autumn.The first photograph shown above is a close-up showing the whole of the flower head. The background is the foliage of the plant. Like many of my close-up photographs, this was taken in a home-made studio made from a cardboard box and some black card.This second photo shows the whole plant. I like this image due to the lighting on the foliage. I feel there is jut the right balance of light and shadow on the leaves.This third image is a different view from that...
This week I am showing some photographs of Laburnum - a small tree - in blossom. Although the tree in itself is not particularly impressive, it does have a rich yellow blossom that is quite spectacular seen closer up - as I hope you will agree.The first photo, shown above, is a landscape view of several clumps of blossom hanging from the tree. I find that this shade of yellow contrasts quite well with the green leaves and blue sky forming the background.The second shot is a similar view of one cluster of blossom, but this time taken in portrait format, allowing me to concentrate on just the one stem.I have moved back for this third photograph. This is to show more of the tree and its blossom. All the yellow does brighten up what would otherwise be quite a dull tree. These images were all...
The most popular photos on Aberdare Blog for the past week have been those of Tabernacle Chapel, Aberystwyth.
Sadly the Chapel was destroyed in a great fire and subsequently demolished last Saturday.
This is such a waste. But perhaps we can draw a useful lesson from Aberystwyth by looking at our own communities and considering the empty buildings on our own doorstep!
We draw your attention today to a magnificent building several times larger than Tabernacle Chapel, Aberystwyth… the old school on the outskirts of Aberdare.
It was the old Welsh junior school - Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Ynyslwyd - before this school closed and moved to Cwmdare.
The photos (below) were taken in 2006. Click the photo thumbnails for larger versions.
Today the old school windows are boarded-up.
Are...
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Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) was a common plant in the fields and hedgerows of our previous smallholding in Wales. It is an important plant as, being a member of the pea family, it fixes nitrogen into the ground which helps the fertility of the soil.The first photo, shown above, is of some flower heads and leaves of a plant that was growing along a wire fence. The fence was quite overgrown with different grasses and wild flowers and herbs. This plant was hanging away from most of the growth. You can see the pea-like tendrils that it uses to support itself.The second photograph shown below shows one of the seed pods. If it wasn't for the size (it is quite small), you could easily believe it was a pea pod.The third image shows an old flower head. The top has the remains of the old flowers as...
The Gloucesters Site in Hirwaun is once again under threat from developers despite currently being the subject of a village green application
Developers have re-submitted plans to build 130 houses on the site which is much valued and used by the community as an area for recreation and leisure and home to an abundance of wildlife [...]...
As it is National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week 2008 we thought now is a good time to publish a photo of a Leaping Dolphin sculpture!
Thus we have uploaded photos of the Leaping Dolphin wooden sculpture at Aberporth village, near Cardigan.
In the Gallery in the S + M section here.
For more information on whale and dolphin spotting, take a peek at the Sea Watch Foundation website.
Postscript : One of the most depressing sights of the summer is the sight of people putting their ugly oily machines in the sea so that they can race about on show creating a lot of noise. The pollution caused by these useless toys threatens the natural habitat of many species, not just the bottlenose dolphins....
The Gloucesters Site is once again under threat from developers.
Despite being refused planning permission in April last year, which was further dismissed at an appeal heard by the Welsh Assembly in October 2007, the developers have re-submitted plans to build 130 houses on the site which is much valued and used by the community as [...]...
This week I am featuring the same plant as last week, the Ribwort Plaintain, but this time showing some close up photos of the plant taken in my 'studio' (a carboard box). Although the ribwort plaintain (Plantago lanceolata) is a plain looking common weed in the meadows, it is quite fascinating in close up - especially the flower head.The first photograph is of the flower head showing detail of the stamens. From this I have done a sectional enlargement showing the anthers on the stamens - this is shown below. They all seem to have this elongated heart shape.This third image is of the whole flower head, which is about an inch or so in length. Very plain and boring as a flower, but it contains a wealth of fine detail.More photos of the ribwort plaintain can be seen in the environment...
This week I am featuring what is to many a common, unattractive weed - the Ribwort Plantain. However, when you get close up it (or at least the 'flowers'), it can look very attractive as you can see in a couple of these photos.The first two photos were both taken of the same plant on the same day. It was one of a small cluster growing in a small field overrun with buttercups. This made an attractive background for the photographs. I was fascinated by the way the flower head had its stamens arranged in a ring around it.This third photograph is an attempt to show how common they were in one of our fields - there were just so many of them amongst the grass.More can be seen in the natural history and environment gallery.Technical details:Camera: Canon EOS 350DLens: Canon 17-85mm ISExposure:...
An application has been made to R.C.T. Council to register the whole of the Gloucesters and Ironworks Site as a Village Green.
Village Green status would protect the site so that Hirwaun residents could continue to use the area for recreational and leisure purposes.
In order to meet the criteria for Village Green/Common registration it must be [...]...
We got an energy monitor earlier this week and it has made fairly interesting reading. We’ve never been frivolous with our energy usage and do generally switch off lights when they aren’t in use (although I’m better at that than Anna), and don’t leave the TV on standby etc. but having the monitor has made us that extra bit careful.
We thought we probably use a fair bit of electricity simply because ‘living at the end of the line’ means we don’t have gas so all of our cooking and heating comes from electricity. In addition my work as a freeelance web designer means I work from home so as well as having a computer, two monitors and various hard drives etc. running all day long I’m also making cups of coffee all the time and generally using...
Last year, when I had my smallholding in Wales, I was almost overwhelmed by the different wild plants that I was able to photograph on the smallholding. So many that I am still trying to catch up - and we are well into a new season in a new location, so I don't know if I will ever catch up!The photos I am featuring this week are of a wild flower in the meadows: the Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca). This plant is a member of the pea family which means that it puts nitrogen back into the soil so is an important plant to help maintain the fertility of the soil.This first photograph is an extreme close up of the flower head of this plant. From a distance it looks small and insignificant. Closer up it has beautiful shades of pink, lilac and blue.The second image below shows the whole plant, again...
A fun-filled weekend for all the family is underway at the Groundwork Eco Centre, Fedw Hir, in Llwydcoed. The event runs on Saturday May 17th and Sunday May 18th from 10am until 4pm.
There are craft stalls offering hands-on experience for all the family, including pottery and ceramics, gardening, bodging, pyrography, willow weaving, hurdle fencing, [...]...
Once again Groundwork Trust host another Green Dayz Weekend at the Fedw Hir Eco Centre near Llwydcoed. The event runs this weekend on Saturday 17th May and Sunday 18th May from 10am until 4pm.
There was plenty of activities to entertain the whole family including hands-on pottery and ceramic session, handmade twig pencil-making, felt-making, face-painting, willow weaving, hurdle fencing and … welly wanging.
For Saturday only there was grand show of eagles and owls, including the world’s largest owl who was, thankfully, quite placid and friendly.
According to the Groundwork Trust, Welly Wanging is a sport that originated in Britain, most likely in Yorkshire. Competitors are required to hurl a Wellington boot as far as possible within boundary......
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The Planning Application to build one of Wales’ largest Wind Farms in Cynon Valley was rejected by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in April 2008. The developer, Pennant Walters, are appealing against the decision via the Welsh Assembly.
The Welsh Assembly are considering the Appeal… If you wish your views to be heard please write in triplicate to:
The Planning Inspectorate,
REF A/07/2058755
Crown Building,
Cathays Park,
CARDIFF CF10 3NQ
BEFORE 1st MAY......
There is only one week left to Have your Say on the Windfarm Plans for Hirwaun …
The Application to build giant Wind Turbines across the Cynon Valley was rejected by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in April 2008. The Developer appealed against that decision and this Appeal is being heard via the Welsh Assembly’s Planning [...]...
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Batteries and clothing are the latest items of household waste than can be collected as part of the Council’s innovative kerbside recycling programme.
Polystyrene can now also be recycled at the Community Recycling Centres in Rhondda Cynon Taf as part of the latest initiatives to increase recycling and cut down on landfill in the county borough.
Thanks [...]...
A ‘Green Weekend’ of Crafts Events at Fedw Hir Eco Centre, Llwydcoed proved a big hit with the whole family.
A range of craft activitives and displays were on show to suit all ages and interests from stick making, pottery making, wood carving, hedge laying, dry stone walling, willow weaving, and wooden toy making.
And if you [...]...
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A Weekend of Green Crafts Events at Fedw Hir Eco Centre, Llwydcoed proved a big hit with the whole family.
A range of craft activitives and displays were on show to suit all ages and interests from stick making, pottery making, wood carving, hedge laying, dry stone walling, willow weaving, and wooden toy making.
And if [...]...
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Grants of up to £2000 towards cost-cutting home insulation are on offer for qualifying households.
The initiative is being promoted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s specialist Home Energy Officer as part of an ongoing campaign to provide affordable heat and “green” measures for families.
Those who have children under the age of 16 and are in receipt [...]...
