BBC Wales Nature blog

More flooding for Wales

Derek Brockway — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:41 +0000

There are currently two flood warnings in place for North East Wales: Bangor on Dee and the Lower Dee Valley from Llangollen to Chester.

There is more heavy rain to come in the next few hours with a Met Office severe weather warning in force For the following areas: Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd, Powys

Rain will become heavier for a time today with up to 15mm of rain expected and as much as 30mm possible over the next few hours.

This flood photo came in to our Flickr group from Christian Roberts. It shows a recent view looking down over Llanrwst:

The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the latest Environment Agency Floodline and Flood Warnings in force and Traffic Wales for further advice on road conditions.

The unsettled weather is set to continue this week with more rain and strong winds tomorrow and given the ground is already saturated there is a risk of further localised flooding.

Take care and avoid walking anywhere near swollen rivers.

Derek

Met Office weather warning

Children in Need - Strictly photos

Derek Brockway — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:35:38 +0000

I thought you might like to see some photos of the lovely Claire Summers and I in action from Friday night when we danced our socks of, all in the name of Children in Need!

Sadly we were pipped at the post by 'team X-Ray' aka Rhodri and Lucy Owen but we all had a great time and there's always next year...

Photos by Oliver Johnson:

So far you've raised a staggering £20,309,747 but there is still time to donate if you haven't done so already!

Visit the website to find out how.

Derek

Red kites in trouble across Europe

Gull — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:09:29 +0000

It's not that long ago that red kites were on the brink of extinction here in Britain.

Thanks to a successful breeding and protection programme here in Wales, we now have a very healthy population.

The red kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm is testament to that, and I was lucky enough to visit in person during Springwatch 2009 when I witnessed hundreds of birds circling in the skies for their 3pm feed.

A red kite I photographed back in May 2009 swooping in for some meat:

Incredibly some of these birds had flown in from as far afield as Scotland and the South of England for their lunch.

According to the Welsh Kite Trust - there are now around 800 breeding pairs here in Wales and over 1,600 across the UK.

In Europe however the picture isn't so bright...

Numbers on the bird's main wintering grounds have halved since 1994 and there have been big falls in the number of breeding pairs in its heartlands of Spain, France and Germany.

So alarming is the drop in numbers that the EU has now adopted a Red Kite Action Plan, produced by the RSPB on behalf of Birdlife International and with the support of red kite experts across Europe.

Intensive farming in Eastern Europe is one cause, but the main problem is the widespread use of poison and birds feeding on dead animal carcasses which have been illegally poisoned to control foxes and wolves.

In some countries, vole plagues are legally controlled by farmers using large quantities of 'rodenticides' spread out in the open across fields.

Red kites are excellent scavengers and are particularly vulnerable to poisoned baits.

In other places birds of prey are are still being deliberately targeted.

The steep decline in breeding pairs - 40 per cent in Spain and 30 per cent in France and Germany - contrasts sharply with their success in most parts of the UK.

Information courtesy of the RSPB

Gull

A dry night for Children in Need

Derek Brockway — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:36:10 +0000

We're enjoying a welcome break from the bad weather today with some sunshine for a Children in Need but its only a brief respite because there is more wet and windy weather on the way!

Some rivers remain swollen with several flood warnings and flood watches in force.
Showers will clear this afternoon to leave a fine evening with a few mist and fog patches forming.

Most places will be dry overnight but a little rain will reach South Wales by the end of the night. The wind slowly picking up after midnight with lowest temperatures around 4 Celsius in Denbigh.

The satellite image shows an area of low pressure to the left hand side which will bring heavy rain to Wales tomorrow:

Saturday - Rain in the South will spread across the rest of Wales during the morning. The rain becoming persistent and heavy with extensive hill fog.

20 to 40mm of rain are expected, about 1 to 2 inches with a risk of localised flooding and poor travelling conditions.

Top temperatures around 15 Celsius and windy. The South to South-Easterly wind will be strong to gale force with gusts of between 50 to 60 mph.

If you're heading to Cardiff for the rugby tomorrow at the Millennium Stadium allow extra time for your journey. There will be a lot of surface water and spray on the roads.

Saturday night - The rain will clear, followed by more showers.

Sunday - Will be windy and feel a lot cooler. There may be a few bright intervals but also plenty of showers and longer spells of rain - some heavy. Top temperatures 9 to 11 Celsius with a strong to gale force South Westerly wind.

I'm afraid the unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week.

Derek

It's murder on the dance floor

Derek Brockway — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:07:46 +0000

"But you'd better not kill the groove..."

You may have heard on the grapevine via Radio Wales or from watching Wales Today that I'm doing a spot of Strictly Come Dancing with Claire Summers for Children in Need this year.

We're going head to head against, Jamie Owen and Louise Elliott, Lucy and Rhodri Owen as part of Strictly for Pudsey.

Heaven help us! We've only had a handful of lessons and its been a bit hectic trying to rehearse in between news and weather bulletins.

At one stage I was in such a rush I nearly forgot to take my pink leg warmers off before I went on air. What a sight that would have been!

We've all been given 3 dances to learn - jive, waltz and salsa.

I've found the jive the hardest. It is so fast and furious, it's easy to forget what comes next and I am often having to take my lead from Claire.

The waltz is my favourite because it gives me time to catch my breath before the salsa!

Dancing is a great way to get fit though as you use so many muscle groups. I do have a few aches and pains, my right knee is clicking and I've started walking like John Wayne...but overall I am feeling the benefits.

Lucious Lucy and Rumba Rhodri think they are favourites to win but they do have an advantage over us - they're married! So they can practise at home in the kitchen.

As for Lordy Owen and the Lovely Louise, they are confident as well. Louise has even bought her own dance shoes but despite this, I'm quietly optimistic that Claire and I can two step them to victory.

At the end of the day, though, it doesn't matter who wins on the night. It's the taking part that matters as well as having fun for Children in Need and making people smile.

Of course, beating Jamie would be the icing on the cake.

Watch us live on Friday, 20 November around 9pm on BBC One Wales.

For those with a strong stomach, you can watch our dance rehearsals on News online.

Vote Derek

Swollen rivers, floods and more rain

Derek Brockway — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:33:42 +0000

The weather has been making the news recently with heavy rain, flooding and gale force winds causing problems.

And we're not out of the woods yet. Most of Wales has been dry today, but there is more heavy rain to come tonight into tomorrow.

In fact the Met Office has a weather warning in force for heavy rain currently for North West Wales, Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy.

Rainfall totals of 30 to 40mm are expected, and up to 75mm over high ground. The rain accompanied by strong to severe gale force winds.

The warning for heavy rain is likely to be extended this evening to include other areas of Wales.

In the last 48 hours over 120 mm of rain has fallen near Capel Curig in Snowdonia, almost 5 inches of rain, so there is a risk of more flooding.

Some rivers are already very swollen with flood warnings and watches in force.

You can get the full list of warnings on the Environment Agency's website.

So tonight rain will spread across the the whole country. Some of the rain heavy with strong to severe gale force winds.

Northwest and West Wales bearing the brunt of the gales. Forecast wind gusts typically 60 to 70 mph but as high as 90 mph on the high ground in Snowdonia.

Now for some good news!

Rain first thing on Friday will soon clear and then we can look forward to a much drier and brighter day. A few scattered showers and some sunshine.

The wind lighter as well and feeling fresher. Top temperatures slightly lower than today around 12 or 13 Celsius.

Friday evening and most of the night will be dry but it won't last.

The chart for Saturday shows a deep depression in the Atlantic and that means big waves for surfers but another dose of wet and windy weather.

More heavy rain and strong to gale force winds and a risk of further flooding given the ground is saturated.

Sunday should be a bit better. A few sunny intervals but remaining windy with showers or longer spells of rain.

So there is more bad weather on the way but at least we can look forward to a much drier, brighter day tomorrow. Ideal for all the fundraising events taking place across Wales for Children in Need.

Derek

Strong to severe, gale force winds for Wales

Derek Brockway — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:47:36 +0000

I think we have seen the worst of the rain for the time being but there is a more heavy rain on the way. Strong to severe gale force winds as well.

North West Wales catching most of the rain in the next 24 hours. Rainfall totals of 30 to 60mm are expected.

That's around 2 inches with 70 to 100mm in places, 3 to 4 inches, especially on higher ground so there is a risk of further flooding in places.

Tonight will be drier apart from a few spots of drizzle with some rain spreading into the North West around midnight.

A mild night but windy. If anything the wind will strengthen with gales on many coasts and on high ground.

Tomorrow most of the rain will be North West Wales. Heaviest on the Snowdonia mountains. Elsewhere the rain lighter with some drizzle.

However parts of Powys, South and North East Wales will be largely dry with a glimpse or two of sunshine.

Top temperatures 13 to 15 Celsius but feeling cooler in the strong to gale force South Westerly winds.

The North West and West of Wales bearing the brunt of the gales. Forecast wind gusts 60 to 70mph.

Tomorrow night rain in the West and North West will spread across the rest of Wales. Some of it heavy with gales.

The rain will clear early on Friday leaving a drier and brighter day for Children in Need with some sunshine. The wind lighter as well.

However, more heavy rain and gales are expected over the weekend.

The flood line number 0845 988 1188.

Or take a look at the Environment Agency website.

On a lighter note, Aberhafesp Primary School are celebrating their 100th birthday with a special concert.

Congratulations to them and the weather should be dry on Friday evening with lighter winds!

Derek

BBC Wales' Green Season

Gull — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:12:57 +0000

Some of you may have spotted the TV adverts currently going out on BBC One Wales to promote our new Green Season this month, which will be looking at how Wales is dealing with global warming and environmental issues.

There are a number of programmes both on Radio Wales and TV as well as a new dedicated Green Season website which will link off to a lot of the season's content.

If you're interested in how global warming is already affecting our wildlife here in Wales then you may like to check out our mini site on the nature portal.

I've also put together a gallery featuring some of the more unusual species which may have arrived here as a direct result of climate change.

We're certainly seeing a lot more migrant species these days and fin whales were particularly abundant off the coast this summer (10-20 spotted on 13 August) and who can forget that dolphin super pod which made the headlines in July 2009!

Richard Crossen at the Sea Trust recently informed me that 1500 common dolphins were actually spotted on 28 June from their survey boat and we've also had risso dolphins arriving to give birth - is this connected to our rising sea temperatures?

Then we had the rare glossy ibis appearing in Camarthenshire - a sight not seen since 1910!

The weather and U.S hurricane season was the likely cause of this but it is all ultimately linked to climate change, hence our wet and wild summer this year. I've never eaten so many damp sausages!

The harlequin ladybird has been another species to hit the headlines this year. This little critter is spreading like 'wild fire' and it's only a matter of time before they arrive 'en masse' to Wales.

We've had a few sightings in Mid and North Wales but most are in the South East of England. Hopefully the Severn bridge tolls will put them off...

Who knows what effect they will have on our native ladybird species but they're competing for the same food. Are there enough aphids to go around?

It will also be interesting to see how early the first frog spawn arrives in 2010 and when the first daffodils spring up. December/ January seems to be the norm these days...

In the meantime I'm finding the BBC's Bloom blog on climate change very entertaining.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and find out what is going on around Wales.

Have you encountered any signs of global warming, directly?

Do your frogs now spawn ridiculously early? I can see a time when frogs will cease to hibernate at all...

Have you noticed any unusual species visiting your area or noticed any invasive species in your garden? They come in all shapes and sizes.

Gull

BBC News - The Green Room

Scotch mist

Derek Brockway — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:06:30 +0000

While Scotland football fans were feeling disappointed after losing to Wales on Saturday, I was up in bonnie Scotland enjoying a weekend break in Edinburgh.

Fortunately, I managed to miss the worst of the stormy weather, but despite a little wee sunshine there was a definite chill in the air, so it was a good job I wasn't wearing a kilt!

We often complain about the weather in Wales, and sometimes rightly so, but it's definitely colder North of the border and compared to the Welsh capital - Edinburgh is on average colder and drier than Cardiff.

Most of the rain falls on the Welsh mountains and the Scottish Highlands leaving the Eastern side of England and Scotland much drier.

But when the wind is from the east, Edinburgh can be troubled by sea fog, known locally as 'haar'.

This is formed when moist, warm air crosses the cold waters of the North Sea and the resulting low cloud, mist and sea fog is carried up the Firth of Forth by the wind.

It usually occurs between April and September and can make summer days cool, grey and damp.

Mind you, sometimes you only have to travel a few miles down the road to escape the 'haar' and be in glorious sunshine.

If you're ever out walking in Scotland, watch out for "Scotch mist" which is common in the hills and mountains.

It's a combination of thick mist (or fog) and heavy drizzle and is associated with a moist tropical maritime airstream.

Because of the tiny water droplets it can soak you in a matter of minutes.

So, if you're thinking of heading to Scotland for a walking holiday, go prepared: pack a jumper and the waterproofs just in case.

Oh and don't forget the midges!

Derek

Met Office article on the climate of Eastern Scotland

Wildlife writing challenge

Gull — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:36:52 +0000

The challenge is to:

Write a 1000 word article on a subject of topical environmental or wildlife interest in Wales which inspires you.

The winner will receive a prize of £500 donated by WWF Cymru and the first four runners up will receive a subscription to Natur Cymru magazine.

Closing date is 31 March 2010.

Find out more about this competition on the Natur Cymru website

Gull

Friday 13th unlucky weather for Wales

Derek Brockway — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:05:30 +0000

Its Friday 13th and we're going to be very unlucky with the weather this year.

It looks like we'll need to batten down the hatches over the next 36 hours...

The satellite picture shows a mass of cloud pumping in from the Atlantic into Southern Britain and it's heading our way. It's all tied to a deepening area of low pressure.

The storm is expected to move North Eastwards across Ireland and Scotland later tonight and tomorrow, bringing plenty of heavy rain and strong to severe, gale force winds.

The Met Office has a weather watch in force for the stormy weather:

Expected rainfall totals, typically 20-30 mm, over 40 mm in South Wales with 50-75 mm (2 to 3 inches) in parts of the Brecon Beacons.

On top of saturated ground there is potential for localised flooding.

Check the Environment Agency's website for details of flood watches and flood warnings.

Hopefully you won't need it, but the flood line number just in case is 0845 988 1188.

If you're travelling to Cardiff for the Wales v Samoa match this evening then drive carefully.

The roof of the stadium will be closed but allow extra time for your journey because there will be lots of surface water and spray on the roads.

Today: It will be turning wet across Wales this afternoon and into this evening. The wind will be picking up, becoming fresh to strong with gales developing on exposed Southern and Western coasts with 60 mph gusts.

Saturday:The rain will turn more showery after midnight followed by a very blustery day tomorrow with rain and squally showers.

The wind will be a big feature with strong to severe gale force winds. Gusts will typically be 50 to 70 mph with 80 mph possible on exposed coasts e.g. Mumbles Head and certainly strong enough to bring down the odd tree.

However, it will turn drier and less windy later in the afternoon with more in the way of sunshine.

Sunday: Will be less windy but still breezy with fresh to strong South Westerly winds bringing us a mixture of sunshine and scattered heavy showers.

Monday: More wet and windy weather followed by blustery showers.

Have a good weekend and stay safe.

Derek

The Black Swan

Gull — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:58:17 +0000

No, it's not your local boozer or perhaps it is... but in this instance it's an unusual bird sighting!

Black Swans are native to Australia and are the state bird of Western Australia so one to remember for your Black Swan pub quiz.

I wonder if I could hypnotise you....if I write the words 'Black Swan' enough in this blog?

Image courtesy of Ralph Hillard:

Black Swans were first introduced to Britain accidentally after ornamental birds escaped and you can now find them sharing the same types of habitat as our own native swans.

In Wales they aren't a common site though, so we were delighted when Ralph Hillard sent in these shots from Anglesey, taken on 4 November:

This particular swan was spotted at Cemaes Bay in Anglesey and was happily feeding, swimming, walking and taking short flights with it's white wing tips clearly visible.

Has it escaped from somewhere locally? Or did this individual fly in from further afield...

Thanks to Mike Thompson for passing on the information and photos.

Gull

Strong winds and flooding on the way

Derek Brockway — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:13:49 +0000

The forecast is looking pretty dire with wet and windy weather at times. There will be heavy rain and a risk of flooding with strong to severe winds.

Today's heavy rain will clear early this evening leaving a drier night with a few scattered showers with the wind easing. Lowest temperatures will be around 4C inland and 7C on the coast.

Friday should start fairly quiet with a few scattered showers in the North and some sunshine.

Further South, most places will be dry with some brightness but cloud will increase. The odd shower and at this stage the wind light. But the dry weather won't last.

Rain will reach South Wales by late morning and spread across the rest of the country during the afternoon.

The rain will become very heavy and persistent with a risk of localised flooding.

The wind will also be picking-up becoming strong from mid afternoon onwards with gales likely on exposed coasts and hillsides.

Wind gusts could potentially reach as high as 60 or 70mph, so if you're heading to Cardiff for the rugby tomorrow evening - allow extra time for your journey!

There will be a lot of surface water and spray on the roads so take care on the M4.

Friday night there's more rain to come, eventually clearing to showers but it will remain windy.

Saturday will bring a mixture of sunny intervals and blustery showers and very windy with strong to severe gale force winds.

Sunday should be less windy with some sunshine and a few showers.

Monday will bring another dose of wet and windy weather.

So, in summary - there is a real risk of flooding over the next few days.

The Floodline number is 0845 988 1188 or keep an eye on the Environment Agency's website for the latest updates.

Take care

Derek

Shark infested waters: The Farallone Islands

Gull — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:24:56 +0000

A long way, away from Wales lie the Farallone Islands - a group of rocky islands located 47 km's off the coast of San Francisco and home to a vast array of wildlife including sea birds, invertebrates, mammals, fish, sharks and even an endemic salamander!

The islands are well known for their colony of Great White Sharks and ever since Jaws, these amazing predators have been in and out of the news on a daily basis, so I thought I'd feature one of the key research centres for them.

I read a great book about the shark research, the wildlife and the dare devil scientists that inhabit this bleak rock, entitled 'The Devil's Teeth' by Susan Casey.

It's well worth a read from your local library if you're interested in sharks.

The website has a nice panoramic view of the islands but if you want to watch the live web cam, then I'm afraid you'll have to tune in later as it operates on U.S. time.

Could we ever see Great White Sharks off the coast of Wales? Possibly...We have the resident seal populations, and our sea temperatures are definitely suitable for them.

The Porbeagle shark, a close relative, already resides in UK waters all year round.

When you consider how far sharks can swim - thousands of miles, and that there are Great White Sharks in the Mediterranean, then anything is possible.

If you've come across an unusual nature webcam then let me know and I might feature it next time.

Gull

Great White Shark videos on BBC Wildlife Finder

Winter sunrise over Wales

Gull — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:34:07 +0000

The clocks changed a few weeks ago but at least we've gained a little extra light in the mornings.

I've been out and about surfing around 6.15am on days when it's been worth going and the extra light has proved to be a real blessing.

It's an incredible feeling - paddling out into a dark ocean and watching the sun rise as the water all around you gradually turns to pink and orange - mirroring the skies above.

Here's some video from a camera I mounted onto my surfboard recently:

A friend who went surfing the other morning arrived to find poor surf but said it was worth going, just to see the sunrise, which sums it up nicely.

Oyster catchers must to be the most hard working of all the UK bird species - always up first and normally the last to bed with their distinctive, panicky calls, echoing eerily along the shoreline.

It won't last for long though, as winter is drawing in quickly. We've definitely been feeling it in South Wales this week with bitterly cold temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.

For those of you who enjoy an early start, you'll have witnessed some amazing sunrises recently.

This one comes from Shane Phoenix in Llay, North Wales who wrote: "I've never sent a photograph in before but this morning's sunrise over Llay, my home village was spectacular."

If you've got some nice photos you'd like to share, please e-mail them to me here at wales.nature@bbc.co.uk

Not so long ago we were showcasing sensational sunset photos.

Thanks

Gull