BBC Wales Nature blog

The windy month of November

Derek Brockway — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:21:50 +0000

Few people find November pleasant...

The Anglo-Saxons called November 'wind monath', because it was the time when the cold winds began to blow.

The poet T.S. Elliot went one further: "Since golden October declined into sombre November. And the apples were gathered and stored, and the land became brown sharp points of death in a waste of water and mud".

At this time of year we can expect any kind of weather. If the wind is from the south it can feel almost like summer.

On this day in 1989 the temperature at Abergwyngregyn in Gwynedd soared to 18.3 Celsius but if the wind is from the North or East, then we can have a taste of winter.

On 9 November, 1921 the temperature in Welshpool, Powys plunged to minus 11.7 Celsius!

There's no sign of a heat wave or a big freeze on the horizon but it is going to turn milder and wetter on Thursday and Friday.

In fact on Friday a deep depression looks set to bring us a spell of heavy rain and strong to gale force winds.

This has prompted the Met Office to issue an advisory for heavy rain.

How much rain and how strong the winds will be depends on the exact track of the low pressure.

Keep an eye on the forecast and my blog over the next few days.

Derek

Autumnwatch visits Wales

Gull — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:56:58 +0000

The Autumnwatch team visited Pembrokeshire this week, to film a few sequences for this years programme.

Chris Packham and Kate Humble were down at West Angle bay hoping to film choughs, various wading birds and try their luck at some rock pooling.

It's a lovely spot and I spent a lot of time here as a child, swimming on the far right hand side of the bay and jumping off the old wooden jetty.

It was also the place where I saw my first canadian goose. I can always remember being amazed to find a pair nesting on small island - a short walk around the headland, to the South of the bay.

They looked completely out of place to my young eyes which were accustomed to seeing seagulls or cormorants, not exotic looking geese?!

Nowadays they're a common sight on lakes and ponds but in the late 70's, it felt like I'd discovered the Loch Ness monster on my home turf!

Pembrokeshire is particularly good for rock pooling during the summer months due to the crystal clear water and warm gulf stream currents which allow a variety of unusual creatures to live there.

Let's hope the rain held off long enough for them to spot the odd rock goby or crab. The sea anemones never disapoint though.

West Angle is particularly well known for it's fossils too and both sides of the bay are littered with them, in the cliffs and shale below.

We've got some great spotter guides for kids to take with them to the beach if this weather ever clears up, so take a look.

Let me know if you spotted the Autumnwatch team or took any photos of them during their brief visit.

Gull

Weekend weather

Derek Brockway — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:08 +0000

If you've got any plans for the weekend, maybe a walk on the coast or in the mountains, the waterproofs will come in handy. Showers or longer spells of rain are in the forecast but I can promise a little sunshine as well, especially on Sunday.

]]>Today's rain will clear this evening leaving a mixture of clear intervals and showers tonight. Some of the showers heavy and a cold night. Lowest temperatures in the northeast, 2 Celsius inland.

Tomorrow morning a mixture of sunny intervals and showers. Most of the showers in the south and west. Some of them heavy with a risk of hail and thunder. During the afternoon more persistent rain is likely. Heavy in places with strong and gusty winds.

So if you're heading to the Liberty Stadium for the football, expect some heavy showers followed by rain. Highs of 11 Celsius.

For the rugby in Cardiff it'll be a case of dodging the showers with rain later in the afternoon. Breezy with a high of 11 Celsius.

Tomorrow night further showers or longer spells of rain are expected. Sunday, though, bring an improvement. A few scattered showers are likely but some places dry with bright skies and sunshine. Feeling chilly with a north to north-easterly breeze. Highs between 8 and 11 Celsius.

If you're a gardener, a touch of frost is likely on Sunday night. Most of Monday should be fine and dry but more rain is expected overnight into Tuesday.

Have a nice weekend.

Derek

Guy Fawkes night weather

Derek Brockway — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:44:17 +0000

If you're planning a bonfire party or firework display this evening then wrap-up warmly and take an umbrella if you're heading out.

It's not going to the best of weather for being outdoors although some parts of Wales will fair better than others.

Low pressure is moving south across Britain today producing some rain, showers and gusty winds.

It looks like Mid and North Wales will see the worst of the rain.

In fact the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain for the following counties until 9pm this evening:

Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Powys, Wrexham

Heavy and prolonged showers this afternoon and at first this evening are likely to give rainfall totals in excess of 15 mm with a 3 hour period in some places.

Overall totals in excess of 30 mm of rain are expected in some parts, more especially over high ground.

So it's going to be a bit soggy in places this evening but parts of south Wales may get away largely dry.

There's a big 'Firework Fiesta' on Barry Island which is scheduled to start at 7.45pm.

Its going to be chilly so don't forget your scarf and gloves. I wouldn't rule out a shower but most of the time it should be dry.

Further North, there are Fireworks on the Beach at Y Felinheli near Bangor from 7pm plus a BBQ as well. It's going to be breezy here with a greater chance of showers.

Have fun and be careful with those sparklers!

Derek

Learn about Guy Fawkes on Wikipedia

BBC History - The gun powder plot

Bonfire night

Gull — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:09:11 +0000

I'm looking up and I can see blue skies and a yellow orb...could it be the sun?!

At this rate we might even be in for a dry, clear evening but I'm sure Derek will have something to say about that!

As far as the animals are concerned - bonfire night is not on their social calendar. For alot of people it's an issue too, especially those suffering from hyperekplexia.

Pet owners are advised to keep cats and dogs inside tonight and if you're planning on lighting a big bonfire, remember to make sure it's not near any trees or fences which might catch alight if the wind changes direction.

Also, do a quick check before lighting it, just to make sure there aren't any hibernating animals like hedgehogs underneath - as they love to snuggle up under piles of old wood on cold winter nights.

Download this handy guide from the RSPCA if you're unsure of what do with your pets tonight.

Last year I went to a display at the Penarth athletics ground and was 'blown away' by the impressive display (excuse the pun).

It seemed to go forever...I kept walking away thinking it was over and then having to go back as they kept launching mortars!

When I was a kid I was happy with a 'catherine wheel' a couple of rockets "ooooh, aaahhh" and a sparkler to write my name with.

These days it seems to be the the norm to have a 30-40 minute pyrotechnic display costing the earth - Don't won't, I won't go into the environmental impact...

This year I'll be in the Porthcawl/ Bridgend area, so if anyone knows of any good displays - drop me a note in the comments area below.

Some diplays in North West Wales

Firework photos from Mid Wales

Be safe and have a great night!

Gull

Female Director for RSPB Cymru

Gull — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:51:20 +0000

Katie-jo Luxton has been appointed Director for Wales at RSPB Cymru - the first female country Director in over 20 years to be appointed at such a senior level in the RSPB.

She said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed Director and to be leading RSPB Cymru at such an exciting and important time for nature conservation".

"The next few years are really make or break time to save some of our characteristic wildlife in Wales".

"We are campaigning for more investment in protecting and enhancing wildlife and its habitats".

"Getting more land managed for nature can have many benefits, such as improving people's quality of life, and providing opportunities to enjoy wildlife close up, as well protecting our natural assets such as water and soils that are so important in the context of climate change".

Katie-jo has been with RSPB Cymru for more than 10 years and her previous roles have included developing conservation policy, public affairs and advocating on a variety of environmental issues to decision makers in Wales and the UK.

She plays a vocal part of the environmental lobby at the Senedd, both within her role at the RSPB and within the Wales Environment Link network - of which she has been a trustee for many years.

Rain, drains and waterfalls

Derek Brockway — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:09:50 +0000

We've had plenty of rain recently which is not unusual at this time of year. In fact November is the third wettest month of the year in Wales with an average of 156.8mm.

But on 3 Nov 1931 it was very wet in Trecastle in the Brecon Beacons. Over 180mm (7 inches) of rain fell in 24 hours with flooding.

The highest 24-hour rainfall total recorded in Wales is 211 mm (over 8 inches) at Lluest Wen Reservoir (Glamorgan) on 11th November 1929.

Sgwd yr Eira by Gary Victor, featured on last night's Wales Today weather bulletin:

Now don't worry - we're not expecting that much rain but heavy showers are expected in some areas.

The reason for this latest batch of showers is low pressure near Scotland.

The air over us has come from Greenland and as it moves over the warmer seas it becomes very unstable which means large towering clouds, heavy downpours, a risk of hail and thunder and even the odd waterspout!

Don't forget to keep sending in those weather photos.

Derek

Here's a walk I did at Pontneddfechan waterfall in 2008

Waxcap weekend fungi walk

Gull — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:29:00 +0000

They may look like something out of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory but these stunning and rare waxcap fungi are a fairly regular sight at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Image courtesy of the National Botanic Garden of Wales:

On Saturday 7 November, staff have organised a guided walk through the Waun Las National Nature Reserve, where the waxcaps flourish.

This time of year, you'll find colourful waxcap fungi and colourful foliage across a network of small copses.

The National Botanic Garden's 440-acre organic working farm was designated a National Nature Reserve by the Countryside Council of Wales in 2008.

The walk starts at 2pm and is being led by Bruce Langridge.

If the rain continues, it may be muddy in places...

Tel: 01558 668768

Email: info@gardenofwales.org.uk

Brush up on your fungi facts before you go:

Waxcaps on the BBC Wales nature Flickr group

Fungi video and article on BBC Wales Nature

Waxcap gallery on the Guardian website

Fieldfare arriving in Wales

Gull — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:10:12 +0000

It's been a long time coming but it looks as if fieldfare are finally starting to arrive in Wales as winter kicks in.

The recent spate of cold weather and N winds has probably helped with their migration from Scandanavia.

Large numbers of these birds do however remain in Scandanavia for winter and migration to the UK is generally over by December.

Any birds arriving later will generally only appear if there's been particularly bad weather or a lack of food back in their home countries.

Valley Walker from our Flickr group reports large flocks arriving in the Elan Valleyin Mid Wales so keep your binoculars handy:

Hawthorn hedges are a favourite haunt for these berry loving birds but approach with caution as new arrivals can be a bit jumpy!

We've had a bumper crop of berries in Wales this year so I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of migratory birds once word gets around...

I'd love to see more photos of fieldfares and redwings in Wales so keep posting your photos to our Flickr group or email them to me at wales.nature@bbc.co.uk

A lot of people hate winter but I love it - the weather is wild and there are generally less people about! The nature is still there though, you've just got to look a bit harder...

Gull

RSPB article about the fieldfare

Sweeping gales for Wales

Derek Brockway — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:42:31 +0000

A change in the month has certainly brought a change in the weather, with heavy rain and gales sweeping across Wales yesterday.

25 to 50 mm of rain fell in a number of places with flooding in parts of South and West Wales. Mumbles near Swansea was one of the windiest spots with a gust of wind of 76 mph recorded.

Here are some photos from Sunday's flooding that Mike Davies from Neath sent in.

Flooding at Cadoxton road in Neath on Sunday:

A manhole cover overflowing in Aberdulais:

It's also turned noticeably cooler. This time last week, it was warm enough to be in a t-shirt with temperatures hitting 17 Celsius but today there's a distinct chill in the air with 10 Celsius being nearer the mark.

Over the next few days, its going to stay very much on the cool side with further showers or longer spells of rain at times.

So it was nice while it lasted but I'm afraid our taste of an Indian Summer has been blown away and it's now time to dig out the warm clothes and umbrella.

Email me with your extreme weather photos and I'll feature the best ones either here in the blog or on telly during my weather bulletins.

Derek

Hello, is it me you're looking for?

Gull — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:25:02 +0000

It's not everyday you get to see a pumpkin carved out to look like Lionel Ritchie now, is it?

I know Hallowe'en has come and gone for another year but this was too good not to feature and perhaps it's something we can do more of next year?

Famous faces in a pumpkin format!

These were e-mailed to BBC Wales Nature from Jack Penketh, aged 18 from Cardiff.

In the music video it was clay...

Lionel comes to life in the illuminated version:

Gull

Hallowe'en, a dark and scary forecast

Derek Brockway — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:54:14 +0000

Now if you're out celebrating Hallowe'en tomorrow evening there's some scary weather on the way!

It should start off dry but it won't last, so make sure you wear waterproof makeup or stick a pumpkin on your head! ;)

We'll all see some rain this evening. This will clear later tonight leaving Saturday mostly dry and brightening-up with some sunshine.

It will feel mild though with highs between 14 and 17 Celsius and a southwesterly breeze.

Hallowe'en will start dry but rain will spread across the whole of Wales later in the evening and overnight.

For the first time ever, Cardiff Castle is inviting ghouls, and ghosts into the Castle grounds.

Spooky tours and tales, strange noises and mysterious figures will inhabit the Castle's secret tunnels and battlement walkways ...so take a tour ...if you dare!

Sunday will start very wet. 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible in places with a risk of localised flooding.

The rain will move through leaving Sunday afternoon drier and brighter with a few blustery showers.

The wind is picking up too, becoming fresh to strong with a risk of gales on exposed coasts and hills and it will turn cooler on Sunday.

Next week looks very changeable. Some sunshine but with showers or longer spells of rain at times and feeling noticeably cooler as well with temperatures closer to the seasonal average.

Have a ghoulish weekend!

Derek

Too cool for school?

Derek Brockway — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:40:57 +0000

It's felt mild if not warm this week and Paul Harris from Cwmllynfell, Swansea has been in touch.

He wants to know "what the extent of 'mild', is in the context of weather reporting.

We hear of mild, very mild and even extremely mild (surely an oxymoron) but when does mild become warm or even cool?

Well Paul, the use of the word 'mild' is a subjective description, normally used in winter but it creeps into forecasts at other times of the year too, and there is a rule of thumb which forecasters like myself try to follow.

In Wales the average maximum temperature in October is about 13 Celsius.

A temperature 2 or 3 degrees above this should be descibed as mild. 4 or 5 degrees above is very mild and 6 degrees or more above is exceptionally mild if not warm.

Of course, temperature is a personal thing and it also depends on humidity and the wind speed. A temperature of 15 Celsius could feel cool if the humidity is low and there is a strong wind blowing. In winter, we sometimes use the word wind-chill in forecasts.

Find out more about wind chill on BBC Weather

Yesterday temperatures on Anglesey reached 19 Celsius making it exceptionally mild for the time of year but there is a big change on the way.

Derek

Autumnal weather changes

Derek Brockway — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:54:26 +0000

The weather's in a quiet mood at the moment with high pressure to the east of Britain and southerly winds bringing warm-up from Spain, but there's a big change on the way as we head into November.

A cold front currently over Ireland will move eastwards tomorrow bringing rain to Wales later in the day.

This will clear leaving Saturday largely dry with some sunshine and lighter winds.

BBC Weather graphic for the weekend of Oct 31, 2009:

It should be dry for Halloween but on Saturday night and into Sunday a deepening area of low pressure will track across Ireland and Scotland bringing a dose of wet and windy weather.

A spell of heavy rain is likely accompanied by strong to gale force winds, so the leaves will be falling from the trees and blowing around.

The rain clearing to sunshine and blustery showers.

Next week looks much more unsettled and colder too with temperatures closer to the seasonal average.

Derek

BBC Weather

Spoonbill arrives in Newport

Gull — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:26:16 +0000

This is probably old news by now amongst the bird watching community but a juvenile spoonbill has been spotted in Newport recently.

It was down near the iron bridge and feeding hungrily by all accounts. The last reported sighting was on Monday, 26 October.

These photos have come in from Richard Crossen who runs the Pembrokeshire bird blog.

Have you seen it lately? Let me know when and where in the comments area below.

Thanks

Gull

Spoonbills on the RSPB website