In March 1990 a group was formed to contribute in whatever way possible to the protection and development of the Glamorgan Canal Local Nature Reserve and Forest Farm, and to promote the study of flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
The Nature Reserve, situated in the Whitchurch area of Cardiff, was formed in 1967 and straddles the last remaining stretch of the former Cardiff to Merthyr canal which still holds fresh water to a quality good enough to provide a good hunting ground for kingfishers, herons and many others species.
During the last few years the Friends working with Cardiff County Council have created a series of ponds, scrapes and wetlands which encouraged water loving birds to feed and nest on them.
These can be viewed from two bird hides, which have contributed greatly to the enjoyment of visitors as has the improved access and disabled facilities.
A winter-feeding area for birds was established in 2001 and is very popular.
Forest farm, including the Local Nature reserve was designated a Country park in 1992 thereby increasing the area covered by the friends to over 150 acres.
The western boundary of the park is the River Taff and the Friends have agreed to look after a keep clean and tidy a 2.5 kilometre stretch of the River bank.
The amount of wildlife that that uses and visits the reserve has to be seen to be believed. Migrant birds are regular visitors besides our native species, and I'm rarely dissapointed with photographic opportunities.
The canal stretches from Whitchurch almost as far as Tongwynlais and takes in part of the Taff Trail, the Taff being one of its boundaries.
If you would like to join the Friends of Forest Farm, visit their website at www.forestfarm.org.uk
Co-ordinates: ST1306805
Location:
By Car: From A470 and M4 junction 32: Follow signs from Coryton Interchange past ASDA and Forest Farm Industrial Estate. Car Parking on both sides of the road
From Whitchurch/Cardiff: Take Forest Farm Road via Velindre Road past Velindre Hospital entrance. Parking Velindre Road past Velindre Hospital entrance. Parking available on Forest Farm picnic site adjacent to the farm
From Radyr: Car parking at Radyr railway station. Walk to the farm over the foot bridge
By Rail: Frequent trains to and from Radyr Station
By Bicycle: Taff Trail runs past the farm - the way is marked from Cardiff Castle and also from PontypriddContact: Forest Farm Country Park, Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 7JH
Website: www.forestfarm.org.uk
See also Kel's Canal Animal Life website featuring more of Kelvin's photos.
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your comments
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David Manning, Cardiff
Perhaps a response to marauding youth and irresponsible dog owners is education about the joys of nature and wildlife. I'm lucky to be able to plan my visits during midweek and school term, whilst it's quieter and I can watch snipe and water rail, etc.
Martin Chamberlain
Re Notices For Dog Owners - these will be put up shortly asking dog owners to clean up after their dogs, also to keep dogs out of the canal as it damages the banking and disturbs the wildlife.
Grev Phillips from Newport
Lets go one better, keep dogs on a lead. I am fed up with seeing owners allowing their dogs to run about uncontrolled disturbing the wildlife. When the dog fouls an area the owner doesn't pick it up because half of the time the dog is out of sight. Come on be responsible, I for one am fed up with stepping in 'mess'.
Kelvin Dean, Cardiff
Karen, you may be refering to the North American wood duck that frequented the canal for a few weeks. Sadly no longer there, but I think this was a domestic bird that had escaped to the canal. It attracted a lot of attention at the time.
Hopkins, Cardiff
Would like to see notices put up. Stop dogs fouling the foot path - we have a dog and pick up after him.
Waylon Davies, Cardiff
Discovered the place yesterday and had a very brief look, will be returning asap.
Karen Redwood
There was an American bird that had made its way to the Taff Trail, about 6 months ago and was wondering what it was called. I think it was a brown something. Can you tell me what it was called?
Mags Lloyd, Bridgend
The amount and variety of wildlife is amazing. I have had some fantastic photos. It's a lovely area to walk around, very peaceful. It's a pity some teenagers, particularly in the evening, spoil the area by being noisy and disruptive around the hides.
Jeremy, Swansea.
Very nice account!
