Nature «Mutterings for the Minority

5Dec/090

Tree O’Clock

Today was the day that DDWT Junior tried a make a little bit of history for himself by taking part in the BBC's Breathing Places Tree O'Clock event.

As part of National Tree Week, Breathing Places and its partners were encouraging people to plant trees in the Tree O'Clock hour - between 11am and 12 noon on Saturday 5 December 2009 - in an attempt to to create a Guinness World Record!

And here's the evidence of him taking part.... before....

and after....

A big thank you must go to Mr. Scannel from Focus DIY in Swansea whom kindly supplied 60 trees to the school to enable the children to take part in the record breaking attempt.

So here's hoping that enough trees have been planted to set a new Guinness World Record

But no matter if there aren't, the long lasting benefits to nature and the environment will be enough of an achievement.

Filed under: Family, Nature No Comments

1Nov/080

Feed the ducks

With the end of my week's annual leave fast approaching and DDWT Junior almost climbing the walls with boredom at home, it was definitely time to wrap up warm and head off out for a long walk!

If there's one good thing about living in the Swansea valley - there are loads actually but that's for another time - then it's the beautiful natural scenery that sprawls all the way from Ystalyfera right down to Swansea, which makes going for a walk a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

We headed up along the Swansea valley canal towards Pontardawe, facing the full force of the usual wind funnel down the valley and feeding the ducks/geese along the way.

Our destination was the playground at Pontardawe leisure centre - how else could you get a 4 year old to walk several miles!!

Our walk and usual stoppages took us out of the house for around two and a half hours and despite feeling frozen by the time we got back it was a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Filed under: Family, Nature, Photography No Comments

10Nov/070

Tree party

Well what an eventful Saturday the house of DDWT has had. So much so that we're all now completely zonked and stretched out on the settee, apart from DDWT Junior who's fast asleep in bed! I don't suppose the 5am wake up call from his nibs helped, but hey what the heck we've had a fun day.

Being up so early meant that I could go for a nice early morning run, which is unusual for me especially on the weekend. Anyway the run lasted 33 minutes exactly and the route along the Swansea valley canal meant a nice change from Swansea bay and SA1. The only downside really was that I somehow managed to jar my knee - which has only really become apparent as the day has wore on and I've started to limp. NOT good news.

After breakfast it was time to hit the road and head off to botanical gardens in Singleton Park for a 'Tree Party' - organised by the BBC as part of National Tree Planting week. It was quite a good event with a variety of demonstrations throughout the day. There was also a variety of owls on display (such as the one pictured below) and a numerous squirrels darting here and there.
The squirrels were the tamest I've ever seen to be quite honest as they would quite readily come and accept food off you, standing only inches away - a rare but pleasant site indeed, but much to DDWT Junior's joy. I took a few other snaps whilst we were there as well and for anyone who's been to Singleton Park, I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say what a great park it is.
After the park it was time to hit the beach opposite St. Helen's rugby ground and spend some time chucking pebbles in the small pools of water left behind after the tide had gone out - wayyyyy out I hasten to add. Can you see Mumbles head in the distance from the shot below?

Having walked quite a bit by now we were all feeling somewhat ravenous to say the least so I decided to take Mrs DDWT and Junior to the Village hotel for lunch, having enjoyed my last two visits there myself. Everyone (thankfully) enjoyed the change of venue and food (steak and kidney pie with chips and sausage & mash in onion gravy). So with our batteries now recharged and our tums full we headed off back into Swansea to do some Christmas window shopping.

I also took the opportunity to 'clock' the giant ferris wheel being built in readiness for next week's launch of Swansea's Waterfront Winterland.

By 5pm we were all out of gas and ready to come home - tired but happy and having enjoyed a nice day out and about. What better way to round the day off as well, with a nice warm bowl of home made cawl when we got home.

Filed under: Family, Nature, Photography, Running No Comments

16Aug/070

Tap tap – who's there?

It's a well known fact that seagulls are cheeky (and noisy) little buggars and the quick snap I took of one outside my office window today just proves it!

I'd just arrived in the office - after yet another 'commute-to-work-by-bike' - and could here this 'tap tap' noise every so often. It was then I noticed this cheeky little buggar waltzing his way along the window edge looking for a way in - he must have seen the size of my lunchbox ..... full of ham sandwiches I hasten to add. Seemingly undeterred by me taking pictures this little 'show' went on for a good 10 minutes.

On the subject of me commuting to work and the issue of the nails the other day, I wasn't impressed to see that they were STILL on the bloody cycle path. If that wasn't bad enough, the council workmen were even there today cutting the bloody grass verges!

But as is the norm for council (outsourced?) grass cutting teams across the land, they leave the stray grass (that doesn't make it into the collector) to scatter all over the place - cycle path included. Now you'd have thought they'd have taken the opportunity to clear up the path at this point wouldn't you?

Filed under: Life, Nature No Comments

21May/071

Squirrel watch

Here's a tip for anyone who is into squirrels in a big way - head down to the cycle path through Clyne Valley and I guarantee that you will see loads of them. I've lost count of the number of them that have scooted across the path in front of me whilst I'm ambling along on my bike.

I went for a slightly longer lunchtime ride today - 17 miles worth in fact, taking in Gowerton and a quick loop around SA1. It was nice just to push it that little bit further and take a peek at the SA1 developments at the same time - not to mention providing some sporting entertainment for the sun bathing hoardes from the Admiral insurance office as well. For those that did see me, I hope you liked what you saw *wink*

The trampoline is already proving to be money well spent. I was amazed to get a MMS message from Mrs DDWT this morning at around 8:30 am with a picture of DDWT Junior bouncing away happily on his new acquisition. In fairness to the little fella, he even found enough energy to go swimming later in the morning and yes you've guessed it - trampolining in the afternoon again! Who says that all kids are couch potatoes in the making eh?

Filed under: Cycling, Family, Nature 1 Comment

27Mar/070

West Midlands Safari Park

We headed off to West Midlands Safari Park today for the first time in years for the Mrs and I, but for DDWT Junior this was his first visit.

The good old Tesco vouchers came in handy once again and meant we didn't have to pay a penny for entry on the day.

There was plenty to see and do with everything - which meant we had a full day at the safari park and I think we can safely say we'd go back again (if DDWT Junior has anything to do with it!).