Coming up in September…
🦫 Amelia Trust Farm: Final Touches Before the Beavers Arrive!
We’re beavering away to prepare for the beavers’ imminent arrival—and we’re looking for volunteers to help put the finishing touches to their enclosure.
Date: Wednesday 2 September
Time: 10am–12:30pm
Meeting point: The café at Amelia Trust Farm
Activities will include scrub clearance, final boundary checks and other finishing touches.
If you’d like to join us, please email thaw@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
🌱 Invasive Non-Native Species Training
Join us for an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) training session, delivered by the Wildlife Trust.
INNS are currently under-recorded across the Vale, so this is a great opportunity to:
- Learn more about invasive non-native species
- Develop your species identification skills
- Help record and map INNS across the Vale
The session will begin with a presentation from the Wildlife Trust, followed by a guided walk where participants can practise identifying and recording a range of species.
Date: Thursday 24 September
Location and time: Further details will be announced soon.
External Grants Funding Round-up
The Vale Local Nature Partnership has compiled a document outlining external funding opportunities available from a range of organisations.
[View the funding round-up]Species of the Month: Common Lizard
The Common Lizard is Britain’s most widespread reptile and one of the few lizard species found across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Despite its name, seeing one can be a special experience. These small reptiles are quick, well camouflaged and easily overlooked. They are the lizard species most people are likely to encounter in south-east Wales.
Identification
Common Lizards usually measure between 10 and 15 centimetres in length, including the tail.
They are typically brown, grey or olive, often with darker stripes or spots along their backs. Males may have brighter orange or yellow undersides, while females tend to have more subdued colouring.
Habitat and Distribution
In the Vale of Glamorgan, Common Lizards can be found in several habitats, including:
- Rough grassland
- Coastal areas
- Heathland
- Scrub
- Woodland edges
- Brownfield sites
Sunny, south-facing banks, dunes and coastal grasslands provide ideal basking locations. Along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, they may occasionally be seen warming themselves on rocks, logs or patches of bare ground.
Interesting Facts
Unlike most reptiles, the Common Lizard usually gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This adaptation allows it to survive in cooler climates such as Wales.
Females usually give birth to between three and eleven young during the summer.
When threatened by a predator, a Common Lizard can shed its tail to distract the attacker while it escapes. The tail will eventually regrow, although it is often shorter than the original.
Conservation Status
Although Common Lizards remain widespread, their numbers have declined in some areas because of habitat loss, development and fragmentation.
In Wales, they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to intentionally kill or injure them.
How You Can Help
The Common Lizard is one of the focal species included in the Vale Local Nature Partnership’s Lost and Found Species project.
The project encourages people to survey and record under-reported species across the Vale of Glamorgan. Volunteers develop the skills and confidence to collect valuable wildlife data, helping to improve our understanding of local species and inform future conservation work.
When exploring the Vale’s coastline, grasslands and nature reserves, look out for small lizards basking in sunny locations.
Sightings can be submitted through the LERC Wales app to help improve records of the species’ distribution.
Submit Your News or Events
Local organisations can submit nature-related news and events for possible inclusion in future Vale Local Nature Partnership updates.
Please send submissions to the Vale Local Nature Partnership by Thursday 20 August 2026.
The existing Welsh-language version could be presented beneath this using the same headings and page structure.
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Training Session
The session will include a presentation from The Wildlife Trust in the Cory Room at Dyffryn Gardens, followed by a walk where we’ll have the opportunity to practise identifying and recording a range of INNS. We’ll also have a go at using the INNS Mapper app, allowing you to record sightings when you’re out and about and help us build a better picture of invasive species across the Vale.
- Date: Thursday 24th September
- Location: Cory Room, Dyffryn Gardens
- Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Book your place on Eventbrite here!
Join Us for a Beach Clean at Aberthaw!
We’re also taking part in the Severn Estuary Big Beach Clean in partnership with Volunteer Beach Clean, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us:
- Date: Sunday 20th September
- Location: Aberthaw
- Time: Meet at 11:30am
- Meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/
s1y85pkUfMZFr2nC6 (What3words: ticket.liquid.loosens). There’s parking available in 2 lay-bys nearby.
Litter pickers, gloves and all equipment will be provided. If you’d like to join us, please let us know at thaw@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
We look forward to hopefully seeing some of you there!
Information from Natural Resources Wales
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have asked us to share details of the following workshop:
Thaw catchment nature network/resilient ecological network workshop
We will be holding a nature network/ resilient ecological network workshop, in Cowbridge on Tuesday 22nd September, in the afternoon from 2pm. The workshop will be in person. This is to reach collaborative consensus on mapped zones, bringing together knowledge and experience with the Resilient Ecological Networks (REN) practitioners guidance method. These will then be digitised to create a nature networks map. RSVP to Area Statements, South Central southcentral.as@
Gweithdy Rhwydwaith Ecoleg Gydnerth / Rhwydwaith Natur y Dalgylch Ddawan
Byddwn yn cynnal gweithdy Rhwydwaith Ecoleg Gydnerth / Rhwydwaith Natur yn Y Bont-faen dydd Mawrth 22 Medi, yn y prynhawn o 2 o’r gloch. Bydd yn weithdy wyneb yn wyneb. Pwrpas hyn yw er mwyn cyrraedd consensws cydweithredol barthau, gan fanteisio ar wybodaeth a phrofiad ymarferwyr Rhwydweithiau Ecoleg Gydnerth, a’u canllawiau a’u dulliau. Caiff y rhain yna eu digideiddio i greu map rhwydwaith natur. RSVP to Datganiad Ardal Canol De Cymru southcentral.as@
Great British Clean- 18 to 27 September
The Great British Beach Clean is a week-long citizen science event taking place between Friday 18th – Sunday 27th September 2026, where hundreds of beach cleans take place up and down the UK.
With the help of supporters, the Marine Conservation Society are working to clean up beaches all around the UK and Northern Ireland. Every year in September, they run their flagship Great British Beach Clean event to encourage people to get involved.
Find out more here!
World Rivers Day – 27 September
Join the celebration – Plan on attending an event near you or start a Rivers Day event of your own. Events can range from stream cleanups and fish enhancement projects to educational outings and community riverside celebrations. And if you create an event, be sure to tell us about it! Please see the Updates section to learn more about events unfolding around the world.
Find out more here!
|
|
News, Events and Training
 |
Beach Clean at AberthawSunday 20 September: 11:30am We’re taking part in the Severn Estuary Big Beach Clean in partnership with Volunteer Beach Clean, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us: Meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ Litter pickers, gloves and all equipment will be provided. If you’d like to join us, please let us know atthaw@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk We look forward to hopefully seeing some of you there!
|
|
|
 |
Farm Walk at Slade Farm
|
Glamorgan Bird Club and British Trust for Ornithology Local Bird ConferenceSaturday 24 October: 09:30 to 16:30, Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. CF11 9SW. Book your FREE place here! Come along to enjoy a day of talks on local bird projects and birdwatching, visiting exhibitors’ stands and meeting fellow birders and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner, a more experienced birder or someone who just loves nature in general, we hope that there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. There will be talks on farming alongside nature in the Vale of Glamorgan, on Sea Eagles returning to the Severn Estuary and Hawfinches in Cardiff. There’ll be an opportunity to find out more about an early pioneer of bird photography and ringing from Glamorgan, about efforts to get more young women into birding and what it takes to build a big year list on your bike. Whatever your bird ID skill level, you’ll find out during the day how you can help the BTO with their 2027-31 National Atlas. There are only limited places available, so be sure to sign-up soon. Discounts available for Glamorgan Bird Club Members and young birders. We look forward to seeing you there!
|
 |
|
|
A reminder to promote your events on our website or send us an email
|
|
Funding Opportunities
 |
|
Hedgehog Package
Bat Package
Supporting Swifts Package
Bird Box Package
Orchard Tools Package
Meadows Package
Pond Creation & Restoration Package
Find out more and apply via our |
|
External Grants Funding Round-up
We have compiled a document outlining all the available external grants from different organisations. Please click on the link for more information.
|
|
Species of the Month – September
Lesser Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros)
A Bat Like No Other
The lesser horseshoe bat is one of the smallest bat species found in the UK, weighing just 5-9 grams and with a wingspan of around 20-25 centimetres. Despite its tiny size, it is instantly recognisable thanks to the unusual horseshoe-shaped structure around its nose, which helps it navigate and hunt using echolocation. Unlike many other bat species, it wraps its wings around its body when at rest, giving it a distinctive appearance.
This species is largely confined to western Britain and Ireland, with Wales supporting some of the most important populations in Europe. As a result, Welsh landscapes play a crucial role in securing its future.
The Vale of Glamorgan and the Lesser Horseshoe Bat
The Vale of Glamorgan provides an ideal landscape for lesser horseshoe bats. They favour sheltered valleys, woodlands, hedgerows, pasture and wetland habitats, all of which can be found throughout the county. These landscape features act as important wildlife corridors, allowing bats to travel safely between roosts and feeding areas.
Lesser horseshoe bats typically roost in old stone buildings, barns, churches and farm buildings during the summer months. They are particularly sensitive to disturbance and rely on dark, connected landscapes to forage successfully.
Why September?
September is a particularly important month in the annual life cycle of the lesser horseshoe bat. Young bats born during the summer are becoming independent and learning to hunt for themselves. At the same time, adults are feeding intensively to build up fat reserves for the winter months ahead.
As temperatures begin to fall, lesser horseshoe bats start preparing for hibernation. Many will soon move towards winter roosts in caves, mines, tunnels and cellars, where they may remain until April or May. September therefore represents one of the last opportunities of the year to observe their active behaviour.
Night-time Hunters
Lesser horseshoe bats emerge around half an hour after sunset and spend the night hunting small insects such as midges, moths, flies and spiders. They fly low to the ground, often weaving through woodland edges and along hedgerows with remarkable precision. Their fluttering flight is frequently described as butterfly-like and is quieter and more delicate than many other bat species.
A single bat can consume thousands of insects over the course of a week, making bats valuable natural pest controllers and an important part of healthy ecosystems.
Threats and Conservation
Although populations have shown signs of recovery in recent years, the lesser horseshoe bat remains vulnerable to habitat loss, disturbance and increasing levels of artificial lighting. The removal of hedgerows, loss of traditional buildings and fragmentation of wildlife corridors can make it difficult for bats to move safely through the landscape.
Conservation work across Wales focuses on protecting roost sites, improving habitat connectivity and maintaining the dark landscapes that bats depend upon. Wales is recognised as a stronghold for the species, making local conservation efforts particularly important.
How You Can Help
Residents across the Vale of Glamorgan can support lesser horseshoe bats by:
- Maintaining native hedgerows and woodland edges.
- Reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting.
- Planting night-scented flowers that attract moths and other insects.
- Recording bat sightings through local wildlife recording schemes.
- Protecting old buildings and potential roost sites where feasible.
- Join the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend Bat Group
Did You Know?
The lesser horseshoe bat is the only British bat capable of moving its ears independently while hunting, helping it detect tiny insect prey in complete darkness.
As September evenings draw in, keep an eye on woodland edges, sheltered valleys and hedgerow-lined paths across the Vale. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this remarkable little mammal as it makes the most of the final warm nights before winter.
|
|
If you have any news or events that you would like us to publicise please send to the Vale LNP by Thursday 17 September 2026.
|
|
Glanhau Traethau Prydain Fawr – 18 i 27 Medi
Mae Glanhau Traethau Prydain Fawr yn ddigwyddiad gwyddoniaeth dinasyddion wythnos o hyd sy’n cael ei gynnal rhwng dydd Gwener 18 a dydd Sul 27 Medi 2026, gyda channoedd o draethau’n cael eu glanhau ar draws y DU.
Gyda chymorth cefnogwyr, mae’r Gymdeithas Cadwraeth Forol yn gweithio i lanhau traethau ledled y DU a Gogledd Iwerddon. Bob blwyddyn ym mis Medi, maen nhw’n cynnal eu digwyddiad blaenllaw Glanhau Traethau Prydain Fawr i annog pobl i gymryd rhan.
Dysgwch fwy yma!
Diwrnod Afonydd y Byd – 27 Medi
Ymunwch â’r dathliad – Gwnewch gynlluniau i fynychu digwyddiad yn agos atoch chi neu ddechrau digwyddiad Diwrnod yr Afonydd eich hun. Gall digwyddiadau amrywio o lanhau nentydd a phrosiectau cynyddu niferoedd pysgod i deithiau addysgol a dathliadau cymunedol ar lan yr afon. Ac os ydych chi’n creu digwyddiad, gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod yn dweud wrthym amdano! Gweler yr adran Diweddariadau i ddysgu mwy am ddigwyddiadau sy’n dod i’r amlwg ar draws y byd.
Dysgwch fwy yma!
|
|
Newyddion, Digwyddiadau a Hyfforddiant
|
Glanhau Traeth yn AberddawanDydd Sul 20 Medi: 11:30yb Rydym yn cymryd rhan yng Nglanhau Traethau Mawr Aber Hafren mewn partneriaeth â Volunteer Beach Clean, ac rydym yn chwilio am wirfoddolwyr i ymuno â ni: Man cyfarfod: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ Bydd codwyr sbwriel, menig a’r holl offer angenrheidiol yn cael eu darparu. Os hoffech ymuno â ni, rhowch wybod i ni drwy e-bostiothaw@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. Edrychwn ymlaen at obeithio gweld rhai ohonoch yno!
|
|
|
|
Taith Gerdded yn Fferm Slade
|
Cynhadledd Adar Lleol Ymddiriedolaeth Ornitholeg Prydain a Chlwb Adar MorgannwgDydd Sadwrn 24 Hydref: 09:30 i 16:30, Canolfan Genedlaethol Chwaraeon Cymru, Gerddi Sophia, Caerdydd. CF11 6SW. Cadwch eich lle AM DDIMyma! Dewch draw i fwynhau diwrnod o sgyrsiau ar brosiectau adar lleol a gwylio adar, ymweld â stondinau arddangoswyr a chwrdd â chyd-wylwyr adar a selogion natur. P’un a ydych chi’n ddechreuwr, yn wyliwr adar mwy profiadol neu’n rhywun sy’n caru natur yn gyffredinol, rydym yn gobeithio y bydd rhywbeth i bawb ei fwynhau. Cynhelir sgyrsiau ar ffermio ochr yn ochr â natur ym Mro Morgannwg, ar Eryrod y Môr yn dychwelyd i Aber Afon Hafren a’r Gylfinbraff yng Nghaerdydd. Bydd cyfle i ddarganfod mwy am arloeswr cynnar ffotograffiaeth a modrwyo adar o Forgannwg, am ymdrechion i gael mwy o ferched ifanc i wylio adar a’r hyn sydd ei angen i greu rhestr flwyddyn fawr ar eich beic. Beth bynnag yw lefel eich sgiliau adnabod adar, byddwch chi’n darganfod yn ystod y dydd sut y gallwch chi helpu Ymddiriedolaeth Ornitholeg Prydain gydag Atlas Cenedlaethol 2027-31. Dim ond lleoedd cyfyngedig sydd ar gael, felly gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod yn cofrestru’n fuan. Mae gostyngiadau ar gael i Aelodau Clwb Adar Morgannwg a gwylwyr adar ifanc. Edrychwn ymlaen at eich gweld chi yno! |
 |
|
|
Nodyn i’ch atgoffa i hyrwyddo eich digwyddiadau ar ein gwefan neu anfon e-bost atom
|
|
Cyfleoedd Ariannu
 |
Pecynnau Cychwyn Natur y Fro!
|
|
|
Crynodeb o Gyllid Grantiau Allanol
Rydym wedi llunio dogfen yn amlinellu’r holl grantiau allanol sydd ar gael gan wahanol sefydliadau. Cliciwch y ddolen am ragor o fanylion.
|
|
Rhywogaethau’r Mis – Medi
Ystlum pedol lleiaf (Rhinolophus hipposideros)
Wrth i’r haf ildio i’r hydref, mae Medi yn amser ardderchog i ddathlu un o famaliaid nos mwyaf diddorol Bro Morgannwg, yr ystlum pedol lleiaf. Yn fach, yn anodd dod o hyd iddo ac yn hynod nodweddiadol, mae’r rhywogaeth hon yn stori lwyddiant o ran cadwraeth yng Nghymru ac yn rhan bwysig o’n bioamrywiaeth leol.
Ystlum heb ei debyg
Mae’r ystlum pedol lleiaf yn un o’r rhywogaethau lleiaf o ystlum yn y DU, yn pwyso 5-9 gram, gyda lled adenydd o ryw 20-25 centimetr. Er gwaethaf ei faint bach iawn, mae’n adnabyddadwy ar unwaith diolch i’r siâp pedol anarferol o amgylch ei drwyn, sy’n ei helpu i ddod o hyd i’r ffordd a hela gan ddefnyddio ecoleoli. Yn wahanol i lawer o rywogaethau eraill o ystlumod, mae’n lapio ei adenydd o amgylch ei gorff pan fydd yn gorffwys, sydd yn rhoi ymddangosiad unigryw iddo.
Mae’r rhywogaeth hon wedi’i chyfyngu i orllewin Prydain ac Iwerddon i raddau helaeth, gyda Chymru yn cefnogi rhai o’r poblogaethau pwysicaf yn Ewrop. O ganlyniad, mae tirweddau Cymru yn chwarae rhan hanfodol yn sicrhau ei ddyfodol.
Bro Morgannwg a’r Ystlum Pedol Lleiaf
Mae Bro Morgannwg yn darparu tirwedd ddelfrydol ar gyfer ystlumod pedol lleiaf. Maen nhw’n ffafrio dyffrynnoedd cysgodol, coetiroedd, gwrychoedd, cynefinoedd pori a gwlyptiroedd, y mae pob un ohonynt i’w gweld ledled y sir. Mae’r nodweddion tirwedd hyn yn gweithredu fel coridorau bywyd gwyllt pwysig, gan ganiatáu i ystlumod deithio’n ddiogel rhwng y mannau lle maen nhw’n clwydo ac ardaloedd bwydo.
Mae ystlumod pedol lleiaf fel arfer yn clwydo mewn hen adeiladau cerrig, ysguboriau, eglwysi ac adeiladau fferm yn ystod misoedd yr haf. Maen nhw’n arbennig o sensitif i aflonyddwch ac yn dibynnu ar dirweddau tywyll, cysylltiedig i fwydo’n llwyddiannus.
Pam mis Medi?
Mae mis Medi yn fis arbennig o bwysig yng nghylch bywyd blynyddol yr ystlum pedol lleiaf. Mae ystlumod ifanc a anwyd yn ystod yr haf yn dod yn annibynnol ac yn dysgu hela drostynt eu hunain. Ar yr un pryd, mae’r oedolion yn bwydo’n ddwys i fagu cronfeydd braster ar gyfer misoedd y gaeaf i ddod.
Wrth i’r tymheredd ddechrau gostwng, mae ystlumod pedol lleiaf yn dechrau paratoi ar gyfer gaeafgysgu. Bydd llawer yn symud tuag at fannau clwydo dros y gaeaf mewn ogofâu, mwyngloddiau, twneli a seleri, lle gallant aros tan fis Ebrill neu fis Mai. Mae Medi felly yn un o gyfleoedd olaf y flwyddyn i weld eu hymddygiad gweithredol.
Helwyr yn ystod y nos
Mae ystlumod pedol lleiaf yn dod allan tua hanner awr ar ôl machlud haul ac yn treulio’r nos yn hela pryfed bach fel gwybed mân, gwyfynod, pryfed a phryfed cop. Maen nhw’n hedfan yn isel uwchben y ddaear, yn aml yn gweu trwy ymylon coetir ac ar hyd gwrychoedd gyda manwl gywirdeb rhyfeddol. Mae eu cyhwfan yn aml yn cael ei ddisgrifio fel hediad sy’n debyg i löyn byw ac mae’n dawelach ac yn fwy cain na llawer o rywogaethau eraill o ystlumod.
Gall un ystlum fwyta miloedd o bryfed dros gyfnod o wythnos, gan wneud ystlumod yn rheolwyr plâu naturiol, gwerthfawr, ac yn rhan bwysig o ecosystemau iach.
Bygythiadau a Chadwraeth
Er bod poblogaethau wedi dangos arwyddion o adferiad yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, mae’r ystlum pedol lleiaf yn parhau i fod yn agored i golli cynefinoedd, aflonyddwch a lefelau cynyddol o oleuadau artiffisial. Gall cael gwared ar wrychoedd, colli adeiladau traddodiadol a darnio coridorau bywyd gwyllt ei gwneud hi’n anodd i ystlumod symud yn ddiogel drwy’r dirwedd.
Mae gwaith cadwraeth ledled Cymru yn canolbwyntio ar warchod safleoedd clwydo, gwella cysylltedd cynefinoedd a chynnal y tirweddau tywyll y mae ystlumod yn dibynnu arnynt. Mae Cymru’n cael ei chydnabod fel cadarnle i’r rhywogaeth, sy’n gwneud ymdrechion cadwraeth lleol yn arbennig o bwysig.
Sut y Gallwch Chi Helpu
Gall preswylwyr ar draws Bro Morgannwg gefnogi ystlumod pedol lleiaf drwy:
- Gynnal a chadw gwrychoedd brodorol ac ymylon coetir.
- Lleihau goleuadau awyr agored diangen.
- Plannu blodau sy’n bersawrus yn y nos, sy’n denu gwyfynod a phryfed eraill.
- Cofnodi gweld ystlumod trwy gynlluniau cofnodi bywyd gwyllt lleol.
- Diogelu hen adeiladau a safleoedd clwydo posibl lle bo hynny’n bosibl.
Oeddech chi’n gwybod?
Yr ystlum pedol lleiaf yw’r unig ystlum Prydeinig sy’n gallu symud ei glustiau yn annibynnol wrth hela, gan ei helpu i ganfod pryfed bach iawn mewn tywyllwch llwyr.
Wrth i nosweithiau mis Medi fyrhau, cadwch lygad ar ymylon coetiroedd, dyffrynnoedd cysgodol a llwybrau gwrychoedd ar draws y Fro. Efallai y byddwch chi’n ddigon ffodus i gael cipolwg ar y mamal bach rhyfeddol hwn wrth iddo wneud y mwyaf o’r nosweithiau cynnes olaf cyn y gaeaf.
|
|
Os oes gennych unrhyw newyddion neu ddigwyddiadau yr hoffech i ni eu hysbysebu, anfonwch nhw at PNL y Fro erbyn dydd Iau 17 Medi 2026.