FRIENDS OF FOREST FARM COUNTRY PARK
and Glamorgan Canal Local Nature Reserve
CYFEILLION PARC CEFN GWLAD FFERM Y FFOREST
a Gwarchodfa Natur Camlas Morgannwg

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 Whitchurch Cardiff, was formed in 1967 and straddles the last remaining stretch of the former Cardiff 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.
The majority of the woodland is Beach and Oak with several trees being over 200 years old, and the part called Long Wood is designated a S.S.S.I together with the Canal and Sheep’s Bane.
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.
All of this area is under constant threat from developments on its borders, developments that could harm the Country Park if not stopped, curtailed or modified to be environmentally friendly. This is an essential part of the friends work and over the years we have been successful in either stopping or major concessions from these developers. That is why it is essential the there is an organisation able to stand up to developers and present a case from a position of strength and commitment.
The membership of the friends is presently c250 families and organisations (application form on next page) and there would be a warm welcome to any wishing to join and help keep this wonderful locality for the enjoyment of the public.
The Friends join with the RSPB for a walk around the reserve from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm on the third Saturday of each month, to learn about the flora and fauna, and to recognise and record the birds that use the reserve. Other walks are arranged during the summer while in the winter talks and social events are help indoors. A three monthly newsletter and a yearly programme are also available.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT, JOIN AND DO YOUR BIT FOR CONSERVATION WHILE PROTECTING AND IMPROVING AN AMENITY UNIQUE TO THE CITY OF CARDIFF
MEMBERSHIP FORM

FRIENDS OF FOREST FARM COUNTRY PARK and Glamorgan Canal Local Nature Reserve CYFEILLION PARC CEFN GWLAD FFERM Y FFOREST a Gwarchodfa Natur Camlas Morgannwg