International Day of Biodiversity celebrated across South Wales

National Museums and Environmental groups host free natural history events ...

Three of Wales’ national museums are joining forces with environmental organisations to promote saving our natural world on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 May, marking International Day of Biodiversity. 

National Museum Cardiff, the National Wool Museum near Carmarthen and the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea will be hosting a wide mix of free activities for visitors over the two days.

Come to National Museum Cardiff (18 and 19 May from 10am – 4pm) to see live animals with the South East Wales Record Centres or make your own balloon bracelet thanks to the Marine Conservation Society and Cardiff Council, who will be explaining why releasing balloons can be harmful to the environment. Natur Cymru will be showing videos of Wales’ natural habitat and Flat Holm Island will be hosting activities exploring the Island’s unique plants and animals. Meet Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales’ scientists, find out about their research and discover how they look after objects in their care. Wildlife Trust Wales will be showing the hidden story of marine life from what you might find on the beach and you can even watch the RSPB’s peregrines who live on City Hall, live on the nest cam.

Help us celebrate International Day of Biodiversity at the National Waterfront Museum (19 May from 11am – 4pm) and find out more about Marine Biodiversity – this year’s theme. Discover which amazing marine and coastal habitats we have on our doorstep in Swansea and the important species they support with the Swansea Biodiversity Partnership.

Have you ever considered how place names are linked to Biodiversity? Visit the National Wool Museum (18 and 19 May from 10am – 4pm) to find out more with Carmarthenshire County Council. They will also be asking what biodiversity does for us?

These events will be linked to Amgueddfa Cymru and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ second ‘Unknown Wales’ conference following on from its success last year to which 200 delegates attended. This year’s conference will take place on Saturday, 19 May at National Museum Cardiff and is free to all. Opened by TV presenter and naturalist Dr Rhys Jones, the presentations will cover a host of organisms, from lichens and ancient Welsh trees, to marine fish and brown hares.

To find out more about these events, please visit www.museumwales.ac.uk/whatson. 

For further information, please contact Catrin Mears, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales on (029) 2057 3185 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.