Getting Involved

Want to get involved with the works of the Coast and Countryside Section?

The work of volunteers makes a big difference in achieving the goal of conserving our wonderful environment.  Volunteers play a vital role in a number of areas of work – from helping to manage our marine wildlife to improving rights of way.

Dolphin Watch

Dolphin watch is an annual summer survey that takes place from six land-based sites along the coast. Initiated by Ceredigion County Council in 1994 amidst fears that relatively high levels of boat activity were causing disturbance of bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife in the area, this project has developed over the years and is now looking into the following:

The main aims of Dolphin Watch are:

• To improve our understanding of bottlenose dolphins site use within the SAC
• To monitor trends in dolphin occurrence and levels of boat traffic
• To assess the effectiveness and need of management measures that aim to reduce the risk of disturbance or injury to dolphins by boats
• To increase public awareness and appreciation of the marine wildlife in Cardigan Bay

Volunteers are required to help at the 6 sites between June and September. Each site has a local coordinator who arranges the watches. If you can spare a few hours a week to help out with this important and interesting research please get in touch with Ben Sampson (tel:01545 572139).

 Watching for Wildlife - leaflet [2.9Mb]

Boat Place, boat patrols and guided walks

Ceredigion County Council runs a small wildlife and boating information centre on the harbour at New Quay (the Cardigan Bay Boat Place), a patrol boat to promote the code of conduct and wildlife friendly boating, coordinates Dolphin Watch, and runs a series of school visits, guided walks and shore events focusing on marine wildlife.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with all of these programmes, working with the Council's small but friendly conservation team in New Quay. The programmes will be running from Easter weekend to the end of September, with Dolphin Watch starting in June. A number of positions are available and we are looking for a minimum commitment of two hours per week, but if you have more time available, we are particularly keen to hear from you.

We are looking for reliable, confident people with excellent interpersonal skills. It would be great if you have a good knowledge of our coastal wildlife, but don't worry if you don't feel confident in that respect – we are more than happy to help you get up to speed. To help with the boat you must be a confident swimmer, fit and healthy; again, don't worry if you don't have experience as basic training is provided.

Phone Ben Sampson on 01545 572139 for more details.

On the Reserves

Help is always appreciated with the many varied tasks of looking after our Local Nature Reserves in Aberystwyth, so why not join us and meet new friends and get fit at the same time in the fresh air?

Activities include:

• Beach cleans and survey dates at Pen Dinas and Tanybwlch LNR
• Volunteer work-days to tackle the varied habitat management at Parc Natur Penglais LNR:

Contact Ben Sampson on 01545 572139 for more details.

Working with the Ramblers

Every week (weather dependant) throughout the year the Aberystwyth, Lampeter and Cardigan Ramblers groups join with our Rangers to tackle the many tasks of keeping our public rights of way open and walkable.

Phone Wendy Campion on 01545 574141 for more details.