Treborth News and Events

Art Course at Treborth: Working with Nature

2012-01-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Bangor University Module Code: YAE-1068
Tutor: John Hedley
Location: Bangor: Treborth Botanic Garden

Next Session: Thurs 19 January, 10.00 - 17.00h
Length and Format of Course: Once a week for 9 weeks
No of Credits: 20
Credit Level: 4

Subject Area: Visual Arts,
Description: An opportunity to explore the possibilities of working creatively from natural forms, in a variety of media, using the resources of Bangor University Botanic Garden at Treborth. The introductory module and the more advanced module are taught concurrently with expert technical instruction and creative dialogue.

To book a place, contact Annie Davies (Life Long Learning) 01248 382475

Bird Watching at Foryd Bay and Dinas Dinlle: Sat. 11 February

2012-01-19T01:40:00.000-08:00

Led by Nigel Brown. We will view birds from several points along the minor coast road. Specialities here include Brent Goose, Widgeon and Greenshank. Then on to Morfa Dinlle where the RSPB manages coastal meadows for Lapwing. We finish with some sea watching! Bring plenty of warm clothes and a bite to eat.

Time: 10.00 a.m. (finishing about 3.00 p.m.)
Meet at Coed Helen car park, Caernarfon, LL54 5RS. SH 475626 (or Treborth at 9.30 a.m. to share transport)

£2 for members, £3 for non-members

Coffee Morning and Silent Auction: Sat. 25 February

2012-01-18T01:36:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a morning of refreshments and competitive bidding while raising funds to support the activities being organised for Wild Science Day. Donations for the auction welcome by the 24th February (see Tom Cockbill).

10.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. at Treborth Botanic Garden

Dinner and Social on Saturday, 10 March

2012-01-17T01:33:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a 3-course meal at Tafarn y Bont, Menai Bridge

See booking sheet enclosed with the Newsletter. Places are limited – bookings to Julian Bridges by 1st March. Smart casual dress please.

Drinks from 6.30 p.m., meal at 7.30 p.m.
Cost: £25

Saving Plants from Extinction: Thursday 15 March

2012-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

LEN BEER MEMORIAL LECTURE (WITH THE ALPINE GARDEN SOCIETY). ‘SAVING PLANTS FROM EXTINCTION – THE WORK OF BOTANIC GARDENS’ BY SARA OLDFIELD, SECRETARY GENERAL OF BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL (BGCI).

Sara Oldfield joined BGCI as Secretary General in May 2005 with over 30 years experience in international plant conservation, including a spell as Global Programmes Director for Fauna & Flora International. She has also worked for a wide range of other conservation organisations, including the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre in Cambridge and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sara has also been a freelance consultant for over ten years, working as a researcher and policy advisor in international biodiversity conservation. She is Chair of the IUCN/SSC Global Tree Specialist Group, responsible for promoting and implementing projects to identify and protect Red Listed tree species globally, and is an accomplished author. Her most recent books have included 'Botanic Gardens: Modern Day Arks' (2010), ‘Great Botanic Gardens of the World’ (2007) and ‘Deserts: The Living Drylands’ (2004).

Thursday 15th March 2012, 7.30 p.m.

Main Arts Lecture Theatre, Bangor University, College Road, Bangor
Donations welcome

Wild Science at Treborth, Sun. 18 March

2012-01-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

As part of Bangor Science Festival 2012, a local celebrity will be at Treborth Botanic Garden for an afternoon of Wild Science. Bangor Science Festival, part of the National Science and Engineering Week offers something for everyone, with activities for families and schools groups, adults looking for entertainment and stimulating debate, or professionals interested in the latest research, including underground in the refurbished rhizotron.

Time: 2-5 p.m.

Plant Sale: Sat. 14 April

2012-01-14T23:40:00.000-08:00

The Garden is open for all to browse for unusual plants, must-have annuals and perennials, house plants and a wide range of vegetable seedlings including peppers and tomatoes. Meet your friends and have a cup of coffee and cake.

10 until 12.30

Botanise the Great Orme with Nigel: 29 April

2012-01-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

A chanced to visit one of N. Wales’ richest plant refuges and see coastal and grassland birds, including migrants. We will visit several sites on the peninsula. Please bring a packed lunch.
Sunday 29th April, 10.15 a.m. (finishing about 4 p.m.)
Leaving Treborth Botanic Garden at 9.30 a.m. to share cars, or 10.15 a.m. at The Green at the junction of Ty Gwyn and Tyn-y-Coed Roads. (2/3 of the way up the cable car route, SH 774829, OS Explorer map OL17 Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa).
£2 for members, £3 for non-members. There may be a small toll for cars using the Marine Drive.

Plant Sale at Treborth: 19 May

2012-01-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Many unusual plants as well as well tried favourites: annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and house plants

Saturday 19th May at 10am until 12.30.
No charge for entry

Job opportunity - deadline extended

2012-01-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

Deadline for applications for the Horticulturist at Treborth has been extended until 3rd February, 2011.

A job opportunity at the Garden.

2011-12-06T09:39:00.001-08:00

JOB VACANCY
HORTICULTURIST (PART-TIME) AT TREBORTH BOTANIC GARDEN
Deadline for applications now 3rd Feb.
ABOUT THE JOB
Treborth Botanic Garden is owned by Bangor University. It is an 18ha site, comprised of 15ha native woodland, 2ha of species rich unimproved grassland and 1ha managed borders, plus a small arboretum. There are two ponds, a wildlife garden area, apple orchard and many mature trees and shrubs. There are also seven glasshouses of varying temperatures, with special collections including orchids, cacti and succulents and carnivorous plants. The outside garden has free access to the public at all times, and the glasshouses are open at selected times when staff or volunteers are present.

The garden requires a horticulturalist, to support the Curator in maintaining the outside garden and glasshouses, including responsibility for machinery and equipment, and liaison with volunteers.

The post is funded by the Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden (FTBG).

RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Curator, the post holder will be responsible for:
• Day to day management of the outside garden and glasshouses. This will include watering and ventilation in the glasshouses, care of plants in the glasshouses and in the outside garden, pest control, propagation, weeding, mulching, pruning, leaf collection, mowing, strimming and other tasks required to maintain and develop the garden.• Display plants – care and maintenance and provision of suitable plants for university buildings and events as required.
• Liaison with volunteer work force. This will include developing a programme for the twice-weekly volunteer days and the monthly student work parties, and induction of new volunteers.
• Health and safety issues, such as review of risk assessments and health and safety guidelines, regular safety checks on trees, glass, paths etc., and maintenance of machinery, tools and equipment.

GENERAL
In addition the post holder will be expected to:
• Communicate courteously and effectively with volunteers, visitors and university staff and students.
• Comply with all Health and Safety at Work Regulations and related University policies and procedures.
• Comply with the FTBG policy on good environmental practice.
• Undertake a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check through the University.
• Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
ESSENTIAL
• Practical gardening experience.
• Good plant knowledge.
• A recognised horticultural qualification (eg from Kew, RHS, City and Guilds).
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills.

DESIRABLE
• Relevant qualifications for the maintenance and use of ride-on mowers, brushcutters and herbicide sprayers.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Driving licence.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Hours of work: 24 hrs/week (subject to negotiation) fixed term contract for six months with a possibility of an extension. Some weekend work may be required. No overtime will be payable.

Holidays: 28 days pro rata annual leave including bank holidays.

Salary: £16,000 to £18,000 gross per annum pro rata, depending on experience.

We do not offer a pension scheme.

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS
Please submit a letter of application and your CV by post to the address below, or by email to Sarah Edgar at: sarahedgar70@hotmail.com

The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, 3 February, 2012.

STARWATCH Saturday, 28th January 2013

2011-11-03T01:53:00.000-07:00

Come and watch the planets and stars seen through some decent telescopes
with Gwynedd Astronomical Society. Bring warm clothes and binoculars.
Time: 6.00 p.m.
Place: Treborth Botanic Garden

The social role of botanic gardens in the UK

2010-11-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

A new report has just been published by Botanic Gardens Conservation International

http://www.bgci.org/education/socinc/

And great news for plant conservation has just been announced by BGCI:

A renewed and strengthened Global Strategy for Plant Conservation was adopted by the 193 Governments who met in Nagoya, Japan over the last two weeks (19 - 29 October 2010). Our voices were heard and acted upon; thank-you for taking part. Further details are on our blog: http://plantsfortheplanet.wordpress.com/

The Friends of Treborth helped by pledging its support for the Global Strategy on the plantsfortheplanet website.

BBC Cymru Wales kicks off 50th anniversary celebrations with a Wild Day out!

2010-06-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

The BBC supported Treborth Botanic Garden volunteers with their biodiversity event which attracted 600 visitors to the garden on the 6th June for Botanical Beats Springwatch Wild Day Out. It was the first event of four over the whole week and was part of the International Year of Biodiversity (http://www.biodiversityislife.net/)

Families from the local community took part in a range of activities organised by local wildlife groups, and were kept very busy pond dipping and hunting mini-beasts. Gwynedd and Anglesey Biodiversity officers Laura and Lowri joined forces with Eleanor and Claire from the BBC, and Natural Science students Katie and Tom. Together they helped children make 80 bee masks!
Lowri, Anglesey Council Biodiversity Officer said

"It was fantastic to see young "wildlife detectives" exploring the
woodland and pond with great enthusiasm, they did very well and
discovered some fascinating creatures, including a leopard slug,
ladybird larvae and newts!
Thanks to the BBC for providing some excellent educational
resources for each of the children taking part,hopefully encouraging
them to continue building on their interest at home or school".

Other attractions at the event included arts, nature crafts, music from local bands, plant sales and garden tours all, organised by volunteers and students.

This was the first event of the week of celebrations and raised £4000 for The Friends of Treborth Botanic Garden who support the garden. Botanical Beats has been organised each year since 2005.
Some comments:
“Had a great time today at Botanical Beats Springwatch Wild Day Out! Got a fossil made and a butterfly fridge magnet too!” Elena Neophytou

“It was an event worth remembering!” Vaibhav Dewan

“It was a great day, myself and my girls and all who I met up with all had a fab time.” Vivienne Plank

Horticultural Harmonies was held on the evening of 8th June. Music students from Bangor University gave brilliant performances of many classical works in perfect weather conditions. During the interval, home-made

cakes were sold to raise money for the NAMANA project (www.namanaproject.org), in aid of improved medical facilities in Madagascar. It was certainly an evening to remember.

Pond Opening
“Our Garden is already used by local schools as a great place to learn about all aspects of the natural world and this wildlife pond area, set amongst apple orchards and magnificent woodland trees, is an exciting addition to the experience of the Garden.” So said our Curator, Nigel Brown, at the opening of a new area in the garden during the week of celebrations marking thed 50th anniversary of the creation of the Botanic Garden.

Fifty children from Ysgol y Faenol, Ysgol y Garnedd and Ysgol y Borth explored the wildlife around the pond on the morning of June 9th. They dipped in the pond to see who could find the most fantastic and weird organisms and had fun finding out what kind of insects live in the trees around the margins. Russell Jones, the presenter from S4C’s gardening programme Byw yn yr Ardd, joined the children and performed the opening ceremony by cutting a ribbon.

The pond as an educational resource for Treborth was suggested by Anna Williams, Wildlife Gardening Officer from the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Funding was obtained from the Countryside Council for Wales..

Members of the Friends, assisted by enthusiastic students then designed and built a large pond with bog garden, wild flower bank and separate dipping ponds providing safe access for children. The pond margins were planted with suitable natives, some grown from seed and the butterfly border has native and exotic species chosen to attract butterflies and moths. The project was completed with a total of 1500 hours of volunteer labour. Almost 100 tons of material has been shifted, mostly by hand.

Peter Boyd made the beautiful furniture from Welsh oak with yew and larch from the garden. The tables were inspired by the mushrooms common in the glade in the autumn.

The week culminated in our Grand Alumni Garden Party on the 12th June. 175 guests enjoyed fine summer weather and the Garden looking its best for this special day when former students gathered with current staff and students of the College of Natural Sciences to celebrate Treborth’s 50th anniversary.

Guided tours of the garden were followed by lunch served in a marquee on the lawn. Talks outlining the role and history of the botanic garden were given by Steve Hawkins, head of the College of Natural Sciences, Nigel Brown our Curator, Judith Hughes and Sarah Edgar, Chairman and Secretary of the Friends and several of our past and present student volunteers. Medwyn Williams of Chelsea Gold Medal fame added his enthusiasm for the work of the garden.

More refreshments and informal viewings of the Garden followed, serenaded by an ‘alumni band’ the Scapegoats and the event closed at 6pm, the sun still beaming on a happy and rather proud Garden and all its ‘friends’.

Comments from the visitor book:

Tom Hecht (Bangor Students Union) “An absolute treat to hear and talk to so many enthusiastic and like-minded people. Thoroughly enjoyed it-good luck!”

Arthur (MSc Ecology 78-79) and Pat Callaghan from Crewe “Great work by lots of wonderful students and friends-a model for universities everywhere!”

Harriet Gillett (Agricultural Botany, 1976) What a lovely place – so impressive to see what Nigel and his great team have achieved. Well done Nigel for the last 34 years work!”

Hawk Moth trapped at Treborth

2010-05-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Laothoe populi

The Poplar Hawk-moth

Family Sphingidae. It is found throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East and is one of the most common members of the family in the region.[1]

The proboscis is non-functional, so they do not feed as adults

Volunteers - please come and help us

2010-02-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Volunteer sessions are held every week on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30 until 13.00 or later depending on the weather. We provide drinks but please bring a packed lunch. Whilst the Committee will make every effort to ensure that someone will be there at 10.30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, just occasionally this might not be possible. If you are locked out please first check outside, as we may be in the glasshouses or garden. Otherwise please telephone Judith Hughes (01248 670673) or Sarah Edgar (01286 674934).

Student work parties will be held on the first Sunday of each month. All members will be welcome to come and lend a hand.

There will be a small charge for all meetings (£2 for members, £3 for non-members - unless mentioned below), but note that students and children are free. Children under 16 must be accompanied.

Grow Plants for Treborth

2010-02-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

WE NEED HELP TO GROW PLANTS FOR OUR AUTUMN PLANT SALE AT TREBORTH. These sales earn the Friends money which we could not do without, money which supports the developments in the garden. Please grow some plants for us - every little helps. Contact Judith Hughes (01248 670673) or David Shaw (01248 364260) for details of which plants we want volunteers to grow and when or join in one of our many propagation sessions and workshops at the garden. Tell Judith or David if you are planning to supply us with plants for the sales so that we can co-ordinate growing - to prevent everybody growing the same thing.

.......AND if you will want to buy any special plants at the sale (veg or flowers), ask us and we might be able to raise some for you.