Make A Difference (MAD) Weekend 2018

Make A Difference (MAD) Weekend 2018

Friday 21 – Sunday 23 September, Craflwyn, near Beddgelert

After the success of our inaugural event last year, we’re returning for another fun-packed weekend of diverse volunteering tasks across Snowdonia with optional overnight camping, BBQ and live folk music on the Craflwyn estate. 

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR MAD WEEKEND 2018

Join us as we work together with other organisations to really make a difference in Snowdonia in partnership with National Trust, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, Keep Wales Tidy and many more. Booking essential by 5pm on 14 September 2018.

Weekend Activities and Locations (map):

FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 10am-3pm

1.Peatland Management – Rhyd Ddu FULL
Peatlands support many important species and play a key role in the fight against climate change, however many are in decline. Join us for a session with Natural Resources Wales to manage the peatland near Rhyd Ddu where we’ll be using hand tools to re-profile a damaged area of peat and restore it to its soggy glory! Wellies are essential for this activity.

2.Rhododedron Clearance – Craflwyn Estate
Rhododendron ponticum is a highly invasive non-native species which has a massive detrimental effect on native plants and animals. Help us keep this menace under control using mattocks, saws and loppers with National Trust ranger Simon in the forest at Craflwyn

3.Snowdon Litter Pick – Llyn Llydaw FULL
Love mountains but hate litter? Join experienced mountaineer Tamsin Fretwell with SNPA warden Rhys Roberts on this challenging litter pick around Llyn Llydaw on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Rugged mountain terrain – sturdy walking boots and mountain fitness required.

4.Footpath Maintenance – Craflwyn
The Craflwyn Estate has a historic network of footpaths that criss-cross its steep forested slopes. Using spades and mattocks you’ll be working alongside National Trust ranger Ned Feesey to repair damaged footpaths for the public. Sturdy footwear essential.

5.Conifer Clearance – Cors Bodgynydd
Non-native conifers can become invasive on wetland and peatland habitats. For this activity we’ll be removing conifer saplings to protect the fabulous peat bog at Cors Bodgynydd that’s home to some amazing species of dragonfly, among many others! In partnership with the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Wellies essential.

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 10am-3pm

6.Beach Clean – Black Rock Sands, Porthmadog FULL
The amount of the plastic waste that washes up on our shorelines is deeply troubling but you can do your bit to help by joining Snowdonia Society project officers Owain and Dan for this day of litter picking along Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog. Starting at the western end of the beach, you’ll walk in an eastern direction for roughly 3km, picking rubbish as you go.

7.Tree Seed Collection – Cwm Bychan Nantmor
Did you know that many tree species are endemic to the local environment in which they’re found? This means that it’s important to grow saplings from seeds collected locally. Join Kylie Mattock from Woodland Trust Wales to gather native tree seeds from local stock in Cwm Bychan at Nantmor. Secateurs and buckets will be provided for collection, and work will take place on un-surfaced paths with some steeper sections and steps.

8.Footpath Maintenance – Nant Gwynant FULL
Join National Trust ranger Ned for a session of footpath maintenance near Llyn Dinas where, according to Arthurian legend, the throne of Britain was hidden beneath a rock by the lake’s edge. Work will mainly involve creating drainage channels and landscaping to prevent erosion. Sturdy footwear essential. Please note this involves a mile-long walk to and from the activity location, with additional walking while working the footpaths.

9.Reptile Survey – Gwaith Powdwr
Gwaith Powdwr is a fascinating nature reserve where wildlife is flourishing in a post-industrial setting. Join Anna and Katy from the North Wales Wildlife Trust to take part in a reptile survey of lizards, slow worms and other critters to inform future management plans

SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 10am-3pm

10.Canoe Litter Pick – Llyn Padarn FULL
Plas y Brenin and Snowdonia Watersports have kindly donated a fleet of Canadian-style canoes for the day for a lake-based litter pick on Llyn Padarn, Llanberis. If you like the idea of messing about in boats while virtuously scooping all manner of rubbish out of our beautiful lake then this is the activity for you! Two people per boat, with experienced paddle instructors leading the session. Full waterproofs and wellies essential, lifejackets supplied.

11.Tree Seed Collection – Cwm Bychan Nantmor
An additional day with Woodland Trust Wales collecting tree seeds to encourage planting from local stock (see description and location for activity 6).

12.Willow Clearance – Morfa Bychan
Working alongside Anna and Katy from North Wales Wildlife Trust, you’ll be cutting willow saplings using hand tools in order to protect the flower-rich habitat of the dune system at Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog. Sturdy footwear essential.

13.Nest Box Building – Craflwyn FULL
Fancy something a bit different? Stay on site at the MAD Weekend HQ to hone your carpentry skills and help build bird nesting boxes in the marquee at Craflwyn. The boxes will be used at Coedydd Aber National Nature Reserve, Abergwyngregyn to help encourage pied flycatchers, a classic bird species of Welsh oak woodland. Please note this activity will run from 10am-1pm for those who need a speedy getaway on the Sunday afternoon!

*Please note that all transport, gloves and tools will be provided for each activity, but don’t forget your waterproofs and a packed lunch for each day!


For more information, contact Claire:
claire@snowdonia-society.org.uk
01286 685498