Porthkerry Park from Spring to Autumn: Nature Notes from Porthkerry Wildlife Group

Porthkerry Wildlife Group 2025

This Spring and Summer at Porthkerry were great because we mostly had amazing weather, though it did affect our wildlife sightings of Amphibians and Odonata as all the grassland and pond areas were very dry.  Our reptiles after our first sightings in February and March disappeared from view as they didn’t need to bask at all!

On the plus side we counted more Butterfly Orchids this year than we’ve had for a couple of years. Volunteers and Rangers have worked hard in the area and this has certainly helped.

Liam Olds joined us for a couple of our sessions. We were fortunate to find some new species to record while he was with us, highlights being Red-girdled Mining Bee, Red-veined Darter. Also seen this Summer for first time for many years, a Purple Hairstreak.

We have several new members in the group most of whom are recording for the park or elsewhere.

Our sessions with Natur Hud were a great Fungi Walk in Mill Wood, and a special After Dark event for families both were well attended. Many thanks for help and organisation to Louise at Vale LNP.

Cardiff and Vale Bat Group joined us this Autumn, and we were able to find Serotine Bats near Mill Wood. These have been recorded by Stephen Passey and Jess Dangerfield, and verified for us on Sewbrecord. This Bat is considered Vulnerable in Wales and UK so we’re very pleased to see them still using the park regularly.

Red-girdled Mining Bee

Purple Hairstreak

Red Veined Darter