An important part of the project is to encourage public participation, increase a sense of ownership and raise awareness of issues effecting riverside wildlife amongst individuals / communities. So far, Menai Rivers has had several engagement days where volunteers and other interested parties have experienced the work undertaken by the project.
Information and practical demonstrations were given to a group of students from Glynllifon college, who were provided a raft training day followed by a field site visit to Cors Ddyga. They were able to see monitoring sites firsthand, and learn about the importance of the project for native wildlife.
The project has given presentations to a range of different organisations, from the Llangaffo over 50’s club to the Llangefni Beavers. The over 50’s club were given an overview about the aims of the project, and shown field signs collected from on or around our rafts. Field signs included Watervole feeding station remains, Watervole latrines and Otter spraint.
“Gareth gave us Llangaffo over 50’s club a very interesting/educational presentation thoroughly enjoyed by all tonight on Watervoles, Otters and Minks diolch yn fawr Gareth” – Dennis Owen
The Beavers took part in a 2 day event aiming to educate and engage a younger audience in the project. Day 1 was a wildlife detective workshop, where they were shown pictures and evidence of the river wildlife and taught about the field signs in an engaging environment. This was followed by a walk along the Cefni river on day 2, where the beavers were given a chance to apply the information they had learnt in a practical environment, looking for field signs and being shown one of the wildlife monitoring rafts.
“Thank you, my son said this was one of his favourite hikes he has ever done and has loved telling us about all the poo and droppings!” – Parent
