Whilst marking is the worst part of teaching, there are some good bits. Today, on our Habitat Creation and Restoration course, we spent most of our time at Cwmsymlog, an old metal mine. The sun shone, we saw rare species of fern and discussed natural habitat development and dealing with contaminated land. Every time I run a course I am inspired by my learners and I gain new perspectives on my subject, plus I get to spend happy days in the field.
Forked spleenwort – a rare fern
Cwmsymlog mine
Looking for ferns
Opportunities for photographs
You’d never guess it was a mine
Natural vegetation regeneration
Lichen
Lichen
And what course would be complete without cake?
Blackberry and white chocolate muffins ready for tomorrow (by request!)
The Snail of Happiness 
Wild Daffodil
/ April 23, 2015That looks like great place to visit – and you provide home made muffins ???!!!!!!
Wow – best teacher ever!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 23, 2015It’s not bribery for good feedback, honest!
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katechiconi
/ April 23, 2015Are those fabulous lichens providing inspiration for some crochet? I especially love the saffron coloured one with its frilly edges…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ April 23, 2015I’m not good with lichen ID, but I think it’s a Xanthoria. I may well make some more crochet lichens… all my previous creations have been given away.
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katechiconi
/ April 23, 2015You’re certainly better than I am! I was looking at it and thinking what a nice scarf it would make!
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katechiconi
/ April 23, 2015Go and take a look at this Japanese artist’s blog – you need to scroll down a bit, but she’s a genius! http://www.jungjung.jp/
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nanacathy2
/ April 23, 2015The course sounds amazing and the muffins look delicious.
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thecontentedcrafter
/ April 24, 2015What a stunning place to go for a bit of a wander – can you give me a heads up on how to pronounce that name? I’m saying Kwim-sim-log but I’m guessing you just say Charley or something similar 🙂
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gentlestitches
/ April 24, 2015students can be so uplifting. As can cake! 😀
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The Belmont Rooster
/ April 24, 2015What a neat trip! The muffins look delicious! Thanks for sharing…
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arlingwoman
/ April 24, 2015I was going to ask about the yellow lichen, but got my answer from previous comments! I’ve never see anything quite like that. And you are lovely to bake those goodies for your folks!
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Lori Fontanes
/ May 17, 2015I would imagine restoration of a mining site is incredibly tricky! What kind of course are you teaching?
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