Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative
@collieryspoil.bsky.social
Nature conservation initiative aiming to raise awareness of the #biodiversity value of #collieryspoil sites (coal tips & former collieries) in South #Wales Valleys and beyond. Posts by @liamolds.bsky.social.
🌿 A new chapter begins.
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
November 7, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🌿 A new chapter begins.
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
After 10 years of raising awareness of coal spoil biodiversity, the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative is evolving into Glo i Natur CIC - continuing the same mission with new opportunities ahead.
➡️ Follow @gloinatur.bsky.social - this account will shortly be replaced 💚
Reposted by Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative
We’re excited to announce the launch of Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the unique biodiversity and heritage of South Wales’ coal spoil sites. 🌿
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
November 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM
We’re excited to announce the launch of Glo i Natur CIC - a new community interest company dedicated to protecting, restoring, and celebrating the unique biodiversity and heritage of South Wales’ coal spoil sites. 🌿
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
Follow our journey from coal to nature: gloinatur.org
#GloiNatur #NatureRecovery
🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative 🎉
This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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November 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative 🎉
This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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This December marks 10 years since the Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative began its mission to change how people see South Wales’ colliery spoil sites — from barren relics of industry to thriving havens for wildlife.
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Reposted by Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative
Check out our new insect decline paper. By analysing 36 yrs of German ground beetle distribution data, we show:
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 1:38 AM
Check out our new insect decline paper. By analysing 36 yrs of German ground beetle distribution data, we show:
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
- ~80% of species have declined, with significant declines for >50%.
- The decline was similar across species traits and threatened status.
doi.org/10.1111/ddi.... @consbiog.bsky.social
👻 Meet the Ghost Slug this #Halloween! 🐌
The Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) is a mysterious predator that hunts earthworms deep underground. Its scientific name comes from the Welsh word ysbryd, meaning ghost or spirit - a fitting title for a rather elusive creature!
#GhostSlug #SpookySpecies
The Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) is a mysterious predator that hunts earthworms deep underground. Its scientific name comes from the Welsh word ysbryd, meaning ghost or spirit - a fitting title for a rather elusive creature!
#GhostSlug #SpookySpecies
October 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM
👻 Meet the Ghost Slug this #Halloween! 🐌
The Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) is a mysterious predator that hunts earthworms deep underground. Its scientific name comes from the Welsh word ysbryd, meaning ghost or spirit - a fitting title for a rather elusive creature!
#GhostSlug #SpookySpecies
The Ghost Slug (Selenochlamys ysbryda) is a mysterious predator that hunts earthworms deep underground. Its scientific name comes from the Welsh word ysbryd, meaning ghost or spirit - a fitting title for a rather elusive creature!
#GhostSlug #SpookySpecies
Exploring a coal spoil site near Aberdare today, we found the flat-backed millipede Polydesmus barberii.
This non-native species, first seen in Britain in 1995, has only recently been discovered in Wales. Today's find is just the fourth known site in Wales — and the third in the Cynon Valley!
This non-native species, first seen in Britain in 1995, has only recently been discovered in Wales. Today's find is just the fourth known site in Wales — and the third in the Cynon Valley!
September 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Exploring a coal spoil site near Aberdare today, we found the flat-backed millipede Polydesmus barberii.
This non-native species, first seen in Britain in 1995, has only recently been discovered in Wales. Today's find is just the fourth known site in Wales — and the third in the Cynon Valley!
This non-native species, first seen in Britain in 1995, has only recently been discovered in Wales. Today's find is just the fourth known site in Wales — and the third in the Cynon Valley!
🐞🌿 Join us for Blaenavon Biodiversity Day on Sat 20 Sept!
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
September 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
🐞🌿 Join us for Blaenavon Biodiversity Day on Sat 20 Sept!
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
Guided walks with local experts on insects, fungi, birds + more.
Don’t miss @liamolds.bsky.social from @collieryspoil.bsky.social leading an insect/invertebrate walk!
📍 Blaenavon | 🗓️ 20 Sept
Reposted by Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative
Join the Buglife Cymru Coal Spoil Connections team, Lost Peatlands Project - Prosiect Adfer Mawndiroedd, KeyCreate, and others for a WildBlitz at Clydach Vale Country Park!
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
August 28, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Join the Buglife Cymru Coal Spoil Connections team, Lost Peatlands Project - Prosiect Adfer Mawndiroedd, KeyCreate, and others for a WildBlitz at Clydach Vale Country Park!
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
🗓️ Friday 29 August
🕙 10:30 - 15:00
📌 Clydach Vale Country Park
No need to book, just turn up at Cambrian Colliery Memorial.
Hieroglyphic Ladybird (Coccinella hieroglyphica) from heathland at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Blaenau Gwent, this morning.
August 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Hieroglyphic Ladybird (Coccinella hieroglyphica) from heathland at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Blaenau Gwent, this morning.
Last night we visited Gelli Tips and were treated to a beautiful scene – the evening sunlight casting a golden glow over the tips, with the heather in full bloom. 💜🌿
We also captured some breathtaking drone footage that will feature in an upcoming video for Buglife’s Coal Spoil Connections project.
We also captured some breathtaking drone footage that will feature in an upcoming video for Buglife’s Coal Spoil Connections project.
August 16, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Last night we visited Gelli Tips and were treated to a beautiful scene – the evening sunlight casting a golden glow over the tips, with the heather in full bloom. 💜🌿
We also captured some breathtaking drone footage that will feature in an upcoming video for Buglife’s Coal Spoil Connections project.
We also captured some breathtaking drone footage that will feature in an upcoming video for Buglife’s Coal Spoil Connections project.
An Evening Of History and Wildlife at Silent Valley - Friday 8th August, 6:30pm start
Join Buglife's Coal Spoil Connections Team and @henebtwa.bsky.social for a guided walk through Silent Valley Nature Reserve.
For further info and booking, visit: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
Join Buglife's Coal Spoil Connections Team and @henebtwa.bsky.social for a guided walk through Silent Valley Nature Reserve.
For further info and booking, visit: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
August 8, 2025 at 7:23 AM
An Evening Of History and Wildlife at Silent Valley - Friday 8th August, 6:30pm start
Join Buglife's Coal Spoil Connections Team and @henebtwa.bsky.social for a guided walk through Silent Valley Nature Reserve.
For further info and booking, visit: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
Join Buglife's Coal Spoil Connections Team and @henebtwa.bsky.social for a guided walk through Silent Valley Nature Reserve.
For further info and booking, visit: www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
A few spaces have become available on the 'Bee and butterfly guided walk' at #Mumbles 🦋🐝
Fri 1 August 10.00am – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Meeting point: outside Forte's, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, #Swansea SA3 4JT
What3words ///fields.sobered.sharpens
👉Booking required: www.trybooking.com/uk/EWZL
Fri 1 August 10.00am – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Meeting point: outside Forte's, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, #Swansea SA3 4JT
What3words ///fields.sobered.sharpens
👉Booking required: www.trybooking.com/uk/EWZL
July 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM
A few spaces have become available on the 'Bee and butterfly guided walk' at #Mumbles 🦋🐝
Fri 1 August 10.00am – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Meeting point: outside Forte's, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, #Swansea SA3 4JT
What3words ///fields.sobered.sharpens
👉Booking required: www.trybooking.com/uk/EWZL
Fri 1 August 10.00am – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Meeting point: outside Forte's, Mumbles Road, Mumbles, #Swansea SA3 4JT
What3words ///fields.sobered.sharpens
👉Booking required: www.trybooking.com/uk/EWZL
This year we've been working with the South Wales Trunk Road Agency to survey roadside verges for invertebrates around Merthyr Tydfil. Today we made our final visit to a very special verge in Dowlais. Comprising colliery spoil, it's proving to be a real hidden gem for biodiversity!
July 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM
This year we've been working with the South Wales Trunk Road Agency to survey roadside verges for invertebrates around Merthyr Tydfil. Today we made our final visit to a very special verge in Dowlais. Comprising colliery spoil, it's proving to be a real hidden gem for biodiversity!
Back to Sirhowy Hill Woodlands today to continue the invertebrate survey. The reserve looked lovely, and great to see the bee hotels in use — even spotted a Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee (Megachile ligniseca) basking on one!
Among today's nice finds was the leafhopper Rhopalopyx adumbrata.
Among today's nice finds was the leafhopper Rhopalopyx adumbrata.
July 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Back to Sirhowy Hill Woodlands today to continue the invertebrate survey. The reserve looked lovely, and great to see the bee hotels in use — even spotted a Wood-carving Leafcutter Bee (Megachile ligniseca) basking on one!
Among today's nice finds was the leafhopper Rhopalopyx adumbrata.
Among today's nice finds was the leafhopper Rhopalopyx adumbrata.
Today's guided walks at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, explored the former Mountain Colliery site.
Highlights included Marbled White, Six-belted Clearwing, Brown-banded Carder Bee, prowling spider Cheiracanthium virescens, and picture-winged fly Herina palustris.
Great turnout despite the heat! 🥵
Highlights included Marbled White, Six-belted Clearwing, Brown-banded Carder Bee, prowling spider Cheiracanthium virescens, and picture-winged fly Herina palustris.
Great turnout despite the heat! 🥵
July 11, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Today's guided walks at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, explored the former Mountain Colliery site.
Highlights included Marbled White, Six-belted Clearwing, Brown-banded Carder Bee, prowling spider Cheiracanthium virescens, and picture-winged fly Herina palustris.
Great turnout despite the heat! 🥵
Highlights included Marbled White, Six-belted Clearwing, Brown-banded Carder Bee, prowling spider Cheiracanthium virescens, and picture-winged fly Herina palustris.
Great turnout despite the heat! 🥵
It's #WalesNatureWeek 🎉
Join @liamolds on a guided walk at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, and discover how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
For booking, visit www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
Join @liamolds on a guided walk at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, and discover how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
For booking, visit www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
Hidden Life of Colliery Spoil: Biodiversity Guided Walk
Discover the surprising wildlife of Parc Melin Mynach on a guided walk led by entomologist Liam Olds. Explore how nature has reclaimed this former...
www.trybooking.com
July 5, 2025 at 8:03 AM
It's #WalesNatureWeek 🎉
Join @liamolds on a guided walk at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, and discover how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
For booking, visit www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
Join @liamolds on a guided walk at Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, and discover how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
For booking, visit www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...
🌟 Exciting Discovery Alert! 🌟
Back in January we teased some big news…and here it is!
🐌 Semilimax pyrenaicus (Pyrenean Semi-slug) has been recorded in Britain for the first time, found at a colliery spoil site in Cwmaman, S. Wales.
Read more: doi.org/10.61733/jco...
#SemiSlug #WildlifeDiscovery
Back in January we teased some big news…and here it is!
🐌 Semilimax pyrenaicus (Pyrenean Semi-slug) has been recorded in Britain for the first time, found at a colliery spoil site in Cwmaman, S. Wales.
Read more: doi.org/10.61733/jco...
#SemiSlug #WildlifeDiscovery
June 24, 2025 at 11:41 AM
🌟 Exciting Discovery Alert! 🌟
Back in January we teased some big news…and here it is!
🐌 Semilimax pyrenaicus (Pyrenean Semi-slug) has been recorded in Britain for the first time, found at a colliery spoil site in Cwmaman, S. Wales.
Read more: doi.org/10.61733/jco...
#SemiSlug #WildlifeDiscovery
Back in January we teased some big news…and here it is!
🐌 Semilimax pyrenaicus (Pyrenean Semi-slug) has been recorded in Britain for the first time, found at a colliery spoil site in Cwmaman, S. Wales.
Read more: doi.org/10.61733/jco...
#SemiSlug #WildlifeDiscovery
Last week, @olds_liam led a guided walk for staff & students from University of Bristol at Coity Tips, Blaenavon.
We explored the unique habitats and species of colliery spoil — which included sightings of iconic species such as Bilberry Bumblebee, Mottled Grasshopper, Fairy-flax & Bee Orchid.
We explored the unique habitats and species of colliery spoil — which included sightings of iconic species such as Bilberry Bumblebee, Mottled Grasshopper, Fairy-flax & Bee Orchid.
June 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Last week, @olds_liam led a guided walk for staff & students from University of Bristol at Coity Tips, Blaenavon.
We explored the unique habitats and species of colliery spoil — which included sightings of iconic species such as Bilberry Bumblebee, Mottled Grasshopper, Fairy-flax & Bee Orchid.
We explored the unique habitats and species of colliery spoil — which included sightings of iconic species such as Bilberry Bumblebee, Mottled Grasshopper, Fairy-flax & Bee Orchid.
Incredible tufa springs seen at the former Pentremawr Colliery, Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, today - clearly decades of tufa deposits! Around the springs was Delicate Soldierfly (Oxycera nigricornis) and Giant Lacewing (Osmylus fulvicephalus), as well as caddisflies and craneflies.
June 19, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Incredible tufa springs seen at the former Pentremawr Colliery, Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, today - clearly decades of tufa deposits! Around the springs was Delicate Soldierfly (Oxycera nigricornis) and Giant Lacewing (Osmylus fulvicephalus), as well as caddisflies and craneflies.
Hidden Life of Colliery Spoil: Biodiversity Guided Walk (FREE)
Discover the surprising wildlife of Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, on a guided walk led by entomologist Liam Olds. Explore how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Discover the surprising wildlife of Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, on a guided walk led by entomologist Liam Olds. Explore how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hidden Life of Colliery Spoil: Biodiversity Guided Walk
Discover the surprising wildlife of Parc Melin Mynach on a guided walk led by entomologist Liam Olds. Explore how nature has reclaimed this former...
www.trybooking.com
June 17, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Hidden Life of Colliery Spoil: Biodiversity Guided Walk (FREE)
Discover the surprising wildlife of Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, on a guided walk led by entomologist Liam Olds. Explore how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Discover the surprising wildlife of Parc Melin Mynach, Gorseinon, on a guided walk led by entomologist Liam Olds. Explore how nature has reclaimed this former colliery site.
Friday 11th July
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Reposted by Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative
First piece about the new #LostPeatlands project. If those on the peatlands feed or working on other conservation projects could give it a repost it would be much appreciated!
If you’ve got things you want to see us develop, deliver or evidence, let us know.
businessnewswales.com/new-funding-...
If you’ve got things you want to see us develop, deliver or evidence, let us know.
businessnewswales.com/new-funding-...
New Funding Awarded to Develop Lost Peatlands Connections Project
A total of £263,309 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been awarded to the Lost Peatlands Connections project which will build on the
businessnewswales.com
June 16, 2025 at 9:13 PM
First piece about the new #LostPeatlands project. If those on the peatlands feed or working on other conservation projects could give it a repost it would be much appreciated!
If you’ve got things you want to see us develop, deliver or evidence, let us know.
businessnewswales.com/new-funding-...
If you’ve got things you want to see us develop, deliver or evidence, let us know.
businessnewswales.com/new-funding-...
How lovely is this male White-jawed Yellow-face Bee (Hylaeua confusus) found at Ogmore Washeries, Bridgend, this week!?
This bee was one of two bees to be added to the former coal washery's ever-growing species list this week (the other bee was the Small-flecked Mining Bee, Andrena coitana).
This bee was one of two bees to be added to the former coal washery's ever-growing species list this week (the other bee was the Small-flecked Mining Bee, Andrena coitana).
June 15, 2025 at 7:53 AM
How lovely is this male White-jawed Yellow-face Bee (Hylaeua confusus) found at Ogmore Washeries, Bridgend, this week!?
This bee was one of two bees to be added to the former coal washery's ever-growing species list this week (the other bee was the Small-flecked Mining Bee, Andrena coitana).
This bee was one of two bees to be added to the former coal washery's ever-growing species list this week (the other bee was the Small-flecked Mining Bee, Andrena coitana).
Reposted by Colliery Spoil Biodiversity Initiative
Our suggested event this week is our #BioBlitz at Penllergare Valley Woods in #Swansea on Saturday! Help us to explore the wildlife of this fascinating Victorian estate. Join us on one of our guided walks (schedule below).
Book here or come and find us on the day: penllergarebb.eventbrite.co.uk
Book here or come and find us on the day: penllergarebb.eventbrite.co.uk
May 19, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Our suggested event this week is our #BioBlitz at Penllergare Valley Woods in #Swansea on Saturday! Help us to explore the wildlife of this fascinating Victorian estate. Join us on one of our guided walks (schedule below).
Book here or come and find us on the day: penllergarebb.eventbrite.co.uk
Book here or come and find us on the day: penllergarebb.eventbrite.co.uk
Absolutely delighted to come across Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola) workers foraging on bird's-foot-trefoils at the former International Colliery, Blaengarw, this afternoon. We're so fortunate to have these beautiful bumblebees in the South Wales Valleys!
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social
May 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Absolutely delighted to come across Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola) workers foraging on bird's-foot-trefoils at the former International Colliery, Blaengarw, this afternoon. We're so fortunate to have these beautiful bumblebees in the South Wales Valleys!
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social
@bumblebeetrust.bsky.social
Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), Horse Leech (Haemopis sanguisuga) and the clown beetle Margarinotus neglectus among some of the finds at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Tredegar, today.
May 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), Horse Leech (Haemopis sanguisuga) and the clown beetle Margarinotus neglectus among some of the finds at Sirhowy Hill Woodlands, Tredegar, today.