What’s Happening?
The country park has always been successful
in applying for and gaining grant aid to carry out a range of
projects. The grant-aided work can range from refurbishment to
buildings and infrastructure to conservation and environmental
projects. Below are some recent projects you are likely to see on
your visit to the country park.
Camera Donation for Cosmeston Lakes
This year (2012), thanks to a donation, Cosmeston Lakes Country
Park will benefit from two new pieces of technology.
The first is a nest box camera which has
been erected on the main visitor centre building. The nest box is
equipped with a camera and speaker which will relay live colour
pictures and sound directly to the 42inch screen in the visitor
centre for visitors to watch.
On Sunday 15 April, a pair of blue tits
started to nest in the box.
The second is a ‘Spypoint’ surveillance trail
camera which can capture both stills and video in colour with
infrared capabilities for night-time recording. This camera will be
positioned at various locations throughout the country park to
record any wildlife that might walk past.
To read more about the donation and see pictures from the
cameras please select the following link to the Nest and Trail Camera page.
Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park could become a local nature
reserve, with residents support.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is seeking
the views of the community on the proposal to declare Cosmeston
Lakes Country Park, Penarth, a local nature reserve (LNR).
It is hoped that LNR status, which is designated under the
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, will help
make nature more accessible to Vale residents and visitors.
Council officers believe LNR status will help protect habitats
and species in the 110-hectare former quarry site and help forge
partnerships between the council, nature conservation organisations
and the community.
The continued emphasis at the park, which attracts more than
200,000 visitors a year, will be on public access, education and
conservation to benefit the health and wellbeing of the local
community. Local nature reserves can be declared for nature
conservation, environmental education, community involvement and
public enjoyment of the natural world.
Cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Councillor Anthony
Ernest, said: "Cosmeston Lakes are managed to protect the natural
flora and fauna. An LNR’s true value comes from making nature
accessible to everyone.
"The designation of local nature reserve would reflect the
excellent work being done by the council to manage the area’s
outstanding biodiversity and the significant opportunities for
public enjoyment and community involvement, education and
research."
To read the full details on the LNR application opening the
following pdf link cosmeston
LNR consultation
If the proposal is
supported, the outcome will be released by May 30, and LNR
designation
implemented in early
June 2012.
Refurbishment
Works
2011 was a busy
year. The car park was resurfaced, and additional spaces
for people with disabilities were created, with views
over the lake. New signage and lighting were erected and the
visitor centre toilets were refurbished. New
interpretation panels, computer terminal and flat screen TV were
also installed, informing visitors what the country park has to
offer.
Visitor Centre refurbishment
Interpretation Panels
The new interpretation panels
include; a map, history and themed information such as seasons of
the year, habitats and wildlife.
There are also QR codes located on all the interpretation panels
which, when scanned with your mobile phone, will take you directly
to our website.
The 42 inch flat screen TV and touch
screen kiosk provide an audio, visual and interactive aspect to the
interpretation.
The TV and kiosk are fully operational;
however, we can always add to and update the information as and
when required.
Touch Screen Kiosk
