TWENTY-six members of Carew WI welcomed flora and fauna expert Richard Ellis to their May meeting. Richard, who lives locally, based his talk and visual presentation on his findings within a two-mile radius of Carew.

Covering the local rivers, ponds, paths and woodland, Richard pointed out not only the regular visitors to our area but some very unusual ones too. With his camera always to hand, he has captured not only the Egrets usually seen in the fields and on the Mill Pond but also Great White Egrets and Cattle Egrets. He has also photographed Ospreys and unusual migratory birds over wintering in South Pembrokeshire.

Richard’s photos with sightings of rarer butterflies, moths and damselflies delighted his audience. The majority of members regularly enjoy walking the local paths and are enthusiastic about their finds but after Richard’s talk they will be extra vigilant in the hope of seeing one or other of the more unusual visitors to the area. Meeting Richard along the way too, is a distinct possibility, as he adds to his extensive collection of data which he shares with conservation groups throughout our country.

After taking tea with Richard, members turned to the business of the day - dealing with the minutes from April’s meeting, correspondence, the County Newsletter, and arrangements for future days out.

Carew WI’s next meeting will be in July.