Wildlife Trust unveils new bird-watching hides at Teifi Marshes

Dozens of people gathered at the Welsh Wildlife Centre, in Cilgerran, to mark the occasion with the new hide replacing the original one that was burned down back in 2015.

Nia Stephens, People and Wildlife Officer for the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, said: “We have had an overwhelming response from the local community and I would like to thank everyone involved, both individuals and groups who have donated both time and money.

“We could not have carried out this project without so much help. It has been a lot of hard work but it has been well worth it.”

Two new hides have in fact been built by Green Future Building, who helped secure extra matched funding to replace the one that was burned down.

At the official unveiling last Wednesday, April 5, pupils from Cardigan Secondary School who had been involved in the project and helped decorate the inside of the hide with graffiti art were invited along to the opening ceremony.

The artwork, which took four days under the direction of graffiti artist Lloyd, was inspired by photographs taken by volunteer members of the Wildlife Trust on Teifi Marshes.

The kids drew lots as to who would cut the ribbon and that honour fell to Silas Hudson, from Year 7, with help from Cardigan mayor, Cllr Clive Davies. Silas was accompanied by schoolmates Lenny Grover, Lewis Boughey and Morgan Fortey.

Cllr Davies said: “It has been great that the volunteers have pulled together and raised the funds to replace the hide.

“The marshes is a great space and asset to the town. I used to come here a lot as a child and it is a great place to get away from it all. Good luck for the future development of the site.”

Gina Gavigan, marketing manager for the Wildlife Trust, said: “The amount of work and man hours from the volunteers that has gone into this shows what a strong community there is here and a love for the place.

“The reserve draws in so many people and raises the profile of the town.”