New wildlife group to make a splash at Stackpole Community Open Day

Local residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the wildlife of Stackpole at a free Community Open Day on June 24, 2–5pm, at the National Trust Stackpole Centre. The event is being organised by the Stackpole Ecology Research Network (SERN), a new local group of the Mammal Society, formed in 2025 to help the public understand how climate change is affecting endangered bats and to protect other mammals such as otters and badgers. The group also aims to improve access to nature and develop ecological skills within Welsh communities.

Stackpole and the Bosherston Lakes are among the best places in Wales to see wildlife, and visitors will have the chance to meet the people who study and care for it. A highlight of the afternoon will be a talk on “Otters at Bosherston Lakes” by Geoff Liles, one of the leading otter experts in Wales. Local otter monitors Caroline Pickett and Sue Burton, who is the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer, will also share stories from their otter surveys around the lakes and the Pembrokeshire coast where they also feed in the sea.

The event will be packed with activities, including a bat‑detector challenge, bat‑cam videos with sound, and crafts such as making flapping bats. Mike and Daisy who are members of the Pembrokeshire Badger Group will be on hand to talk about their mission to educate the public and dispel misinformation about one of Britain’s most persecuted yet iconic mammals. Representatives from Natural Resources Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the University of South Wales and other conservation partners will also be attending with displays and demonstrations.

Visitors can explore how local landscapes can be improved for wildlife with Jenny O’Neill and Cathy Jewson from the Vincent Wildlife Trust with their interactive lesser horseshoe bat model, showcasing work taking place in the area.

SERN volunteer Maggie Andrews said the group is keen to meet local people and hear what wildlife events they would like in future. “Stackpole is such a special place for otters, bats and badgers. We want to share what we’re learning, inspire people to connect with local wildlife, and hear what nature events the community would like in future”.

Activities will be from 3:15- 5pm, and children are welcome to join the event after school.

Tickets are free, but booking is essential. You can book your tickets on Eventbrite, where you will also find more information, or contact [email protected].