Cardiff University Wildlife and Conservation Society (WildSoc) is a society interested in all aspects of wildlife and its conservation. A rapidly growing society that welcomes Cardiff University students from all schools and backgrounds, we strive to inspire, educate, and share our passion for wildlife found in the UK and around the world. If you love nature, whether it be through a camera lens, behind the pages of an ID guide or simply by getting outdoors in the beautiful environments Wales has to offer, this is the society for you. Our members can expect a wide range of opportunities throughout the year, with speakers and discussion events, walks and chances to get outdoors, chances to contribute to the conservation and protection of our native wildlife and many more!
What we do
Education, discussion and inspiration - Speaker Events
Through frequent colloborations with staff from the School of Biosciences, PhD students and members of external charities and groups, Wildsoc hosts a series of talks throughout the year on a wide range of topics. Previous talks have featured research on the worlds smallest seabirds, the Cardiff University Otter Project, career talks and advice sessions, presentations from our members along with the occasional quiz or documentary night! No matter your degree or experience, there is always something for everyone and something new to learn. Our talks are not lectures, but open opportunities for dialogue and discussion between our members and speakers, where we foster a friendly and casual atmosphere to ensure enjoyment by all. Discussion panels are a new feature on our agenda this year, giving members a chance to hear some of the universites expert staff and lecturers discuss (and sometimes disagree!) with each other in an open, question-filled environment, covering a range of topics.
Getting out and about
Cardiff is the UKs greenest city, and we intend to make the most of it! Nature walks around Roath, Bute, Cathays Cemetery, Forest Farm and Llanishen Reservoirs allow us to get up close to the wildlife that we are so fortunate to share our city with. Further afield, we have access to several ancient woodland sites in the South Wales area; hotspots of natural beauty that allow us a chance to take a break from the busy life that Cardiff offers. These events are not only chances to get out into nature, but opportunities to learn, and we encourage members to help each other practice the skills of identifying the wildlife around us, whether it be birds, trees, or insects! We also offer the chance to take a residential trip, spending several nights away in the nature reserve of Flatholm Island; a chance for a real adventure to be had
Chances to contribute
The society is keen to help our members help protect and conserve the wildlife that they care for! Through organised events such as litter picks, we help keep our green spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone. We host an annual art exhibition, in which talented members of the society are given a chance to exhibit their skills in drawing, photography, and many other forms! Through the Cardiff Wildlife Society Biodiversity Project, we give members a chance to leave a permanent mark on the recording of nature in Wales - using the recording app iNaturalist to build up a detailed record of wildlife found in our area, which is then passed on and used in scientific projects across the country.
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