Talk: Unknown Wales Conference 2024

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Join us for a morning of exciting public talks about the latest in Welsh wildlife.

Now in its 14th year, Unknown Wales features top speakers from all corners of Wales, sharing news of their latest nature discoveries and projects.

With updates from enthusiasts working on the front line with animals, fossils, plants and fungi there’s something to suit all tastes.

Either join us live in the beautiful Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre at National Museum Cardiff, or sign up to watch along online.

This is your chance to hear from the experts, and to ask your questions. 
 

Speakers for 2024

Castle Bank – an amazing new treasure trove of ancient fossils from Mid Wales 

(Lucy McCobb, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales)

Castle Bank is an exciting new fossil site near Llandrindod Wells, discovered by two of Amgueddfa Cymru’s Honorary Research Fellows.  Many of the site’s exceptional fossils are of completely soft-bodied animals, giving us a unique insight into the huge diversity of life in undersea Wales over 460 million years ago. 
 

The ‘Natur am Byth!’ Partnership - Saving Wales’ Threatened Species 

(John Clark, Natural Resources Wales)

The ‘Natur am Byth!’ partnership unites nine environmental charities and Natural Resources Wales to save 67 species from extinction in Wales and reconnect people to nature. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government and other sponsors, this programme is delivering over four years to bring some of our most vulnerable species back from the brink and promote community action to tackle the nature emergency.  

Fungal Diversity of Coal Spoil Habitats 

(Emma Williams, Coal Spoil Fungi)

A snapshot of fungi discovered in South Wales spanning more than 10 years of unfunded surveys, driven by a passion to add value to some of our most unique, yet threatened mosaic habitats. Featuring some of the rarest UK species including those listed among the most threatened in Europe, ensembles that break the written 'rules', and exciting finds new to the UK.

Magnificent and Mysterious Marine Life in South Wales 

(Matt Green, Marine Matters / Seasearch)

Using stunning and original underwater film footage, marine biologist and underwater photographer Matt Green will show the huge variety of life that lives in the murky and remote depths of the Bristol channel. There will be a special focus on the vibrant and diverse sea slugs and their unique and mysterious prey!

Thirty Years of UK Otter Research 

(Chloe Farrington, Cardiff University Otter Project)

In 1994, the Cardiff University Otter Project was set up in response to population decline to monitor chemical contaminants in otters. Since then, the project has expanded and now makes discoveries in many areas including Otter genetics, diet, scent communication and disease.

More Information

• Unknown Wales will be held at the Reardon Smith Theatre, National Museum Cardiff.
• Entry is via the North Door which is located on Park Place, not the main museum entrance.
• Doors open at 09:30 AM, with the talks from 10:00 to 13:00 PM. There will be a short comfort break during the morning.
• The programme for the morning will be provided closer to the conference but this may be subject to last minute changes.
• This is a hybrid event, so you can watch speakers live in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre at National Museum Cardiff or watch virtually.
• This is a live event, so the conference will not be available to watch afterwards.
• There is a charge of £5 per ticket (in person or online) towards the cost of hosting the event.
• The talks will be in the speakers’ first language. 
• Drinks are not provided but you are welcome to bring your own. Or why not catch up with friends after the conference in the museum coffee shop or restaurant? 
• Suggested age suitability 12+. 
• Unknown Wales is a collaboration between Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales and the Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales.