Where in Wales?

I challenge anyone to name these beauty spots in North Wales.

Polly

Mochdre Lake, Nr Newtown

These 2 photos were taken literally within the same minute of each other this afternoon at Mochdre Lake. The Boat House was looking superb,the ducks were lying about on the grass and the place was a mass of colour with all the wild flowers in the borders.Its a real haven

up there.Polly

Ffos Las Racecourse, Carmarthenshire, South Wales

The long awaited and eagerly anticipated opening of Ffos Las

Race Course in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, south Wales took place yesterday. 10,000 tickets were sold out by last week.

It is the first National Hunt Racecourse with jumps to be built in 80 years at a cost of between 20 and 30 million pounds. It was purpose built on a 600 acre former open cast mine. Many eminent trainers and riders have already visited and declared Ffos Las one of the best courses with first class facilities in the UK.

A busy fixture calender for 2009 has been scheduled with the official opening being carried out by racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullivan on 28th August. Plans are being made to establish an annual Celtic Racing Festival to take place around March 1st, St Davids day.

The racecourse location within easy reach of the M4 motorway, airports and two Irish ferry terminals is promising for its future as an important national and international horse racing venue and visitors can be sure of a very warm welcome to Wales

Christine

Filming of Robin Hood has begun at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

We have enjoyed some rehearsals for the Robin Hood film here on the Haven Waterway. The rowing boats, landing craft and support vessels have been moored in Pembroke Dock prior to 3 weeks of filming of the great battle scene due to start today.

The rowers have been out in force (20 rowers and 1 cox per boat) practicing their maneuvers. Unfortuantly for them we do not have surf. They should have fun approaching the beach at Freshwater West with the on shore waves there.

So far the landing craft ( also used in the film Saving Private Ryan) has not had a make over. A row of holes for the oars can be seen rather high off the water line. I guess the creative staff will be adding a convinsing disguise to make it look like a huge rowing/sailing vessel. It will be used to carry horses.

The roads at Freshwater will be blocked off to traffic but if you are willing to walk spectators are able to watch the filming.

I can't wait to see the film. It will be fun to recognise Pembrokeshire scenes and even a few locals who are helping out with the rowing not to mention Russel Crowe in tights.

Anne I

Trehale Farm Pembrokeshire Free Range Rare Breeds

Iron Age pigs

Berkshire pigs Jacob sheep

Visitors are welcomed at Trehale Farm by appointment. Please phone in advance. There are animals to see and produce to buy.

Manx Loughton sheep

St Govans Chapel

A tiny grey chapel wedged into the cliffs just above a churning sea. This little grey structure is at least 800 (and possibly 1400) years old.

Steps descend into the sandy floored chapel from where you can get a magnificent view of the precarious crags, caves and arches.

Angelo

Rare orchid in Pembrokeshire

If you are a fan of The Green Winged Orchid (Orchis Morio) it flowers from April to May here at St Govans (and it is still here in early June). The lightly grazed calcareous grassland allows this orchid to thrive.

Angelo

Butterflier

Have you ever seen so many Painted Lady butterflies? They have flown here to Pembrokeshire from Africa.
They seem to be in clusters of 4 or 6.
Janet