A FREE event to showcase how a farm has enhanced the habitat for wildlife is being held for tourism operators.

Natural Mid Wales, a Mid Wales tourism and wildlife group, is inviting anyone with holiday accommodation, attraction or other tourism business to Nannerth Farm, Rhayader on Wednesday, May 18.

Andre and Alison Gallagher will discuss what they have done to enhance wildlife at the farm.

There will also be opportunities to talk to wildlife experts and learn about the different wildlife that can be shown to guests.

Visitors to the event can also chat to existing members about some of the ways that businesses can improve their wildlife and landscape offering to their visitors.

The event also celebrates Natural Mid Wales’s third anniversary. The group was set up in 2013 when a group of like - minded businesses got together to promote this largely unknown part of Wales and in particular its wildlife and landscape.

A membership organisation, the group’s businesses include accommodation, wildlife photography, country courses, the local wildlife trust and other wildlife organisations. All provide wildlife friendly accommodation or activities and have a commitment to enhance and preserve wildlife and habitats on their premises.

"We felt that so many visitors pass through Mid Wales without realising they are missing a rich landscape, abundant wildlife and fabulous walking as they drive through on their way to Snowdonia or the coast,” said Richard Davies, chairman of NMW and owner with wife Jane of Pwllgwilym Holiday Cottages and Bed and Breakfast.

"We particularly wanted to find a way of showing visitors and locals what wildlife and flora can be seen in the area and helping them to learn about the natural environment."

The group holds events throughout the year on a variety of topics. Day events have been held on birds, moths, trees, wildflowers, bush craft and foraging. These days are open to all members and members’ holiday guests are particularly welcome.

Alison Gallagher from Nannerth said: "We are proud to be members of Natural Mid Wales and believe this group has filled a gap in the market. Through the website, we market businesses with a commitment to wildlife, whose proprietors will maintain high standards of accommodation and service with an emphasis on the natural world. This is the only group in Wales to ensure that wildlife based criteria are attained as a pre requisite for inclusion in the group."

The free event on May 18 is at Nannerth Farm, Rhayader from 4 – 8pm. Walks and talks start at 5pm. These will cover such topics as insects in wetlands, pond dipping, local birds and plant life, moth traps, how to make a bird box and a farm wildlife trail. Don’t forget to bring your willies!

There will be a BBQ at 6.30pm. For more information about the event and to book, call Rita Lawrence 01597 810645 or email [email protected]. www.naturalmidwales.co.uk