THE Gwent Wildlife Trust celebrated 50 years yesterday with a family fun day in Ebbw Vale.

Around 120 people attended Woodfest at the Silent Valley Nature Reserve to mark the trust’s half a century of existence, and also to celebrate 100 years of the British Ecological Society (BES).

A fun-filled day featured green woodworking, sheepdog demonstrations, wildlife crafts, and guided walks.

Storytellers and scouts were also at the event, along with a tree surgeon who was carving fallen trees with a chainsaw.

The event was partly supported by the Big Lottery Fund and the BES.

Veronika Brannovic, the trust’s people and wildlife project leader, said: “It has been a great success. It’s been great for people who wouldn’t normally come to learn more about the wildlife here.

“We are running events all year round, it has become second nature for us actually.

But this is the biggest event we’ve held this year in the Valleys.

“We have been working hard for about six months to make sure this day was a success.

“The guided walk was very popular and the weather was perfect for it.”

Rebecca Ward, of the trust, said: “The day was mainly based around rural crafts.

“It has been a lovely mix of local people and people from all over. It’s a wonderful event from my personal point of view as it’s great to see other people enjoying the outdoors. It’s a beautiful piece of woodland. It’s absolutely stunning here.”