GWENT Wildlife Trust celebrated wildlife conservation in Gwent at an annual event this week, with patron and TV presenter Iolo Williams.

The trust, which recently celebrated 50th anniversary, held the event at the Eastman in Newport on July 29.

Staff and volunteers from Gwent Wildlife Trust hoped the event would demonstrate how they work together in sustainable development in partnership with industry, local authority and funders.

Now in its second year, the event saw guests such Gwent Wildlife Trust patron Mr Williams attend, along with members of the Newport Chamber of Commerce and AM Jocelyn Davies.

CEO of the Trust, Ian Rappel, said the event saw a great deal of positive feedback from guests who were able to find out more information and tips from experts on topics such as how to garden in a environmentally -friendly way.

“The event was a celebration of the trust's work locally in Gwent and its partnerships with local business,” he said.

“It provided an opportunity to get together and out patron Iolo came along to talk about the work of the wildlife trust.

“There was question and answer session and we looked at the work of the wildlife trust in the community, focusing on developments such as the M4 relief road and the Circuit of Wales.

“We explained that we are not against development, but we have the philosophy to have the right development for the right place.

“We have to stand up for wildlife.”