Photo: Elizabeth Forbes - Trametes versicolour
Last year we were very pleased that with appropriate COVID-safe procedures we were able to enjoy at least some of the Field Trips we had planned. Accounts of these and of the ideas and the DIY trips that we suggested, can be found on the FieldTrips/Whatyoumissed page.
We had some lovely and quite exciting times. Let us hope that this year we will be able to enjoy the few we missed and also many other field trips to places where we can observe wildlife in all its glory and fascination.
THIS YEAR'S PROGRAMME IS AS FOLLOWS
Details will be published nearer the time, but if you would like further information at this stage, please contact the organiser.
We had some lovely and quite exciting times. Let us hope that this year we will be able to enjoy the few we missed and also many other field trips to places where we can observe wildlife in all its glory and fascination.
THIS YEAR'S PROGRAMME IS AS FOLLOWS
Details will be published nearer the time, but if you would like further information at this stage, please contact the organiser.
Saturday, 13 June 2021
Hawk Conservancy Trust
Organiser: Debbie Carter
Following Tom Morath's talk in April about the Hawk Conservancy Trust's history, we have a visit arranged to the trust near Andover, for a limited number and it is unfortunately now sold out.
Hawk Conservancy Trust
Organiser: Debbie Carter
Following Tom Morath's talk in April about the Hawk Conservancy Trust's history, we have a visit arranged to the trust near Andover, for a limited number and it is unfortunately now sold out.
Kestrel - Abby Eaton
The Trust does exciting work with species worldwide but also has a number of research and conservation projects focused on kestrels and tawny owls - whose populations are now 'of concern' - and barn owls and the impact of declining prey populations such as rabbits, almost wiped out by mixomatosis.
More encouragingly, banning organochlorine pesticides seems to be helping recovery.
More encouragingly, banning organochlorine pesticides seems to be helping recovery.
Garston Wood Reserve - Photo: The RSPB
The RSPB’s 33-hectare reserve sits in the middle of Cranbourne Chase just north of Sixpenny Handley. This ancient wood (along with coppiced hazel and maple, there are areas of oak, scrub and mixed plantation, with glades, rides and deadwood) has been managed for centuries, creating a special place for some magnificent wildlife, including blackcap and marsh tit, colourful wildflowers and small mammals like dormice. If the weather is kind openings in the trees should create pockets of sunlight to attract butterflies, including the silver-washed fritillary and white admiral.
Our hope and plan is that – 21 June being the day of further lifting of lockdown – we shall be able to meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Nadder Close car park so we can share cars on the journey. This matters as there is very limited parking at Garston Wood.
But there’s clearly a risk that government guidance on social distancing could change, so to be prudent please let Dick Budden know by email if you’re planning to come, then he can contact you again if we are forced to change our plans.
As usual, members and under-18s are free, visitors and non-members, £2. If you care to join us, it’s £10 until February next year. Please ask Dick for payment details.
Our hope and plan is that – 21 June being the day of further lifting of lockdown – we shall be able to meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Nadder Close car park so we can share cars on the journey. This matters as there is very limited parking at Garston Wood.
But there’s clearly a risk that government guidance on social distancing could change, so to be prudent please let Dick Budden know by email if you’re planning to come, then he can contact you again if we are forced to change our plans.
As usual, members and under-18s are free, visitors and non-members, £2. If you care to join us, it’s £10 until February next year. Please ask Dick for payment details.
Tuesday, 6 July 2021 8 pm
Kingston Lacy Estate, The National Trust: Glow worms and nightjars at Holt Heath
Organiser: Peter Shallcross
Kingston Lacy Estate, The National Trust: Glow worms and nightjars at Holt Heath
Organiser: Peter Shallcross
Thursday, 29 July 2021 10.30am
Clive Whitbourn, Area Ranger, The National Trust: Hambledon Hill - Butterflies and flowers
Organiser: Andrew Graham
Clive Whitbourn, Area Ranger, The National Trust: Hambledon Hill - Butterflies and flowers
Organiser: Andrew Graham
Wednesday, 25 August 2021, 10 am
Harnham Water Meadows Trust: Harnham Water Meadows
Organiser: Debbie Carter
Harnham Water Meadows Trust: Harnham Water Meadows
Organiser: Debbie Carter
Tuesday, 7 August 2021, 6.30pm
Martin Green: Down Farm, Sixpenny Handley
Organiser: Peter Shallcross
Re-scheduled from 2020
Martin Green: Down Farm, Sixpenny Handley
Organiser: Peter Shallcross
Re-scheduled from 2020
Saturday, 9 October 2021
Dorset Wildlife Trust: Brownsea Island (there will be additional entry charges as well as the fare for the ferry across Poole Harbour)
Organiser: Dick Budden
Dorset Wildlife Trust: Brownsea Island (there will be additional entry charges as well as the fare for the ferry across Poole Harbour)
Organiser: Dick Budden