Meetings, field outings and workshops are listed below in date order. We also organise recording.
If you would like to receive email notifications of our events (including alterations, cancellations and extra events) and get priority on our occasional booked events, then become a member
Winter Programme
All indoor meetings are held on the second Friday of the month from September until March, from 7:30pm at the Church of the Ascension, Michaelson Avenue, Torrisholme, LA4 6RH. (the Hall is in Michaelson Avenue, first left off Lancaster Road between The Shrimp Roundabout and Torrisholme) There is a charge of £3 including light refreshments. There is no need to book for these talks. For more information, contact the Programme Secretary on 07361 380255.
March 13 Friday– Hope for Hen Harriers
Only one word can describe watching a male Hen Harrier skydancing over the moorland in spring — breathtaking! Hen harriers are one of the most iconic species breeding in our upland moorland habitats, but also one of the rarest. Come and find out more about these wonderful birds and how they are faring in the Forest of Bowland, one of their most important strongholds in England, and elsewhere. Sonja Ludwig from the RSPB tells us about the many challenges they face and the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival.
Summer Programme
No knowledge or experience necessary. Everyone very welcome. Great photography opportunities. Binoculars can sometimes be useful. In case of doubtful weather do ring, to check in case of cancellation or postponement. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed. Suitable outdcoor clothing and footwear are strongly recommended. Most are easy walks but one or two may be more demanding — please enquire if you have any questions. Bring water, and a packed lunch for the all-day events, There is no charge but donations are always welcome.
Please check our website for any late details. For more information or in the case of doubtful weather do contact us (robszsz@yahoo.co.uk). Meeting place given by GR - Grid Reference; PC - Postcode (nearby); w3w - what3words.
April 28 Tuesday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Brockholes Nature Reserve
Meet on the main car park (near the pay and display machines) at Brockholes Nature Reserve, near Preston, PR5 0AG / SD588309 / w3w gates.club.encounter
This is a springtime walk when the site should be at its finest. Over the course of the day we will explore the riverside meadows and particularly the ancient woodland of Red Scar at a time when woodland flora, a variety of invertebrate species and the bulk of the spring migrant birds should be present. Anybody wishing to stay on into early evening may well be rewarded with barn owl, roe deer and brown hare.
Please note car parking charges apply (£5 at time of writing).
May 9 Saturday 8:30 PM–12:00 AM Moth Trapping and Bat Detection Evening
Meet at Warton Crag Nature Reserve quarry car park on Crag Road, LA5 9NE at 8:30pm. GR: SD491723 w3w: losing.infinite.scouts
We will again be looking for moths and bats at dusk and after dark using bat-detectors and moth lights. Bring warm clothes and torches. There will be a little walking.
The meeting will finish late, but you may leave at any time.
June 9 Tuesday 7:00 PM–9:00 PM The wildlife of a garden
Meet at the entrance to Cromwell Road Grid Ref: SD473609, What 3 Words: glare.drill.herbs
This is a fairly large urban garden with a pond, veg patch and all the usual features. We will be looking at all the plants and animals that make it their home.
June 20 Saturday 2:00 PM–4:00 PM Daisies, dandelions and thistles: the family Asteraceae
Meet in the reserve car park, off Moneyclose Lane, Heysham, postcode: LA3 3JH, grid reference: SD406599, what3words: mashing.raven.melon
The family Asteraceae, commonly called Composites, is the largest in the British flora, with many of its species looking confusingly alike. This workshop will attempt to unpick some of the knottier id problems. Note we will not be trying to get to grips with the micro-species of dandelions and hawkweeds.
Booking essential. Booking will open about a month before this workshop and members will be notified when that happens.
July 10 Friday 12:30 PM–3:00 PM Heysham Rockpooling
Meet by the junction of Knowlys Road and Woborrow Road with road parking nearby, postcode: LA3 2PG, grid reference: SD413616, what3words: crust.cloud.clips
Exploring rockpools at low water to look for prawns, shrimps, anemones, barnacles and hopefully small fish.
Wellies recommended.
July 20 Monday 1:00 PM–4:00 PM Cogie Hill Nature Site
Parking is limited so share transport if possible. Meet at Cogie Hill Farm, Island Lane, Winmarleigh, PR3 0LD; grid reference SD442468; what3words blink.resold.latches - coming from the east (A6), it is the last gateway on Island Lane.
This site has been managed solely for wildlife (and the wellbeing of three horses) for 15 years and is not a working farm. There are various habitats that we can explore including young and mature woodlands and wildflower meadows. The owner will talk about her current and future plans for creating a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem on the site.
August 2 Sunday 10:30 AM–3:30 PM Summer Walk at Heysham Nature Reserve
Meet in the reserve car park, off Moneyclose Lane, Heysham, postcode: LA3 3JH, grid reference: SD406599, what3words: mashing.raven.melon
A look around the main reserve first for butterflies, dragonflies and other insects as well as for the botanical interest. In the afternoon we will wander down the landscape strip and then to the sea wall looking at more insects, possibly bush-crickets, and sea birds.
August 8 Saturday 8:30 PM–12:00 AM Moth Trapping and Bat Detection Evening
Meet at Warton Crag Nature Reserve quarry car park on Crag Road, LA5 9NE at 8:30pm. GR: SD491723 w3w: losing.infinite.scouts
We will again be looking for moths and bats at dusk and after dark using bat-detectors and moth lights. Bring warm clothes and torches. There will be a little walking.
The meeting will finish late, but you may leave at any time.
August 17 Monday 1:30 PM–4:30 PM The Knoll Circular Walk, Hest Bank
Meet at the junction of The Knoll and Sea View Drive in Hest Bank using street parking, postcode: LA2 6BT, grid reference: SD471657, what3words: abundance.envisage.boomed
A circular walk along paths, lanes and the canal towpath and including an attractive large pond which has wildfowl, butterflies, ladybirds and dragonflies. The varied habitats that we will pass through include grassland and hedgerows as well as the canal and pond water features.
September 5 Saturday 10:00 AM–12:00 AM Less common trees and shrubs
Meet at the north end of Arnside Promenade Grid REf: SD454786; What 3 Words octagon.scatters.respects
This meeting is to look at some of the less common small trees and large shrubs growing wild on the Arnside shoreline and Knott.
This will be a walk of moderate length. The route has not yet been worked out. Numbers will be limited.
September 22 Tuesday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Brown Robin Nature Reserve
Meet on the car park of the Cumbria Grand Hotel off Lindale Road, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6SP / SD417788 / w3w superbly.otter.flukes
We will be exploring Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Brown Robin Nature Reserve to search for the different species to be found on this limestone grassland and mixed woodland site. There is a chance of early autumn migrants including flocks of winter thrushes whilst we will also hope for waxcap fungi alongside the changing colours of the season and views over Morecambe Bay.
Any wildlife- or conservation-related event can go here. Contact the webmaster at webmaster@nlwg.org.uk