Somerset Wildlife Trust

March

Tue 16, 7.30-9.30pm	Natural Quarry MH David Boag is a wildlife photographer and he first visited the quarry in the depths of winter and admits that a first it seemed a most unlikely place to find much wildlife. However, as the year unfolded he was delighted with the wealth of colourful and interesting subjects that surrounded him. The most spectacular birds included nesting peregrines, ravens, little ringed plovers and wheatears, to mention only a few. Bath Arms, Bath St, Cheddar (in Cheddar centre on A371). Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £2.

Sun 21, 2pm	Vallis Vale for Spring Flowers EM A walk with Lynne Sewell, through Vallis Vale along Egford Brook on to Mells River looking for wild flowers, particularly Butterburr. Park and meet at area at junction of Webb’s Hill and Elm Lane, Egford, ST 758486. Adults £2, children £1. Unsuitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility.

Tue 23, 7.30pm	Poisonous plants W Edward Wells, well known naturalist, SWT Council member, always one of our most popular speakers, will open our eyes to the dangers nature has in store for the unwary. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. Wells Museum, Cathedral Green, Wells. Children welcome. £2.

Thu 25, 7.30-9.30pm	Canals of the South West WS Jean Hall of Inland Waterways gives an illustrated talk on some of the South West’s canals. Children welcome. EMN (Elworthy, Monksilver & Nettlecombe) Hall, Monksilver. (ST 075 374). Parking available. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £2. Parking available.

Fri 26, 7.30pm	Wildlife in the garden – friend or foe? IC Illustrated talk by David Manners, local wildlife photographer. He will be showing photos of the insects and other creatures which can enhance or spoil our gardens. Ilminster Parish Rooms, North Street, Ilminster (ST 361 147). Tea and coffee available. Children welcome. Park West Street car park or on road. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £1.50

Wed 31, 7.30pm	Highlands & Islands EM An illustrated talk by David Kjaer covering the wonderful wildlife and scenery of this spectacular area of Scotland. Children welcome. Frome Rugby Club, Gypsy Lane, Frome (ST 789 496). Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. Adults £2, children £1. Parking available.

April

Sun 4, 2-4pm	Stoke Wood MH A challenging 2.5 mile walk with Vic Matthews through Stoke Wood, a steep climb but plenty of stops! Stoke Wood is a National Nature Reserve and early spring flowers should be in bloom. Park tidily on roadside near to Rodney Stoke Church. ST 482 498. Unsuitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £1.

Tue 6, 8pm	Bees and Beekeepers SE Amid concerns for the world’s bee population Gerald Fisher, president of the Somerset Bee Keepers Association, bee keeper for 35 years and runner of courses for beginners explains more about bees and beekeeping. Caryford Community Hall, Ansford, Castle Cary (ST 643 330). Parking available. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. Children welcome. £2. Non members welcome. Coffee from 7.30pm.

Wed 7, 7.30-9.30pm	Grazing for conservation P Farming at Peppercorn Farm benefits from an entrepreneurial approach which includes grazing for conservation. Speaker Charlie Ainges, grazier for SWT’s Catcott North Reserve. Children welcome. Shapwick Village Hall (ST 418 384), Shapwick near Bridgwater. Parking available. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £2 adults.

Sun 11, 1.30pm	Mells River and Tetbury Woods EM A 2-3 hour walk with Tony House taking in Tetbury Woods, the Iron Age Fort, continuing along Mells river to Fussells Iron Works. We will be looking for wildlife, in particular early migrants and resident birds including Dipper, also mammals including deer and squirrels. Likely to be muddy and steep in places. Park by roadside areas near Great Elm Pond, ST 748 492. Adults £2, children £1. Unsuitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility.

Tue 13, 7.30-9.30pm	Transition towns T Whether you are interested in promoting local businesses, where your food comes from, reducing reliance on imported fuels, saving money or simply want to contribute to your community do come and find out how you can make a difference. Speaker Paul Birch. Tea, coffee & raffle. Children welcome. Meetings Room, Taunton Library, Paul Street, Taunton. Car park nearby. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £2.50.

Thu 15, 7.30-9.30pm	Wildlife in traditional English orchards HL An illustrated talk by Kate Merry, National Trust Orchard Project Officer, about traditional orchards which are priority habitat under the UK Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan. The NT is a joint leader with Natural England in a project for their conservation and restoration and to improve our knowledge of their associated wildlife. Children welcome. Curry Rivel Primary School near Langport. Car park close by. Suitable for wheelchair users/limited mobility. £2.50.

Events