LOOK OUT FOR NOTIFICATIONS OF VISITS TO MEMBERS’ GARDENS OVER THE SUMMER How can we help/observe wildlife in our own backyards/gardens. Please contact Gill Hance (as above) if you would like to welcome members to your patch, whatever size. Perhaps you have ideas to share or are after some suggestions from other members?
Friday 7 th June 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley - FIRST MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Plant Survey 1 (a species list) - bring wildflower books
Friday 14 th June 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley - SECOND MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Plant Survey 2 (using quadrats for gathering more quantitative data) - bring wildflower books
Monday 17 th June 10.00 start. IPING COMMON.
Leader Helen Dignum
Grid Ref SU 852 220 Postcode GU29 0PB
A morning’s walk through this excellent example of lowland heath with its wealth of fauna and flora. Large car park on Elsted Road just off the A272, approx. 2 miles west of Midhurst.
See - https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/iping-stedham-commons
Tuesday 25 th June 10.00 start, finish by 2.00 BURPHAM
Leader David Hart
Grid Ref TQ 041 097
A chance to see farm-land birds as well as good numbers of raptors, hedgerow species and grey partridge which the Norfolk Estate is well known for breeding. As you are leaving Arundel, going east heading towards Worthing, go over railway bridge and turn immediately left and drive through Warningcamp and Wepham. As you approach Burpham, go down steep hill and as you go up the other side the main road branches left but members should head straight over. This is a dangerous bend, so slow down and follow David’s signs. Meet at the top of the next hill. Bring a picnic to enjoy, as we’re promised an excellent picnic spot.
Friday 5 th July 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley - THIRD MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Dragonflies 1 (earlier-flying species) - bring binoculars and dragonfly books and/or iRecord Dragonflies app (free for Apple and Android devices) https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/irecord-dragonflies
Thursday 11 th July 10.30 LEVIN DOWN - BUTTERFLIES
Leaders Chris Furlepa and Dorothy Rodefeld
Meet at Grid Ref 879 114
A Butterfly focused walk through this Wildlife Trust Reserve, led by Chris Furlepa and Dorothy Rodefeld who have recently followed in Ann Griffiths’ footsteps in monitoring the butterflies here. Initial steep climb. Close focusing binoculars useful. Take a picnic lunch. Meet at the ‘Triangle’ car park on the north side of The Trundle at above Grid Reference for car share to the foot of Levin Down.
Friday 2 nd August 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley - FOURTH MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Grasshoppers and Bush Crickets (using bat detectors and the Society's nets). Bring orthoptera books and/or iRecord Grasshoppers app (free for Apple and Android devices)
http://naturelocator.org/irecord-grasshoppers.html
Wednesday 21 st August 19.00 start CHICHESTER CANAL
Grid Ref SU 865 023
An evening nature walk along the canal with the added chance of using the Society’s new Bat Equipment as dusk falls. Meet at the car park close to the canal ‘bend’ just north of Hunston. If you have bat detectors of your own and reference books then do bring them along, together with a small torch for personal safety.
Wednesday 4th September 2019 Pallant Suite 7.15pm
Ocean Plastics. David Jones, of Just One Ocean.
David is founder of Just One Ocean charity , raising awareness of ocean issues. A recent project has studied microplastics in Chichester Harbour. https://justoneocean.org/
Friday 6 th September 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley – FIFTH MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Dragonflies 2 (Later-flying species) - bring binoculars and dragonfly books and/or iRecord Dragonflies app (free for Apple and Android devices)
https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/irecord-dragonflies
Tuesday 24th September 10:00 – 15:30 TITCHFIELD HAVEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Leader Tony Wootton
Grid Reference SU 536 024 Postcode PO14 3JT
An all day visit (or depart after the morning session if you wish) to a carefully managed Reserve in the Meon Valley, which gives a mosaic of natural habitats – river, fen, pool, reedbed and meadow
Check their website https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/titchfield for more info and directions, as well as sightings closer to the time.
Take a picnic lunch or eat at the Reserve's cafe. Contact Gill Hance (01243 825187) if willing to offer lifts to other members or if you need a lift yourself (£5 contributions to petrol are kindly requested). Car park next to Hill Head Sailing Club or along the sea wall. Meet at ticket office at 10:00 and quote "Hance" to gain group entry rate of £3.75 per person.
Wednesday 2nd October 2019 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm
'An outdoor naturalist, the life of Gilbert White' - Kimberley James, Gilbert White’s House.
Gilbert White studied nature around his home in Selbourne and published his book “The Natural History of Selbourne” in 1789. Come and hear about his life and work.
Monday 14th October 10:00 start SNOW HILL AND ELLANORE
Leader - David Hart
Grid Reference SZ 765 984
A half day walk looking for sea birds and waders, meeting at the far end of West Beach car park, West Wittering (parking fee payable). Optional - bring a packed lunch and drink and continue around East Head in the afternoon.
Wednesday 6th November 2019 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm - AGM and Members' Presentations
Friday 15th November 10:00 start PULBOROUGH BROOKS RSPB RESERVE
Leaders – Tony Nevard and Sylvia Gill
Grid Reference – TQ 059 165 Postcode RH20 2EL
A wealth of birdlife. A half day walk around the Reserve (members may wish to stay on into the afternoon). Much to see on the flood plains, marsh and farmland whatever the weather, as there are several excellent hides available. Entry fee is payable for non-RSPB members
Optional – take a picnic or buy lunch in the restaurant.
Reserve is well sign-posted just off the A283 between Pulborough and Storrington. Meet in the main Reserve Car Park.
Wednesday 4th December 2019 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm - Christmas Party
Friday 13th December 10:00 start THORNHAM LANE and GREAT DEEP
Leader John Kelsall
Grid Reference SU 756049
A morning’s walk to observe seabirds, waders, divers and passerines as we pass by harbour shoreline, saltmarsh, mudflats and farmland. Turn left off the A259 Chichester to Emsworth road, just before entering Emsworth, onto an unclassified road signposted Thorney. Pass the entrance to Emsworth Marina on your right then, after approximately 100 metres, take turning off to the left into Thornham Lane. Park immediately on the verge on the left.
Wednesday 8th January 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm
The Bar-headed Goose – the world’s highest flying bird. Lucy Hawkes, Exeter University
Wednesday 5th February 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm - TBC
Wednesday 4th March 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plant Discovery and Conservation. Tim Pearce, Kew - Conservation Partnerships Coordinator for Africa
Tim describes Kew Gardens conservation work, particularly the Millenium Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place, Haywards Heath, West Sussex.
Wednesday 1st April 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm - TBC