EVENTS

The Society runs different types of events covering many aspects of wildlife and natural history :

Lecture Evenings
These popular events cover many different wildlife topics, details below.
All lecture evenings will be held on Wednesdays in The Pallant Suite, Masonic Hall, South Pallant, Chichester.
(See Google map at bottom of home page)
Non-members cost £3, members free.
Lectures begin at 7.15pm. Doors will open at 6.30 pm.

Field Outings

These field outings, led by one of the expert members of the society, enable participants to see different aspects of wildlife and nature in the field. No meeting will be cancelled because of the weather so please wear suitable clothing and footwear. These meetings are open to members and non-members, children over 8 are welcome but should be under parental control. These outings always start promptly so please arrive in plenty of time.

Any questions about these events, or if help needed re transport, please contact Gill Hance (hanceatbognor@aol.com or 01243 825187). In addition, if members have any ideas for outings or can offer to lead one themselves, please contact Gill.

In accordance with Health & Safety Requirements, Chichester Natural History Society hereby gives notice- “The Society is prepared to assist members in making arrangements to enable them to participate in activities arranged by the Society. It cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for any loss, injury or damage sustained by any person in consequence of their participation in any activity. Persons attending field outings do so on the understanding that they attend at their own risk”.

2019 - 6th Year of Surveys at Medmerry

See Field Reports for results of 2018 surveys .
ALL surveys (approx. 2 hours in length) will start at 13:00 PROMPT, meeting at the RSPB Earnley Car Park at Grid Ref SZ 816 968, post code PO20 7JL, and then car sharing either to 1: Easton Lane for the 2 Plant Surveys (Fridays 7th & 14th June) and the Grasshopper Survey (Friday 2nd August) or 2: along the track to the pools for the Dragonfly Surveys (Fridays July 5th & September 6th). (Little walking required on any date.) See Main Events List for more information. Sessions are open to all, no matter what your level of expertise, as guidance will be provided. We shall use the Society’s equipment but hand magnifiers, binoculars and reference books will be useful. Any questions or if help required with transport then please contact Philippa Arnott on philippa.arnott@uwclub.net or phone 01243 575345

Pub Events
These are informal gatherings held at the Bull’s Head, Fishbourne. They are led by experienced members of the society with specialist knowledge of the subject and are a chance to learn more about some aspect of natural history or conservation in the company of an 'expert.' They usually last about an hour to an hour and a quarter. They are also social gatherings as we have lunch first, although there is no obligation to join this. There is a small charge of £1 per person.
These small meetings are limited to 15 members who must pre-book usually at the preceding lecture meeting.If that is not possible contact Chris Hardy or chair@chichesternaturalhistorysociety.org.uk. Start time is at 1:30pm – members may wish to meet for lunch beforehand at 12:30pm. (as we do not pay the pub for the room hire we would appreicate it if members who do not buy food would purchase a small drink). Thanks. For details click here

Tuesday 24^th 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 2^nd 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 14^th 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 6^th November 2019 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm - AGM and Members' Presentations

Friday 15^th 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 4^th December 2019 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm - Christmas Party
With quiz, raffle, first drink on the house, as well as member’s choice of poems to read out, and the photographic competition. Please bring a plate of finger food.

Friday 13^th 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 8^th January 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm
The Bar-headed Goose – the world’s highest flying bird. Lucy Hawkes, Exeter University

Saturday 11^th January 2020 10:00 start CHICHESTER LAKES
Leader Jim Bagley
Grid Reference SU 873 029 Post Code PO20 1LA
A morning’s walk around our local gravel pit lakes and nearby woodland with much wildlife to be seen, especially a variety of water birds and passerines.
From A27 Chichester by-pass, take B2145 s/p Selsey. Take first exit at roundabout onto B2166 s/p North Mundham and Bognor Regis. At North Mundham, turn left at chicane onto unclassified road. Turn almost immediately right into village hall car park.

Wednesday 5^th February 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm
Amphibian Conservation- both locally and around the world, with a special focus on frogs and toads, and urban pond/habitat creation. Cici Blumstein, Sussex Amphiban and Reptile Group Outreach Officer, Artist and Frog Collaborator

Friday 14^th February 2020 10:00 start CHIDHAM
Leader John Kelsall
Grid Reference SU 793 034
A (Valentines!) morning walk, looking for farmland and shoreline wildlife. Meet at the ‘sunken’ car park at the above grid reference. From A259, 1.5 miles west of Bosham roundabout, turn south into Chidham Lane, car park is a further 1.5 miles on.

Tuesday 3^rd March 2020 10:00 start BURTON MILL POND
Leader David Hart
Grid Reference SU 979 181 Post code GU28 0JR
This area offers a microcosm of different habitats – woodland, heath, bog and lakes, so always much of interest. Take A27 east from Chichester, turn left onto A285 to Petworth. A mile past Duncton, turn right sign posted Burton Mill. Park, as ‘tidily’ as you can, in the car park nearest the mill.

Wednesday 4^th 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 1^st April 2020 Pallant Suite 7.15 pm
Wildlife Travels in Nepal - Jill Sutcliffe

Chichester, West Sussex