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, generally 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 (ghance98@gmail.com or 01243 825187). In addition, if members have any ideas for outings or can offer to lead one themselves, then 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”.

2020 - 7th Year of Surveys at Medmerry

See Field Reports for results of 2019 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 to appropriate Survey Site. (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 always 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 3^rd March 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 Pallant Suite 19:15
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 Pallant Suite 19:15
Amphibian Conservation- both locally and around the world, with a special focus on frogs and toads, and urban pond/habitat creation. CiCi Blumstein, Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group Outreach Officer, Artist and Frog Collaborator

Wednesday 29^th April 10:00 start, NORE WOOD near Slindon
Grid Ref SU 950 085.
A morning’s walk, going gently uphill to start with, to the woods where bluebells and early purple orchids should, hopefully, be putting on a show.
Directions – approx. 6 miles east of Chichester, on the A27, take the turning on the left, heading north (signposted Aldingbourne Centre). After just over a mile, turn right (signposted Slindon). Parking is on the left after half a mile (with more available further on, on the right).
Optional – after returning to our vehicles, driving a little way in order to visit the trees planted in 2018 by Chi Nats members with our Legacy Funding, as part of the NT’s Northwood Project.

Tuesday 26^th May 10:00 start, THE DOWNLANDS ABOVE BIGNOR
Grid Ref SU 974 129
A morning’s walk starting from the car park near the top of Bignor Hill, south of Bignor village, at the above grid reference.

Tuesday 2^nd June 10:00 start, LEVIN DOWN NATURE RESERVE near Singleton
Leader Helen Dignum
Grid Ref SU 879 114

Following on from last summer’s visit to Levin Down when members looked specifically at butterflies, we return to focus on wildflowers. Handheld magnifiers and reference books useful but not essential. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. There is an initial steep climb. Meet at the ‘Triangle Car Park’ on the north side of the Trundle at the above Grid Reference in order to car share to the foot of Levin Down.

Friday 5^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 12^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

Tuesday 16^th June A Special Private Visit to the NEW FOREST REPTILE CENTRE Lyndhurst
Date now arranged and with precise details to come later ……..watch this space and check Society’s website

Friday 19^th June 13:00 (back up day for Medmerry survey if weather ‘stopped play’ on 5^th or 12^th June)

Friday 3rd 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

Friday 10^th July 13:00 (back up day for Medmerry Survey if weather ‘stopped play’ on 3^rd July)

Thursday 16^th July 14:00 – 16:00 WHITE STORK PROJECT at Knepp Estate, near Dial Post
Leader Lucy Groves
An opportunity to hear about this exciting Project and to see these magnificent birds for ourselves. Our visit will start with a 15 mins talk about the Project, its aims and achievements so far. (Tea/ coffee available). We will then head out for a 10 minute walk plus a further 10 mins to reach the storks’ 6 acre enclosures. Plenty of time for questions before returning back to base.
The session will last about 1 and a half to two hours and the walking distance is about 1 and a half miles. We shall not be on footpaths and the terrain can be uneven, rough and slippery so as well as being fit, members must be appropriately shod and clothed!
Maximum number for this trip will be 30. It is essential to register participation with Gill Hance (ghance98@gmail.com or 01243 825187) Members will need to car share, arriving in good time for the 14:00 start and park as per precise instructions to be given out nearer to the 16^{th July}. The Society is grateful to be given free admission for this event, although donations towards the Project will be welcome on the day.

Monday 27^th July 14:00 start, THURSLEY NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (check out their website)
Leader John Arnott
Grid Ref SU 900416
This is one of the best places in the country to see dragonflies and other heathland species. Bring a picnic to enjoy next to the Moat Pond, prior to a 14:00 start. Limited benches available so folding chairs may be useful and please note that there are no toilets!
Meet at the Moat Car Park at the above grid reference. Simplest route is to take the A27 and then the A3 north. Approximately 1 and a half miles north of the Hindhead Tunnel, fork left, signposted Thursley. Proceed through the village and then turn right at T junction. Parking is approx. 1 mile on the right, next to the Pond.

Friday 7th 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

Monday 10^th August 10:30 start, KITHURST HILL near Storrington
Leader David Hart
Grid Ref TQ 071125
Chalk downland plants, birds and butterflies. Members will visit the lovely wildflower area close to the car park, hoping for butterflies, and then make their way westwards to eventually enjoy a picnic with a view (bring something to sit on!) near Rackham Hill before returning, via a slightly different route, to the car park.
One mile west of Storrington on B2139, take great care turning south into unmarked lane just to the east of Springhead Farm (look out for one of David’s helpful signs). Route is easily accessible as there is excellent parking on the top of the Downs, adjacent to the South Downs Way. Although please note that there are no toilets.

Friday 14^th August 13:00 (back up day for Medmerry Survey if weather ‘stopped play’ on 7^th August)

Wednesday 2nd September Pallant Suite 19:15
The Rise of Northwood, Restoration of Woodland and Wooded Pasture at Northwood, Slindon National Trust. Hannah Thompson and Gabby Crisp, National Trust Rangers.

Chichester, West Sussex