EVENTS

Field Outings

There is no need to pre-book on to a Field Outing unless otherwise stated. Members, as always, attend events at their own risk.
The description for each outing gives information on the route and activity, including the type of terrain, any steep inclines or descents and any obstructions, such as stiles. Please read the outing details to see if it is suitable for you. If in doubt, consult the Field Outings Organiser by email at:- 
 outdoor-events@chichesternaturalhistorysociety.org.uk
Children are welcome to attend if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dogs are not permitted on Field Outings, the exception being for assistance dogs.
Please bring any personal medication and any refreshments as appropriate. It's a good idea for attendees to carry their emergency contact details. 
Chi Nats always welcomes more volunteers to step forward to act as Leaders and suggest walks. You do not need to be an expert on wildlife, as there are always knowledgeable and helpful members in the group.

Friday 25th April  BURTON AND CHINGFORD PONDS NATURE RESERVE 
Leaders - Ken and Linda Smith
Time - 10:00 - 12.30. Meet in car park by mill
Grid Ref SU 979 181 Postcode GU28 0JR What3words : songbirds.lock.wishes
This jointly managed Reserve (Sussex Wildlife Trust / West Sussex County Council) offers a microcosm of different habitats - woodland, wet and dry heath, bog and two large ponds, so always something of interest to see. Check out the Sussex Wildlife Trust website for details of management, news, sightings and developments at the Reserve. 

Take A27 east from Chichester, turn left onto A285 to Petworth. A mile past Duncton, turn right sign
 posted Burton Mill. Meet in the car park by the mill for our approximate 2 and half mile walk. If weather is good, a picnic by the Mill Pond is a good way to end before heading off. No toilet facilities. Mainly level walking over a variety of surfaces and
 some stretches through the woods could be muddy . Currently woodland
 flowers, including Bluebells are looking good and there is plenty of spring birdsong. We plan to stop for refreshments (bring your own) overlooking Chingford Pond. Afterwards, members might wish to have a picnic by the Mill Pond or have lunch at The Cricketers pub in Duncton 01798 324473 (please book your own table)

Tuesday 20th May COBNOR POINT AND ITS WILDLIFE (note 2.30 pm start time)
Leader - Diana Beale
Start time 14:30
Meet: In front of Cobnor House
PARKING is at Grid Ref: SU 792 025 Postcode PO18 8TE What3words:baths.commenced.clerk

Chi Nats member, Diana, will give members a short introduction to Cobnor and its wildlife and then take us around the sea bank, along to the Joan Edom hide (Diana's aunt) and then back through the woodland and fields. Walking is on the level, with one section being wheelchair accessible. On returning to Cobnor House, there will be tea and a few nibbles (or bring some of your own!)

Drive up the lane (labelled as Private!) leading off from Chidham Lane, past the turning to the activity centre and then turn left 100 metres before Cobnor House, parking in the green car park used by the sailors. There will also be a CNHS sign! There are toilet facilities here. Walk on, to assemble in front of the house at 14:30. See you there.

Wednesday 11th June WILDFLOWERS AND MUCH ELSE AT BEPTON DOWN
Leader - Diana Zeuner
Time - 10:00 start. Meet at the Cocking Hill car park 
Grid Ref SU 875 166  Postcode GU29 0HT What3words : multiples.holly.paddle
This is a two and a half to three hours walk to Bepton Down on the northern escarpment of the Downs near Cocking to see a wonderful display of summer flowers with many orchids, including less seen species such as Greater butterfly and Bee orchids.
It is easy to drive past the car park entrance on the left by a hedge or to take the left turn towards the farm buildings immediately after the car park  - so watch out for the entrance at the top of the hill ( there is a bus stop outside the car park.) Depending on the weather and conditions this will either be a there and back walk along the South Downs Way and off to the right OR via a downhill track to Crypt Farm and along Henley Lane and into the meadow itself. It’s very easy to spend much time there looking at flowers, insects, butterflies and birds. Recommend taking a drink and picnic too if you wish. We’ll be passing the Cadence Cafè where lunch could be had and there are also toilets ( these would also be available before the turn down to Crypt Farm at the beginning.)
Note - This walk does include some ups and downs and the Henley track can be quite overgrown but our Leader, Diana, says it is definitely worth it! 

Tuesday 1st July WILDFLOWERS ON THE SHORE AT PAGHAM (note change of date from Thursday 3rd)
Leader - Helen Dignum
Time - 10:00  start, to finish by 14:00 (or earlier)
Meet at the car park at the junction of Sea Lane and Beach Road (Usually free but sometimes £3 in a bucket requested) 
Grid Ref SZ 890 973 What3words: faded.nicely.nurtures
A wildflower walk along the shingle shore at Pagham, returning along the coastal lanes. We can hope to see a good variety of shingle plants including the rare Childing pink. Bring your wildflower books and a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one. We will have the Chi Nats books and hand lenses to borrow.
Notes -  the car park is on rough ground and although the route is level there are uneven surfaces and we will be walking on shingle. There are toilets by the car park. Bring a drink and packed lunch / snack. Pagham Beach Cafe also offers refreshments for afterwards.
If members opt for picnic before walking back to cars expect to be finished by 2pm. Although people could leave earlier, if required.
 
Monday 11th August  THE RICH FLORA OF THE CITY OF CHICHESTER 
Leader - Nick Sturt 
Time - 18:30 - 20:30 
Meet in NW corner of Cattle Market Car Park (no charge after 18:00)
Grid Ref SU 865 046 What3words: hidden.ranks.staple
This evening, under Nick’s expert guidance, we shall explore the rich flora of the city, reflecting its past and present. This will be an approximately 2 hr level walk but always beware of a variety of road users, including rogue cyclists!.