Talks, Field Trips, Events & Activities
Showing 23 upcoming events
May
17
Bird Song in Plessey Woods
17th May 2012
Outdoor Event, 7.30amAn early morning visit to Plessey Woods to hear and try to learn the songs of woodland bird species, in particular warblers such as Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Goldcrest.
We also hope to see a wide range of woodland birds as well. Meet at the Country Park visitor centre car park, off the A192 near Hartford Bridge (grid ref NZ 237804).
This event is led by David Noble-Rollin
May
27
Carboniferous Rocks at Scremerston, Berwick-Upon-Tweed
27th May 2012
Outdoor Event, 10.30amJonny Imber from Durham University will lead this visit to the spectacular coastal exposures of 330 million year old Carboniferous rocks at Scremeston on the north Northumberland coast.
The rocks here are justifiably famous for their folding and faulting of Carboniferous cyclothems, and these will be the main focus for the trip.
The exposed strata also contain abundant examples of brachiopods, corals, crinoids and trace fossils.
Meet at the car park above Cockburnlaw Beach, about 1 mile east of Scremerston village (grid ref GR026 486).
Jun
07
Quaternary Geology of the Isle of Arran, Scotland
7th Jun 2012
Outdoor EventThis summer the members of the Society’s Quaternary Course have the opportunity to take part in a residential long-weekend off the west coast of Scotland to look at landforms and deposits in a beautiful natural setting.
Limited to members of the Society’s Quaternary Course.
This event is led by Angus Lunn
Jun
09
Moths at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve
9th Jun 2012
Outdoor Event, 9.15pm-11pmJoin the County Moth Recorder, Tom Tams and reserve warden Paul Drummond for this night-time event to catch and identify moths at Gosforth Nature Reserve.
The moths are trapped using a bright light and enable you to get close up to these beautiful and rarely seen insects.
Gosforth Park has a range of common and rare woodland moths.
We recommend you bring sunglasses as the trapping light is bright, a torch and insect repellent. Meet at the reserve entrance at Lake Lodge.
This event is led by Tom Tams and Paul Drummond
Jun
17
Northern Hay Meadows Project, Wensleydale
17th Jun 2012
Outdoor Event, 11amThe traditionally managed hay meadows of the Yorkshire Dales are threatened by changes to farming practices and many have lost some of the diversity of plants and insects that makes them special. We will be visiting some of the best that remain and will be shown round a field trial that is developing new approaches to recovering this diversity. There will also be time to explore some of the other botanical sites nearby, including Seata Quarry where we should see some interesting aliens, including Spiky Fescue Festuca gautieri, Round-leaved St. John’s Wort Hypericum nummularium, and Fairy Foxglove Erinus alpinus. Meet at the Village Institute in Thornton Rust, near Aysgarth. (grid ref SD 972889). The paths are uneven and steep in places so please wear suitable footwear. Bring lunch.
This event is led by Dr Janet Simkin
Jun
22
Whale & Dolphin Watch in the North Sea, departing from Royal Quays, River Tyne
22nd Jun 2012
Outdoor Event, 6pm -10pmJoin the Northumbria Mammal Group for a four hour evening pelagic trip in the North Sea looking for whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Contact Steve Lowe, zappa99@live.co.uk to book a place. Places are limited so booking is essential.
This event is led by Martin Kitching
Cost: £30, of which £10 is a non-returnable deposit.
Jun
23
Gosforth Park Nature Reserve Exploration Day
23rd Jun 2012
Outdoor Event, 10.30am-3.30pmAn opportunity to learn about the fauna and flora of Gosforth Park Nature Reserve. Local experts will be on hand to talk to visitors about birds, plants, mammals and insects. Drop in anytime between 10.30am – 3.30pm.
This is a partnership event with ERIC and Northumbria Mammal Group. This event is open to all members of the public, both adults and children.
Please note that ground can be wet, muddy and uneven, so please wear suitable footwear. Cost: Free
Jun
23
Glow Worms at Thrislington, Sedgefield
23rd Jun 2012
Outdoor Event, 11pmBurn the midnight oil with ERIC North East and Natural England at Thrislington National Nature Reserve in search of the elusive glow worms which inhabit this unique wildlife site.
This event is free but booking is essential. Transport will be provided from the Great North Museum: Hancock to Thrislington NNR and back again. Tel 0191 222 5158 or email eric.ne@twmuseums.org.uk to book your place or find out more.
In partnership with ERIC & Natural England
Jul
03
Nightjar & Woodcock Walk, Slaley Forest, nr Blanchland
3rd Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 9.30pm-10.45pmCelebrate mid-summer with an evening 3 mile walk through the pine plantations at Slaley Forest.
We will see and hear Nightjar and Woodcock as they emerge at dusk and learn more about these secretive birds. We also hope to see other woodland wildlife and plants.
This event is free but booking is required. Please contact the Society Office to book.
This event is led by James Littlewood
Jul
07
Gowk Bank and the River Irthing, Gilsland
7th Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 10.30amGowk Bank is a remote species-rich meadow near Butterburn by the River Irthing in the North Pennines, and we will also look at the river itself. In the meadow are several orchids including the very rare Small-white Orchid, Frog Orchid, Early Marsh Orchid and Fragrant Orchid. Globeflower is locally dominant. The Irthing itself has Water Sedge and Slender Tufted-Sedge and we might find Variegated Horsetail, Northern Spike-Rush and Slender-Spike-Rush. We will meet on the minor road just south-west of Gilsland village, past the school, near Hadrian’s Wall (grid ref NY630662). From there we will double-up on cars as there is limited parking on the road up the Irthing. Bring lunch and midge-repellent.
This event is led by Professor John Richards & Dr Angus Lunn Cost: Free
Jul
15
New Members' Day at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve
15th Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 10am-12pmAll new members are invited for an introductory walk around the reserve so that we can show you the important wildlife areas and some of the interesting species and hopefully improve your future enjoyment and appreciation of the reserve.
Although this outing is aimed at new members anyone is welcome to come along. Meet at the reserve entrance at Lake Lodge.
This event is led James Littlewood Cost: Free
Jul
20
Whale & Dolphin Watch in the North Sea, departing from Royal Quays, River Tyne
20th Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 6pm -10pmJoin the Northumbria Mammal Group for a four hour evening pelagic trip in the North Sea looking for whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Contact Steve Lowe, zappa99@live.co.uk to book a place. Places are limited so booking is essential.
This event is led by Martin Kitching Cost: £30, of which £10 is a non-returnable deposit.
Jul
22
Thrislington Plantation, Sedgefield
22nd Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 11amJoin members of the Midweek Botany Group and entomologists for a day looking at the relationships between insects and plants.
Thrislington Plantation National Nature Reserve has a wide range of plants including Perennial Flax, orchids, heleborines, Blue Moor Grass, Small Scabious and Rock-Rose.
If it is a fine day there should be plenty of insects with several species of butterfly such as Northern Brown Argus, Ringlet, Common Blue and Small Heath.
The reserve lies between the villages of Ferryhill and Cornforth and access is from the minor road between Cornforth and Mainsforth at grid reference NZ309324 (near to the quarry). Meet in the laybay near the reserve entrance, parking is limited, so car-sharing would be an advantage.
Jul
23
Roseate Tern Evening, Coquet Island
23rd Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 6.15pmThis is a joint meeting of the North Northumberland Bird Club and the Society to see the important Roseate Tern colony on Coquet Island.
We hope to get excellent views of both adult and juvenile Terns from the boat which will be offshore near the colony. Other species of tern will also be there for comparison of their identification points.
After watching the terns the boat will continue around the island and give an opportunity to look out for shearwaters and skuas while watching the seals on the east shore of the Island.
Please contact the Society Office to book places.
This event is led by David Noble-Rollin & Graham Bell Cost: The boat is £6 for Adults and £3 for Children
Jul
29
Introduction to Bird Ringing at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve
29th Jul 2012
Outdoor Event, 9amDuring the spring and summer the Society’s Bird Ringing Group sets mist nets in Gosforth Park Nature Reserve. The birds that are caught are measured, weighed and ringed and this information forms part of a national database that helps to monitor changes in bird populations. To become a qualified bird ringer takes time, commitment and the ability to get up early on a Sunday morning.
The Bird Ringing Group will show you how they carry out their work and you can watch them catch, measure and release the birds. They will also answer any questions about bird ringing and the birds they catch.
This event is free but booking is required to limit numbers. Please contact the Society Office to book.
This event is led by Chris Redfern
Aug
04
Bugs & Botany, nr Heddon-on-the-Wall
4th Aug 2012
Outdoor Event, 10am-4pmCatch and identify insects and see some of the experiments on plant ecology that are running at the Close House Field Station. The day will be suitable for anyone with an interest in insects and plants - from absolute beginner to expert. The event is suitable for all ages and runs 10am - 4pm. You can drop in for a short visit or stay for the whole day. This event is a collaboration between the Natural History Society of Northumbria, the Royal Entomological Society, Newcastle University and ERIC. Turn south off the B6528 about 1 mile west of Heddon-on-the-Wall onto a minor road and take the next left, Close House is signposted (grid ref NZ125660).
This event is led by Dr Gordon Port
Cost: Free
Aug
21
Seabird migration at Church Point, Newbiggin-by-the-sea
21st Aug 2012
Outdoor Event, 5.45pm-7pmShearwaters, terns, skuas, gannets and petrels pass offshore at this time of year and Church Point, Newbiggin is one of the best places to try and see them if the weather is right. Expert seawatcher Jimmy Steel will help to point out the birds as they pass and offer tips on identification. There is also a chance to see seals and wading birds. We will mainly be seated or standing without cover or shelter so please wear suitable clothes. You will need binoculars and if you have a spotting scope then bring it with you. Meet outside the gate to St Bartholomew’s Church at Newbiggin point (grid ref NZ318 880). There is car parking at the point.
This event is led by Jimmy Steele
Sep
01
The Rookhope Borehole - Fifty Years On, North Pennines
1st Sep 2012
Outdoor EventFollowing the success of the indoor meeting in January to celebrate the scientific legacy of this major research borehole, the Natural History Society is once again joining forces with the Yorkshire Geological Society and the Friends of Killhope to hold a two day field meeting in the Northern Pennines.
Beginning at the borehole site, the programme will include visits to a number of locations in Rookhope, Weardale, Allendale and the Nent Valley. Key features of the area’s mineralisation will be seen in their regional stratigraphical and structural context with particular attention being paid to current research based in large part on understandings gained from the borehole’s findings.
Field leaders will include Brian Young, University of Durham; Elizabeth Pickett, North Pennines AONB; and Stuart Clarke, University of Keele.
Although this will be a two day meeting, each day’s itinerary will be ‘free-standing’. Details of the weekend programme, including meeting times and places will, be available from the Society office and website from early July. As it will be necessary to place an upper limit on the size of the party for each day, members are asked to reserve places with the Society office.
Cost: Free
Sep
02
Bats in Gosforth Park Nature Reserve
2nd Sep 2012
Outdoor Event, 7.45pm-9.15pmThis will be an evening event starting around sunset and continuing till dark. There will be a short talk on bat biology and ecology, and as the sun is setting we will walk through the reserve looking for and listening to the bats we find. This event is free but booking is required to limit numbers. Please contact the Society Office to book. Northumbria Mammal Group event.
This event is led by Jonathan Pounder
Sep
09
Wild Goats of the Cheviots, College Valley
9th Sep 2012
Outdoor Event, 1.30pmJoin former National Park Ranger John Steele for a walk in the Cheviot Hills to see the wild goats that live there. John will help to track down the goats and talk about their origin, behaviour and habits. We will also see other upland wildlife and plants.
We won’t know the general location of the goats until nearer to the date, and this will determine where we meet and how long the walk will last, however you should be prepared to walk a maximum of 5 miles (3 hours) in hilly terrain.
This event is free but you must reserve a place so that we can advise you of the exact meeting point nearer to the date. Please contact the Society Office to book.
This event is led by John Steele
Sep
09
Fantastic Fungi at Castle Eden Dene Nature Reserve, Peterlee
9th Sep 2012
Outdoor Event, 10am-1pmFind out more about the exciting world of fungi as we venture into Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve. Learn how to identify different species and play an active role in their conservation through recording. This event is free but booking is essential. Transport will be provided from the Great North Museum: Hancock to Castle Eden Dene and back again. Event is suitable for children but they must be accompanied by an adult. Tel 0191 222 5158 or email eric.ne@twmuseums.org.uk to book your place or find out more.
This event is in partnership with ERIC & Natural England
Sep
15
Autumn Waders at Low Newton, Northumberland Coast
15th Sep 2012
Outdoor Event, 3pmAt this time of year arctic wading birds are migrating south along our coastline towards their wintering grounds. We will watch wading birds using the beach and the fields between the village and Newton Pool and Chris Redfern will help you to improve your identification skills. We will have a telescope to look through but if you have your own binoculars or ‘scope then bring them with you. Meet outside the Ship Inn in Low Newton. There is a pay & display car park 300m away in the village at the top of the hill (grid ref NU239247). This event is free but booking is required to limit numbers. Please contact the Society Office to book. (Note: if you wanted to have lunch beforehand you can make reservations at the Ship Inn. Tel 01665 576262).
This event is led by Chris Redfern
Sep
22
Ferns at Hareshaw Linn, Bellingham
22nd Sep 2012
Outdoor Event, 10amThe British Pteridological Society (BPS) are holding a week-end field meeting in Northumberland and have kindly invited our members to join them on their visit to Hareshaw Linn in Northumberland National Park.
We should see plenty of ferns at this woodland, including Asplenium trichomaes ssp pachyrachis, and the BPS plan to produce a survey report for the site as part of this visit.
You will need to bring a packed lunch. If you would like to attend please contact Rob Cook at 123rjc@googlemail.com
Meet at the National Park car park in Bellingham (grid ref NY839 834).
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