Puffin

Photographic Group

Our last two indoor meetings of the summer gave us plenty to think about. In April we saw the latest efforts of the Royal Photographic Society's Nature Group. As always the standard was excellent and we must congratulate Adrian Langdon on his placing in this very strong field. I would also like to thank Norman and Margaret Froggatt for their organisation of this event which, as ever, ran very smoothly. In May we had the chance to look at Alan Griffiths' latest video diary. BBC eat your heart out! Alan's work is getting better by the month and we are already looking forward to next year's summary.

The weather is looking good for the summer, though I hope that I am not speaking too soon. Even our first field trip in June was blessed, despite the forecast. We had a walk around the roundabout on the A30 near Hayle Estuary; yes, I am being serious! This place is excellent for bee orchids and despite the funny looks from passers-by it was worth the effort. We then moved on to Loggan's Moor and Gwithian Towans; among the highlights were leopard orchids and fantastic specimens of viper's bugloss.
The Photographic Group is to stage an exhibition of its work at the Royal Cornwall Museum café, Truro, in February 2002. Make a date in your diary to avoid missing this event. David Chapman, who chairs the group, says that the exhibition will feature a wide range of Cornish wildlife from the popular to the less well-known subjects and the quality of photography will be very high indeed. Photos: David Chapman (green-veined white butterflies & puffin)

It was good to welcome a new face on the June field trip, particularly one who is a keen photographer with an eye for a good image. Over the next few months we are aiming to improve recruitment. By now you should have seen our centre spread in the West Briton and in February 2002 I hope you will go to see our exhibition in the Royal Cornwall Museum.
David Chapman

Annual competition

Don't forget our annual competition is in November and entries should be with me before the end of October. There are five categories this year: slides can be entered in the four categories Flora, Fauna, Field Trips and Composition and Form, and there is an open category for prints. You are allowed to enter up to five images in each category so this gives a maximum of 20 slides and 5 prints. You have no excuses - get out there and take some photos!

Annual competition
 Don't forget our annual competition is in November and entries should be with The Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative continues to implement the Cornwall Biodiversity Action Plans to protect and enhance Cornwall's wealth of wildlife. The partnership is now moving into a new phase, encouraging local businesses		 and communities to get involved in action for wildlife across Cornwall. This action can range from supporting community wildlife projects to producing a company green housekeeping policy or even to becoming champion of a threatened species. Anyone who would like to know more should contact me at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Beth Simmons