Cornwall Wildlife Trust Diary of Events COPY DATE for the next diary 15th March 1998 The next diary covers the period from late May to the end of September 1998. Advance notices of later events can be included, to increase the chances of publicising them. The Wild Cornwall packing date is 2nd May, but bear in mind - when planning dates for events - that hand-delivery in your area can take several weeks. Please send details of events (on forms available from Trust HQ) to the Diary Editor: Mark Dungey, 10 Rame Croft, Rame Cross, Penryn, TR10 9NB. LATE JANUARY TO MAY '98 Five Acres, Allet, Truro, TR4 9DJ. Telephone: (01872) 273939 All are welcome to attend. Donations from non-members would be appreciated. CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY ADULTS. JANUARY 1998 Saturday 24 BATS IN YOUR GARDEN Penzance Shop 10.00am to 4.00pm 2 Market Place, Penzance (at the top of Market Jew Street on the left). Learn how to encourage bats into your garden and how to identify different species. Construct your own bat box. Bring a packed lunch, notebook and pencils, and a hammer if you have one. Cost £12. Please book in advance. Leader John Page. Contact Sally Hawkins (01736) 331824 Organised by Penwith Branch Sunday 25 CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS PARC TASK 10.30am to 4.00pm Meet at site entrance by forestry gate, Cardinham side of Newbridge, just off A38. SX129653 We shall be bridge building and gate hanging. Bring waterproof clothing, packed lunch and stout footwear. Leader Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves on Cornwall) Team BIRD BRAINS Screech Owl Sanctuary, Goss Moor 2.00pm to 5.00pm From A30, near Indian Queens, follow brown signs. How much do you know about birds? After you've met the owls and heard about them, we'll be testing you with a quiz. There's no charge, but we're leaving time for you to use the tea room, buy a souvenir and make a donation to the sanctuary. You must book in advance. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch FEBRUARY Sunday 1 RESERVE WORKING PARTY Kennall Vale Nature Reserve 9.30am to 1.00pm Meet at reserve entrance or wander into wood and find us working somewhere. SW750374 Bring boots and gloves. Leaders Mark Weake and Stewart Clark (01872) 865071 Organised by Kerrier Branch EXPLORER DAY Camel Trail, Wadebridge 2.00pm to 4.00pm From BP garage on A39, between Royal Cornwall Showground and bypass bridge, take Wadebridge turn. After µ mile, turn left at small roundabout. At next roundabout, next to Bridge Bike Hire, the Camel Trail is signed to the left. There are several (paying) car parks. Meet at start of trail. We're linking up with our friends in the RSPB's junior wing again to have a look at some of Cornwall's magnificent bird life. Other details will be given. You must book in advance. Leaders Tony Whithead and others. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / YOC Thursday 5 and Friday 6 LIFE IN THE FREEZER Falmouth Arts Centre, 24 Church Street, Falmouth 7.30pm Ben Osborne was the stills photographer for the BBC TV Series Life in the Freezer. His astonishing illustrated talk (with audio-visual sequences) draws on his experiences to provide a spectacular, entertaining and informative view of the continent few people have visited. Tickets (£4.00 each) available from the Arts Centre Box Office (01326) 212300 or from event sponsors Mylor Marine Electronics (01326) 374001. Contact Kate Mulcahy (01326) 374001 Monday 9 MONTHLY PHOTOGRAPHIC MEETING Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet 7.30pm Best and worst evening. Bring some of your best slides or prints and any you have had a problem with, together with any equipment you have had problems with. All Trust members welcome. Contact Alan Griffiths (01736) 364839 Organised by Wildlife Photography Group Tuesday 10 WORKING WITH BADGERS Duchy College, Stoke Climsland 7.30pm Meet in main car park, end of entrance drive, Duchy College, near Stoke Climsland. Illustrated talk on the natural history and the care and resettlement of badgers. Leader Gill Pearce. Contact Dave Bradshaw (01579) 363538 Organised by Caradon Branch Thursday 12 and Friday 13 REDLAKE COTTAGE MEADOWS PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm Do not meet at reserve. Transport is provided for all from Lostwithiel Community Centre at 10.00am. SX106600 We shall be clearing scrub to enhance the heath lobelia habitat. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by Caradon PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team Saturday 14 ANNUAL BRANCH PARTY Rosemorran, Clements Road, Penzance 7.30pm Everyone welcome - new members, visitors from other branches and any friends and relations. A friendly evening with a few light-hearted quizzes (optional) and mulled wine. Please bring a plate of "finger food" to share and £2.50 each for drinks and Trust funds. Contact Liz Tregenza (01736) 351793 Organised by Penwith Branch Sunday 15 ESTUARY WATCH Grove Farm, Elmgate, Saltash 10.00am From A38 Trematon Cross, head south through Trematon village; turn right for Elmgate. At Elmgate take extreme right turning, follow 1 mile to end of lane at Grove Farm. SX379576 A chance to visit a quieter part of the Lynher Estuary to see waders, ducks and other estuary life. By kind permission of Dr David Davis. Bring warm clothing and binoculars. Leader Steve Madge. Contact Dave Gibbon (01579) 343083 Organised by Caradon Branch RED MOOR PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm Meet at the grass triangle at Tredinnickpits, or lift from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro railway station at 10.00am. SX077623 We shall be carrying out heathland management by clearing gorse. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team Monday 16 CAMERA CLOSE-UPS Parkhouse Centre, Bude 7.30pm Graham Sutton's wildlife photography, particularly of dragonflies. Organised by Tamar Branch Saturday 21 WINTER WOODLAND WALK Luxulyan Woods 10.00am to 12.00 noon Meet at car park by bridge at Ponts Mill Works. SX072562 A closer look at this beautiful woodland and its industrial past. Wear stout boots. Leader Gerry Brain Contact Dave Thomas (01726) 861093 Organised by Restormel Branch Sunday 22 CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS PARC TASK 10.30am to 4.00pm Meet at entrance to reserve. SX129653 The last opportunity to erect bird boxes before the start of the breeding season. We may also be erecting some dormouse boxes as well. Bring a packed lunch, old clothes, boots etc. Leader Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team Wednesday 25 DORMICE, DRAGONFLIES AND SUPPORTING CAST Central Methodist Hall, Launceston 7.30pm Gary Pilkington presents a talk and slide presentation on woodland and meadow conservation to encourage our local species. Contact Brian Stringer (01566) 774902 Organised by Launceston Branch Saturday 28 THE TRAVELLING DISCOVERY CENTRE Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro The Natural History Museum in London is coming to Truro with a major touring exhibition. We will book Fox Club and Watch in for a workshop and you can stay on to see the rest of the exhibits. You must book in advance when times and other details will be given. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch MARCH Sunday 1 RESERVE WORKING PARTY Kennall Vale Nature Reserve 9.30am to 1.00pm Meet at reserve entrance or wander into wood and find us working somewhere. SW750374 Bring boots and gloves. Leaders Mark Weake and Stewart Clark (01872) 865071 Organised by Kerrier Branch RED MOOR PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm Meet at the grass triangle at Tredinnickpits, or lift from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro railway station at 10.00am. SX077623 We shall be carrying out heathland management by clearing gorse. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team Friday 6 WILD TIMES IN NAMIBIA St Piran's Hall, Goldsithney 7.30pm to 9.00pm approx. Take the Helston road from Penzance. Turn left onto the B394 opposite the Dynasty Restaurant (Bertie Wooster's that was) at the Perranuthnoe turning. The hall is the first building on the left after approx. 1/2 mile. Easy car parking. No steps. SW544305 Very brief AGM, coffee or tea, and an illustrated talk by Jane Richardson about her experiences of wildlife in Namibia and neighbouring countries. Contact Jane Richardson (01326) 562648 Organised by Penwith Branch Saturday 7 WILDLIFE GARDENING Penzance Shop 10.00am to 4.00pm 2 Market Place, Penzance (top of Market Jew Street on the left) Learn how to encourage wildlife into your garden by design and choice of trees, plants and flowers. Bring a packed lunch, notebook and pencils. Tea and coffee will be provided. Cost £6. Please book in advance. Leader Terry Geater. Contact Sally Hawkins (01736) 331824 Organised by Penwith Branch OTTER WORKSHOP Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet 10.30am for 11.00am, finish approx. 4.00pm Come along and sharpen up your signs of otter identification skills. Morning session at Five Acres, afternoon out and about at local otter hot spots. Bring lunch and wet-weather gear. Contact David Curtis (01579) 370427 Organised by Otter Group IDENTIFYING AND RECORDING TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS Venue to be arranged 10.30am Seminar involving talks by local experts, practical session in afternoon and official launch of Cornwall Mammal Group. All welcome. Please book in advance. Contact Chris Page (01209) 860671 Organised by CISFBR (Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Federation of Biological Recorders) Monday 9 MONTHLY PHOTOGRAPHY MEETING Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet 7.30pm David Chapman will talk about bird photography. All Trust members welcome. Contact Alan Griffiths (01736) 364839 Organised by Wildlife Photography Group Tuesday 10 AGM / DEER IN CORNWALL Stuart House, Liskeard 7.30pm for AGM 8.00pm for illustrated talk Stuart House is between the library and the Esso station, Barras Street. Illustrated talk given by local and national expert Ian Berry, who manages the herd at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Speaker Ian Berry. Contact Gail Cory for AGM business (01579) 347445 or Dave Gibbon for information on talk (01579) 343083. Organised by Caradon Branch Saturday 14 MONSTERS IN MINIATURE Parkhouse Centre, Bude 2.00pm to 4.00pm Directions available on booking. Magnified on screen by the Environment Agency's specialist equipment, small river animals look fearsome. Find out what these creatures can tell us about the quality of our rivers. You must book in advance. Cost £1.75 per person. Leader Trevor Renals. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Tamar Branch Sunday 15 MYSTERIES OF PONDLIFE Duchy College, Stoke Climsland 11.00am Meet in main car park, end of entrance drive, Duchy College of Agriculture, Stoke Climsland. Supervised exploration of pond life - all equipment and facilities provided. Families particularly welcome. Leader Dave Bradshaw (01579) 363538 Organised by Caradon Branch THE CRUEL SEA Falmouth Coastguard Station 2.00pm to 3.30pm Directions available on booking. The sea means life to many of our most amazing creatures, as well as to people, but it also holds dangers. This presentation on the coastguard's search and rescue work should help us towards a better understanding of the sea that surrounds us. You must book in advance. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch VENTONGIMPS MOOR PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm Meet at the nature reserve entrance in Ventongimps village, or lift from Five Acres at 10.00am or Truro railway station at 10.15am. SW781514 We shall be managing the heathland. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team Monday 16 THE WONDERFUL FARNE ISLANDS Parkhouse Centre, Bude 7.30pm Speaker Dave Thomas Organised by Tamar Branch Tuesday 17 AGM / RCPCA TALK Camborne Resource Centre 7.30pm to 10.00pm The centre is around the corner from Argos in Camborne. RSPCA talk with film. Just bring yourselves. Please attend as it's your group. Leader Grace Mason (01326) 565300 Organised by Kerrier Branch Saturday 21 PANNING, PENZANCE AND PORPHYRY Penzance 1.00pm to 4.30pm Meet at Cornwall Geology Museum, Alverton Street, Penzance. Forget the long words and enjoy an afternoon of hands-on (and feet-on) geology in and around Penzance. Cost 75p children, £1.50 adults (for entry into museum). Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / RIGS Group / Royal Geological Society of Cornwall Museum SEA TREASURES Plymouth Aquarium 2.00pm to 5.00pm Follow signs from Plymouth city centre to the Hoe. The Aquarium is at the east end of the Hoe in Citadel Road. Gather outside. Explore the riches of the undersea world - in comfort - with the Marine Biological Association. You must book in advance. Cost 50p per child, £2 per adult. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch Sunday 22 LAPPA VALLEY RAILWAY Near St Newlyn East 10.00am to 2.00pm (weather permitting) Meet at Lappa Valley Railway car park. SW839574 A rare opportunity to walk along this miniature rail line (closed for the winter) past one of Cornwall's largest mines, East Wheal Rose. Then on to Newlyn East Downs to see moorland and heathland birds, butterflies and wild flowers. By kind permission of Mr Booth, owner of Lappa Valley Railway. Bring stout boots and lunch. Leader Dave Thomas (01726) 861093. Organised by Restormel Branch Wednesday 25 HEDGEROWS IN NORTH CORNWALL - THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES Central Methodist Hall, Launceston 7.30pm Presented by Charlie David of North Cornwall Heritage Coast and Countryside Service. What is happening to our hedgerows locally? Charlie will reveal all, explaining their value as habitats, management and changes in regulations. Contact Brian Stringer (01566) 774902 Organised by Launceston Branch Sunday 29 EXPLORE THE SHORE Bar Beach, Helford Passage 1.00pm to 3.00pm Meet at the Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. SW764269 Seashore animals and weeds. Be prepared to paddle. Leader Dr Paul Gainey. Contact Pamela Tompsett (01209) 842316 or (01872) 273939 Organised by Helford VMCA Group VENTONGIMPS MOOR PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm Meet at the nature reserve entrance in Ventongimps village, or lift from Five Acres at 10.00am or Truro railway station at 10.15am. SW781514 We shall be managing the heathland. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS PARC TASK 10.30am to 4.00pm Meet at site entrance. SX129653 Step building and revetment work to improve access along the nature trail. Bring a packed lunch, old clothes, waterproofs etc. Leader Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) team CORNWALL WILDLIFE TRUST MEMBERS' CONFERENCE Time and venue to be confirmed A one-day conference to set the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's priorities for action. Speakers include Dr Simon Lyster (Director General of The Wildlife Trusts) on The Wildlife Trusts' National Plan; Trevor Edwards (Director of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust) on Cornwall Wildlife Trust 1980 - 1999; Christopher Howe (Senior Conservation Officer of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust) on Biodiversity Priorities in Cornwall. Please call Trust HQ - (01872) 273939 - to book your place. APRIL Thursday 2 BIOLOGICAL RECORDING SEMINAR Lecture Theatre, Camborne School of Mines, Pool, Redruth 9.45am to 4.30pm. SW667416 Highlighting species for recording and research. Advance booking essential. Contact Pamela Tompsett (01872) 273939 Organised by Environmental Records Centre Sunday 5 RESERVE WORKING PARTY Kennall Vale Nature Reserve 9.30am to 1.00pm Meet at reserve entrance or wander into wood and find us working somewhere. SW750374 Bring boots and gloves. Leaders Mark Weake and Stewart Clark (01872) 865071 Organised by Kerrier Branch Monday 6 MONTHLY PHOTOGRAPHY MEETING Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet 7.30pm Note that for this month only our meeting is on the first Monday of the month. Norman and Margaret Froggat have arranged for a showing of the RPS Nature Group audiovisual exhibition. All Trust members welcome. Contact Alan Griffiths (01736) 364839 Organised by Wildlife Photography Group Saturday 11 FUN WITH ART The Bolitho School, Penzance 2.00pm to 4.00pm Directions available on booking. We're going to have an exciting afternoon experiementing with art - we'll send you full details of what to bring when you book. Design an animal or plant card and bring it along - there will be prizes for the best ones. You must book in advance. Cost £1 per child. Leader Karrin Kempinsky. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch Sunday 12 DEVICHOYS WOOD PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm Meet at nature reserve entrance in Perranarworthal, or lift from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro railway station at 10.00am. SW775381 Charcoal burning and woodland management. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team Saturday 18 CAMEL TRAIL CYCLE RIDE Wadebridge 10.00am to 3.00pm Meet at car park opposite Kernow-'Scopes wildlife shop, Eddystone Road, Wadebridge. SW988725 Blow the cobwebs off your old boneshaker, polish up the bell and you are ready for the ride of your life. A gentle and flat bicycle ride along this beautiful disused railway line looking for birds, butterflies and wild flowers. Bring lunch, binoculars and a bicycle, or you can hire one from Bridge Cycle Hire (01208) 813050 - book early. Please note, this is ideal for all members throughout the county, so please come along for a pleasant day out and meet other Trust members. Leader Dave Thomas (01726) 861093 Organised by Restormel Branch Sunday 19 SPRING WALK - COAST AND VALLEY Talland Bay 10.00am Meet at Talland Bay car park. SX225516 Delightful walk in the spring along the coast and up a hidden valley. Spring flowers and newly arrived migrant birds. Bring stout footwear and a packed lunch. Leader Dave Gibbon (01579) 343083 Organised by Caradon Branch CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS PARC TASK 10.30am to 4.00pm Meet at site entrance. SX129653 Access improvements through bridges, steps and gates. Bring a packed lunch, old clothes, waterproofs etc. Leader Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team WOUNDED WILDLIFE RSPCA Animal Centre, St Columb 2.00pm to 4.00pm Directions available on booking. A guided tour by the RSPCA, showing how its new centre rescues and cares for wild - and domestic - animals in need. You must book in advance. Donations to RSPCA appreciated. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch Wednesday 22 FLOWERS AND FERNS Camborne School of Mines, Pool, Redruth SW667416 Wild flowers and ferns in Cornwall. Advance booking essential. Leader Rosaline Murphy. Contact Pamela Tompsett (01872) 273939 Organised by BSBI Recorder and Environmental Records Centre Sunday 26 MAMMAL WORKSHOP Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet 10.00am to 3.00pm This is a follow-up meeting to that held on 7th March, but all interested in mammals are welcome. Bring lunch and outdoor footwear. Leader Ron Evenden (01726) 66647 Organised by Mammal Group SPRING ON THE CLIFFS Perranuthnoe, West Cornwall 11.00am until mid-afternoon Meet at entrance to car park at Perranuthnoe (off the Helston to Penzance road). SW540294 Walk around the cliffs and shore to Marazion to see the spring flowers and watch for waders on the shore. Return along the inland path. Bring a packed lunch and footwear suitable for the beach. Leader Sylvia Gartside. For more information contact Sylvia Gartside (01736) 710477. Organised by Penwith Branch DEVICHOYS WOOD PARC TASK 10.30am on site, finish approx. 4.00pm The nature reserve entrance is in Perranarworthal, or lift from Five Acres at 9.45am or Truro railway station at 10.00am. SW775381 Charcoal burning and woodland management. Bring wellies (ideally steel toecapped), waterproofs, gardening gloves and lunch. Leader Victoria Scott (01872) 273939 Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS PARC TASK 10.30am to 4.00pm Meet at site entrance. SX129653 Step building and revetment work to improve access along the nature trail. Bring a packed lunch, old clothes, waterproofs etc. Leader Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team ROCKS AND REPTILES Minions, near Liskeard 10.00am to 12.00 noon Meet outside Cheesewring Hotel in Minions, on the Dobwalls to Upton Cross road, near the Caradon TV mast. SX261712 The last time we tried this the rain was too heavy to see even the rocks, never mind the reptiles! This spectacular moorland area is well worth another rockwatching and reptile rambling visit though. Leaders Martin Eddy and Gary McCammick. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Caradon Countryside Service Wednesday 29 OTTERS AND WEASELS Central Methodist Hall, Launceston 7.30pm Presented by Derek Lord, National Trust Coastal Warden. Derek will update us on the latest surveys in Cornwall, hot from the press, hopefully bringing good news for wildlife generally. Contact Brian Stringer (01566) 774902 Organised by Launceston Branch MAY Sunday 3 RESERVE WORKING PARTY Kennall Vale Nature Reserve 9.30am to 1.00pm Meet at reserve entrance or wander into wood and find us working somewhere. SW750374 Bring boots and gloves. Leaders Mark Perranuthnoe and Stewart Clark (01872) 865071 Organised by Kerrier Branch DOWN ON SUNNYSIDE FARM Carn Moor, Goonhavern 2.00pm to 4.00pm Directions available on booking. A guided tour of June Moore's organic farm and garden, and then on to the heathland reserve which she wardens for the Trust. You must book in advance. Leaders June Moore and others. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch Wednesday 6 OFFICIAL OPENING CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS NATURE RESERVE 10.30am Meet at site entrance. SX129653 Contact Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by Reserves Team Sunday 10 SPRING FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES Cabilla and Redrice Woods Nature Reserve 10.00am Meet at sawmill entrance to woods on minor road. Turn north off A38, 1 mile east of Bodmin Parkway turning. SX128653 Spring flowers at their best in this rich and varied woodland reserve. Bring a packed lunch. Leader Dave Gibbon (01579) 343083 Organised by Caradon Branch Monday 11 MONTHLY PHOTOGRAPHY MEETING Trust HQ, Five Acres, Allet 7.30pm The wildlife of Newfoundland. Ron Evenden will give an illustrated talk about his recent visit. All Trust members welcome. Contact Alan Griffiths (01736) 364839 Organised by Wildlife Photography Group Sunday 17 FIELD MEETING Breney Common Nature Reserve 10.30am Meet at the chapel. Contact Alan Griffiths (01736) 364839 or Ray Dennis (01736) 363928 Organised by Wildlife Photography Group CABILLA AND REDRICE WOODS PARC TASK 10.30am to 4.00pm Meet at site entrance. SX129653 We will be cutting bracken in one of the glades to improve the habitat for the rare pearl-bordered fritillary. Bring old clothes, packed lunch etc. Leader Steve Chudleigh (0467) 792427 (mobile) Organised by PARC (Practical Action on Reserves in Cornwall) Team BLUEBELL WALK Hawkes Wood, near Wadebridge 2.00pm to 4.00pm From the old A39 in the centre of Wadebridge, take the turning to Polmorla and Treneague. Meet just east of Porlmorla by the Forestry Commission entrance. (Call for a map.) SW985714 Get away from it all with a peaceful stroll through some lovely Cornish oak woodland. Leader Ian Bennallick. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Camel Branch Saturday 23 BLUEBELL WALK Respryn Woods 9.30am (morning only) Meet at Respryn Bridge NT car park below Lanhydrock House. SX098637 A riverside and woodland walk to see springtime birds, butterflies and bluebells. Bring stout boots and binoculars. Leader Dave Thomas (01726) 861093 Organised by Restormel Branch Sunday 31 RIVERSIDE WALK AND BBQ St Erth, near Hayle 2.00pm to 5.00pm Meet at St Erth Church. SW550350 Circular walk along river bank and through fields to see flowers and birds in the valley, followed by a barbecue at Alistair and Tracey's home. Bring food to cook. Leader Alistair Beasley (01736) 755099 Organised by Penwith Branch ADVANCE NOTICES JUNE Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW Wadebridge Visit the Helford VMCA and Trust stands. Saturday 6 FLYING DRAGONS The Millpond, Hayle 2.00pm to 4.00pm Meet in the Millpond Gardens, at the bottom of Foundry Hill. Park nearby in Foundry car park (paying). Call for a map if needed. Water for Life is the major theme of The Wildlife Trusts for 1998, and what could be better than a pond dip to show the variety of wildlife - including dragonflies - our freshwater habitats support? Bring a pond net if you have one. Leaders Mark Nicholson and others. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Hayle-Gwithian Countryside Service Sunday 7 WILDLIFE CRUISE Helford River 2.30pm to approx. 5.00pm Meet at the Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage. From Treluswell roundabout, on A39 between Perranarworthal and Penryn, follow signs for Helston (A394) but turn off for Mawnan Smith, passing College and Argal Reservoirs. Take road for Helford Passage from Mawnan Smith. SW764269 Both children and adults will enjoy this evening of exploration in the Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Area. You must book and pay in advance. Cost £4 adults, £2 children. Bring waterproof clothing. Allow time to park - we must leave on time to catch the high tide! Leaders WL Collins and Pamela Tompsett. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Helford VMCA Group Saturday 13 FLYING DRAGONS Breney Common, near Lostwithiel 2.00pm to 4.00pm From the A30/A391 (Innis Downs) roundabout, south of Bodmin, turn north to Lanivet and then take the first right under the A30 bridge. At Reperry Cross, turn right and make sure you take the left fork to Trebell Green. Go straight on at Trebell Green towards Gurtla. The entrance track to the reserve is on the left in Gurtla, after the Methodist church - opposite The Barn. (Call us for a map if you prefer!) SX054610 Another chance to celebrate Water for Life by studying dragonflies and other animals that depend on this Trust reserve's very important collection of ponds. Bring a pond net if you have one. Leader Dave Thomas. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Restormel Branch Sunday 14 FLYING DRAGONS Welcombe and Marsland Reserve, Morwenstow 2.00pm to 4.00pm Heading north from Bude on A39, go through Kilkhampton and carry on to Crump. Take the road signed to CSOS Morwenstow. After about 2 miles, take second right on the sharp bend at Shop (signed Gooseham). Take second left towards Marsland Manor. After a mile, stop at sharp left-hand bend at head of track to Marsland Mouth. SS217169 Dragonflies will be among the many things to see and do on this special nature reserve - well worth a long drive north. Bring a pond net if you have one. Leader Gary Pilkington. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Tamar Branch Sunday 21 THE INSECTS AND OTHER WILDLIFE OF LOGGAN'S MOOR 11.00am to mid-afternoon Meet at the entrance to the reserve. Take the Gwithian road (B3301) from the east end of Hayle. After about 1/2 mile you will come to a large lay-by on the right. The entrance is off this lay-by. SW575390 This marshy reserve is very rich in insects, some of them rare. A chance to learn a bit about the moths, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles etc. and see flowers like the unusual white form of ragged robin. Bring a packed lunch. Small, clear containers to examine specimens would be useful. Wellington boots will enable us to take some short cuts through the stream. Leader Chris Haes. Contact the leader - (01736) 752940 - for more information on flora and fauna. For other information call Liz Tregenza (01736) 351793. Organised by Penwith Branch JULY Saturday 11 GLOW-WORM WATCH Gwithian Towans, near Hayle 9.30pm to 11.00pm Gwithian is on B3301 Hayle to Portreath road. Follow sign to Gwithian Towans car park but stop 50m off main road. SW582407 Bring a torch and stay up late with us for a very unusual Saturday night experience. Leader Terry Geater. Contact Debbie Schorah (01872) 273939 Organised by Fox Club and Watch / Hayle-Gwithian Countryside Service Wednesday 22 GRASSES AND WOODRUSHES WORKSHOP Lecture Hall, Truro College, College Road, Truro 10.00am to 4.00pm. SW794486 Grasses and woodrushes in Cornwall - habitats and identification. Bring specimens for identification if required. Leader Rosaline Murphy. Contact Pamela Tompsett (01872) 273939 Organised by Environmental Records Centre Sunday 26 EVENING COSERVATION CRUISE - HELFORD RIVER 6.00pm to 8.30pm Meet at the Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage, Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth. SW764269 Advance booking essential. Tickets £4 Adults and £2 children. Bring weatherproof clothing. Leaders WL Collins and Pamela Tompsett (01209) 842316 or (01872) 273939 Organised by Helford VMCA Group AUGUST Sunday 9 SECRETS OF THE SHORE Gillan Harbour, St Anthony-in-Meneage 12.30pm to 2.30pm Meet on the shore by St Anthony-in-Meneage Church. SW783255 Seashore animals and weeds. Be prepared to paddle. Leader Pamela Tompsett (01209) 842316 or (01872) 273939 Organised by Helford VMCA Group |