Camel

Chairman Brian Wright welcomed members to the Wadebridge Town Hall for an excellent illustrated talk by Colin Speedie on marine mammals around our coast. Unfortunately the turnout was low and many members missed a great show. It has always been the aim in Camel Branch to put on regular events, both indoors and out, but we would appreciate some feedback as to what activities members would like, what speakers they wish to hear and also which evenings are preferred.

Trevor Renals has had a few field trips to his property at Tregellist, near St Kew, and has recently discovered an unusual, little-known slime mould called Mucilago Crustacea.

The committee has been reviewing the proposals for the flood defence scheme at Sladesbridge and has replied to the consultants with some additions and amendments that we feel would benefit the flora and fauna of the area and also link in with the much needed flood defence work.

Adrian Langdon

Perhaps not the most photogenic of species, but nevertheless part of the biodiversity on which we all depend, this unusual slime mould was found near St Kew in the Camel Group's area. Photo: Trevor Renals

Launceston

A questionnaire was sent out in the Launceston newsletter delivered I with the last magazine asking members to say if they were interested in helping with the branch by putting up posters, volunteering to be the Speaker Secretary or becoming the Chairman etc. Sadly to date we have not received one reply and must therefore conclude that the Launceston membership does not want the branch to continue the way it has done over the past five years.

At a recent committee meeting it was decided that we would only have occasional talks and not the six per year that we have been holding. We are still looking for a new Chairman. If you want an active branch, please respond to the questionnaire.

Jacki Ellis-Martin

Penwith

The year got off to a good start with a very well-attended slide evening led by Nick Tregenza and Colin Speedie. The topic for the evening was whales, dolphins and sharks.

The annual branch party was held in February and was kindly hosted by Liz Tregenza. It was an excellent evening with plenty of food and drink and a light-hearted quiz courtesy of Nick Tregenza. It would, however, have been nice to have seen a few more faces.

Our event for March was a chance to see Bernard Hocking's computerised photo records of wildlife on his farm. This was followed by an excellent farmhouse tea with honey from the farm and clotted cream from a neighbour. After the tea we had a very pleasant walk round the farm, many thanks to Bernard and Rosemary Hocking.

Now the good weather is hopefully with us, what better way of spending a summer evening or Sunday afternoon than a walk on a nature reserve here in Penwith? We have plenty to choose from. The new circular walk round St Erth Pits is proving very popular, or if you fancy a longer walk you could visit

Bosvenning Common or Chun Downs, and if it's the coast you want to visit/ walk from Mousehole to Lamorna passing through Kemyel Crease. Other reserves in Penwith include Baker's Pit, Caer Bran, Loggan's Moor and Upton Towans; details are available on the Trust's website or from Allet.

Hope to see plenty of new faces at our summer events.

Alistair Beasley

Tamar

Our winter programme has continued, with good attendance at all monthly meetings. An enjoyable innovation has been readings from nature notes and poems at the start of each meeting.

In January, after "our AGM, David Atwell gave a fascinating talk on the history of the now uninhabited island of St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, and his working visit there. He spent some weeks on maintenance work on the island, one of an international group of volunteers, but, unlike the previous inhabitants, did not have to eat puffins for breakfast!

I was absent from the February meeting, visiting the desert country of Namibia, where wildlife and plants have adapted to the dry conditions and sand dunes can be over 3,000 feet high! It is as windy as Cornwall - but somewhat warmer!

As I write, spring has arrived. It is a delight to walk the footpaths, admire the flowers and watch the birds after last year's deprivations. I am looking forward to the orchids I was unable to see last year. This group has planned several summer events for the Trust's 40th anniversary.

Local news:

Two dead whales have come ashore at Widemouth Bay in as many months, part of a growing statistic. A bittern has been heard - and seen by a lucky few - in Bude Marshes.

Gill Ruddock