Current Outdoor Programme

We run an series of outdoor events throughout the year, though summer is the main season. These events are usually around the Reading area but also include an annual coach outing and regular trips to the coast for bird watching.

Field meetings take place on mid-week evenings as well as Saturdays and Sundays. The Wednesday morning walks, which are four to four and a half miles in length, are of general interest. There is the option of a pub drink/snack afterwards. All meetings start at the Grid Reference at the time stated. Please bring your own refreshments for all-day outings. If requiring a lift, please telephone the contact number given against the excursion. No responsibility for any mishaps occurring during the walks is accepted by the Society or by the walk leaders. All persons attending excursions do so at their own risk. No dogs are allowed on Nature Reserves, and in other places must be kept on short leads.

* BBOWT Reserve non-members will be expected to make a contribution VISITORS WELCOME

2008 programme

12th. April (Saturday)                          14.30 at SU 633738
* MOOR COPSE IN SPRING
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
Park at the original entrance which is beyond Tidmarsh on the left just before crossing the bridge over the M4.  It will be interesting, especially, to visit the new part of the Reserve for plants – and much more!

16th. April (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU 775902
HAMBLEDEN VALLEY IN SPRING
Leader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Start from the Frog Inn at Skirmett but limited parking at the inn. Explore around this wonderful valley for flora, birds and everything at what should be the best time of the year. A few hills but not too bad.

26th. April (Saturday)                          10.00 at SU 587639
PAICES WOOD NEAR ALDERMASTON
Leader: Tel. 0118 375 1756
Go south on the A340 through Aldermaston to the top of the hill, then turn right through Young’s Industrial Estate. The car park’s green bar entrance is on the left. A country park of mixed habitats
to look for Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, and plenty of plants to add to the Society’s 2005 list.

7th. May (Wednesday)                         19.00 at SU 545809
STARVEALL FARM NEAR ALDWORTH
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170
An evening of bird watching on the Downs. Park carefully on the bridleway near the farm.

10th. May (Saturday)                           14.30 at SU 382643
* INKPEN COMMON
Leader: Tel. 01635 866122
Take the second turn left in Kintbury village and follow the road to East and West Woodhay for about 11/4 miles. Bear right at Rooksnest Farm, signposted Inkpen Common. The main part of the Reserve is on the left opposite a row of small houses. Verge side parking. Patches of woodland, damp heathland (now rare in Berkshire) and a small valley bog are included in the site.

21st. May (Wednesday)                        10.15 at SU 703868
NETTLEBED COMMON
Leader: Tel. 01235 511861
Park near Nettlebed brick kiln for a walk on heathland and to look into the ponds for three kinds of newts, frogs and other aquatic life. Drive back to the Dog and Duck P.H. afterwards.

24th. May (Saturday)                           10.15 at SU 800809
* HURLEY CHALK PIT
Leaders: Tel. 0118 926 7441
Park either in The Crescent or on the verge of Hatchgate Lane, near The Horns P.H. Crazies Hill. An interesting late spring walk.

3rd. June (Tuesday)                             19.00 at SU 751644
FARLEY HILL AREA
Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
Park in the village hall car park next to the church at Farley Hill southwest of Arborfield Garrison on the A327 for a general interest evening walk.

14th. June (Saturday)          14.00 and 20.30 at SU 602827
RECORDING AT WITHYMEAD RESERVE
Co-ordinator: Tel. 01491 651609
Come in the afternoon to record plants, insects, butterflies and much else. Then stay on until late to join the mothing as darkness falls. To find the Reserve follow the B4009 from Goring through Cleeve for one mile and turn left following the Leathern Bottel P.H. sign. Immediately after the railway bridge, turn right and continue to the end of the road/track. Please share cars if possible. WELLIES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

18th. June (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU 638767
THE THREE RIVERS OF PANGBOURNE
Leader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Meet in the Recreation Ground car park (free) at the end of Thames Avenue, Pangbourne (between the railway bridge and the river). A mainly flat walk incorporating riverside, woodland and a lot more.

21st. June (Saturday)                           14.30 at SU 738322
NOAR HILL, Hampshire & I.o.W. Wildlife Trust Reserve
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170
Roadside parking, with care, below the site. The date should be right for Musk Orchids and other chalkland flora.

28th. June (Saturday)
COACH OUTING TO ARNE RSPB RESERVE
NEAR WAREHAM, DORSET
Co-ordinator: Tel. 0118 947 1097
See enclosed letter with details and booking form.

3rd. July (Thursday)                            19.00 at SU 717976
LEWKNOR, OXON
Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
Roadside parking in the village near the church. An evening walk of general interest using seldom visited lanes since the building of the M40. A new area for the Society to visit.

5th. & 6th.July (Saturday & Sunday) 20.30 & 09.00
at SU 616796
* MOTHING NIGHT AT HARTSLOCK RESERVE
Leader: Tel. 0118 961 5736
Drive into the Reserve to park, and bring a flask and picnic to enjoy an evening out. Mothing will start as darkness falls and be prepared to stay up late, or, if you must have an early night, you will be welcome on Sunday morning to view the contents of the traps.

16th. July (Wednesday)                       10.15 at SU 454694
BOXFORD COMMON BEYOND NEWBURY
Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
Park at The Blackbird P.H. Bagnor, for a walk up to the common, which was provisionally explored last autumn. It should be good botanically.

19th. July (Saturday)                           14.30 at SU 633738
* MOOR COPSE IN SUMMER
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
For parking instructions see under 12th. April. Come and search for summer plants and butterflies, especially in the new part of the Reserve.

26th. July (Saturday)                           14.30 at SU 693822
KINGWOOD COMMON FOR BOTANY
Leader: Tel. 01491 578633
Park in Red House Square, Kingwood Common. This is on the right hand side of the Sonning Common to Stoke Row Road. A heathland walk with heather and a Wild Service Tree amidst other good things.

2nd. August (Saturday)                        14.30 at SU 639576
BUMBLEBEES AT THE VYNE, SHERBORNE St. JOHN, HAMPSHIRE
Leader: Tel. 0118 970 0805
Meet in the car park of The Vyne. The gardens are the venue Graham has chosen to study bumblebees. This is a National Trust property, so remember to bring your ticket, if you are a member, and display your NT car park sticker, otherwise entry to the gardens is £4.00.

20th. August (Wednesday)                   10.15 at SU 822794
KNOWL HILL AND LITTLEWICK GREEN
Leader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Meet in the lay-by in front of the Seven Stars P.H. Knowl Hill. Up the knoll to admire the view then continuing around the fields of Littlewick Green. A walk full of surprises.

29th. August (Friday)                           10.00 at SU 561894
NORTH MORETON AREA
Leader: Tel. 01491 651609
Meet at The Bear at Home P.H. car park, North Moreton. Car share if possible, and wellies are advised if it is a wet summer. A five mile walk to see birds, dragonflies and the sign of water voles.

13th. September (Saturday)                 14.30 at SU 875621
OLDDEAN COMMON NEAR SANDHURST, SURREY
Leaders: Tel. 0118 987 4298
Roadside parking at the top of Kings Drive, Sandhurst for a walk on Crown Property. Heath Cudweed, Heath Pearlwort and Crested Buckler Fern may be spotted on this heathland site.

17th. September (Wednesday)            10.15 at SU 642859
HAILEY AND MONGEWELL WOODS
Leaders: Tel. 0118 947 1097
Park in the back car park of the King William P.H., Hailey. A fine view-filled walk over chalk grassland and woods. Much of general interest including field edge plants.

28th. September (Sunday)                  14.30 at SU 615635
* DECOY HEATH
Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
It is eight years since the Society last visited this Reserve, so it will be worth coming to see what is happening there these days. Possibly wet under foot, so wellies are advised.

7th. October (Tuesday)        19.45 at Pangbourne Village Hall
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS                            Mrs Jan Haseler
“SU76 - Finding the Butterflies in a 10K Square”

ADVANCE NOTICE

13th. November (Thursday)
COACH OUTING WITH READING GARDENERS TO HILLIERS ARBORETUM, ROMSEY, HAMPSHIRE.
Co-ordinator: Tel. 0118 947 1097

A letter with details and a booking form will be available in July

For previous year's outings click here.

All material on this Web Site is Copyright © Reading & District Natural History Society or its respective authors ( 25 March, 2008 ), unless otherwise stated.