7
9
6
Berwick Wildlife Group Contact: Molly Hardie, (01289) 332 655 Website: berwickwildlifegroup.org.uk Natural History Society of Northumbria Contact: Hazel Makepeace, (0191) 208 2790 Website: nhsn.ncl.ac.uk
8
10
Alnwick Wildlife Group Contact: Richard Poppleton, (01665) 578 346 Website: alnwickwildlifegroup.co.uk Border Natural History Society Contact: Lee Hollings, (01434) 221 284 Website: bordernats.wordpress.com North Northumberland Bird Club Contact: Liz Harrison, (01289) 388 869
Visit www.nwt.org.uk/local-groups for more information.
2
Wild goats in the Cheviots 19:30 - 21:30 | St Mark’s Church Hall, Amble | £2
An illustrated talk by Richard Bevan from Newcastle University.
Tel: (0191) 284 6884 Email: mail@northwt.org.uk Web: www.nwt.org.uk
Join NWT and ERIC (NE) for an introduction to local amphibians. Learn how to identify our native amphibian species and find out how you can help protect them by logging your sightings. This evening event will consist of an indoor session at NWT St. Nicholas Park followed by a field trip to a local site. Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing is essential. A walk of approx. 100m is required to the pond along level but potentially muddy ground. Suitable for older children if accompanied by an adult. A torch may be useful. Visit www.ericnortheast.org.uk/news-events to book.
FREE
NWt at the Park 10:00 - 15:30 | Jesmond Dene, Jesmond | FREE, donations welcome
NorthWildlife Registered in England & Wales Registered Company No. 717813 Registered Charity No. 221819
9
An early morning visit to Thornley Woods to hear and try to learn the songs of woodland bird species. Led by David Noble-Rollin, Natural History Society of Northumbria. No dogs allowed.
Come along, make a kite and discover just how windy Weetslade can be. Not suitable for under 3s. Suitable footwear/clothing required as you may be walking on uneven paths. No toilets or washing facilities on site.
6
Coastal Walk and nesting sea birds 13:30 - 16:30 | Craster Car Park, Craster | Non-members £1.50
A walk from Craster to Dunstanburgh observing flora and fauna. Wear appropriate clothing and bring binoculars.
Mammal tracks and trails 9:30 - 13:30 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | £5
Join us at for a guided walk as we hunt for sights and signs of mammals at Hauxley. We will be walking around the reserve, so please dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes.
Sun 6th Tue 8th Wed 9th
Join us for a walk from Winlaton Mill to Lockhaugh meadows looking for red kites, wild flowers and other wildlife. We will walk approximately 3 miles on good paths. Dogs on leads allowed. 9
FREE
An opportunity to learn about the fauna and flora of Gosforth Park Nature Reserve. Local experts will be on hand to talk about birds, plants, mammals and insects. The ground can be wet, muddy and uneven. Please wear suitable footwear. 2
Thu 10th Fri 11th
Warkworth wetlands 19:00 | Beach car park, Warkworth | £2
Join the group for a walk around Warkworth wetlands.
Come and find out more about NWT’s work to protect our region’s wildlife and have a go at some fun, seasonal games and activities. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of materials. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Beach clean 13:00 - 15:30 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | FREE
Fascinated by the marine world? Know your whelks from your winkles? Join the NWT Living Seas team and learn more about the wonderful and weird creatures living on our shores. No dogs please.
Discovering Bakethin 11:00 - 14:00 | Bakethin Nature Reserve | £5 per child
Come along to Bakethin Nature Reserve, explore the site and hunt for treasure. Find out what creatures lie beneath the murky depths of the pond and try your hand at some arts and crafts. Complete the session with a visit to our brand new wildlife viewing hide designed and built by Newcastle University students. No toilets or hand washing on site. Uneven paths and tracks.
Marine craft activities 14:00 - 16:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | £3 per child
Get creative and join the fun for marine crafts and activities. Aimed at ages 5-10.
FREE
Help NWT to protect marine wildlife. Marine litter is a real problem for our marine wildlife; a shocking survey showed that 95% of fulmars washed up in the North Sea had plastic in their stomachs. Help turn the tide on marine litter, join us and make a real difference for wildlife. Litter pick equipment will be provided but please bring your own gloves if you have them.
FREE NwT at the Park 10:00 - 15:30 | Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene | FREE, donations welcome Come and find out more about NWT’s work to protect our region’s wildlife and have a go at some fun, seasonal games and activities. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of materials. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Rockpooling 12:00 - 14:00 | Cresswell Foreshore | £3
Fascinated by the marine world? Know your whelks from your winkles? Join the NWT Living Seas team and learn more about the wonderful and weird creatures living on our shores. No dogs please.
In Focus 10:00 - 16:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | FREE
FREE
In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.
Treasure hunt 10:00 - 12:00 | Weetslade Country Park | £3 per child
Use the clues provided to follow the trail, locate and collect your treasure pieces. Put the pieces together to make something special for you to take home. Not suitable for under 3s. Suitable footwear/clothing required as you may be walking on uneven paths. No toilets or washing facilities on site.
Discovering Bakethin 11:00 - 14:00 | Bakethin Nature Reserve | £5 per child
Come along to Bakethin Nature Reserve, explore the site and hunt for treasure. Find out what creatures lie beneath the murky depths of the pond and try your hand at some arts and crafts. Complete the session with a visit to our brand new wildlife viewing hide designed and built by Newcastle University students. No toilets or handwashing on site. Uneven paths and tracks.
august
6
june 8
FREE
NWt at the Park 10:00 - 15:30 | Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene | FREE, donations welcome
FREE NWt at the Park | | 10:00 - 15:30 Pets Corner, Jesmond Dene FREE, donations welcome
Dragons and damsels 19:30 - 21:30 | St Michael’s Church Hall, Alnwick | Non-members £2
In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.
Gosforth Park Nature Reserve Open Day 10:30 - 15:30 | Gosforth Park Nature Reserve | FREE
A walk along the quayside to see kittiwakes and other wildlife. The walk follows flat and good paths. Dogs on leads allowed.
An illustrated talk about the region’s marine environment and its wildlife. Aimed at age 12+.
FREE
3
FREE
Marine talk 19:30 - 21:30 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | £3
Sat 12th
Fri 9th Sun 11th Sat 1st Thu 6th Tue 11th
Sun 9th
FREE
FREE
Forget the Oscars; this is the awards ceremony that counts! Join us to see the short-listed entries, announce the winners, open the exhibition and meet other photographers. There will also be a relevant talk with a guest speaker and refreshments available. Doors open at 5pm.
wildlife in the Lower Derwent Valley 18:30 - 20:30 | Derwent Walk Country Park | FREE
3
Come along and get creative - prizes for best children’s and best family sandcastle. No dogs please. (Teams of up to 6).
A walk along the dunes to the Long Nanny to see the nesting terns. Wear appropriate clothing and bring binoculars. No dogs. (Parking charges apply).
In Focus 10:00 - 16:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | FREE
An amble along Gateshead Quayside 18:30 - 20:30 | Gateshead Quayside | FREE
Sandcastle competition 10:00 - 12:00 | Druridge Bay Country Park | £3 per entry
5
FREE
7
Coronation Park 19:30 - 21:00 | William Elder Building, Berwick | £2, Non-members £3
Stewart Sexton will talk about the range of dragonflies and damselflies in our region and Richard Poppleton will add details of the vegetation of their habitats.
An opportunity to hear Border Natural History Society members give short talks about natural history observations or insights.
Geoff Sample, renowned sound recordist, will let us hear some of his recent recordings and see some related images of North Northumberland.
Join local bird expert Tom Cadwallender on a 10 kilometre guided walk from Cresswell Pond to Hauxley Nature Reserve to identify the many different birds that can be found along the fabulous Druridge Bay coastline.
Kites at windy Weetslade 10:00 - 12:00 | Weetslade Country Park | £3 per child
Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon, every Wednesday during term time. Please dress appropriately for the site as it can get muddy, windy and wet in inclement weather.
The sounds & images of North N’land 19:30 - 21:30 | St Michaels Church Hall, Alnwick | Non-members £2
Join the group for a walk around Hauxley Nature Reserve.
Come and find out more about NWT’s work to protect our region’s wildlife and have a go at some fun, seasonal games and activities. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of materials. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Come along to Weetslade and locate your pieces of treasure using the clues we give you. Put the pieces together to make something special for you to take home. Not suitable for under 3s. Suitable footwear/clothing required as you may be walking on uneven paths. No toilets or washing facilities on site.
@NorthWildlife
Hauxley Reserve 19:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | Non-members £2
Bird Song at Thornley Woods 7:30 – 9:30 | Thornley Woods, Rowlands Gill | FREE
Wild Tots 10:00 - 11:30 | Northumberlandia | £5 per child
Wed 26th
NorthumberlandWT
2
Come to hear stories of magical meadows, join in with crafts and have a walk to see the wild flowers around Northumberlandia. Bring appropriate footwear and clothing.
North East Wildlife Photography Awards 17:00 - 21:00 | Great North Museum: Hancock | FREE
NWT are hosting a marine mammal fun weekend at Cresswell. Spot dolphins and more on the cetacean watch and enjoy games and activities in the hall. Stop by to learn more about the varied marine life on our coast.
5
5
Flora and Fauna of the Woods 13:30 - 16:30 | Hepburn Woods | Non-members £1.50
A walk through the woods in search of woodland birds. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring binoculars.
Nature trail and plaster casts 10:00 - 12:00 | Weetslade Country Park | £3 per child
Enter your photos for a chance to win £250!
Come along to Weetslade and make your very own plaster cast of a deer or fox print. Check out our skins and skulls to see if you can identify what they are. Not suitable for under 3s. Suitable footwear/clothing required as you may be walking on uneven paths. No toilets or washing facilities on site.
Six categories, including young person’s, with prizes for each category winner and runners-up.
the handlebards - As You Like It 17:00 - 22:00 | Northumberlandia | £15 / early bird £12 / under 12 free
Closing date: Mon 15th May 2017
Join the HandleBards’ 2017 Summer Tour for a unique open air performance of this Shakespeare classic at Northumberlandia. Bring a picnic, chairs and blankets. In case of rain, bring waterproofs. Doors open 5pm, performance starts 6:30pm.
Big Watch Weekend 10:00 - 16:00 | Cresswell Foreshore | FREE
FREE
NWT are hosting a marine mammal fun weekend at Cresswell. Spot dolphins and more on the cetacean watch and enjoy games and activities in the hall. Stop by to learn more about the varied marine life on our coast.
Awards ceremony: Thu 6th July 2017, Great North Museum: Hancock To enter and for more information visit: www.northeastwildlifephoto.co.uk
Photo © Jonathan Gaunt
Northumberland Wildlife Trust Ltd Garden House St Nicholas Park Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT
FREE
A very short AGM, followed by an illustrated talk on the planning and planting of Coronation Park. Accompanied children welcome.
FREE
Members night 19:30 - 20:30 | Bellingham Middle School | Non-members £3
A weekend of activities at Kielder Water and Forest Park, aimed to entertain the whole family and encourage them to explore nature!
Discovering the Birds of Druridge 9:30 - 13:30 | Druridge Bay | £5
An illustrated talk by Ron McCombe, a well known local wildlife photographer, about his trips around Europe and the UK. Refreshments available.
Treasure hunt 10:00 - 12:00 | Weetslade Country Park | £3 per child
Dynamic Druridge project events funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Save our Magnificent Meadows project events run in partnership with Plantlife, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Living Seas events are funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Join us for a walk around our Hauxley reserve after dark. We hope to see some of the amphibians and may get a glimpse of other night time animals, including bats and moths. Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a torch. Recommended suitable for ages 5 and up.
FREE
National Meadows Day 11:00 - 15:00 | Northumberlandia | FREE
FREE
Big Watch Weekend 10:00 - 16:00 | Cresswell Foreshore | FREE
Rockpooling 10:00 - 12:00 | Cresswell Foreshore | £3
A summer walk through Darras Hall grassland led by Naomi Waite, to explore the botanical interest of this SSSI hidden away in the centre of Darras Hall estate. Please bring footwear for an uneven, potentially muddy surface and clothing appropriate for the weather conditions that day. Please call or email group to book a place.
Sun 13th
A Walk on the Wild Side 19:30 - 21:30 | Seahouses Community Hub | Non-members £2
Wildlife after dark 20:00 - 22:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | £5
In Focus 10:00 - 16:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | FREE
FREE
Dune flowers and nesting birds 13:30 - 16:30 | Newton Links - Car Park | Non-members £1.50
Sat 15th
Thu 4th 10
Come and find out more about NWT’s work to protect our region’s wildlife and have a go at some seasonal fun games and activities. Donations are welcome to cover the cost of materials. Dress appropriately for the outdoors.
Stay in touch
Tue 9th Wed 10th Sat 13th
Martin Kitching will tell us about the marine wildlife seen around the North East coast.
A weekend of activities at Kielder Water and Forest Park, aimed to entertain the whole family and encourage them to explore nature!
In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.
Mon 15th
Marine Wildlife 19:15 - 21:15 | St Helen’s Church Hall, Low Fell | Non-members £2
How to spot our local amphibians 18:00 - 21:00 | St. Nicholas Park, Gosforth | FREE
An illustrated talk on a controversial subject in many areas by the BTO News Editor and researcher at the British Trust for Ornithology Dr Viola Ross-Smith. Refreshments available.
Wild at Kielder Festival 10:00 - 16:00 | Kielder Water & Forest Park | Various Sun 14th
Sun 9th
FREE
Flowers of Darras Hall Grassland 13:30 - 15:00 | Darras Hall Grassland SSSI, Ponteland | FREE
4
Wed 23th
Alnwick & District Natural History Society Contact: Coral Turnbull, (01665) 602 614 Website: adnhs.org.uk
NWT Ponteland Group Contact: Mary Lee, (01670) 503 248 Website: pontelandwildlife.wixsite. com/pontelandwildlife
Join us at Hauxley at dawn for a guided walk to enjoy the dawn chorus. We will be walking around the reserve, so please dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes. No dogs please.
In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.
july 10
Gulls 19:30 - 21:30 | Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion | Non-members £2
FREE
Wed 30th
4
A gentle early evening walk through Ponteland Park and along the bridle path following the old railway to identify local breeding birds, particularly by listening for their songs and calls. Please bring footwear for walking on an uneven surface and clothing appropriate for the weather that day. Binoculars might be useful but are not essential. Younger members and dogs welcome as long as they don’t mind standing still and being quiet! Please call or email group to book a place.
Mon 17th
NWT Gateshead Group Contact: Judy Summerson, (07811) 927 330 Website: gatesheadwildlifegroup.weebly.com
NWT Coquetmouth Group Contact: Sue Swanston, (01665) 711 177
FREE
Fri 28th
5
2
4
Tue 1st
3
NWT Coquetdale Group Contact: Lorna Aiken, (01669) 640 237
Join us for a walk through the wood on well made paths to see bluebells and other spring flowers. Dogs on leads allowed.
Wed 2nd
1
FREE
Thu 3rd
Local groups
Join NWT for an evening rockpooling session at Cresswell Shore. Many intertidal species such as fish, crustaceans and cephalopods are more active at night so the shore will be teeming with even more life than usual.
Wed 17th
Please note that all children under 18 attending NWT events must be accompanied by an adult. Adult places for children’s events are generally free but must be booked. *Save our Magnificent Meadows.
Tue 11th
Living Seas Event
SoMM* Event
Night Rockpooling 20:00 - 22:00 | Cresswell Village Hall | £5
In Focus 10:00 - 16:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | FREE
A wander through Longacre Wood 18:30 - 20:30 | Longacre Wood, Gateshead | FREE
3
Local ornithologist and ringer, Philip Hanmer, will give an illustrated talk on his recent travels to the Shiant Islands and St Kilda. Refreshments available.
In Focus 10:00 - 16:00 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | FREE
A coastal walk from Howick to Craster in search of spring flowers and migrant birds. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring binoculars.
Wild at Kielder Festival 10:00 - 16:00 | Kielder Water & Forest Park | Various
3
Fri 14th
Dynamic Druridge Event
Mon 17th
Training Course
5
Birds of Peru 19:30 - 21:30 | Costello Centre, Alnwick | Non-members £1.50
In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.
Tue 18th
Wildlife Talk
Wed 19th
Children’s Activity
A walk around the reserve in search of signs of Spring. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Dawn Chorus 5:50 - 7:50 | Hauxley Nature Reserve | £5
Please be aware that if you need to cancel your attendance to one of NWT’s chargeable events with fewer than 7 days’ notice, we won’t be able to provide a refund. If we have to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, then a full refund will be issued.
Guided Walk
5
An illustrated talk by Tim Dean.
www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on to book!
Family Event
Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon, every Wednesday during term time. Please dress appropriately for the site as it can get muddy, windy and wet in inclement weather.
5
Spring Flowers and Early Migrants 13:30 - 16:30 | Seahouses Farm car park, Howick | Non-members £1.50
Spring birdsong in Ponteland 19:00 - 20:00 | Park and Old Railway, Ponteland | FREE
Wild Tots 10:00 - 11:30 | Northumberlandia | £5 per child
Sat 20th
icon on the events listing and visit
A talk by Dr. Richard Bevan on the research by Newcastle University on the wild goats in Cheviot. Refreshments included.
Wed 31th
Look for the
Wild goats, a conservation conundrum 19:30 - 21:10 | St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland | £2
Thu 1st
Most of our events are now available to book online. It’s quick and easy to do and guarantees you a place on the event. We don’t issue paper tickets but you’ll get a confirmation when you book and we’ll send you a reminder before the event takes place. You can also book by calling 0191 284 6884.
4
Fri 2nd
Online booking
An illustrated talk about wildlife in South Africa and Botswana followed by the AGM.
Spring flowers and bird activity 13:30 - 16:30 | Ford Moss Nature Reserve | Non-members £1.50 Thu 6th
Supported by over 12,000 individual members, over 300 volunteers, 29 corporate members and sponsors in the region, NWT manages and protects critical species and habitats at nature reserves and local sites throughout Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.
Sat 8th
One of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, NWT has campaigned for nature conservation for over 45 years. We aim to inform, educate and involve people of all ages and backgrounds in protecting their environment in favour of wildlife and conservation.
Wed 5th
Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) is the largest environmental charity in the region, working to safeguard all native wildlife.
From Newcastle (SA) to the Limpopo (+ AGM) 19:30 - 20:45 | Jubilee Hall, Rothbury | Non-members £2
Fri 12th
Mon 3rd Tue 4th
About Northumberland Wildlife Trust
1
Sat 5th
W i l d l i f e Tr u s t
Welcome to Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s latest What’s On guide, providing you with a handy monthly view of all our events and activities and those of our partner groups across the region. There’s something for everyone and we hope this guide will inspire you to get outside and get closer to nature!
may
April
Northumberland
10
The Shiants and a voyage to St Kilda 19:30 - 21:30 | Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion | Non-members £2