NWT What's On December 2016 - April 2017

What’s On December - April 2017

Wildlife events in Newcastle, North Tyneside & Northumberland

Welcome to Y

December 201

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is the largest environmental charity in the region, working to safeguard all native wildlife.

One of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has campaigned for nature conservation for over 45 years. It aims to inform, educate and involve people of all ages and backgrounds in protecting their environment in favour of wildlife and conservation.

Supported by over 12,000 individual members, over 300 volunteers, 33 corporate members and sponsors in the region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust manages and protects critical species and habitats at nature reserves and local sites throughout Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

Stay up to date!

We’re adding new events regularly, so watch the website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to our e-newsletter via our website.

NorthumberlandWT Northumberland Wildlife Trust Ltd Garden House St Nicholas Park Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT

@NorthWildlife (0191) 284 6884 mail@northwt.org.uk www.nwt.org.uk

Registered in England & Wales Registered Company Number: 717813 Registered Charity Number: 221819 Front cover photo: Robin Š Steven Playle

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www.nwt.org

Your Wild Life

16 - April 2017

Welcome to our latest what’s on guide which provides you with a handy monthly view of all NWT events and activities and also those of our partner groups across the region. There’s something for everyone! We hope this guide will inspire you to get outside and get closer to nature!

Please book online Most of NWT’s 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.

Look for the

icon on the events listing.

Please be aware that if you need to cancel your attendance to one of NWT’s chargeable events with less 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.

Family Event

Guided Walk

Children’s Activity

Wildlife Talk

Training Course

Dynamic Druridge Event

SoMM* Event

Living Seas Event

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.

Supported by players of

NWT general events are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Dynamic Druridge and Save our Magnificent Meadows events are funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Living Seas events are funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. *Save our Magnificent Meadows.

g.uk/whats-on

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Around th

Northumberland Wildlife Trust works with a number of groups ac you’re interested in learning more about wildlife and meeting lik

Our Local Groups NWT Coquetdale Group Jubilee Hall, Rothbury Contact: Lorna Aiken, 01669 640 237 NWT Coquetmouth Group St Mark’s Church Hall, Wellwood Street, Amble Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177 NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330 NWT Ponteland Group St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland Contact: Mary Lee, 01670 503 248

Other Local Groups Alnwick & District Natural History Society Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614 Alnwick Wildlife Group St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346 Berwick Wildlife Group The William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655 Border Natural History Society Bellingham Middle School, Bellingham Contact: Lee Hollings, 01434 221 284 Friends of Brierdene The Kittiwake Public House, Whitley Lodge Contact: Steve Stone, 0191 251 2149

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www.nwt.org

he Region

cross the region that regularly meet and organise events. If ke-minded people, then find a group near you:

Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club Northern Rugby Club, McCracken Park, Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Contact: Martin Davison, 07962 720 616 North Northumberland Bird Club Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869 North Northumberland Wildlife Watch Group Laverock Law Cottages, Lowick Contact: Harvest & Dave Harris-Jones, 01289 388 867 Natural History Society of Northumbria Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Visit nhsn.ncl.ac.uk for details of Autumn talks.

Christmas Markets and Fairs We’re excitied to be joining a number of fairs and shows across the region in the coming months. If you’re out and about please stop by our NWT stall and have a chat. We’re already confirmed at the following events and are always adding more venues so stay in touch with where we’ll be via Facebook and Twitter.

Azure Christmas Market, Cramlington Fri 18th - Sun 20th November Rival Arts Christmas Fair, Hexham Sat 26th - Sun 27th November Dewhirst Mill, Christmas Shopping Fair, Ashington Wed 30th November - Fri 2nd December Alnwick Gardens Christmas Market Sat 3rd - Sun 4th, Sat 10th - Sun 11th and Sat 17th - Sun 18th December

g.uk/whats-on

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Santa’s Grotto

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 December 11:00am to 4:00pm Northumberlandia NE23 8AU Meet Santa in his grotto and get a present if you’ve been good!

All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please wrap up warm and wear waterproofs if the weather is wet.

£7er.c5hil0d p

To book visit: www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

Hauxley Nature Reserve Expected opening SPRING 2017 Join us on the second weekend of every month for the chance to see our new discovery centre and improvements on the reserve.

Staff will be on hand to provide information on the works that are being carried out and answer any questions. We will endeavour to open footpaths so that there is access to some of the hides to allow birdwatching. On Sundays there will be tours of the new building when safe to do so.

Hauxley Open Weekend Dates From 9:30am - 3:30pm each of the following dates.

10 & 11 December 07 & 08 January 11 & 12 February 11 & 12 March 08 & 09 April Also, don’t forget, In Focus experts will be on-site on Sundays during the open weekends with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

December

. Days are s gs herald the festive season Crisp, frosty winter mornin this time o at birds, times can be hard called m creatures, especially garden es tim me (so tice the winter sols regular food and water. It’s and sets ea st late s rise sun the n whe December, the shortest day re are some w ing the lighter hours. The our beautiful reserves dur just around the as istm Chr h Wit e. etslad Northumberlandia and We er who is a w mb me ily for a friend or fam about NWT membership e you don’t m sur ke Ma s? gift al son at sea online shop for some gre and 18th De h 17t on a Northumberlandi visitor at Santa’s Grotto at the festive spirit.

Guided walk around Linton Ponds

13:30 - 16:30, Thursday 1 December Linton Lane Nature Reserve PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk around Linton Lane nature reserve to view the wintering wild fowl. No dogs. Please wear suitable clothes and footwear.

Dynamic Druridge

19:30 - 21:00, Thursday 1 December Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A talk by Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

Cuckoo - cheating by nature

FREE

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 2 December Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Through over 20 years research Professor Nick Davies will reveal an evolutionary race between host and cuckoo trickery which has led to some remarkable behaviour.

December Events

Alpine flowers of the Yunnan

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19:30, Tuesday 6 December St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group An illustrated talk by Prof John Richards, a retired Professor of Botany at Newcastle University, President of the Alpine Garden society and author of the monograph on primulas. Includes refreshments.

Kielder Lynx?

FREE

19:30 - 20:30, Wednesday 7 December Bellingham Middle School - The Community Room PRE BOOK: No COST: Non-members £3.00, under 18s £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Border Natural History Society A talk by Prof Ian Convery on the possible return of Lynx to Kielder Forest.

For more info and to book online go t

Photo ©

NWT

Re-introducing water voles to Kielder

19:15 - 21:15, Tuesday 13 December St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group Kevin O’Hara from Northumberland Wildlife Trust will give an illustrated talk about progress on the Kielder water vole project.

A voyage around the islands

19:30 - 22:00, Wednesday 14 December St Michael’s Church Hall, Canongate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group Richard Bevan will take us on an island adventure - some British islands and some further afield. This is our Christmas meeting, so there will be Christmassy refreshments and our traditional quiz.

Managing the marine environment

FREE

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 16 December Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) aims to regulate and manage sea fisheries and the marine environment. Vicky Rae will outline the challenges of trying to manage our coastal waters, which includes research, fisheries patrols and enforcement.

Give something special this Christmas Why not consider a membership to Northumberland Wildlife Trust as a gift this Christmas? www.nwt.org.uk/membership Or check out our online store for other interesting gift ideas. www.nwt.org.uk/shop

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

December Events

Photo © Elliott Neep

short and for many of year so don’t forget mid-winter’s day) on 21st of arliest. So make the most from s view ful der won e corner, why not think wildlife lover or visit our miss our very special ecember to get you into

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January

stop and neit remember wildlife doesn’t It’s a cold time of year but time of ye e colour and this is a great at their finest adding welcom t for a br fec per are Bay es at Druridge waders – our coastal reserv from Cressw k wal ded gui tic tas fan s our wildlife spotting. Don’t mis donate your r new year’s resolution to January. Why not make you new help for Trust? We’re always looking Northumberland Wildlife ting edu por sup , tres cen erves and visitor tasks, working on our res ht get a dustin mig we y, luck re we’ If ce. activities or in our busy offi at for disco nes on our reserves – gre creating beautiful winter sce ves ser k/re rg.u wt.o w.n ww es at signs. Discover our reserv

White beaked dolphins and the North East cetacean project

19:30 - 21:10, Tuesday 3 January St Mary’s Church Hall, Thornhill Rd, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group Talk by Martin Kitching the co-ordinator of the N. E. Cetacean Project.

Talk covers highs and lows of nearly 20 years researching some of our most elusive wildlife. Refreshments included.

Wintering Wildfowl on the Tweed Estuary

13:30 - 16:30, Thursday 5 January Berwick on Tweed - North end of Old Bridge PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A field trip to look for wintering wildfowl on the Tweed.

The wild flowers of the Western Cape

19:30 - 21:30, Thursday 5 January Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society An illustrated talk by Mr and Mrs Porrett.

The Birds of Chile

January Events

19:30 - 21:30, Friday 13 January Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club Tom Cadwallender will give an illustrated talk on the ‘Birds of ChileTierra del Fuego to Atacama’.

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Discovering the Birds of Druridge Bay

10:00 - 16:00, Monday 16 January Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Blow away your Blue Monday woes and join local bird expert Tom Cadwallender on a 10 kilometre guided walk, from Cresswell Pond to Hauxley Nature Reserve. We’ll identify the many different birds that can be found along the fabulous Druridge Bay coastline.

For more info and to book online go t

ther do we. Evergreens are ear to watch for winter racing walk and some well to Hauxley on 16th r time as a volunteer for pers for conservation ucation and events ng of snow this month overing wildlife tracks and Photo ©

Allan Po

tts

northumbria trees

19:30 - 21:30, Monday 16 January St Mark’s Church Hall, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Richard Poppleton.

The Tarset Archive

19:30 - 20:30, Wednesday 18 January Bellingham Middle School - The Community Room PRE BOOK: No COST: Non-members £3.00, under 18s £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Border Natural History Society A talk by Nevil Geddes and Bill Burton on the vast number of Natural History records of this local parish.

Cetaceans

19:30 - 21:00, Wednesday 18 January William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 members, £3.00 non-members ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Martin Kitching. Accompanied children welcome.

The dark side of street lighting

FREE

Fracked or fiction?

FREE

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 20 January Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Researcher Callum Macgregor will show evidence that moths are important pollinators and give some background on the effects of artificial light on moths and other species, including humans.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

January Events

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 27 January Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Professor Richard Davies discusses what science tells us about the environment impact of fracking.

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February

feel like stayi might make most people The wintery feel this month xley Discove Hau new our at preparations NWT team. See the final nth – don mo the urday and Sunday of weekend on the second Sat e. And I erv res the on k wal and a guided why no 11th for some expert tips so h 12t be joining us on Sunday , eve equipment specialists will ber em Rem . ing buy ut thinking abo signs ly binoculars you have been ear t spo you may be lucky and es s short and cold in February, erv res nd dla woo ul utif of our bea o ebo go snowdrop hunting in one Fac on us re you winter pics with Please make sure you sha

Winter wildlife on The coast

13:30 - 16:30, Thursday 2 February Boulmer - Meet in the car park PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk along the coast at Boulmer in search of winter wildlife. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

A talk by Mark Eaton, RSPB

19:30 - 21:30, Thursday 2 February Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society An illustrated talk by a member of the RSPB. The subject has yet to be decided.

Curlew Recovery Programme

FREE

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 3 February Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria An emblem of our uplands, the curlew is in decline. Sarah Sanders will explain what we know about the reasons for this and work underway to help the curlew.

february Events

AGM followed by Antarctica

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19:30 - 21:10, Tuesday 7 February St Mary’s Church Hall, Thornhill Rd, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group A short talk on wildlife on the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula by Richard Lee, follows AGM ending with buffet.

Refreshments included.

Mara Mammals Up Close

FREE

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 10 February Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Wildlife photographer Alan Hewitt brings some of his experiences in Africa to life and will reflect on the ‘ethical side’ of safari tourism.

For more info and to book online go t

the ing in hibernation but not ery Centre on an open n’t miss Guide in a Hide on In Focus the optical ot try out those new en though the days are s of spring this month, so such as Juliet’s Wood. ok and Twitter.

Photo ©

Duncan

Hutt

The isle of May

19:30 - 21:30, Friday 10 February Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club An illustrated talk by David Steel (Reserve Manager, The Isle of May) about the Isle, its birds, history and the work undertaken on the reserve by the wardens.

Guide in a Hide

11:00 - 13:00, Saturday 11 February Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Guide in a hide and reserve guided walk. No dogs.

FREE

Winter tree identification

19:30 - 20:30, Wednesday 15 February Bellingham Middle School - The Community Room PRE BOOK: No COST: Non-members £3.00, under 18s £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Border Natural History Society Ecologist Darryl Birch talks about the skills of winter tree identification using the hidden clues.

Day-flying Moths

19:30 - 21:00, Wednesday 15 February William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 members, £3.00 non-members ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Iain Cowe. Accompanied children welcome.

19:30 - 21:30, Monday 20 February St Mark’s Church Hall, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Dr Cathleen Thomas.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

february Events

Ladybird spotting in Northumberland

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March

remain in the m days, March can often Although there can be war n of spring a atio icip ant ing unt mo feel the but it’s impossible not to ws with the ado me ive re about our nat emerging wildlife. Learn mo day confere two cial spe a at rch Ma 9th Meadows team on 8th and experts. I er oth and m of the project tea workshops with members nities fo ortu s with some fantastic opp lights a year to look to the night skie et stre the from y reserves awa and ab take a trip out to one of our out to spot hibernating wildlife leav might also be lucky enough you e sur ke ma , gardeners’ friends frogs or hedgehogs. Both shelter and water for them.

Winter wildlife on The coast

13:30 - 16:30, Thursday 2 March Hadston Carrs - Meet at the car park PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk along the coast between Hadston and Hauxley with a visit to the new centre at Hauxley if it is open.

AGM and presentation

14:00 - 16:00, Thursday 2 March Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A short AGM will be followed by a presentation by one of our members.

Dusting the Dunes

FREE

Arctic Terns on the Farne Islands

FREE

10:00 - 12:00, Friday 3 March Cresswell Foreshore - meet at car park opposite the Drift Cafe PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join the NWT staff and volunteers to help with a Spring beach clean at our Cresswell Foreshore and Cresswell Pond reserves.

March Events

19:00 - 20:00, Friday 3 March Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Based on the latest research, Dr Chris Redfern explains why Arctic terns breed on the Farne Islands and what they get up to on their record breaking migration.

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Rescued from the sea the Hauxley archaeological dig

19:30 - 21:10, Tuesday 7 March St Mary’s Church Hall, Thornhill Road, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group Talk by Barry Mead, local historian and archaeologist. Bronze age cemetery, iron age house, 7000 year old footprints and more!

Refreshments included.

For more info and to book online go t

r grips of the winter weathe ly new and notice the e Save our Magnificent ence including talks and of It’s also a wonderful time not y Wh . or star gazing and enjoy the view? You bout this month such as e ve a shady area with som Photo ©

National Meadows Conference

Duncan

09:00 - 15:00, Wednesday 8 & Thursday 9 March Centre for Life, Newcastle PRE BOOK: Yes COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Two days of talks and workshops on our native meadows.

Hutt

FREE

Ethiopia

19:30 - 21:30, Friday 10 March Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club Janet Dean will give an illustrated talk on Ethiopia.

Coquet Island

19:30 - 21:00, Wednesday 15 March William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 members, £3.00 non-members ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Paul Morrison. Accompanied children welcome.

Whats that wader?

19:30 - 21:30, Monday 20 March St Mark’s Church Hall, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Graham Bell.

Flowers of Northumberland

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

March Events

19:30 - 20:30, Wednesday 22 March Bellingham Middle School - The Community Room PRE BOOK: No COST: Non-members £3.00, under 18s £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Border Natural History Society A talk by Prof John Richards, County Recorder, on Northumberland’s mixed and varied flora.

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April

r, lighter days, s, heralded by the warme As mother nature awaken volunteers to le and ff sta our places. Join to explore your local wild ny hands ma ma ryone is welcome and dunes at Druridge Bay, eve on 15 April to e erv res xley walk at Hau us for an early dawn chorus es staff. W erv res by our experienced sounds of springtime guided bians inc phi am y ntif ide to 18th on how spring session with ERIC (NE) on e som oy , let’s hope we can enj visi And with Easter this month and es erv res our at ys Easter holida . planning activities for the tion rma info our website for more to the What’s On pages on

Wild goats, a conservation conundrum

19:30 - 21:10, Tuesday 4 April St Mary’s Church Hall, Thornhill Road, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group Talk by Dr Richard Bevan on the research by Newcastle University on the wild goats in Cheviot. Refreshments included.

Spring Flowers and bird activity

13:30 - 16:30, Thursday 6 April Ford Moss - Road side near Ford Moss Nature Reserve PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk around the reserve in search of signs of spring.

Birds of Peru

19:30 - 21:30, Thursday 6 April Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society An illustrated talk by Tim Dean.

Easter Treasure Hunt at Northumberlandia

april Events

Good Friday to Easter Monday (14th - 17th April)

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Enjoy our wild Easter treasure hunt and receive a surprise at the end.

For up to date info and to book online g

r it’s a wonderful time of yea end a hand dusting the ake light work. Why not join o discover the wonderful We’ve also got a special cluding a local site visit. sunshine. We’re still itor centres so stay tuned Photo ©

Richard

Clark

A Walk on the Wild Side

19:30 - 21:30, Friday 14 April Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club Ron McCombe’s latest talk includes pictures, stories and photographs from his trips around the UK and Europe.

Dawn Chorus

05:50 - 07:50, Saturday 15 April Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE BOOK: No COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for a dawn chorus walk. No dogs.

Wild goats in the cheviots

19:30 - 21:30, Monday 17 April St Mark’s Church Hall, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Richard Bevan from Newcastle University.

How to spot our local amphibians

FREE

18:00 - 21:00, Tuesday 18 April St Nicholas Park, Gosforth PRE BOOK: Yes COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join NWT and ERIC (NE) for an introduction to local amphibians. This includes an indoor session to cover amphibian ecology, followed by a local site visit to look for them.

Contact: Katherine Pinnock, 0191 208 5158.

Members’ Night

go to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

april Events

19:30 - 20:30, Wednesday 26 April Bellingham Middle School - The Community Room PRE BOOK: No COST: Non-members £3.00, under 18s £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Border Natural History Society An opportunity to hear society members give short talks about natural history observations or insights.

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Join us at Northumberlandia for regular toddler and pre-school groups for ages 0 to 5.

Wild Tots are ‘discover and explore` adventures set in a naturally safe and fun environment. The sessions are about getting younger children outside and exploring the world around them.

From telling a story in the Teepee to getting the children thinking about the food we eat, food the animals eat, or favourite places the animals and insects like to see.

Exploring the woods and the Lady of the North, will guarantee you and your child roam free, play wild and get closer to nature.

Every Wednesday during term time in March and April!

ÂŁ5

per child

Book now at: www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon. www.fotm.co.uk

Volunteering Want to get involved?

Anyone can volunteer with Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

With over 60 nature reserves, an active education and events programme and a busy office, we appreciate help from people just like you.

Whether you are happy to get your hands dirty creating and maintaining habitats on our reserves, enjoy helping out at events, or want to join our busy office team, we have a volunteering opportunity for you!

Volunteers are an important part of NWT and we hope to give everyone a fun and rewarding experience. We have an action force of over 300 volunteers who contribute around 180 days of work for us each month. Whatever your background, we can find a position to match your interests and abilities.

How to sign up If you are interested, then visit our website to see our current volunteer roles and please complete the online volunteer enquiry form at www.nwt.org.uk/current-opportunities.

Once you are registered we’ll then invite you to a New Volunteer Session. This gives you the opportunity to meet with NWT staff and volunteers to discuss the role(s) in more detail and to book onto a trial activity. New volunteer sessions are held once a month, usually on a Thursday.

Photo Š Jo Christie

Note: If you are already registered as a volunteer, you can log onto your online volunteer account to sign up for activities and tasks by visiting your profile on, www.MyVolunteerPage.com.

Reserves Central Northumberland 34. Bakethin 35. Barrow Burn Wood 36. Bell Crag Flow 37. Butterburn Flow 38. Falstone Moss 39. Fontburn 40. Goose’s Nest Bluebell Bank 41. Grasslees Burn Wood 42. Harbottle Crags 43. Holystone Burn 44. Holystone North Wood 45. Little Harle Pasture 46. Mill Burn 47. Whitelee Moor 48. Whittle Dene

South Northumberland 23. Beltingham River Gravels 24. Briarwood Banks 25. Close House Riverside 26. East Crindledykes Quarry 27. Greenlee Lough 28. Grindon Lough 29. Juliet’s Wood 30. Priestclose Wood 31. South Close Field 32. Tony’s Patch 33. Williamston

North Northumberland 1. Annstead Dunes 2. Holburn Moss 3. Ford Moss 4. Flodden Quarry 5. West Fleetham East Northumberland 6. Arnold Memorial 7. Big Waters 8. Cresswell Pond 9. Cresswell Foreshore 10. Druridge Pools 11. East Chevington 12. East Cramlington Pond 13. Evelyn Howick Memorial 14. Fencerhill Wood 15. Hauxley 16. Holywell Pond 17. Linton Lane 18. Newsham Pond 19. Northumberlandia 20. Prestwick Carr 21. St Nicholas Park 22. Weetslade Country Park

Berwick upon Tweed

3

4

2

Wooler

A1

Bamburgh 1

5

A697

6 13

Alnwick 47

A68

Kielder

Otterburn

34

35 42

A1068 44 43 41 46

38

37

Morpeth A696

A686

29

31

A68

30

25

Amble

9

A189 A1

A69

48

Hexham

10 8 17

A68

36

33

A1

39

40 45

27 2628 32 A69 23 24

15 11

Rothbury

18

19 12 16 20 7 22 A19 2114

Newcastle upon Tyne

More info at www.nwt.org.uk/reserves