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

 

Click here to download the 2013 Summer Programme

 

Winter 2012/2013

14^th October (Sunday)                          14.30 at SU692801

GALLOWSTREE COMMON – FUNGUS FORAY

Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1772

Park at the side of the road inHazelmoor Lane. Cross over into New Copse for our annual fungus foray.

1^st November (Thursday)

COACH OUTING TO WAKEHURST PLACE

Leader: Tel. 0118 941 1688

Joint trip with Reading Gardeners. Contact leader for details.

11^th November (Sunday)                      14.00 at SU653662

WOKEFIELD COMMON

Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750

Meet at the car park near the pond. There should be a variety of fungi in this mixed woodland and heathland site. May be muddy.

15^th December (Saturday)                   10.15 at SU785854

MILL END AND REMENHAM

Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419

Meet at Mill End car park, walk across Hambleden Weir to Aston and Remenham, then back along the bank of theThames, a flat circular walk of about 4 miles.

27^th January (Sunday)                         10.15 at SZ318927

PENNINGTON MARSHES AND NEW FOREST

Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170       Mob. 07971 476144

Joint field trip with BBOWT. Meet at the car park at the end ofLower Pennington Lanefor waders and wildfowl. In the afternoon, move on to Blackwater Arboretum for hawfinches and crossbills. Bring a packed lunch and wear warm clothes.

23^rd February (Saturday)                     10.30 at SU463710

SNELSMORE COMMON FOR GEOLOGY

Leader: Tel. 07790 896 118

Meet by the toilet block at the entrance car park. Snelsmore Common has an interesting and varied geology, with swallow holes, gravel layers with underlying chalk and bog areas.

23^rd March (Saturday)                         14.30 at SU731647

LICHENS AT SWALLOWFIELD CHURCH

Leader: Tel.  07920 138 757

Meet at the church car park. A new lichen species forBerkshirewas discovered in Swallowfield churchyard last year. Members of the church will be opening the building for us to look round and offering hot drinks. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

13^th April (Saturday)                            14.30 at SU639574

MORGASTON WOOD, HAMPSHIRE

Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149

Park in the National Trust car park of the Vyne, near Bramley, for a spring flower walk. (N.B. Non-National Trust members have to pay an admission fee to go into the woods)

28^th April (Sunday)                               14.30 at SU663788

BOTTOM WOOD, MAPLEDURHAM

Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622

Park at the roadside in Goring Heath at the SW corner of Gutteridge’s Wood (site of the former King Charles Head pub) for a walk to Bottom Wood for spring flowers in ancient woodland on chalk. Limited parking, so share cars if possible. Some steep hills and the paths may be muddy in places.

Summer programme 2012

15^th April (Sunday)                               14.30 at SU726768
CLAYFIELD COPSE AND BLACKHOUSE WOOD
Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Meet at the recreation ground car park on Caversham Park Road. We should see a wide variety of spring flowers and ancient woodland indicator species, such as Wild Service-tree and Crab Apple. Some of the wood is secondary, derived from parkland with mature cedar trees, which provides an interesting contrast.

18^th April (Wednesday)                         10.15 at SU762670
ARBORFIELD
Leader: Tel. 0118 926 7441
Park in the lay-by almost opposite the Bull Inn (or past the lay-by, left into Chamberlain Gardens) for a general interest stroll of around 4 miles along Pudding Lane to Kenney’s Farm then back via Long Copse. No steep hills, no stiles.

28^th April (Saturday)                            14.30 at SU655727
HAREFIELD COPSE, TILEHURST
Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. We should be able to enjoy a fine display of bluebells and other spring flowers in Harefield Copse and the adjacent woods.

12^th May (Saturday)                             14.00 at SU414654
ORGANIC RESEARCH CENTRE AT ELM FARM, HAMSTEAD MARSHALL
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 1688
Meet at the Elm Farm Centre car park – entrance opposite the White Hart. Walk based on 2.5 mile farm trail, including areas of conservation interest (see www.efrc.com/Facilities). Eco-agroforestry researcher Dr Jo Smith will explain some of the work of the research centre and show us the agroforestry trial. No stiles, may be muddy.  Tea/coffee available afterwards.

16^th May (Wednesday)                          10.00 at SU726957
ASTON ROWANT
Leader: Tel. 0118 972 3520 / 07780 600740
Meet at Cowleaze Wood car park for a walk around Aston Rowant NNR to see chalk grassland with early orchids, butterflies and possibly the Juniper Shield Bug. About 4 miles with several steep hills and stiles – slippery if wet. Choice of pubs in nearby Watlington after the walk.

26^th May (Saturday)                             14.30 at SU616796
HARTSLOCK RESERVE
Leader: Tel: 07775 673467
Explore the flora and fauna of BBOWT’s superb chalk grassland reserve, when the Monkey Orchids should be at their best. No parking on site. Park in Goring and walk (30 mins) or ring to book a seat in our shuttle service from the station car park.

2^nd June (Saturday)                              19.00 at SU499918
SUTTON COURTENAY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE (BBOWT) near DIDCOT
Leader: Tel. 01235 511 861
Evening newt survey at/after dusk using torches. Set overnight traps, with the option of coming back 07.00 – 09.00 next morning to help empty the traps and see what has been caught. Pre-newting walk to see other wildlife on site and survey sites in the light. Wear warm clothes and boots and bring a torch.

 

7^th June (Thursday)                              19.15 at SU640713
THEALE
Leader: Tel: 0118 957 3419
Meet by the road side at Theale church. Explore little-used paths up to Malpas in search of Water-violet and other unusual plants.

 

20^th June (Wednesday)                         10.15 at SU546809
BERKSHIRE DOWNS NEAR ALDWORTH
Leader: Tel: 0118 957 3419
Meet at Starveall, north of Aldworth.  Walk across to Town Copse, down to Unhill Bottom, along to a different Starveall Farm, back through Unhill Wood.  About 4 miles, some ascents and descents, not steep, could be a very choice walk botanically.

23^rd June (Saturday)
RANSCOMBE FARM, KENT
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
See the letter sent with your programme or contact the leader for details of the annual coach trip and to book your place.

 

7^th July (Saturday)                               10.30 at SU584723
RUSHALL MANOR FARM
Leader: Tel.  0118 375 1756
Park at the Black Barn, on a track north from Back Lane, between Bradfield and Stanford Dingley. A walk through woods and small enclosed fields looking for White Admirals, Silver-washed Fritillaries and more.

18^th July (Wednesday)                          10.15 at SU617621
PAMBER FOREST
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
Meet at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath. If the sun shines, we may see Silver-studded Blues and Purple Emperors.  If not, there should still be plenty to see in this ancient oak woodland and heathland in high summer.

 

 

21^st July (Saturday)                              21.30 at SU602827
22^nd July (Sunday)                                                09.00
MOTHING AT WITHYMEAD
Leader: Tel. 0118 975 1499
Take the B4009 from Goring through Cleeve for 1km, then turn left at the Leatherne Bottel PH sign. After the railway bridge, turn right along the track for 400m. Bring torches and wear warm clothing for our annual mothing night. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along next morning to view the contents of the traps.

28^th July (Saturday)                             14.30 at SU806840
MEDMENHAM AND DANESFIELD
Leader: Tel: 0118 957 3419
An unusually varied walk taking in water meadows, shaded chalk cliffs, a tunnel, chalk grassland and, time permitting, beech woodland.  There is a long gentle climb and, in the woods, a steep descent.  The woodland section may be avoided by returning the same way.  Park by the roadside in Ferry Lane (turn right at the Dog and Badger).

5^th August (Sunday)                             14.30 at SU685841
STOKE ROW
Leader: Tel. 01491 578 633
Park in the car park for the Sports Ground and Pavilion, Newlands Lane – sign posted off the main road through Stoke Row. The entrance is a narrow lane to the right between two hedges where the road turns left. A general interest walk taking in the Maharajah’s Well.

15^th August (Wednesday)                     10.15 at SU718513
GREYWELL
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 1688
Meet at the Fox and Goose car park in Greywell village. General interest walk along the Basingstoke Canal, through Butter Wood and along a short stretch of the R Whitewater.  4-5 miles, gentle slopes, no stiles. Could visit Greywell Moors Reserve after lunch.

25^th August (Saturday)                         14.30 at SU556938
LITTLE WITTENHAM
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170
Meet at the car park between Wittenham and Little Wittenham for a 4 mile general interest walk along the Thames, through flower-rich meadows and back through an area of rough grazing.

 

8^th September (Saturday)                    18.00 at SU603672
ALDERMASTON WHARF FOR BATS
Leader: Tel. 0118 970 0805
Meet at the Aldermaston Wharf Visitor Centre car park for an evening walk by a lake, river and the canal to see birds, flowers and bats. Bring a torch.

 

15^th September (Saturday)                  14.30 at SU710936
WATLINGTON HILL
Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the National Trust Watlington Hill car park.  We should see Autumn and Chiltern Gentians in flower and many other interesting chalk plants.

 

19^th September (Wednesday)              10.15 at SU800779
CRAZIES HILL
Leader: Tel. 0118 966 9420
‘A walk up hill and down dale around Crazies Hill’. Some stiles and a bit hilly. About 4 miles, may be muddy. Meet at Wyevale Garden Centre car park, Hare Hatch at the end of the Floral Mile.

30^th September (Sunday)                     11.30 at SU845406 and 14:30 at SU899416
FRENSHAM POND and THURSLEY BOG
Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Meet at the visitor centre on the north side of Frensham Pond for a wide range of dry heath plants, making it rather like an outlier of the Breckland heaths of East Anglia. For Thursley Bog, meet at the Moat car park on the road running south from Elstead for a range of interesting wet heath plants, such as Bladderwort and Marsh Clubmoss, and a chance of seeing Great Raft Spiders and a range of dragonflies. Bring a packed lunch.

2^nd October (Tuesday)          19.45 at Pangbourne Village Hall
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS                         Prof Chris Bucke

Winter programme 2011/12

30^th October (Sunday)                          14.00 at SU730840

LAMBRIDGE WOOD – FUNGUS FORAY

Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1772

We return to Lambridge Wood, this time for our annual fungus foray. Parking is limited in the wood on the west side of the road from Broadplat to Bix, so car sharing is encouraged.

26^th November (Saturday) 10.15 at SU702868

 

NETTLEBED AND WARBURG RESERVE

Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419

Meet in Nettlebed near the old brick kiln. Walk to Crocker End, through yew woods down to Bix Bottom, through Warburg Nature Reserve and back via Magpies and Nettlebed Common.  About 4 miles with some steep hills and stiles.

10^th December (Saturday)                   10.15 at SU544810

RIDGEWAY NEAR ALDWORTH

Leader: Tel. 0118 966 9420

Park beyond Starveall Farm north of Aldworth for a circular walk of about 3 miles, looking for winter migrant birds and hares.

2012

29^th January (Sunday)                         10.00 at SU149097

AVONVALLEY AND NEW FOREST

Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170       Mob. 07971 476144

Joint field trip with BBOWT. Meet at Ibsley Bridge for Bewick swans. Park at the side of the minor road to the west of the A338 Salisbury–Ringwood road. Then on to Blashford Lakes visitor centre at SU151080 for bramblings, siskins, redpolls, plus ducks, grebes, divers and a chance of bitterns. In the afternoon, move on to Blackwater Arboretum for hawfinches. Bring a packed lunch.

25^th February (Saturday)                     10.30 at SU782678

THE COOMBES, BARKHAM FOR GEOLOGY

Leader: Tel. 07790 896 118

Park in Coombes Lane, or across Bearwood Road in Sandy Lane, to look at various geological features, including good exposures of Bagshot sands and pebble beds, with Quarternary gravels above and clay below.

24^th March (Saturday)                        14.30 at SU634675

UFTON NERVET

Leader: Tel.  0118 970 0805

Park outside the school. A walk for early spring flowers, birds, country views, fishponds, a moat, manor houses and an ancient oak. About 3 miles.

15^th April (Sunday)                               14.30 at SU726768

CLAYFIELD COPSE AND BLACKHOUSE WOOD

Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622

Meet at the recreation ground car park on Caversham Park Road. We should see a wide variety of spring flowers and ancient woodland indicator species, such as wild service tree and crab apple. Some of the wood is secondary, derived from parkland with mature cedar trees, which provides an interesting contrast.

28^th April (Saturday)                            14.30 at SU655727

HAREFIELD COPSE, TILEHURST

Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149

Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. We should be able to enjoy a fine display of bluebells and other spring flowers in Harefield Copse and the adjacent woods.

INFORMAL WEDNESDAY WALKS, STARTING AT 10.15 (but note that December’s walk is on a Thursday)

Venues will be established by the Monday evening of the week concerned. For details of the walks please ring:

• Tel. 0118 942 9108 for 19^th October
• Tel 0118 947 8384 for 16^th Nov
• Tel. 0118 947 1772  for Thursday 15^th Dec
• Tel. 0118 957 3419 for 18^th Jan
• Tel 0118 947 1170 for 15^th Feb
• Tel 07760 436712 for 21^st Mar
• Tel. 0118 926 7441 for 18^th Apr

Until the end of November, then again from mid-February, RDNHS members lead nature walks of about 3 miles at Basildon Park on Fridays. Meet at the National Trust ticket office at 10:30. (Start time may change in 2012).

Summer programme 2011

2nd April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU737714
WHITEKNIGHTS AND HARRIS GARDEN
Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the car park next to the Harborne Building, formerly Plant Science Laboratories. Take Pepper Lane Entrance of the University and turn right at the roundabout; turn right into the car park when the road bends to the left. Spring flower walk through the Wilderness, around the Lake and in the Harris Garden.

17th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU721879
WARBURG RESERVE IN SPRING
Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding reserve while the spring flowers are at their best.

20th April (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU576681
AROUND BEENHAM AND UPPER WOOLHAMPTON
Leader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Meet at the Douai Abbey car park. A short walk of 3 miles, not strenuous, giving time to study and enjoy the wonders of early springtime.

10th May (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU681702
SEARLE’S FARM
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170
Park at the side of Pingewood Road. An evening walk for spring migrants, with a good chance of hearing Nightingales.

14th May (Saturday) 14.30 at SU516627
HEADLEY GRAVEL PITS
Leader: Tel. 01635 866 122
This Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Reserve has a superb colony of Green-winged Orchids – and black Adders too. Park in Headley Village at the lay-by on the Ashford Hill road. It is a short walk to the reserve from here across the A339.

18th May (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU666840
CHECKENDON AND JUDGES ROAD
Leader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Meet at the Black Horse pub. From Checkendon Church, proceed NE for ½ mile. Take the 2nd turn on the left and then follow the very narrow lane for another ½ mile. This will be a 3½ mile general interest walk in a familiar and very beautiful area.

28th May (Saturday) 10.30 at SU343851
DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
Meet at the Ridgeway car park at Sparsholt Firs on the B4001 north of Lambourn. Descend the steep chalk valley to see uncommon day-flying Wood Tiger moths, plus Green Hairstreak butterflies and interesting chalk plants, including Henbane.

11th June (Saturday) 10.30 at SP833046
GRANGELANDS AND CADSDEN WOOD
Leader: Tel. 01296 748 932
1 mile from Princes Risborough on A4010, turn right at roundabout onto Cadsdean Rd. Car park is at top of hill on left, after 1 mile. Morning on chalk grassland of Grangelands/Pulpit Hill and afternoon amongst the beeches of Cadsden Woods. Musk and Bird’s-nest Orchids, Grizzled and Dingy Skippers and much more. Bring a packed lunch (or good pub nearby).

15th June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU710819
PEPPARD AND SONNING COMMON
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 5441
A 4 mile circular walk skirting Peppard and Sonning Common. Mainly on the level, with a brief section on road, no stiles, two short inclines. Park on Rotherfield Peppard Common, at Red Lion (pub option for lunch). Walk includes common land, a spring, several ancient woods and finishes with Juniper.

21st June (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU464720
WINTERBOURNE AND BUSSOCK MAYNE
Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
Meet at Snelsmore Common car park for a 3 mile walk through the woods to Pebble Lane, then investigate the chalk grassland between Bussock Mayne and Winterbourne.

25th June (Saturday) 11.00 at SU232429
CHOLDERTON ESTATE
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 1688
Walk round outstanding organic estate with rare arable plants, chalk grassland, farmland birds etc, led by the owner Henry Edmunds. See http://www.cholderton-estate.co.uk. Members only, numbers are limited to 25, so please contact Julia to book your place and for directions/car sharing. Distance 4-5 miles, bring packed lunch.

2nd July 14.30 and 3rd July from 10.00 at SU603777
BIOBLITZ AT BASILDON PARK
Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
A weekend of recording at the National Trust’s Basildon Park, starting with a walk on Saturday afternoon. Meet at Coddesdon Lodge, where our OPAL grant equipment will be set up in the volunteer room. Go through the park almost to the exit at Park Wall Lane, then turn left for 400 metres. Moth trapping will start at 21.30 and perhaps we can do bats and badgers too. Come back for more recording on Sunday.

16th July (Saturday)
NEW FOREST COACH TRIP
Leaders: Tel. 0118 970 0805 booking essential

20th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU744793
BINFIELD HEATH
Leader: Tel. 0118 966 9420
Meet at the Bottle and Glass, Harpsden Road for a gentle woodland walk, with some ups and downs, but not too steep and no stiles. May be muddy in wet weather. Explore the woodland rides for birds and butterflies.

30th July (Saturday) 14.00 at SU704813
PEPPARD COMMON
Leaders: Tel. 0118 972 2137
Meet at the Peppard cross roads at the junction of Stoke Row Road and Gallowstree Road for a walk of about 4 miles, visiting Peppard Common, Littlebottom Wood, Great Bottom Wood and Kingwood Common. One long steep hill down and another up.

7th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU730840
LAMBRIDGE WOOD, BROADPLAT NEAR HENLEY
Leader: Tel. 01491 578 633
Limited parking in wood on west side of road from Broadplat to Bix, car sharing encouraged. Target species include Green-flowered Helleborine and perhaps Yellow Bird’s-nest.

17th August (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU597774
UPPER BASILDON
Leader: Tel. 01491 671 373
Park in the Village Hall car park on Bethesda Street. Walk down and up through the woods off Hook End Lane and look for chalkland plants. Lunch afterwards at The Red Lion Pub.

20th August (Saturday) 20.15 at SU620648
21st August (Sunday) 09.00
MOTHING AT PADWORTH COMMON
Leader: Norman Hall (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Meet at the car park at the junction of Rectory Road and Reading Road for our annual mothing night. Bring torches and wear warm clothing. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along on Sunday morning to view the contents of the traps.

3rd September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU726533
BARTLEY HEATH
Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust reserve car park on the east side of the B3349, 300 metres before M3 junction 5. The reserve is famous for the rare and beautiful Marsh Gentian; last year 650 specimens were recorded.

11th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU499651
GREENHAM COMMON
Leader: Michael Keith-Lucas (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet in the Control Centre car park off Bury’s Bank Road. Mainly a heathland site, but with calcareous grassland along the former runways and interesting plants in the Alder woods in the gulleys to the south of the plateau. Autumn Lady’s-tresses should be in flower.

18th September (Sunday) 14.00 at SU667913
SWYNCOMBE DOWNS
Leaders: Tel. 01235 511 861
Park at the junction with the track at the bottom of the hill. A general interest walk, with the chance of interesting arable weeds at the bottom, very steep woodland and scrub and then chalk grassland at the top.

21st September (Wednesday) 10.00 at SU741690
SHINFIELD
Leaders: Tel. 0118 926 7441
Park on the road in Cutbush Lane near Shinfield Grange for a flat walk through farmland near the Loddon on the outskirts of Arborfield. About 4 miles, a few stiles. NOTE EARLIER START.

Previous programmes

Winter 2010 / 2011

17^th October (Sunday)                          14.30 at SU660814

LACKMORE WOOD, EXLADE STREET – FUNGUS FORAY

Leader:  (Tel. 0118 947 1772)

Coming from Caversham on the A4074, turn right towards Exlade Street and park at the side of the lane. Join us for our annual hunt for fungi in the woods.

4^th November (Thursday)

COACH OUTING – ‘BEHIND THE SCENES AT KEW‘

Joint trip with Reading Gardeners. Includes tours of the Herbarium and the Jodrell Laboratory. See enclosed letter for details and booking form.

Coordinator:   (Tel 0118 970 0805)

20^th November (Saturday)                   10.00 at SU602827

EARTHWORMS AT WITHYMEAD

Leader:  (Tel. 0118 986 2577)

Take the B4009 from Goring through Cleeve for 1 km, then turn left at the Leatherne Bottel PH sign. After the railway bridge, turn right along the track for 400m. Following his Earthworm talk on Tue 16^th Nov, Dan will lead this practical session at Withymead. Bring a spade, a tray for sorting soil and gloves.

18^th December (Saturday)                   10.15 at SU702868

NETTLEBED AND WARBURG RESERVE

Leader:  (Tel. 0118 957 3419)

Meet in Nettlebed near the old brick kiln. Walk to Crocker End, through yew woods down to Bix Bottom, through Warburg Nature Reserve and back via Magpies and Nettlebed Common.  About 4 miles with some steep hills and stiles.

2011

22^nd January (Saturday) 10.00 at SU678044

FARLINGTON MARSHES

Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170Mob. 07971 476144)

Joint field trip with BBOWT. Park along the track which leads from the roundabout at the junction of the A27 and Eastern Road for a day of ducks, grebes, geese and waders at LangstoneHarbour, Portsmouth. Bring a packed lunch.

19^th February (Saturday) 10.00 at SU776797

SHIPLAKE FOR GEOLOGY

Leader:  (Tel. 07790 896 118)

Meet at Shiplake Station to look at landscape and geological features of the area, including several river terrace gravels, as the River Thames cuts down into the chalk. About 3 miles.

12^th March (Saturday)10.30 at SU470661

LICHENS IN NEWBURY

Leader: (Tel. 07920 138 757)

NewtownRoadCemetery, closed to the public for 10 years, is now undergoing wildlife assessments.  We will explore lichens on the site (no expertise required!) and learn a little about its history.  A hand lens would be useful.  Park in Newtown Road.

2^nd April (Saturday)14.30 at SU737714

WHITEKNIGHTS AND HARRIS GARDEN

Leader:  (Tel. 0118 9862149)

Meet at the car park next to the HarborneBuilding, formerly Plant Science Laboratories. Take Pepper Lane Entrance of the University and turn right at the roundabout; turn right into the car park when the road bends to the left. Spring flower walk through the Wilderness, around the Lake and in the Harris Garden.

17^th April (Sunday)14.30 at SU721879

WARBURG RESERVE IN SPRING

Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)

Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding reserve while the spring flowers are at their best.(Tel. 07790 896 118)

Meet at Shiplake Station to look at landscape and geological features of the area, including several river terrace gravels, as the River Thames cuts down into the chalk. About 3 miles.

12^th March (Saturday)                          10.30 at SU470661

LICHENS IN NEWBURY

Leader: (Tel. 07920 138 757)

Newtown Road Cemetery, closed to the public for 10 years, is now undergoing wildlife assessments.  We will explore lichens on the site (no expertise required!) and learn a little about its history.  A hand lens would be useful.  Park in Newtown Road.

2^nd April (Saturday)                              14.30 at SU737714

WHITEKNIGHTS AND HARRIS GARDEN

Leader: (Tel. 0118 9862149)

Meet at the car park next to the Harborne Building, formerly Plant Science Laboratories. Take Pepper Lane Entrance of the University and turn right at the roundabout; turn right into the car park when the road bends to the left. Spring flower walk through the Wilderness, around the Lake and in the Harris Garden.

17^th April (Sunday)                               14.30 at SU721879

WARBURG RESERVE IN SPRING

Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)

Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding reserve while the spring flowers are at their best.

2010 Summer Programme

10th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU772741
ALDER MOORS AT WOODLEY
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the car park off Denmark Ave. Enjoy the spring flowers in this ancient woodland which is now a local nature reserve.

21st April (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 624693
KENNET VALLEY AT SULHAMSTEAD
Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170)
Meet at the car park to the south of Sulhamstead Lock for a spring walk along the canal and river meadows. About 4 miles.

25th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 853842
QUARRY WOOD AND WINTER HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet in the Forestry Commission car park on the left going up the hill towards Maidenhead from the Bisham roundabout on the Marlow by-pass. Ancient woodland with spring flowers and some grassland too.

9th May (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 333687
* HUNGERFORD MARSH
Leader: (Tel. 01635 863 372)
Meet at the parish church in Hungerford. To reach it from Hungerford High Street, turn west into Church Street and then take the second turning right into Parsonage Lane. Park near the church. We should see wet meadow plants including Southern Marsh Orchid, Water Avens and Fen Bedstraw. Most of the local warblers should be present.

11th May (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU 573664
WOOLHAMPTON
Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170)
Park at the Rowbarge Inn. An evening walk for spring flowers and reed-bed birds, including Cetti’s Warbler and Nightingale.

19th May (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 723832
HERNES VALLEY AND ROTHERFIELD GREYS
Leader: (Tel. 0118 926 7441)
A general interest walk along the valley bottom, returning through woodland and past Rotherfield Greys church. Mostly flat with easy stiles. 4.75 miles ( Shorter option available. ) Off-road parking at the south-eastern end of Rocky Lane.

29th May (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 558623
ASHFORD HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 957 3419)
Park in the old road on the east of the B3051 just to the north of the Ship Inn. We will explore the meadows between Ashford Hill and Oxford Bridge, then move on to the National Nature Reserve for marsh orchids, Dyer’s Greenweed and perhaps Adders.

3rd June (Thursday) 10.30 at SU 770816
HENLEY
Leader: (Tel. 01491 578 633)
Park in the Mill Lane car park. See the Water Vole garden which has been created by the River and Rowing Museum. The wet meadow flowers in the conservation area of Mill Meadows should be at their best.

12th June (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 664789
GUTTERIDGE’S WOOD
Leader: (Tel. 0118 972 2137)
Meet at the former King Charles Head pub (now a private house) for a woodland walk, looking for ferns and orchids.

23rd June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 756753
AROUND SONNING AND THE RIVER THAMES
Leader: (Tel. 0118 984 4859)
Take the B4446, Sonning Lane, off the A4. At the end of the lane, before entering the village, park on the left hand side. A short walk through the village to St. Patrick’s Stream and along the Thames to the Lock. 3.5 miles

26th June (Saturday)
CHILTERN GATEWAY AND COLLEGE LAKE
Coordinator: (Tel. 0118 941 4750)
See enclosed letter with details and booking form

6th July (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU 463608
SANDHAM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, BURGHCLERE
Leader: (Tel. 01635 866 122)
Leave the A34 4 miles south of Newbury and follow the brown National Trust signs for ½ mile. This is a new venue for the Society. We will enjoy the wild flowers in the orchard, before going inside for a private viewing of the Stanley Spencer paintings on the walls of the Chapel.

10th July (Saturday) 11.00 at SU 380616
WEST WOODHAY AND COOMBE GIBBET
Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170)
Joint meeting with BBOWT. Park in the car park to the east of Walbury Hill, where the Wayfarer’s Walk meets the road, for chalk flora, butterflies and ravens. Bring a packed lunch. Distance – about 4 miles.

14th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 525856
BLEWBURTON HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 957 3419)
Coming from Reading, go through Blewbury on the A417, then turn left beyond the village for the car park in Boham’s Road. This will be a pleasant walk along the waterside lanes in Blewbury, then up to the Iron Age fort at Blewburton Hill. Distance – 4 miles with one stile (twice).

24th July (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 519441
MICHELDEVER
Leader: (Tel. 0118 941 1688)
Take Micheldever Station road from Overton. Just north of A303, take track north of grain silos and park in wood storage area north of track. Please avoid grain store turning. Harold Makant from Natural England will lead a farm walk and tell us about agri-environment schemes on a holding of national importance for arable plants (by kind permission of Mr John Harley). Afterwards, we will have the option of visiting Micheldever spoil heaps SSSI for plants and butterflies.

31st July (Saturday) 19.00 at SU 678523
MAPLEDURWELL FEN AND GREYWELL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 970 0805)
Park in Greywell Road, by the entrance to Hants and IOW Wildlife Trust’s Mapledurwell Fen reserve, described as ‘the richest half-acre in Hampshire’. Then on to Greywell Moors reserve, then at dusk to the Basingstoke Canal at Greywell for bats. Be prepared to stay out late and bring a torch.

7th August (Saturday) 20.30 at SU 644777
8th August (Sunday) 09.00
MOTHING NIGHT AT CHALKHILLS, WHITCHURCH
Organiser: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
We are delighted to be invited back to Chalkhills (formerly Bozedown Vineyard), the site of one of our most successful recent mothing nights. Bring torches and wear warm clothing. Be prepared to stay up late – but if you need an early night, you can come back on Sunday morning to view the contents of the traps.

15th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 583807
THE HOLIES, STREATLEY
Leader: (Tel. 01635 866 122)
Park in the National Trust car park across the road at Lardon Chase. A superb site for chalk flowers and invertebrates. Chalkhill Blue and second generation Adonis Blue butterflies should be on the wing. There will be some steep slopes on the walk.

18th August (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 579940
DORCHESTER ON THAME AND ISIS
Leader: (Tel. 0118 984 4859)
Park in Bridge End – over the bridge and on the left opposite Dorchester Abbey. Exploring these two rivers and the lanes and meadows around this ancient village. 4 miles.

21st August (Saturday) 10.30 at SU 721879
*WARBURG RESERVE, BIX
Leaders: (Tel. 01235 511 861)
Park in the reserve car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. General walk looking at invertebrates, plants and whatever else we come across at this diverse site. Bring a packed lunch. Expected finish time – 15:00.

3rd September (Friday) 10.30 at SU 597761
UPPER BASILDON
Leader: (Tel. 01491 651 609)
Park at the Red Lion, Upper Basildon for a 5 mile walk in woods and quiet roads & villages – almost stile-free but a steep hill near end of walk. Expected finish time: 13.00 for lunch at pub.

15th September (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 825840
HURLEY
Leader: (Tel. 0118 942 9108)
Meet at the free car park close to the Thames at Hurley for a four mile walk, firstly west along the Thames Path then south and uphill past Hurley chalk pit BBOWT reserve.

19th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 850630
WILDMOOR HEATH
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Park in the lane heading north off Rackstraw Road, Owlsmoor. The reserve is a mix of wet alder woods, heathland and bog, and in the past has had Dartford Warblers, Sand Lizards and a variety of unusual bog plants.

2009/2010 Winter Programme

2009

17^th October (Saturday)                       14.00 at SU767782
SHIPLAKE CHURCHYARD AND ENVIRONS
Meet at the main gate of the churchyard for an introductory exploration of the lichens in the area. Bring warm clothing and a hand lens if you have one. (Tel. 07920 138757)

5^th November (Thursday)
COACH OUTING WITH READING GARDENERS TO WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM, TETBURY, GLOS.
Tel. 0118 933 2508 for booking form.

15^th November (Sunday)                      14.00 at SU704857
NETTLEBED WOOD – FUNGUS FORAY
Meet at Highmoor Trench to enjoy our annual hunt for fungi in the woods. (Tel. 0118 947 1772)

12^th December (Saturday)                   10.15 at SU711746
RIVER THAMES BELOW CAVERSHAM
Meet at the Hill’s Meadow car park (parking 3 pounds but easy access from public transport) to look at winter wildlife by the river as we walk downstream towards Sonning. The walk will go to the View Island nature reserve, then to Kennet Mouth, over Horseshoe Bridge and into the larger nature reserve, back along the Thames Path. (Tel. 0118 957 3419)

2010

23^rd January (Saturday)                      10.00 at SZ856966
CHURCH NORTON, SUSSEX
Meet in the car park of the Pagham Harbour Visitor Centre at Selsey Road, Sidlesham for a day of ducks, grebes, geese and waders at Pagham Harbour. Bring a packed lunch. (Tel. 0118 947 1170, Mob. 07971 476144)

 

20^th February (Saturday)                     10.30 at SU491717
CURRIDGE AND HERMITAGE FOR GEOLOGY
Meet at Curridge WI Hall for a look at the local geology, including sands, chalk, sinkholes and landslips. (Tel. 01993 814 147)

13^th March (Saturday)                          14.00 at SU608892
WALLINGFORD FOR MOSSES AND LIVERWORTS
Meet at the Cattle Market Car Park on Wood Street, Wallingford. We will investigate a number of bryophyte habitats, including a churchyard, the riverside, trees and arable fields, with a good chance of a kingfisher. (Tel. 0118 987 4298)

10^th April (Saturday)                            14.30 at SU772741
ALDER MOORS AT WOODLEY
Meet at the car park off Denmark Ave. Enjoy the spring flowers in this ancient woodland which is now a local nature reserve. (Tel. 0118 986 2149)

25^th April (Sunday)                               14.30 at SU853842
QUARRY WOOD AND WINTER HILL
Meet in the Forestry Commission car park on the left going up the hill towards Maidenhead from the Bisham roundabout on the Marlow by-pass. Ancient woodland with spring flowers and some grassland too. (Tel. 0118 962 0622)

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2009 Summer Programme

4th April (Saturday)                              14.30 at SU 654728 LOWER PANG VALLEY (Tel. 0118 942 9108) Park near Turnhams Farm Recreation Ground, Little Heath Road, Tilehurst. A shorter option avoiding steep slopes is available, please contact Colin.

15th April (Wednesday)                        10.15 at SU 722632 RISELEY AND STANFORD END (Tel. 0118 984 4859) Meet at the Bull P.H. at Riseley on the B3349.  A walk along paths and lanes to see the fritillary fields, which, hopefully, will be in flower. 4½ miles

18th April (Saturday)                            14.30 at SU 639576 MORGASTON WOOD NEAR SHERBORNE ST JOHN, HAMPSHIRE(Tel. 0118 986 2149) Park in The Vyne National Trust car park. Spring flower walk.

7th May (Thursday)                               19.00 at SU 550844 ASTON UPTHORPE RESERVE (Tel. 0118 947 1170) Meet at the grain store near the reserve. The lane is off the left-hand side of the A417 coming up from Streatley, near Aston Tirrold. Should be a good evening for plants and birds.

17th May (Sunday)                                   14.00 at SU 712797 CROWSLEY PARK AND KENT’S HILL (Tel. 0118 972 2137) Share cars, if possible, and park at the Herb Farm, Sonning Common. This is off the B481 and is marked on OS Explorer Map no 171. A pleasant walk with varied habitats including woodland, acid soil and chalk grassland. There will be plenty of botany. 4½ miles with some steepish hills

20th May (Wednesday)                       10.15 at SU 699793 KIDMORE END LOCALITY (Tel. 0118 947 1772) Meet at the New Inn, Kidmore End for a general interest walk, and there may be a surprise! Could be muddy.

31st May (Sunday)                              14.30 at SU 467997 * COTHILL FEN AND DRY SANDFORD PIT (Tel. 01635 866122) Park in the Dry Sandford C.P. for a study of solitary bees and wasps on this wet site. Early marsh orchids and barberry should also be seen. A visit to Cothill Fen nearby during the afternoon.

2nd June (Tuesday)                            19.00 at SU 751644 FARLEY HILL AREA (Tel. 0118 957 3419) Park by the church at Farley Hill, southwest of Arborfield Garrison on the A327 for a general interest evening walk. Last year the proposed route was flooded, so we hope for better conditions this time!

7th June (Sunday)                              14.00 at SU 789912 FRIETH AREA FOR HERB PARIS (Tel. 01494 881464) A joint meeting with Frieth Natural History Society. Park in layby on north side of Frieth to Fingest road. The walk will first visit Mousell’s Wood for Herb Paris and then go on to Moor End Common SSSI (an unusual damp acid location for the Chilterns) for heath-spotted orchids and southern marsh orchids.

13th June (Saturday) COACH OUTING TO KENFIG NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE NEAR BRIDGEND, SOUTH WALES (Tel. 0118 941 4750) Please enquire for a booking form – limited places available.

17th June (Wednesday)                   10.15 at SU 766570 HARTLEY WINTNEY AND HAZELEY HEATH (Tel. 0118 984 4859) Meet in the main paying car park of Hartley Wintney, which is by the toilets. On approaching the town on the B3011, before reaching the A30, turn left into Hartford Road for the C.P. It will be worth the drive to see the River Hart and the heathland habitat. There should be orchids and many other flowers and butterflies. 4 miles

27th June (Saturday)                      14:30 at SU490778 ASHRIDGE WOOD (Tel. 01635 866122) Park in the lay-by under the A34 just north of Beedon. The site is owned by the George Palmer Trust and was visited by the Society in 1997. Spiked Star-of-Bethlehem and a good display of cornfield plants are anticipated.

7th July (Tuesday)                         19.00 at SU 584807 LARDON CHASE AND THE HOLIES (Tel. 0118 957 3419) The National Trust area of Lardon Chase and The Holies are old time Society favourites. Butterflies and chalk-loving plants should be good. Park in the N.T. car park at the top of the hill above Streatley.

11th July (Saturday)                     14.30 at SP 785005 LODGE HILL, near BLEDLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE (Tel. 0118 947 1170) Park in the lay-by where the Ridgeway path crosses the road, south of Bledlow village. An area of interesting field edges and a fine chalk grassland site above.

15th July (Wednesday)                          10:15  at SU 642 859 * WARREN BANK (Tel. 01235 511861) Park in the back car park of the King William P.H. at Hailey and then a walk uphill to the BBOWT reserve. This will be worth a new look, the Society has not been here since 1998. Chalk grassland and much else of interest.

18th and 19th July  14.30 and 21.00 (Saturday) and 10:00 (Sunday) at SU 602827 RECORDING AT WITHYMEAD RESERVE (Tel. 01491 651609) Come on Saturday afternoon to record plants, insects, butterflies, etc., then stay on until late to join the mothing as darkness falls.  If you must have an early night, come on Sunday morning to see the contents of the traps before the moths are released. 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.

1st August (Saturday)               14.30 at SU 703868 NETTLEBED COMMON (Tel. 01491 578633) Park near Nettlebed brick kiln for a walk in this heathland area. Late summer flowers, including heathers, should be seen.

4th August (Tuesday)                 19.00 at SU 717711 FOUDRY BROOK AND RIVER KENNET (Tel. 0118 957 3419) Meet in Morrisons car park, off the Basingstoke Road, Reading. A new area for the Society – and so near the centre of Reading. There may be some surprises, well worth supporting.

15th August (Saturday)                         20:30 at SU 611782 MOTHING NIGHT IN BASILDON PARK (Tel. 0118 975 1499) and (Tel: 0118 941 4750) Meet initially in the Stable Yard C.P. at Basildon Park N.T. for a night of moth-trapping. Bring torches and wear warm clothing.

19th August (Wednesday)                     10:15 at SU 733677 SHINFIELD AND THREE MILE CROSS (Tel. 0118 984 4859) Use the free car park at Shinfield Green on the B3349. A mainly flat walk in Mary Mitford country. General interest, especially noting flora and birds. 4 miles.

29th August (Saturday)                         14.30 at SU 499651 GREENHAM COMMON (Tel. 0118 941 4750) Meet in the Control Centre C.P. off Bury’s Bank Road. If the sun is shining, we will look for butterflies, including the declining Small Heath. Autumn Lady’s-tresses should be in flower, whatever the weather.

5th September (Saturday)                    14.30 at SU 515565 COTTINGTON’S HILL NEAR KINGSCLERE (Tel. 0118 970 0805) Proceed on the B3061 uphill from Kingsclere village. The car park is at the top of the hill on the left. The chalk grassland escarpment nearby has wonderful distant views on a good day. By contrast, there is a wooded area to explore nearby.

16th September (Wednesday)              10.15 at SU 829769 SHOTTESBROOKE PARK AND WHITE WALTHAM (Tel. 0118 926 7441) Park in Neville Close or in the hall C.P. near Waltham St Lawrence Church for a general interest walk with developing tree cover in this favourite area.

20th September (Sunday)                     14.30 at SU 464710 SNELSMORE COMMON (Tel. 0118 962 0622) Meet in the C.P. at the entrance to Snelsmore Country Park on the B4494 for an afternoon on the contrasting habitats of open heathland and wetter ground.

6th October (Tuesday)    19.45 at Pangbourne Village Hall PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS by Graham Saunders “Ancient Gardens”