Archive of previous programmes

Summer 2024

6^th April (Saturday)                                         14:00 at SU734925

SWAIN’S WOOD BBOWT RESERVE

Leader: Sally Rankin 

Park around the green in Northend (RG9 6LG). We will walk down Holloway Lane to Swain’s Wood, where there should be a fine display of Primroses and other early spring flowers.

 

17^th April (Wednesday walk)                          10:15 at SU780669

THE COOMBES

Leader: Fiona Brown

Meet at The Bull at Barkham RG41 4TL for a 3 mile walk through ancient woodland designated as a local wildlife and geological site. We will look for woodland and hedgerow birds and flowers. Parts of the route are undulating and can be very muddy after rain. No stiles.

27^th April (Saturday)                                       10:30 at SU505652

BOWDOWN WOODS BBOWT RESERVE

Leader: Roger Dobbs 

Enjoy a fine display of bluebells and look for spring butterflies. Find out about recent management work from volunteer warden Roger Dobbs. From ¼ mile east of the Greenham Common control tower roundabout on Burys Bank Road, turn eastwards down the first tarmac road. The Bomb Site car park is at the end of the track.

8^th May (Wednesday walk)                             10:15 at SU712798

SONNING COMMON

Leader: Fiona Cummins (Tel. 07436 585 310)

Meet at the Herb Farm (RG4 9NJ) for a walk (of about 3.5 miles) to the privately owned and managed Flowercroft Wood where over thirty ancient woodland indicator plants can be found. Some steep slopes in places. The Herb Farm café serves light lunches.

18^th May (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU599668

ALDERMASTON GRAVEL PITS

Leader: Graham Steven 

Managed by Natural England, the former gravel processing site has secluded woodland, several lakes and open areas of scrub and grassland. We were impressed by the richness of the site on our first visit last September. A May visit should offer a different selection of wildlife. Park at the reserve, 100m beyond the Butt Inn, or short walk from Aldermaston Station. Booking essential with Graham.Steven@naturalengland.org.uk as there is no public access and the reserve is kept locked at all times.

25^th May (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU555621

ASHFORD HILL WOODS & MEADOWS SSSI

Leaders: Julia Cooper & Ian Duddle 

Meet at the Recreation Ground car park, off the southern branch of Chapel Lane from the B3051. The site is a complex of woods and wet and dry meadows under different management including grazing, with a remarkably diverse flora and abundant insects and birds. We hope to see Dyer’s Greenweed, Greater Broomrape and many marshland plants including Marsh Stitchwort. Morning walk but bring a picnic if you would like to explore further; please check website/contact Julia for updates.

5^th June (Wednesday walk)                            10:15 at SU822866

HOMEFIELD WOOD BBOWT RESERVE

Leader: Jim Wills

Meet where the Chiltern Way crosses the road through Pullingshill Wood on Marlow Common, parking there or in the few bays along the road as far as SU824861. We walk first to Homefield Wood SSSI, with a good variety of orchid species in its woods and meadows, then on through arable fields, grassland and woodland habitats. 3 miles with some steep gradients and one stile.

14^th June (Friday)                                            20:45 at SU505667

15^th June (Saturday)                                        09:00 at SU506671

MOTHING AT THATCHAM REEDBEDS

Leader: Norman Hall

Contact: Jan Haseler

On Friday evening, drive along the lane to the west of the Nature Discovery Centre (NDC), on the south side of Lower Way, to the grassy area before the tunnel under the railway. Bring a torch and wear warm clothing for our annual mothing night. Be prepared to stay up late – or come to the NDC next morning to view the contents of the traps.

22^nd June (Saturday)                             10:30 at SU 76026 61316

BRAMSHILL

Leader: Rob Stallard

Park in the small car park at the south-east corner of the plantation or along the road. This SSSI is a large conifer plantation with interesting heath areas, ditches and ponds. Notable plants that should be in flower include: Southern Marsh Orchid, Bee Orchid, Lesser Skullcap, Lousewort and Yellow Bartsia. We should see a variety of dragonflies. About 2 ½ miles on flat terrain but can be muddy in places.

3^rd July (Wednesday walk)                             10:15 at SU664788

HARDWICK

Leader: Cathy Harris

Parking is limited in layby opposite former King Charles Head pub (now private house) near Collinsend Common, RG8 7RJ. There is another nearby layby at SU667787, Gutteridge Woods. Please car share if possible. An easy 2 mile walk on footpaths on the Hardwick Estate – interesting history, old community orchards, hopefully of botanical interest. No stiles but can be muddy in places after heavy rain.

6^th July (Saturday)                                           10:00 at SU588639

PAICES WOOD

Leader: John Lerpiniere 

A walk to look at summer woodland butterflies and dragonflies. Meet at Paices Wood Country Park main car park, off the A340 south of Aldermaston. The site is very varied, with woodland, heathland and lakes. If the sun is shining, we can expect to see Silver-washed Fritillary, with the chance of White Admiral and Purple Emperor butterflies.

20^th July (Saturday)                                         10:30 at SU797978

YOESDEN BANK BBOWT RESERVE

Leader: Inge Beck 

Meet at Bledlow Ridge Village Hall, Chinnor Road, HP14 4AJ. Park outside the Village Hall or along Chinnor Road for a 3 mile walk with no stiles. Yoesden Bank is a new destination for the Society. The steep Chalk grassland slope has a rich variety of summer flowering plants and many insects, including Chalk Hill Blue butterflies. At the top of the reserve is an area of Beech woodland. Please car share if possible.

10^th August (Saturday)                                    14:00 at SP905088

DANCERS END BBOWT RESERVE

Leader: Mick Jones 

Follow Dancers End Lane and Bottom Road from the bottom of Tring Hill on the old A41. Look for the ornate red-brick Victorian pumping station on your left, just before the lane climbs steeply through beech woods. Turn into the drive, then sharp left into the car park at HP23 6LB. With broad-leaved woodland, sheltered chalk grassland and ex-arable fields being restored to chalk grassland, this is a very rich and varied reserve. Why not bring a picnic, since it is a long way from Reading? Car share if possible, contact Jan at jan.haseler@btinternet.com.

17^th August (Saturday)                                   10:30 at SU628651

FIFTY ACRE PIECE, PADWORTH COMMON

Leader: Alan Holmes 

Meet at Silver Lane, close to where it joins Burghfield Road. There is space for about 10 cars. Target species are various dragonflies including Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly and Black Darter. It is also a good site for Grayling butterflies. Fifty Acre Piece is a landscaped former gravel pit site, with a mix of large ponds and smaller seeps.

21^st August (Wednesday walk)                      10:15 at SU782748

TWYFORD GRAVEL PITS & CHARVIL COUNTRY PARK

Leader: Fiona Brown 

Meet at the Heron on the Ford pub RG10 0UE for a 3 mile walk. There should be plenty of birds, butterflies and dragonflies, and plants might include the nationally scarce Loddon Pondweed. The walk is mostly level with 2 stiles and can be muddy after rain.

1^st September (Sunday)                                   14:30 at SU727534

BARTLEY HEATH, HOOK

Leaders: Julia Cooper & Ian Duddle 

Meet at the Hants &IoW Wildlife Trust reserve car park on the east side of the B3349, 300 metres before M3 junction 5. The reserve consists of open heathland with ponds left from gravel extraction and woodland. It is grazed by cattle and ponies. We should see nationally scarce Marsh Gentians (over 900 counted last year) and other heathland plants including Petty Whin, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Sneezewort and Lesser Skullcap.

18^th September (Wednesday walk)      10:15 at SU 59054 83879

MOULSFORD

Leader: Rob Stallard 

Meet at the village car park by the recreation ground (OX10 9JD). Depending on the weather we will either walk up to Unhill Wood on the Moulsford Downs or else walk along the river bank towards Streatley. Lunch at the Beetle and Wedge to be confirmed nearer the time. About 4 miles.

 22^nd September (Sunday)                                14:00 at SU688560

SHERFIELD ON LODDON

Leader: Andy Bolton 

Park on verge near Beehive Cottage RG27 0HJ, south of Wildmoor Lane, off A33 near Sherfield on Loddon. A general interest walk beside the River Loddon, with damp meadows, streamside vegetation and deciduous woodland. The walk is about 3.5 miles with gentle slopes. Potential for late butterflies and dragonflies. Birds can include Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Marsh Tit and Kestrel.

Winter 2023 – Spring 2024

15th October (Sunday) 14:00 at SU633738
MOOR COPSE BBOWT RESERVE
Leader: Jan Haseler
Meet at the reserve car park on the east side of the A340 Theale – Pangbourne road, about 200m north of the bridge over the M4. We will see what is flowering in the meadows after the hay cut, hunt for wax caps in the meadows and look for autumn berries in the woods and hedgerows.

18th November (Saturday) 10:30 at SU619647
FUNGUS FORAY AT PADWORTH COMMON
Leader: Mike Harrison
Meet at the reserve car park, RG7 4JB, on the west side of the junction of Rectory Road and Baughurst Road. This is a walk to find and identify (not collect!) fungi. Padworth Common has a mix of open heathland and broadleaved woodland. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

2nd December (Saturday) 10:30 at SP570126
OTMOOR RSPB RESERVE
Leader: Alan Parfitt
Meet at the reserve car park at the end of Otmoor Lane, in the village of Beckley, east of Oxford (OX3 9TD). Wrap up warmly to explore the reserve, looking for raptors, waders and water fowl. There are no facilities on the reserve. Please car share if possible.

2024
6th January (Saturday) 10:15 at SU729720
TREES OF WHITEKNIGHTS CAMPUS
Leader: Marcus Wheeler
Meet at the university sports centre car park off Shinfield Road for a walk to look at some of the old or unusual trees of the Whiteknights campus. Nos 3 and 21 buses stop next to the sports centre, or visitor car park 1/1a charges £1.50/hour.

3rd February (Saturday) 10:30 at SU813635
GEOLOGY AT FINCHAMPSTEAD RIDGES
Leader: Lesley Dunlop
Meet at the National Trust’s Simon’s Wood car park on the north side of Wellingtonia Avenue, RG45 6AE. A walk of about 2 miles on good footpaths (which may be muddy in places) to look at the varied geology of Finchampstead Ridges – Eocene beds of sands, clays and silts, capped by gravel. The Ridges have panoramic views across the Blackwater valley towards Hampshire and the Hogsback Ridge in Surrey.

23rd March (Saturday) 14:00 at SU601827
MOSS WALK AT WITHYMEAD, GORING-ON-THAMES
Leader: Sean O’Leary
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. We will look at the mosses and liverworts of this wetland and woodland site on the north bank of the Thames. The first of the Loddon Lilies may be coming into flower. Bring a hand lens if you have one and wrap up warmly.

6th April (Saturday) 14:00 at SU734925
SWAIN’S WOOD BBOWT RESERVE
Leader: Sally Rankin
Park around the green in Northend (RG9 6LG). We will walk down Holloway Lane to Swain’s Wood, where there should be a fine display of Primroses and other early spring flowers.

27th April (Saturday) 10:30 at SU505652
BOWDOWN WOODS BBOWT RESERVE
Leader: Roger Dobbs
Enjoy a fine display of bluebells and look for spring butterflies. Find out about recent management work from volunteer warden Roger Dobbs. From ¼ mile east of the Greenham Common control tower roundabout on Burys Bank Road, turn eastwards down the first tarmac road. The Bomb Site car park is at the end of the track.

Summer 2023

2^nd April (Sunday)                                           10:00 at SU766715

RIVER LODDON AND DINTON PASTURES

Meet by the railway arch at the NW end of Showcase cinema car park. (Signs say parking is only for cinema users, but walkers use it regularly. Alternative parking on Wokingham Rd on south side of A329 at SU754715). We will walk along the Loddon to Sandford Lane and back via Lavell’s and Sandford Lakes. We hope to see Loddon Lily and a mix of water birds.

19^th April (Wednesday walk)                          10:15 at SU527762    

HAMPSTEAD NORREYS

Start at Hampstead Norreys village hall for a 3.5 mile walk through woods and fields with views over the Pang valley. The woodland spring flowers should be at their best. Followed by lunch at the Renegade Brewery, Yattendon, RG18 0XT.

29^th April (Saturday)                                       14:30 at SU654727

HAREFIELD COPSE AND BOXGROVE WOOD, TILEHURST

Meet at the top of Pincents Lane near the roundabout with City Road. Street side parking is available along Little Heath Road.  A walk through the woods to see a wide range of spring flowers including carpets of Bluebells and some Early-Purple Orchids.

3^rd May (Wednesday)                                      19:00 at SU681701

NIGHTINGALES AT PINGEWOOD

Leader: John Lerpiniere 

An evening walk round the gravel pits at Searle’s Farm for spring migrant birds, with a good chance of hearing Nightingales. Meet at the southern end of Pingewood Road (which is a dead end). May be muddy in places. Bring a torch.

13^th May (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU753936

IBSTONE

Leader: Inge Beck Meet along the road verges of Ibstone Common on Ibstone Road for a 3 mile circular walk through woods and open countryside with great views. We will be looking for Herb Paris and other late spring wildflowers. The route has one stile and two steep slopes, one uphill and one downhill.

24^th May (Wednesday walk)                           10:15 at SU600801

HARTSLOCK BBOWT RESERVE

Leader: Jan Haseler 

Meet at the south-east end of Manor Road, Goring for a walk of about 3.5 miles along the Thames Path to BBOWT’s Hartslock Reserve, where we hope to see Monkey Orchids and their hybrids with Lady Orchids, together with Grizzled and Dingy Skippers and Green Hairstreak butterflies. Almost all of the reserve is on very steep slopes, with stunning views across the Thames valley.

10^th June (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU463576

BEACON HILL, HIGHCLERE

Leader: Rob Stallard 

Our first visit to this hill fort since 1981. Recent changes to the grazing policy have greatly improved the habitat for chalk wildflowers, including a good range of orchid species. The slope is very steep, but we will ascend slowly, examining the plants as we go. The walk will be about 1.5 miles but 140m vertically. Beacon Hill car park is signed from the A34 junction for Tot Hill Services. Weather permitting, there is a possible visit to a nearby nature reserve in the afternoon. If staying, bring a picnic lunch.

18^th June (Sunday)                                                                         

ASHAM MEADS                                             10.30 at SP590143

WOODSIDES MEADOW                               14.00 at SP558193

what3words: deliver.classics.appointed & petted.films.showcases

Leader: Sally Rankin 

Join us at one or both of these BBOWT meadow nature reserves near Otmoor. Bring a picnic lunch if you plan to visit both sites. Meet at the Asham Meads car park for the morning session and at the roadside in Wendlebury for the afternoon session. Parking is limited so please car share if possible. (The grid references give the meeting point, while the what3words addresses give the reserve location. Woodsides is about 1 mile from the nearest suitable parking.) Target meadow species include Great Burnet, Pepper-saxifrage, Saw-wort, Dropwort, Betony, Sneezewort, Dyer’s Greenweed, Meadow Thistle and Common Meadow-rue.

21^st June (Wednesday walk)                           10:15 at SU723629

RISELEY

Leader: Cathy Harris 

Meet at Riseley Memorial Hall car park RG7 1SD (Odiham Rd off B3349). Easy 3 mile walk (but muddy after rain) along Devils Highway to Wellesley Water Meadows – an area of marsh, tussocky grassland and tall herbs edged by the Whitewater River. A walk of historical interest with many Veteran Trees and, hopefully, Bullfinches, Swallows and Swifts. Lunch at The Bull at Riseley, RG7 1QL. Please car share if possible.

16^th July (Sunday)                                           14:30 at SU522544

TIDGROVE WARREN FARM, OVERTON

Leaders: Julia Cooper and Andy Bolton

Meet at Tidgrove (RG25 3EN via farm road) by kind invitation of Raleigh Place, who has a habitat creation scheme under Higher Level Stewardship and manages his land to encourage breeding Stone Curlews, Lapwings, Linnets and Skylarks, and butterflies including Small Blue. Uncultivated areas are reverting to chalk grassland. There is another newly-created lake and the rich arable flora includes Venus’s-looking-glass, Dense-flowered Fumitory and Red Hemp-nettle. We hope to be joined by Harold Makant, Natural England’s adviser for the HLS.

19^thJuly (Wednesday walk)                            10:15 at SU325788

LAMBOURN

Leader: Rob Stallard 

Meet at the public car park in the centre of the village for a walk of about 4.5 miles. We will explore the chalk springs marking the source of the River Lambourn and then visit BBOWT’s Watts Bank Reserve, where there are stiles and a steep slope. Lunch will be available afterwards in the village.

29^th July (Saturday)                                         10:30 at SU644647

MORTIMER

Leader: Jan Haseler 

Meet at Stephens Firs, Mortimer, RG7 3UY, a quiet street with ample roadside parking. We will walk along wide flowery rides through conifer plantations to a local hotspot for the Grayling, one of Britain’s fastest declining butterflies and recently upgraded to Endangered on the GB Red List. Despite the gloomy national situation, the local Grayling population is thriving.

6^th August (Sunday)                                        10:30 at SU765572

HAZELEY HEATH, HARTLEY WINTNEY

Leaders: Julia Cooper & Ian Duddle 

Meet at the junction of Springfield Ave (first left off B3011 as you enter Hartley Wintney) with Primrose Drive (RG27 8SF). Roadside parking available here or there is a car park nearby. Walk round Hazeley Heath, part of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, for dry and wet heathland plants, including Round- and Intermediate-leaved Sundew, birds, butterflies and dragonflies. About 4 miles with a few gentle hills, shorter options possible.

16^th August (Wednesday walk)                      10:15 at SU599835

SOUTH STOKE

Leader: Fiona Cummins 

Meet at the Perch and Pike in South Stoke for a gentle three mile walk across fields towards North Stoke and back along a particularly attractive section of the River Thames. The walk should be good for birds, damselflies and waterside plants.

19^th August (Saturday)                                   20:45 at SU651778

20^th August (Sunday)                                                             09:00

MOTHING AT TOLHURST ORGANIC GARDENS, WHITCHURCH-ON-THAMES

Leader: Norman Hall 

Contact: Jan Haseler 

From Whitchurch, head east along Hardwick Road for 1 mile to where the road turns sharply left, with the gates of the Hardwick Estate ahead. Park at the roadside. Bring a torch 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.

9^th September (Saturday)                                10:30 at SU599668

ALDERMASTON GRAVEL PITS

Leader: Graham Steven 

Managed by Natural England, the former gravel processing site has secluded woodland, several lakes and open areas of scrub and grassland. Park at the reserve, 100m beyond the Butt Inn, or short walk from Aldermaston Station. Booking essential as there is no public access and the reserve is kept locked at all times.

20^th September (Wednesday walk)                10:15 at SU736646

SWALLOWFIELD

Leader: Fiona Brown 

Meet at the car park of the George and Dragon, Swallowfield, RG7 1TJ, for a 4 mile walk along the River Blackwater and back through woodland, with one gentle hill and a few stiles. Please check with Fiona in case the start location needs to change.

30^th September (Saturday)                              10:30 at SU955850

BURNHAM BEECHES

Leader: Jim Wills 

Park along the easternmost part of Lord Mayors Drive, charge £3. Meet by the nearby Beeches Eco Café. Burnham Beeches is a 220-hectare National Nature Reserve owned by the City of London, containing species-rich habitats of ancient woodland, grazed woodland, acid grassland/heath, and mire. Jan is coordinating car-sharing.

Winter 2022 / Spring 2023

8^th October (Saturday)                                    10:30 at SU583806
THE HOLIES, STREATLEY
Meet at the National Trust car park on the north side of the road at the top of Streatley Hill. We will walk round The Holies, looking for late summer flowers on the Chalk grassland and for waxcaps on the acid grassland at the top of the site. Several steep hills.

 5^th November (Saturday)                                10:30 at SU653662
FUNGUS FORAY AT WOKEFIELD COMMON
Meet at Wokefield Common Nature Reserve car park, on the south side of Goring Lane, just to the south of Burghfield Common. This is a walk to find and identify (not collect!) fungi. Wokefield Common is an area of former heathland with a mix of conifers and broadleaved woodland. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

 3^rd December (Saturday)                                 13:00 at SP570126
OTMOOR RSPB RESERVE
Meet at the reserve car park at the end of Otmoor Lane, in the village of Beckley, east of Oxford. Wrap up warmly to explore the reserve and its birds, finishing, as dusk approaches, with the starling murmuration. There are no toilets on the reserve. Consider having lunch at the Abingdon Arms in Beckley, or visit a supermarket on the Oxford ring road. Please car share if possible.

2023

7^th January (Saturday)                                    10:15 at SU718741
READING HYDRO PROJECT
Meet at Hill’s Meadow car park near the north-east side of Reading Bridge. We will walk to View Island, where a volunteer will tell us about the new Reading hydro project. This will be followed by a walk down the Thames, looking for winter wildlife.

4^th February (Saturday)                                  10:30 at SU617621
GEOLOGY AT SILCHESTER COMMON
Meet at the car park at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath for a look at the varied geology of Silchester Common – Silchester Gravels, Bagshot Beds and London Clay. We will see the remains of pits where materials have been extracted in the past and inspect the streams and issues at the Gravel / Clay boundary.

4^th March (Saturday)                                       14:00 at SU499651
MOSS WALK AT GREENHAM COMMON
Meet at the Control Centre car park off Bury’s Bank Road for a look at the mosses and liverworts of this extensive heathland site. Bring a hand lens if you have one and wrap up warmly.

2^nd April (Sunday)                                           10:00 at SU766715
RIVER LODDON AND DINTON PASTURES
Meet by the railway arch at the northwest end of Showcase cinema car park. (Signs say parking is only for cinema users, but walkers use it regularly. Parking is also possible on Wokingham Rd on south side of A329 at SU754715). We will walk along the Loddon to Sandford Lane and back via Lavell’s and Sandford Lakes. We hope to see Loddon Lily, other spring flowers and a mix of water birds. Paths are level, there is one bridge with steps.

 29^th April (Saturday)                                       14:30 at SU654727
HAREFIELD COPSE AND BOXGROVE WOOD, TILEHURST
Meet at the top of Pincents Lane near the roundabout with City Road. Street side parking is available along Little Heath Road.  A walk through the woods to see a wide range of spring flowers including carpets of Bluebells and some Early-Purple Orchids.

INFORMAL WEDNESDAY WALKS, STARTING AT 10:15

Wednesday morning walks, which are a steady 3 – 4 miles in length, are of general interest and are usually followed by an optional pub lunch. Details of the walks will be given nearer the time on the website, in the e-newsletter and at the Tuesday evening talks. 

Summer 2022

20^th April (Wednesday walk)                          10:15 at SU746785    

BINFIELD HEATH

Meet on the north side of the village green, where there is some road-side parking. There is also a small car park at the south-west corner of the village green, access from Dunsden Way. This is a 4 mile circular walk through fields and woods to Harpsden and back through Upper Hayley Woods. Contact Maria for details of lunch at one of the pubs in Playhatch.

30^th April (Saturday)                                       10:30 at SU633738

MOOR COPSE BBOWT RESERVE, TIDMARSH

Meet at the reserve car park, on the east side of the A340, 200m north of the bridge over the M4. On the 2 mile walk round the woods and meadows of BBOWT’s Moor Copse Reserve, we should see Bluebells at their peak, together with Early-purple Orchids, Large Bittercress, Cowslips and Water Avens.

8^th May (Sunday)                                             06:00 at SU572664

DAWN CHORUS AT WOOLHAMPTON

Meet at the Rowbarge, Station Road, Woolhampton RG7 5SH. Park in the main car park which is for patrons and walkers alike. Please try to arrive as quietly as possible. We should hear a wide variety of resident birds and newly-arrived migrants in this area of gravel pits, farmland and wet woodland in the Kennet valley.

14^th May (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU550844

ASTON UPTHORPE DOWNS

Meet at the grain dryer, about ½ mile along the lane which runs southwards from the A417. A return to Juniper Valley to see the work which Plantlife has been doing to restore Juniper, clearing scrub, creating scrapes and planting seed and seedlings. Continue to Oven Bottom, hoping to see Burnt Orchid, Field Fleawort, Horseshoe Vetch, Chalk Milkwort and Grizzled and Dingy Skipper butterflies.

25^th May (Wednesday walk)                           10:15 at SU810588
CASTLE BOTTOM NNR, EVERSLEY
Leader: Fiona Brown
Meet at the east end of the car park at Blackbushe Airport GU17 9LQ for an undulating walk through Castle Bottom National Nature Reserve which has a valley mire with associated heathland and woodland habitats. We should see dragonflies, heathland plants and birds, including Bog Myrtle, Purple Moor Grass, and Dartford Warblers if we are very lucky. No stiles but there are some steps.

8^th June (Wednesday walk)                            10:15 at SU796902
FRIETH, FINING WOOD AND MOOREND COMMON
Meet at Frieth Village Hall, 100m south of the church. If the hall car park is full, park nearby in the wider parts of the main street. The 3 mile walk through Chiltern countryside has a few short steep gradients but no stiles. We walk north from Frieth along hedgerows and woodland edges to ancient woodland at Fining Wood, then south to the contrasting habitats of Moor Common and Moor Copse, and finally to Moorend Common, a SSSI on a London Clay outlier with wet grassland fed by acidic water sources, supporting species not commonly found in the Chilterns.

22^nd June (Wednesday)                                   10:30 at SU738322
NOAR HILL H&IoWWT RESERVE, SELBORNE
Take the B3006 out of Selborne, first right (signed to Newton Valence) then first left to Noar Hill, GU34 3LW – limited off road parking between the 2 tracks to the reserve. Banks and hollows left by medieval chalk workings have a mosaic of superb chalk grassland and scrub. After an introduction by the Reserves Officer, we should see Musk and other orchids and many butterflies on a morning walk of about 2 miles with a few steep inclines. Bring a picnic lunch if you would like to spend longer at the reserve or visit another local site in the afternoon. Members only. If you intend to come please contact Julia (or Ian by Monday 20th for an update and to coordinate travel.

25^th June (Saturday)                                        20:45 at SU601827
26^th June (Sunday)                                                                 09:00
MOTHING AT WITHYMEAD, GORING-ON-THAMES
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 a torch 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.

9^th July (Saturday)                                           10:00 at SU583723
OWLPIT COPSE, BRADFIELD
Meet at the Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm for a walk of about 2 km around Owlpit Copse, looking along sunny rides and in 2 small fields of semi-natural habitat for summer butterflies and woodland flowers. We hope to see White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary.

20^thJuly (Wednesday walk)                      10:15 at SU SU720878
WARBURG BBOWT RESERVE
Meet at the reserve car park for a walk through the flower-rich chalk grassland and woodland of this flagship reserve, looking for plants (including our logo Herb Paris), birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

24^th July (Sunday)                                 10:30 at SU 33345 68703
HUNGERFORD MARSHES
Meet at the canal bridge near St Lawrence’s Church, Hungerford RG17 0JB off Parsonage Lane. We should see a wide range of wet meadow plants including Fen Bedstraw, Monkeyflower, Marsh Ragwort, Water Speedwell, Skullcap and Ragged Robin.

6^th August (Saturday)                   10:30 and 14:30 at SU616796
HARTSLOCK BBOWT RESERVE, GORING
Joint all day meeting with the Conchological Society of Great Britain and Ireland to look at snails, together with a general interest walk round this fine (but very steep) chalk grassland reserve in the afternoon with volunteer warden Chris Raper. Parking at the reserve is very limited and will be for those staying all day. Coming along Gatehampton Road from Goring Station, bear left at the fork after 700m. After a further 1km, continue straight along the track when the road turns up to the left. The reserve entrance is on the right after 100m. For those just coming for the afternoon walk, meet at the reserve, or at Goring Station at 14:10 to walk to the reserve.

17^th August (Wednesday walk)                      10:15 at SU509731
HERMITAGE
Meet at the car park of the Fox Inn, Hermitage on the main B4009 road, where we will return for lunch. Five mile walk through woodland and farmland over Oare Common west to Old Street. No stiles but one steep climb. We should see a good range of summer wildlife.

21^st August (Sunday)                                      10:30 at SU892853
COOKHAM
Meet at the National Trust’s Cookham Moor car park (free with NT membership card). Alternative parking at Station Parade. The 4 mile walk follows the Thames Path through Cookham to the Thames at Cliveden Reach, then explores the newly acquired Battlemead Nature Reserve, returning along White Brook and Strand Water. Good for reed warblers, kingfishers, herons and other water birds.

4^th September (Sunday)                                  14:30 at SU463710
SNELSMORE COMMON
Meet near the café at Snelsmore Common Country Park. With a very diverse underlying geology, the Common has a rich variety of wet and dry heathland and woodland habitats.

14^th September (Wednesday walk)                10:15 at SU642859
HAILEY
Meet at the overflow car park at King William IV pub, Hailey, for a 3.5 mile circular walk through open fields and woodland, with extensive views over to the North Wessex Downs. There are several steep ascents and descents. A short detour leads to Warren Bank BBOWT reserve, a 3ha area of chalk grassland where it should still be possible to see late summer flowers.

17^th September (Saturday)                              14:30 at SU436657
ENBORNE AND HAMSTEAD MARSHALL
Meet by the village green in front of Enborne Church for a general interest walk of about 4 km through Hamstead Park and along the Kennet and Avon canal from Hamstead Lock to Benham Bridge. The park has many interesting trees and a lake, while habitats along the river and canal include wet woodland and reedbeds.

Winter 2021 / 2022

16^th October (Saturday)                                  10:30 at SU653761
SULHAM WOODS
Meet at the western end of Beech Road in Purley for a walk of about 3 miles through fields and beech woodland to look for autumn fruits and fungi. The Wild Service-trees should be showing good autumn colours. The woods may be muddy in places.

20th October (Wednesday)                             10.15am
MARLOW COMMON
Meet where the Chiltern Way crosses the road at SU 822866 (Click on this link to see map of meeting point and pub). There are several parking places along that road. Enjoy a pleasant 3.5 mile autumn walk round Marlow Common through beech and mixed woodland. We will be exploring three reserves looking for fungi, visiting a clay pit and the WWI trenches. The area can be muddy in places. There are no stiles. There will be the option of lunch at the Olde Bell at Hurley after the walk. Please let the leader know by the preceding Sun if you would like to have lunch at the pub.

14^th November (Sunday)                                 10:30 at SU588639
FUNGUS FORAY AT PAICES WOOD
Meet at Paices Wood Country Park main car park off the A340 south of Aldermaston.  This is a walk to find and identify (not collect!) fungi at this very varied site, with wet and dry woodland, heathland and lakes. Bring a hand lens if you have one. This walk is for members only.

 4^th December (Saturday)                                 10.30 at SU702868
GEOLOGY AT NETTLEBED COMMON
Meet near the bus shelter on The Green, to look at the geology of the Common. Nettlebed is a small outlier of the Lambeth Formation above the Chalk. It is an abandoned industrial landscape, from which chalk, clay, sand and gravel were formerly extracted. A bottle oven for the manufacture of bricks and tiles survives. The chalk was mined and subsidence features are common.

2022

8^th January (Saturday)                                    10.30 at SU447717
WINTERBOURNE WOOD
A winter woodland walk, looking for signs of mammals, including Hares, Badgers, Foxes and deer, and finding out about how the woodland is managed.  In some years, Woodcock can be plentiful here. Meet at the entrance track on the north side of Winterbourne Road.

5^th March (Saturday)                                  14.00 at SU709935
MOSS WALK AT WATLINGTON HILL
Meet at the National Trust car park at the top of Watlington Hill for a good range of woodland and chalk grassland mosses and liverworts. Bring a hand lens if you have one. The car park is now Pay and Display, but free for NT members with membership card.

NOTE: Resceduled from 5th February.

26^th March (Saturday)                                     10.30 at SU691728
THE TREES OF PROSPECT PARK
Meet at the car park off Liebenrood Road for a walk looking at the trees of Prospect Park, Reading’s largest open space, with fine views across the valley of the River Kennet. Prospect Park has areas of woodland and fine specimen trees in the open parkland. The No 33 bus runs every 20 minutes and stops next to the park.

30^th April (Saturday)                                       10.30 at SU633738
MOOR COPSE, TIDMARSH
Meet at the reserve car park, on the east side of the A340, 200m north of the bridge over the M4. On the 2 mile walk round the woods and meadows of BBOWT’s Moor Copse Reserve, we should see Bluebells at their peak, together with Early-purple Orchids, Large Bittercress, Cowslips and Water Avens.

Summer 2021

10^th April (Saturday)                                       10:30 at SU505652
BOWDOWN WOODS
Look for early spring flowers, birds and butterflies at BBOWT’s Bowdown Woods reserve. Find out about recent management work at the site from volunteer warden Roger Dobbs. From ¼ mile east of the Greenham Common control tower roundabout on Burys Bank Road, turn eastwards down the first tarmac road. Meet at the Bomb Site car park at the end of the track.

21^st April (Wednesday walk)                          10:15 at SU542554
HANNINGTON
Meet at the Michael’s Field recreation ground car park in Hannington for a 4 mile circular walk to Ibstone and Warren Bottom Copse. This is a repeat of a walk which we did last July. We were so impressed by the woodland, chalk grassland and farmland habitats that we decided to come back and have another look when the woodlands would be at their springtime best.

24^th April (Saturday)                     10:30 and 14:00 at SU702868
NETTLEBED COMMON
Meet on the Green in Nettlebed, near the bus shelter, for a walk to look at the marshland, ponds, heathland and geological sites on the Common. Extraction of clay for the local brick industry has left one of the biggest pond complexes in Oxfordshire.

2^nd May (Sunday)                                             06:00 at SU572664
DAWN CHORUS AT WOOLHAMPTON
Meet at the Rowbarge, Station Road, Woolhampton RG7 5SH. Park in the main car park which is for patrons and walkers alike. Please try to arrive as quietly as possible. We should hear a wide variety of resident birds and newly-arrived migrants in this area of gravel pits, farmland and wet woodland in the Kennet valley.

19^th May (Wednesday walk)                 10:15 at SU 47699 63330
NEWTOWN COMMON
This is a little known nature reserve directly south of Newbury with a mixture of open heath, areas of pine and oak woodland and birch scrub. In a three mile walk we will explore the heath area as well as a valley to the east. We should see Purple Toothwort, Pink Purslane, Solomon’s-seal, Bilberries and other acid loving plants. The area can be boggy and muddy in places. Meet at the small car park near the junction of Well Street and Jonathan Hill.

22^nd May (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU550844
ASTON UPTHORPE DOWNS
Meet at the grain dryer, about ½ mile along the lane which runs southwards from the A417. A walk to Juniper Valley and Oven Bottom, looking for Grizzled and Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak butterflies, Corn Buntings, plus flowers such as Horseshoe Vetch, Chalk Milkwort and, if we are lucky, Burnt Orchid.

5^th June (Saturday)                                          10:30 at SU583723
MIRAM’S COPSE, BRADFIELD
Meet at the Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm for a walk of about 2 miles to look for Drab Looper moths, early summer butterflies and plants along the wide grassy rides through coppiced woodland.

23^rd June (Wednesday walk)                          10:15 at SU712807
PEPPARD COMMON
Meet at the car park of the Butchers Arms for a walk of about 3 miles through farmland and woodland with some steep ascents and descents. We will walk to Flowercroft Wood where we should see orchids and butterflies. If time allows, we will also visit Sonning Common Millennium Field for butterflies.

26^th June (Saturday)                                        10:30 at SU616621
SILCHESTER COMMON
Meet at the car park at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath. We will look for Silver-studded Blue butterflies, plus plants of both wet and dry heathland, then continue into Pamber Forest, in search of White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies.

10^th July (Saturday)                                         10:30 at SU036200
MARTIN DOWN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Meet at the northern car park, on the south side of the A354, for an all-day visit to this superb chalk downland national nature reserve. Bring a packed lunch. The reserve has a variety of habitats, including long and short grassland, chalk heath and scrub, and ancient earthworks cross the reserve. The reserve is rich in bird life, and good for flowers and butterflies.

17^th July (Saturday)                                         14:00 at SU727976
ASTON ROWANT NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Park at the Ridgeway on the south-west side of the crossing with the A40. We will explore the sheltered Holloway on the northern Beacon Hill side of the reserve, and the Cuckoo Pen area, where we should see the benefits for wildlife from recent management work. We could see up to 20 species of butterfly, including Dark Green Fritillary, Chalk Hill Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper.

21^st July (Wednesday walk)                            10:15 at SU693822
STOKE ROW
Meet at Red House Square, on Kingwood Common, on the east side of the road from Sonning Common to Stoke Row. We will have a 3.6 mile circular walk, taking in Greatbottom Wood and the heathland of Kingwood Common.

1^st August (Sunday)                                        10:30 at SU642763
PANGBOURNE MEADOWS
The wildflowers that grow along the Sulham brook are an impressive sight in summer. Purple and yellow loosestrife, sneezewort, gypsywort and marsh woundwort are just a few of the ones we should see. The three mile walk will follow the brook down to the Thames. We will also look at the River Pang and its adjacent meadows to the south of the village. Park along the eastmost section of Bourne Road and meet at the eastern junction of Bourne Road and Reading Road.

18^th August (Wednesday walk)                      10:15 at SU785865
HAMBLEDEN
Meet at the car park behind The Stag and Huntsman pub, Hambleden RG9 6RP for a 4 mile walk exploring the mature woods and farmland above the Hambleden Valley. We should see plenty of chalkland plants, butterflies and birds including Skylarks. Some steep slopes and stiles.

21^st August (Saturday)                                    10:30 at SU965649
CHOBHAM COMMON NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Meet at the car park off the B383 on the north-east side of the roundabout. Chobham Common is the largest NNR in SE England; conservation of the site is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. It is an extensive area of lowland heath, with a mosaic of wet and dry habitats. The heather will be flowering and we hope to see some of the many rarities, such as Marsh Gentian, Dartford Warbler and Grayling butterflies. Please check details on the website or by phoning even if Covid restrictions are lifted.

4^th September (Saturday)                                20:00 at SU616796
5^th September (Sunday)                                                         09:00
MOTHING AT HARTSLOCK, GORING-ON-THAMES
Park inside the entrance to BBOWT’s Hartslock reserve. Coming along Gatehampton Road from Goring Station, bear left at the fork after 700m. After a further 1km, continue straight along the track when the road turns up to the left. The reserve entrance is on the right after 100m. 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.

15^th September (Wednesday walk)                10:15 at SU726823
ROTHERFIELD GREYS
Meet at St Nicholas Church, Rotherfield Greys, RG9 4QD, for a 4.2 mile walk to Lambridge Woods and Greys Court. The route runs through typical Chiltern countryside, with a mix of fields and woods and with far-reaching views in places.

26^th September (Sunday)                                10:00 at SU692717
COLEY AND SOUTHCOTE MEADOWS
Meet by the gate across the road at the southern end of Circuit Lane. Come for a 4 mile walk through the Coley and Southcote meadows, past Fobney Island nature reserve and along the Kennet and Avon canal and the Holy Brook. The walk is mostly flat but may be muddy if wet. Lots of habitats of interest and a surprisingly varied landscape, with the chance of rare migrant birds on some of the pools. Some venerable trees and ancient watercourses.

5^th October (Tuesday)             19:45 at Pangbourne Village Hall
DISCOVERING THE PURPLE EMPEROR
Speaker:  Matthew Oates

Winter 2020

17^th October (Saturday)                 10:30 and 14.00 at SU831655

FUNGUS FORAY AT HEATH LAKE, CROWTHORNE

Meet at the reserve car park on the south side of Nine Mile Ride (B3430). The reserve has a lake, wet and dry woodland and an area of open heath. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

21st October (Wednesday)                       10:00 and 10:30 at SU617621

PAMBER FOREST

Meet at the Impstone Road car park at Pamber Heath (nearest postcode RG26 3EG) for a 3 mile walk through Pamber Forest, looking at early autumn woodland colour. Autumn is a good time to look for the Wild Service-trees, and hopefully the Devil’s-bit Scabious which is currently putting on a fine display along some of the ride margins will still be flowering. Pamber Forest can be very muddy after rain.

 5^th December (Saturday)                                  10.30 at SZ326940

NORMANDY & KEYHAVEN MARSHES

Meet at Maiden Lane, Woodside, Lymington, SO41 8AE for an all-day walk around the marshes for winter wildfowl and waders. High tide is at about 13:50. Wrap up warmly and bring a packed lunch if you want to avoid a pub meal. After the morning walk, go to the Chequers Inn, Ridgeway Lane, Lower Woodside, SO41 8AH for lunch. Afternoon walk round Pennington Marshes. Optional meal afterwards at the Chequers Inn. Please book for meals.

Summer 2020

4^th July (Saturday)

LADLE HILL and NEWBURY PEREGRINES
Park at the top of the hill, by the side of the minor road to Ashley Warren (area postcode RG28 7QH SU492565). We shall walk westwards along the Wayfarers Walk for about 1 mile across an area with arable plants and downland birds to the rich chalk grassland of Ladle Hill. Leaders: Sarah White and Julia Cooper.
<p>This field trip will start at 10:30 if up to 5 members book, or at 10:15 and 10:45 if there is greater demand. The 2 groups would walk to and from Ladle Hill separately. Members would be on the hill fort at the same time but under the guidance for 4th July would not be permitted to congregate together. Finish between 1 and 1:30pm, or bring a picnic and explore for longer.
For members interested in the Newbury peregrines, Ken White has kindly offered to be at the viewing point after the walk to point out the chicks, which will have fledged by then. He will be available to give details at the start of the walk. Meet on the top floor of Sainsbury’s superstore car park in Newbury town centre RG14 5AB from 2pm. You will need to bring your own binoculars or telescope and be prepared to wait a little while as the birds don&rsquo;t always show immediately.
To book the field trip (maximum two places) and/or peregrine viewing, please send your provisional booking via the contact form on the web site before the evening of Thursday 2nd July, indicating if you would like to come on the earlier or later walk (or either). Julia will then confirm whether or not your booking has been successful by email or phone on Friday.

15^th July (Wednesday walk)                           10:15 at SU366764
HANNINGTON
Fiona Brown will be offering a Wednesday walk on 15th July. It will be on chalk downland either from East Garston as advertised or from Hannington (different route to last year). This will depend on whether the Hotel at East Garston (SU366764) is open/available for parking. The walk at East Garston is 4.5 miles long, but there are several shorter options if required.
Anyone wishing to join in should contact Fiona via the contact form on the web site by Sunday 12th July and she will confirm the meeting point and booking nearer the time

19^th July (Sunday)                                           09:00 at SU601827
MOTHING AT WITHYMEAD, GORING-ON-THAMES
A limited number of members will be able to come to Withymead Nature Reserve near Goring-on-Thames to view highlights of the catch from the Society’s overnight moth trapping session. Withymead is on the north bank of the Thames, upstream from Goring at SU601827. Take the B4009 from Goring through Cleeve for 1km, then turn left at the Leatherne Bottel PH sign(SU601827). After the railway bridge, turn right along the track for 400m.

25^th July (Saturday)                                         10:15 at SU726958
ASTON ROWANT NNR
This is a revision to the programme. We will visit Bald Hill, the southern part of Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. Meet at the northern end of Cowleaze Wood car park (SU726958), on the east side of the Christmas Common to A40 road, about 1.7 miles north of Christmas Common. The reserve has rich chalk flora and many butterflies, including Dark Green Fritillary and Chalkhill Blue. There will be some steep ascents and descents. The walk is restricted to members and booking is essential. If no more than 6 people book, it will start at 10:30. If more members apply, up to a maximum of 12, then 2 walks will be arranged, starting at 10:15 and 10:45.  To reserve your place, contact Sally Rankin on

15^th August (Saturday)                                   10:30 at SU710936
WATLINGTON HILL
Meet at the car park at the top of Watlington Hill. Find out about the management and wildlife of this rich chalk grassland site. We should see Autumn and Chiltern Gentians, and perhaps butterflies including Silver-spotted Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary and Chalkhill Blue. Booking is essential. To reserve your place, contact Fiona via the ‘Contact us’ section of the website.

19^th August (Wednesday walk)                      10:15 at SU715792
CROWSLEY PARK
Meet at the Bird in Hand pub south of Sonning Common for a picturesque, undulating 4.8 mile walk through fields and parkland with impressive mature trees, butterflies and flowers of the Chilterns. The main walk has 3 stiles, but there are no stiles on a shorter alternative route of 3 miles. The hourly No 25 bus from Central Reading stops nearby at the Kennylands Road junction. Booking is essential. To reserve your place, contact Maria via the ‘Contact us’ section of the website.

5^th September (Saturday)                                14:30 at SU499651
GREENHAM COMMON
Meet at the Control Centre car park off Bury’s Bank Road. This is a very diverse site – predominately heathland, but with calcareous grassland on the former runways, and Alder woods and valley mires in the gulleys to the south. We should see Autumn Lady’s-tresses orchids, with the chance of Grayling and Small Heath butterflies. .

16^th September (Wednesday walk)                10:15 at SU577714
STANFORD DINGLEY
Meet at The Old Boot Inn, Stanford Dingley, RG7 6LT for a 4 mile walk eastwards along the valley of the River Pang and then up to woodland and fields over-looking the valley to the north.

Winter 2019

 20^th October (Sunday)                                      10.30 at SZ321936

NORMANDY & KEYHAVEN MARSHES

An all-day walk around the marshes for winter wildfowl and waders. High tide is at about 15:50. Wrap up warmly and bring a packed lunch. Meet near the Chequers Inn, Ridgeway Lane, Lower Woodside, Lymington, SO41 8AH. Optional meal afterwards at the Chequers Inn.

16^th November (Saturday)                               14.00 at SU661815

FUNGUS FORAY AT HOLLYSHAW WOOD

This year’s fungus identification walk will be in the privately-owned Hollyshaw Wood at Exlade Street, to the east of the A4074 near Checkendon. Park on the verge at the side of the lane which runs past the Highwayman pub (RG8 0UA). Bring a hand lens if you have one.

Spring 2020

11^th January (Saturday)                                  10.30 at SU871861

WINTER HILL & COOKHAM DEAN  Nearest postcode SL6 9TU

A walk of about two miles on good footpaths and tracks to look at the scenery and geology of Winter Hill. The geological interest is in the escarpment overlooking the Thames, gravel terraces and a chalk pit. There are excellent views from Winter Hill and Bisham Woods is on the route. Meet at the car park at Winter Hill on Winter Hill Road.

1^st February (Saturday)                                   10.30 at SU718741

TREES AND THE THAMES IN WINTER

Meet at Hill’s Meadow car park in Reading for a walk round View Island, across the Thames at Caversham Lock, through King’s Meadow and along the river to Kennetmouth. We will be looking at trees in winter and observing the life on the river.

14^th March (Saturday)                                     14.00 at SU682902

MOSS WALK AT SWYNCOMBE

Meet at Swyncombe Church for a walk to look at mosses and liverworts. We will explore a nearby area of steep woodland, before returning to investigate the bryophytes of the churchyard. Both beginners and experts will be welcome. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

Summer programme 2019

17^th April (Wednesday walk)                              10.15 at SU558647

BRIMPTON

Meet at the Three Horseshoes pub car park in the centre of Brimpton village where we will return for lunch. Four mile walk exploring the River Enborne and Inwood Copse for Bluebells and Solomon’s-seal. There are two stiles and it can be muddy in places. A shorter 2.5 mile walk is available without any stiles.

30^th April (Tuesday)                                         19.00 at SU681701

SEARLE’S FARM, PINGEWOOD

An evening walk round the gravel pits at Searle’s Farm for spring migrant birds, with a good chance of hearing Nightingales. Meet at the southern end of Pingewood Road (which is a dead end). May be muddy in places. Bring a torch.

4^th May (Saturday)              

COACH TRIP TO DURLSTON NNR, SWANAGE

15^th May (Wednesday walk)                         10.15 at SU726823

ROTHERFIELD GREYS

Park in the car park of the Maltsters Arms at Rotherfield Greys, RG9 4QD. We will walk down to privately owned Flowercroft Wood, where there is attractive woodland and a small area of chalk grassland.

18^th May (Saturday)                                         14.30 at SU583807

LOUGH DOWN, STREATLEY

Meet in the National Trust car park on the right hand side of the road at the top of Streatley Hill. Lough Down has sheets of Cowslips and is one of the best local sites for Meadow Saxifrage. We may also see Grizzled and Dingy Skipper butterflies. We will return via the steep footpath up across Streatley Golf Course.

1^st June (Saturday)                                      21.30 at SU65107783

2^nd June (Sunday)                                        09.00 at SU65707775

MOTHING AT TOLHURST ORGANIC GARDENS, WHITCHURCH-ON-THAMES

From Whitchurch proceed east along Hardwick Road for just over a mile, where the road turns sharply left and the gates of the Hardwick Estate are in front of you. This is the meeting point if you come in the evening. Bring torches, wear warm clothing and be prepared to stay up late. To see the catch in the morning, drive through the estate gates and continue east for another half mile, then turn right when you come to buildings on the right. This leads down to the market garden where we will meet. Traps may be set up across the whole estate. Apart from the vegetable gardens there is a large floral meadow, downland and good woodland in the area.

 19^th June (Wednesday walk)                               10.15 at SU765572

HAZELEY HEATH, HARTLEY WINTNEY

Park in Springfield Ave (first left off B3011 as you enter Hartley Wintney) and meet near its junction with Primrose Drive (RG27 8SF).  Walk round Hazeley Heath, part of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, for dry and wet heathland plants, including Heath Spotted-orchid and Intermediate-leaved Sundew, birds, butterflies and dragonflies.  About 4 miles with a few short hills.

30^th June (Sunday)                                                                         

SWAIN’S WOOD                                            14.30 at SU734925

Park around the green in Northend. We will walk down Holloway Lane to Swain’s Wood, where there is attractive chalk grassland known for its orchids and butterflies. The Chalk Fragrant Orchids should be in flower.

6^th July (Saturday)                                           11.00 at SU380616

WALBURY HILL AND COMBE

Park in the car park to the east of Walbury Hill, where the Wayfarer’s Walk meets the road, for chalk flora, butterflies, including Dark Green Fritillary, and birds. Bring a packed lunch. Distance – about 5 miles with some steep hills. [End time helpful!]

17^th July (Wednesday walk)                            10.15 at SU437624

THE CHASE AND GREAT PEN WOOD

Meet at the car park of the Rampant Cat in Woolton Hill village where we will return for lunch. The Chase is a National Trust property with mixed woodland, heath land, a meadow, streams and a large pond. The adjacent Great Pen Wood is managed by the Forestry Commission and is being gradually reverted to native broad-leaved woodland. Both areas are mainly on acid clay soil with poor drainage so parts can be wet or muddy. The walk is about 3½ miles and the pub is opening specially to accommodate us.

late^st July (Saturday or Sunday)                    11.00 at SU616796

OLD WINCHESTER HILL

The NNR is signposted off the A32 at Warnford. Meet in the car park (SU646214) on Hayden Lane. The reserve of chalk download and woodland has a rich chalk flora including the rare Round-headed Rampion (not found in Berkshire), butterflies such as Dark Green Fritillary and Chalkhill Blue and farmland birds. Circular walk of 2.5 miles with steep slopes, rampions on the hill fort can be accessed via level ground. Bring picnic lunch to eat during the walk; if time permits we could visit another local reserve afterwards. No facilities at the NNR but a café and pub both open at 9am in nearby West Meon village.

3^rd August (Saturday)                                     10.30 at SU892853

COOKHAM AND COCK MARSH

Meet at the National Trust car park at Cookham Moor, £2 or free with a NT membership card. Additional parking Maidenhead Rd (500m, SU888849) or Whyteladyes Lane (1.3km, SU883844). A gentle generally level walk to Cock Marsh, then a steep climb up the chalk grassland of Winter Hill. Cock Marsh is one of the richest wetland sites in our area, with plants such as Brown Galingale, Knotted Pearlwort and Tubular Water-dropwort. Winter Hill has interesting chalk flora.

18^th August (Sunday)                                      10.30 at SU588639

PAICES WOOD, ALDERMASTON

Meet at Paices Wood Country Park main car park off the A340 south of Aldermaston.  A general interest walk looking at butterflies, flowers, dragonflies and birds at this very varied site with woodland, heathland and lakes.

21^st August (Wednesday)                                10.15 at SU327753

LAMBOURN WOODLANDS

Meet at Strouds Farm, Ermin Street, Lambourn Woodlands, RG17 7SH for a 4-mile walk round farmland with created flower-rich grassland on chalky soils. There will be steep slopes in places. Please share cars if possible, to reduce the number of parking spaces required.

7^th September (Saturday)                                14.30 at SU732966

ASTON ROWANT

Meet in the National Nature Reserve car park, on the west side of the Christmas Common to A40 road, signposted from just to the north of the M40 bridge. We could see 20 species of butterfly, including Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalkhill Blue, plus stunning chalk grassland flowers. Some steep ascents and descents.

18^th September (Wednesday walk)                 10.15 at SU540553

HANNINGTON

Meet at The Vine, Hannington, RG26 5TX for a 3 mile gently undulating downland walk with fine views. We should see Yellowhammers, Skylarks and a good variety of hedgerow and chalkland plants. No stiles but it will be muddy in places if it has rained. After lunch at the pub there will be an optional visit to Watership Down to look for Gentianella and other plants.

22^nd September (Sunday)                                10.00 at SU692717

COLEY AND SOUTHCOTE MEADOWS

Meet by the gate across the road at the southern end of Circuit Lane. There is roadside parking, or catch the 26 bus to the junction of Circuit Lane and Southcote Lane. Come for a 4 mile walk through the Coley and Southcote meadows, past Fobney Island nature reserve and along the Kennet and Avon canal and the Holy Brook. The walk is mostly flat but may be muddy if wet. Lots of habitats of interest and a surprisingly varied landscape, with the chance of rare migrant birds on some of the pools. Some venerable trees and ancient watercourses.

Winter programme 2018/2019

21^st October 2018 (Sunday)                              14.30 at SU710936

WATLINGTON HILL

Meet at the National Trust car park, on the south side of Hill Road, Christmas Common, near the top of the hill. The site has wonderful views, fine chalk grassland, scrub and woodland – and some very steep slopes in places.

17^th November (Saturday)                               14.00 at SU616621

FUNGUS FORAY AT PAMBER FOREST

Join us for a leisurely walk through Pamber Forest in search of fungi. Meet at the car park at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath, RG26 3EQ. Parts of Pamber Forest can be very muddy – bring suitable footware.

 5^th January 2019 (Saturday)                              10.30 at SU428715

BOXFORD                                         Nearest postcode RG20 8DP

A walk of about two miles along the River Lambourn and adjacent areas, looking at geology, water meadows and buildings. We will have an opportunity to look at two SSSIs, Boxford Water Meadows and Boxford Chalk Pit. Meet by Boxford Church.

2^nd February (Saturday)                                  10.30 at SU714733

READING TREES IN WINTER

Meet in the churchyard of Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin for a walk round Reading town centre, the Forbury Gardens, Kings Meadow and Caversham Court, looking at trees and other wildlife in winter.

2^nd March (Saturday)                                       14.00 at SU609895

MOSS WALK AT WALLINGFORD

Walk to look at mosses and liverworts. Meet at west end of Wallingford Bridge outside ‘The Boat House’ pub. We will explore some riverbank, meadows and an old cemetery for bryophytes.  Stout footwear required as ground may be wet.  Parking is usually available in one of two car parks in nearby Thames Street.

13^th April (Saturday)                                       14.30 at SU772740

ALDERMOORS AT WOODLEY

Meet at the Ashenbury Park car park off Denmark Avenue near Tippings Lane in Woodley for Wood Anemones, Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage and other spring flowers in this ancient woodland.

30^th April (Tuesday)                                         19.00 at SU681701

SEARLE’S FARM, PINGEWOOD

An evening walk round the gravel pits at Searle’s Farm for spring migrant birds, with a good chance of hearing Nightingales. Meet at the southern end of Pingewood Road (which is a dead end). May be muddy in places. Bring a torch.

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INFORMAL WEDNESDAY WALKS, STARTING AT 10.15

Venues will be established by the Monday evening of the week concerned. Details of the walk will be announced at the Tuesday evening talk or ring the leader:

Summer programme 2018

14^th April (Saturday)                                       14.00 at SU749709
MAIDEN ERLEGH RESERVE
Park and meet on the Oak Wood side of Instow Road, Earley for a walk through Oak Wood, Moor Copse, Oldpond Copse and along Maiden Erlegh Lake. We should see Marsh-marigold, Golden-saxifrage and other early spring flowers.

18^th April (Wednesday walk)                              10.15 at SU670740
WEST READING WOODLANDS
Meet at the recreation ground opposite The Victoria pub where we will return for lunch. Park behind the pub or along Kentwood Hill or else take no. 17 bus from town centre. Visit four separate woodland parks set in suburban Tilehurst with a surprisingly good range of spring woodland flowers including Bluebells, Brooklime, Moschatel and Golden-saxifrage. About 4 miles, some fairly steep slopes but no stiles.

29^th April (Sunday)                                          14.30 at SU870860
WINTER HILL, MARLOW
Meet at the car park on top of Winter Hill. Look for Meadow Saxifrage and other early flowers of chalk grassland on Winter Hill, then explore the wet pasture and ponds of nearby Cock Marsh. Two mile walk with steep hills, may be wet in places.

5^th May (Saturday)                                           10.00 at SU592868
CHOLSEY
Come and see the meadow that Tony has created, as described in his inspiring lecture last winter. We should see Cowslips, Meadow Saxifrage, small mammals, butterflies and reptiles. Tony’s address is Red Cow Cottage, 46 Wallingford Road, Cholsey, OX10 9LB. Suggest roadside parking in one of the quieter side streets nearby, eg Rothwells Close.

20^th May (Sunday)                                           14.30 at SU726958
ASTON ROWANT NNR
Meet at the northern end of Cowleaze Wood car park, about 3km north-east of Christmas Common. We should see a good selection of early summer chalk grassland plants, including Early-purple Orchids, Horseshoe Vetch and Chalk Milkwort, plus Grizzled and Dingy Skipper butterflies. Very steep in places.

22^nd May (Tuesday walk)                                10.15 at SU599834
SOUTH STOKE RIVER THAMES AND ‘THE PRAIRIE’
Park in the car park of the Perch and Pike, The Street, South Stoke (RG8 0JS). The walk will take in a mixture of the Thames Path, country lanes and the farm land known locally as The Prairie to the North East of Goring Gap. Apart from the amazing views we will be looking out for the birds, butterflies and wild flowers of the area. Some of the paths are muddy after rain.

2^nd June (Saturday)                            10.00 – 16:00 at SU851799
BEE IDENTIFICATION DAY AT WOOLLEY FIRS
Trevor Smith will run an indoor bee identification workshop at BBOWT’s Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ, followed by an outdoor practical session. Bring lunch, and a hand lens and identification guides if you have them. Booking with Tricia is essential, cost £5. Optionally, come at 08:30 to see the moth traps being opened.

 20^th June (Wednesday walk)                        10.15 at SU329827
CROG HILL AND SEVEN BARROWS, LAMBOURN
Meet at the small car park adjoining the BBOWT Seven Barrows Nature Reserve just off the minor road from Lambourn to Kingston Lisle.  There should be Pyramidal Orchids (including white-flowered variety) and Fragrant Orchids in bloom surrounding the Bronze Age burials and also a good selection of chalk downland plants. The 4 mile walk has no stiles and will be followed by lunch at the George Hotel, Lambourn.

24^th June (Sunday)
ASHAM MEADS                                            10.30 at SP590143
WOODSIDES MEADOW                               14.00 at SP558193
Join us for a visit to either or both of these BBOWT meadow nature reserves near Otmoor. Bring your lunch so that we can picnic between the visits. Meet at the Asham Meads car park for the morning session and at the roadside for the afternoon session. Parking is limited so please car share if possible. Both sites feature typical meadow species such as Great Burnet, Pepper-saxifrage, Yellow Rattle, Lady’s Bedstraw and butterflies including Marbled White and the orange Skippers.

7^th July (Saturday)                                           10.30 at SU614634
DRAGONFLY WALK AT DECOY HEATH
County Dragonfly Recorder Mike Turton has kindly agreed to show us round BBOWT’s Decoy Heath Reserve, one of the best sites in Berkshire for dragonflies and damselflies, including Emerald and White-legged Damselfly and Brilliant Emerald. Meet at the reserve car park on the west side of Soke Road, opposite the Allport factory at Aldermaston Soke.

11^th July (Wednesday walk)                            10.15 at SU927789
JUBILEE RIVER
Meet at the car park of Dorney Court Garden Centre, where we will return for lunch. The 3 mile walk will follow the Jubilee River and return along the Thames. We should see an interesting collection of waterside plants, including Great Burnet, Purple Loosestrife and Marsh Woundwort. The route is mostly flat with one stile.

21^st July (Saturday)                                         21.30 at SU616796
22^nd July (Sunday)                                                                  09.00
MOTHING AT HARTSLOCK
Park inside the entrance to BBOWT’s Hartslock reserve. Coming along Gatehampton Road from Goring Station, bear left at the fork after 700m. After a further 1km, continue straight along the track when the road turns up to the left. The reserve entrance is on the right after 100m. 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.

4^th August (Saturday)                                      14.30 at SU671879
GANGSDOWN HILL, NUFFIELD
Park in the lay-by on the north side of the A4130  at Gangsdown Hill near Nuffield for a pleasant 7 km stroll down the hill and return by a more or less parallel route. We should see an interesting range of arable and chalk grassland flowers, including Corn Marigold and Wild Candytuft.

15^th August (Wednesday walk)                      10.15 at SU523645
CROOKHAM COMMON AND BAYNES WOOD
Meet at the car park at the top of Crookham Hill for a 3-mile walk across Crookham Common and through Baynes Wood, part of BBOWT’s Bowdown Woods reserve. We might see Grayling butterflies and Autumn Lady’s-tresses on the Common, and Silver-washed Fritillary and other butterflies in Baynes Wood.

19^th August (Sunday)                                      14.00 at SU522544
THE WARREN AT TIDGROVE
Meet at Tidgrove (RG25 3EN) by kind invitation of Raleigh Place, who has a habitat creation scheme under Higher Level Stewardship and manages his land to encourage breeding Stone Curlews, Lapwings and other birds and butterflies. Uncultivated areas are reverting to chalk grassland. There is a newly-created lake and a rich arable flora including Venus’s-looking-glass, Dense-flowered Fumitory and Red Hemp-nettle.

1^st September (Saturday)                                14.30 at SU726533
BARTLEY HEATH
Meet at the Hants & IoW Wildlife Trust reserve car park on the east side of the B3349, 300 metres before M3 junction 5.  The reserve is famous for its striking Marsh Gentians. Other wet heathland plants we might see include Saw-wort, Petty Whin, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Sneezewort and Lesser Skullcap.

19^th September (Wednesday walk)                 10.15 at SU683840
STOKE ROW
Meet at the Cherry Tree Inn for a walk of about 4 miles along tracks through farmland and beech woodland, with some steep ascents and descents.

26^th September (Wednesday)                          10.30 at SU534023
TITCHFIELD HAVEN NNR
All day trip for migrant birds, plants and invertebrates. High tide at 12:55 for wader roost. Visit hides overlooking fresh & salt water lagoons and walk along the ‘cliff top’ to the west. Park on Cliff Road, Hill Head, PO14 3JT, 300m west of Reserve Centre, where there are toilets & cafe (or bring packed lunch). Meet in cafe, entry fee is £4.25 (seniors £4). Optional early evening meal afterwards at the nearby Osborne View pub (PO14 3JP).

Winter programme 2017/2018

21^st October (Saturday)                                   14.00 at SU748651
FUNGUS FORAY AT FARLEY HILL
Join us for a leisurely walk through Great Copse in search of fungi. Park at the side of the road in Kiln Lane. a quiet road which turns westwards off Priest Hill, at the point where it bends through a right angle before dropping steeply downhill.

26^th November (Sunday)                                 14.00 at SU505652
BOWDOWN WOODS
Join Reserve Warden Roger Dobbs for a 1½ hour walk through BBOWT’s Bowdown Woods. Find out about the wildlife, management and history of this 135-acre semi-natural ancient woodland.  From ¼ mile east of the Control Tower roundabout on Burys Bank Road, turn eastwards down the first tarmac road. Meet at the Bomb Site car park at the end of the track.

 2018

27^th January (Saturday)                                  10.30 at SU326789
LAMBOURN                                    Nearest postcode RG17 8XU
A walk of about two miles looking at geology, scenery and building stones around Lambourn, including Lynch Woods Springs SSSI, where we will examine the chalk geology, geomorphology and hydrology of the area. Meet at the cross in front of St Michael & All Angels Church.

10^th February (Saturday)                                10.30 at SU534023
TITCHFIELD HAVEN NNR
All day trip. Fresh & salt water lagoons, harbour and beach. Parking on Cliff Road, Hill Head, PO14 3JT, 300 yards west of Reserve Centre. Toilets & cafeteria (or bring packed lunch). Meet in cafeteria, entry fee is £4.25 (seniors £4). Optional early evening meal afterwards at the nearby Osborne View pub (PO14 3JP).

10^th March (Saturday)                                     10.30 at SU372642
INKPEN CROCUS FIELD
BBOWT’s Inkpen Crocus Field has Britain’s largest population of wild spring crocuses. It is a species-rich old unimproved pasture. Park at the Recreation Ground in Post Office Road, Inkpen. Optional continuation to BBOWT’s nearby Inkpen Common reserve.

24^th March (Saturday)                                     14.00 at SU711919
MOSS WALK AT GREENFIELD COPSE NEAR WATLINGTON
Walk to look at mosses and liverworts. Stout footwear required, with some slopes and stiles. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Parking is available in the ‘Tree Barn’ car park, Greenfield Farm, OX49 5HG, with thanks to the proprietor.

INFORMAL WEDNESDAY WALKS, STARTING AT 10.15

Venues will be established by the Monday evening of the week concerned. Details of the walk will be announced at the Tuesday evening talk or ring the leader:

Summer programme 2017

8^th April (Saturday)                                         14.00 at SU617621
PAMBER FOREST
Meet at the car park at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath, for a 3 mile walk through the forest, looking for butterflies, birds and spring flowers, including Wild Daffodils. Parts of Pamber Forest can be very muddy.

19^th April (Wednesday walk)                          10.15 at SU509731
HERMITAGE
Meet at the car park of the Fox Inn, Hermitage on the main B4009 road, where we will return for lunch. Five mile walk though woodland and farmland over Oare Common to Oareborough Hill. No stiles but one steep climb and rather muddy in parts. We should see a good range of spring flowers.

30^th April (Sunday)                                          10.30 at SU633738
SPRING FLOWER WALK AT MOOR COPSE
Meet at the car park of BBOWT’s Moor Copse reserve for a two mile walk through the woods. Bluebells should be at their best and we hope to see Early-purple Orchid, Large Bitter-cress and Water Avens in flower.

7^th May (Sunday)                                               5.00 at SU572664
DAWN CHORUS AT WOOLHAMPTON
Meet at the Rowbarge, Station Road, Woolhampton RG7 5SH. Please park in the main car park which is for patrons and walkers alike. Members/visitors are requested to assemble with consideration for others not getting up quite so early!

17^th May (Wednesday walk)                           10.15 at SU582690
GREYFIELD WOOD, BEENHAM
Park at RG7 5NY or at the Six Bells 200 yards south of the wood. During the walk we may see Drab Looper moth, Early-purple Orchid and other spring flowers and hear a variety of bird song (e.g. Firecrest, Spotted Flycatcher and Marsh Tit). A couple who help look after the wood and live nearby may show us their planted meadow and interesting shrubs.

29^th May (Bank Holiday Monday)                  10.00 at SP570126
OTMOOR
Meet at the RSPB car park at the end of Otmoor Lane, Beckley (please car share where possible). The largest remnant of the undrained, unimproved moor is owned by the MoD and is a SSSI. Generally not open to the public, this is a chance visit to this restricted area, including one of the finest meadows in the country, boasting rarities such as Fen Violet and Downy-fruited Sedge. Joint meeting with the Oxfordshire Flora Group and participation restricted to eight members. Contact Renée Grayer to book a place .

3^rd June (Saturday)
SUMMER COACH TRIP:   RANSCOMBE FARM, KENT
21^st June (Wednesday walk)                           10.15 at SU720878
WARBURG RESERVE, BIX
Meet at the car park of the BBOWT reserve. A walk through the flower-rich grasslands and woods of this magnificent place, looking for orchids and other rare wildflowers such as Herb Paris. This is also a good site for birds, reptiles, butterflies, moths and dragonflies.

24^th June (Saturday)                                        10.30 at SU639574
BEE WALK at THE VYNE
Exploration of the gardens of the Vyne to look at and identify bees amongst other delights in the walled garden and herbaceous borders. The Vyne is a National Trust property between Bramley and Sherborne St John (RG24 9HL). Follow National Trust signs to the car park. There is a shuttle to the walled garden from the ticket office. Meet at the car park at 10.30 or at the entrance of the walled garden at 10.45. Entrance is £11.75 or free for members (we hope to have some free entry places with life members).

16^th July (Sunday)                                            14.30 at SU467997
DRY SANDFORD PIT
Meet at the car park of this BBOWT Nature Reserve. Thousands of Marsh Helleborines should be in flower here at this time of the year, together with many other interesting plants. The pools and ponds are good locations for damselflies, including the very rare Southern Damselfly. Willow and Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings may be heard in the dense areas of reed. The car park of Dry Sandford Pit is very small, so please car share if possible.

19^th July (Wednesday walk)                            10.15 at SU768911
TURVILLE
Meet at the car park of the Bull and Butcher, Turville, where we will return for lunch. The five mile walk will go through fields and mixed woodland to a chalk downland slope, where we hope to see a good range of flowers and butterflies. A couple of stiles and some fairly steep but steady climbs.

29^th July (Saturday)                                         20.30 at SU594768
30^th July (Sunday)                                                    09.00 to 11.00
MOTHING & SUMMER  PARTY at UPPER BASILDON
Moth trapping will take place in the garden at Coromandel, Bethesda Street, Upper Basildon, RG8 8NT. Bethesda Street runs between Aldworth Road and Park Wall Lane and Coromandel is on the east side, with a large oak in the front garden and a gravel drive. Parking at Coromandel is limited, so if possible, please park at the Village Hall, on the west side of Bethesda Street about 0.4 miles towards Park Wall Lane. Contributions of food and drink on the night will be welcome. Bring a torch. Alternatively meet on Sunday 30^th July from 09.00 to view some of the catch.

5^th August (Saturday)                                      14.30 at SU726958
ASTON ROWANT
Meet at the Northern end of the Cowleaze Wood car park. The entrance is about 1.7 miles from Christmas Common on the Christmas Common to A40 road. Turn left on entering the car park and drive to the end. We could see up to 20 species of butterfly, including Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalkhill Blue, plus many species of chalk grassland flowers. Some steep ascents and descents.

23^rd August (Wednesday walk)                      10.15 at SU744631
BLACKWATER RIVER NEAR FARLEY HILL
Meet at Well House Lane, Hook, RG27 0RJ. There is a diverse range of habitats and the leader has done the BTO surveys here for over 25 years.

27^th August (Sunday)                                      14.30 at SU583807
THE HOLIES, STREATLEY
Meet in the National Trust car park on the right hand side of the road at the top of Streatley Hill. The Holies is a superb site for chalk flowers and invertebrates. The second generation Adonis Blue butterflies should be on the wing and we should see Pale Toadflax, Carline Thistle, Yellow-wort and both Autumn and Chiltern Gentians. Some steep hills and rough ground.

9^th September (Saturday)                                14.30 at SU733715
HARRIS GARDEN TREE WALK
Meet at car park no 11 to the right of the Pepper Lane entrance of The University of Reading. A walk through the former botanical garden, looking at unusual and interesting trees planted there during the years. We also hope to see Ivy Broomrape in fruit.

20^th September (Wednesday walk)                 10.15 at SU683902
SWYNCOMBE
Meet at Swyncombe Church for a circular walk of about 4.5 miles through a mixture of arable farmland, beech woodland and fine chalk grassland. Some steep hills.

24^th September (Sunday)                                 14.30 at SU850629
WILDMOOR HEATH (BBOWT reserve)
Meet at South Road, Crowthorne (the short spur running north off Rackstraw Road). We should see a range of heathland and bog plants, including local rarities such as White Beak-sedge and Oblong-leaved Sundew. Wellies recommended.

Winter programme 2016/2017

15^th October (Saturday)                                   14.00 at SU812636
FUNGUS FORAY AT SIMON’S WOOD FINCHAMPSTEAD
Meet at the car park on Wellingtonia Avenue – there is a small sign to the wood on the opposite (south) side of the road. A 1-2 mile walk through this National Trust wood in search of fungi.

19^th November (Saturday)                               10.00 at SU634738
HARVEST MOUSE NEST HUNT AT MOOR COPSE
We will be looking for the nests of harvest mice and may see the results of mammal trapping by Dr Amanda Lloyd of the Berkshire Mammal Group. Meet at the car park of BBOWT’s Moor Copse reserve.

11^th December (Sunday)                                  14.00 at SU770841
WALK ALONG THE THAMES FROM REMENHAM
A circular walk along the Thames starting at Remenham and going past Hambleden Lock, looking for water fowl and water plants. Park near Remenham Church, where we will meet.  Parking very limited so please car share, where possible.

2017

5^th – 8^th January (Thursday – Sunday)
NORFOLK TRIP FOR BIRDS
A 4-day hotel-based trip, looking for flocks of pink-footed geese and other wintering wildfowl, waders, cranes and raptors. Also trips to hot spots for birds such as bramblings and tree sparrows. Phone for details and hotel booking (booking deadline October 10^th).

4th February (Saturday)                                 10.30 at SU757049
THORNEY ISLAND
Meet with packed lunch to walk down the east side of Thorney Island. Winter wildfowl, waders and raptors. High tide 16.40 hrs, includes dusk watch for Short-eared Owls. Optional early evening meal nearby.

25^th February (Saturday)                                10.30 at SU702868
NETTLEBED COMMON                              Nearest postcode RG9 5BA
Meet at the shelter on The Green, next to notice board, to look at the geology of the Common, which is one of the highest river gravel terraces of the area, with a lot of sink holes, including one recent one. Cars can be parked alongside The Green.

11^th March (Saturday)                                     14.00 at SU642859
MOSS WALK TO WARREN BANK NATURE RESERVE
Meet at the car park of King William pub, Ipsden (you can also park nearby) for a 3-4 km walk near Warren Bank Nature Reserve, looking at mosses and liverworts. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Stout footwear and warm clothing recommended.

Summer programme 2016

16^th April (Saturday)                                      14.00 at SU 870860
WINTER HILL, MARLOW
Meet at the car park on top of Winter Hill.  Explore this chalk grassland reserve and surrounding wet pasture and ponds while the spring flowers are at their best.  One to two mile walk but with steep hills.

20^th April (Wednesday walk)                         10.15 at SU 584689
BEENHAM
Meet at the car park opposite the Six Bells, where we will return for lunch. Four mile circular walk through woodland and farmland around Douai Abbey. Several stiles; may be muddy in places. Spring flowers, especially Bluebells, should be in bloom.

30^th April (Saturday)                                      14.30 at SU 655727
HAREFIELD COPSE AND BOXGROVE WOOD, TILEHURST
Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road.  A walk through the woods to see a wide range of spring flowers such as Bluebells and Early-Purple Orchids.

15^th May (Sunday)                                          14.30 at SU 813850
KINGS BARN FARM, MEDMENHAM (private property)
A return visit to see various conservation initiatives on this farm and woodland where additional land recently has been purchased providing the opportunity to extend the species survey.  Some short steep slopes.  Take minor road opposite the entrance to Danesfield Hotel.  Keep right through gates for Kings Barn Manor and park by the green agricultural buildings and pond.

18^th May (Wednesday walk)                          10.15 at SU 597761
UPPER BASILDON
Park at the Red Lion, Upper Basildon for a 5 mile walk in woods and quiet roads & villages – one or two stiles.  Option of pub lunch at end.

28^th May (Saturday)                                        20.00 at SU 617621
SILCHESTER COMMON
Meet at the car park in Impstone Road, Pamber Heath. An evening walk (around 1 mile) to view local flora and birds, followed by a search for nightjars, woodcock and bats.  Bring a torch, warm clothing and appropriate footwear for walking in uneven terrain in the dark. We’ll finish around 22.30.

11^th June (Saturday)                                       11.00 at SU 232429
CHOLDERTON ESTATE NEAR SALISBURY
All day visit to outstanding organic estate with rare arable plants, chalk grassland, farmland birds etc., led by owner and naturalist Henry Edmunds. See http://www.cholderton-estate.co.uk Members only, numbers limited to 20.  Please contact leader to book and for transport arrangements.  Distance about 4 miles, bring packed lunch.

15^th June (Wednesday walk)                          10.15 at SU 550844
ASTON UPTHORPE DOWNS and LOWBURY HILL
Meet at the grain dryer, about ½ mile down the narrow lane which runs southwards from the A417. Four mile circular walk up through Juniper Valley to Lowbury Hill, with Small Heath butterflies and fine chalk flowers including Dropwort, Wild Candytuft and Field Mouse-ear.

18^th June (Saturday)
SUMMER COACH TRIP:   NEW FOREST
Annual coach trip.

25^th June (Saturday)                                       10.30 at SU 900416
THURSLEY NNR, SURREY
Meet at The Moat car park south of Elstead village. This National Nature Reserve has a rich valley, mire and heathland flora, 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies, heathland birds including Hobby and Silver-studded Blue butterflies. Distance about 2½ miles. Bring packed lunch.

9^th July (Saturday)                                          14.30 at SU 857809
MAIDENHEAD THICKET – BUTTERFLY WALK
Once a notorious area for highwaymen, this now peaceful woodland contains many ancient oaks and an Iron Age enclosure. The target is the elusive White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, and hopefully a few other species along the way.  Meet in the car park off the Henley Road (A4130). Binoculars will be very useful if we see WLH.   If wet, ring to confirm whether walk is on.

13^th July (Wednesday walk)                           10.15 at SU 709819
GREAT BOTTOM WOOD
The meeting place is the Red Lion, Peppard Common.  We hope to see some orchids in the deep shade of this beechwood. 

 20th July (Wed – Field meeting)                    10.15 at SU 723513
GREYWELL MOORS, HANTS WILDLIFE TRUST RESERVE
Meet at the Pumping Station on Deptford Lane, east of Greywell village for a 2 mile walk through marsh/fen grassland and woodland.  Pub lunch in Greywell village for those who would like it and an option to continue the walk along the Basingstoke Canal to Odiham Castle after lunch.

30st July (Saturday)                                       21.00 at SU 644777
31st July (Sunday)                                                   09.00 to 11.00
MOTHING at CHALKHILLS (Boze DownVineyard), WHITCHURCH-on-THAMES
Members only
From Whitchurch-on-Thames High Street drive east for 1km (0.6m) along Hardwick Road to a point where a single telephone wire crosses the road diagonally.  Chalkhills is a house on the left and after that there is a gate on the left into a field where we will park if it is dry.  Please look for notices as parking may change.  Wear stout footwear and bring a torch. Alternatively meet on Sunday 31st July from 09.00 to view some of the catch.

7^th August (Sunday)                                        14.30 at SP 766002
CHINNOR NATURE RESERVE, Bucks
A reserve new to our programme: clay-with-flints at the top and chalky at the bottom.  It includes part of the Icknield Way and some woodland.   Fine views of The Vale of Aylesbury, birds, Gentians, Carline Thistle and Juniper on the steep slopes, Bronze Age burial mounts and Holloways.  We will be walking down the hill in the reserve and back up again, although there is plenty to see and explore on the top of the hill for anyone who wants to stay on the level.  Park at the end of Hill Top Lane.

17^th August (Wednesday walk)                     10.15 at SU 538644
CROOKHAM COMMON and RIVER ENBORNE
Meet at the car park at the Traveller’s Friend, Crookham where we will return for lunch. Four mile circular walk through heathland, woodland and farmland to the east of Greenham Common and then down along the River Enborne. Two stiles and one steep slope.

20^th August (Saturday)                                   10.30 at SU 787647
CALIFORNIA COUNTRY PARK
Meet at the car park of the country park off Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham RG40 4HU (£1.50 for 4 hours) for a walk to the 8000 year old Longmoor Bog SSSI, which contains rare bog plants. We hope to see the rare Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).

^3rd September (Saturday)                                   14.30 at SU 710936
WATLINGTON HILL
Meet at the National Trust Watlington Hill car park.  We should see Autumn and Chiltern Gentians in flower and many other interesting chalk plants.

4^th September (Sunday)
BERKHAMPSTEAD
Following the Winter Programme talk on Edible Dormice, there will be the opportunity to take part as a volunteer in the regional survey of this species.  Numbers limited to 10.  Pre-booking essential.  Car sharing.

21^st September (Wednesday walk)                10.15 at SU 637789
WHITCHURCH HILL
Park in the Goring Heath Parish Hall Car Park opposite St John’s Church in Whitchurch Hill. A circular walk of about 4.5 miles through a mixture of woodland, arable, chalk grassland at Hartslock and a section alongside the River Thames. Some steepish ascents and descents. Pub lunch at the nearby Sun Inn, Whitchurch Hill.

Winter programme 2015/2016

2015
25^th October (Sunday)                                    14.00 at SU634675
UFTON NERVET
Park outside the school. Having been here in spring, this is a chance to see what we can find in early autumn:   flowers, birds, country views, fishponds, a moat, manor houses and an ancient oak. About 3 miles.

29^th November (Sunday)                                  14.45 at SP570126
OTMOOR STARLING MURMURATION
Join us for a late afternoon sighting of the spectacular starling murmuration at this lovely bird reserve near Oxford. Meet at the RSPB reserve car park at the north end of Otmoor Lane. Wrap up warmly and bring a hot drink, torch, binoculars and camera.

19^th December (Saturday)                               10.30 at SU644623
CALLEVA ROMAN TOWN
Meet at Silchester church car park. A look at local building stone where the walls form a weathered limestone outcrop offering lots of moss and liverworts. Flowering and other plants, birds and invertebrates. About three miles.

2016

9^th January (Saturday)                        

COACH OUTING TO SLIMBRIDGE
Starting early to see the birds and miss the crowds, we are heading off to Slimbridge for a full day’s programme, guided by local member Ken White.

13^th February (Saturday)                       10.30 at SU44978 75924
CHAPEL FARM, LECKHAMPSTEAD Post code RG20 8RA
Meet at Chapel Farm car park, about 200m east of the B4494. 2.4 mile circular walk on good footpaths and bridleways in lovely countryside including chalk dry valleys, sarsen stones, sands of the Lambeth group, source of the Winterbourne and some recent deposits.

5^th March (Saturday)                                       14.00 at SU727957
MOSS WALK AT COWLEAZE
Meet at Cowleaze Car Park, north of Christmas Common, for a walk round the nearby woodland area, looking at mosses and liverworts. All levels of expertise welcome. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Going not demanding but stout footwear and warm clothing recommended.

16^th April (Saturday)                                       14.00 at SU870860
WINTER HILL, MARLOW
Meet at the car park on top of Winter Hill. Explore this chalk grassland reserve and surrounding wet pasture and ponds while the spring flowers are at their best. One to two mile walk but with steep hills.

30^th April (Saturday)                                       14.30 at SU655727
HAREFIELD COPSE AND BOXGROVE WOOD, TILEHURST
Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. A walk through the woods to see a wide range of spring flowers such as Bluebells and Early-purple Orchids.

Summer programme 2015

11^th April (Saturday)                         14.30 at SU772741
ALDERMOORS AT WOODLEY
Meet at the Ashenbury Park car park off Denmark Avenue near Tippings Lane for Wood Anemones, Golden Saxifrage and other spring flowers in this ancient woodland.

15^th April (Wednesday)                     10.15 at SU565769
ASHAMPSTEAD
Park by the side of the village green in Ashampstead village. A 4 mile walk over fields and through woodland where we hope to see bluebells and other woodland spring flowers. A few steep parts and probably muddy in places.

26^th April (Sunday)                            10.30 at SU721879
WARBURG RESERVE, BIX
Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding woodland and chalk grassland reserve while the spring flowers, including Green Hellebore, are at their best.

3^rd May (Sunday)                                14.00 at SU526762
HAMPSTEAD NORREYS
Joint meeting with West Berks Countryside Society, looking at flowers and archaeology in the Hampstead Norreys woods. Meet at the Village Hall car park, on the B4009 at the west end of the village next to the school.

 20^th May (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU616796
HARTSLOCK RESERVE
Explore BBOWT’s superb chalk grassland reserve when the Monkey Orchids should be at their best. No parking on site. Park in Goring car park (SU599806) and walk (30 mins) or ring to book a seat in our shuttle from the station car park. Return via river walk or shuttle.

30^th May (Saturday)                    10.30 at SU555621
ASHFORD HILL MEADOWS
Meet at the Recreation Ground car park, off the southern branch of Chapel Lane and bring a packed lunch. We will walk a circular route around the reserve, taking in woodland, wetland, meadow and pasture, finishing about 3pm. Ashford Hill Woods and Meadows SSSI is a complex of woods and meadows with a remarkably diverse flora and a number of locally uncommon species.

6^thJune (Saturday)                             10.30 at SU594812
OTMOOR
Meet at the RSPB reserve car park at the end of Otmoor Lane, which runs down to Otmoor from the eastern end of Beckley village. The reserve is one of the three UK sites for Fen Violet. We should also see other wetland plants, plenty of birds, especially waders and warblers, plus dragonflies and butterflies.

17^th June (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU454773
PEASEMORE AND GROVE PIT
Meet and park at the Fox pub car park at Peasemore. The walk takes us through arable land and woods including Grove Pit Green Nature Reserve at Leckhampstead and a large field of wild flowers that should be good for butterflies. About 4 miles with some moderate climbs and three stiles; possibly muddy in places.

 27^th June (Saturday)  
 ARNE, DORSET
Annual coach trip.

15^th July (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU765572
HAZELEY HEATH, HARTLEY WINTNEY
Park in Springfield Ave (first left off B3011 as you enter Hartley Wintney) and meet near its junction with Primrose Drive (RG27 8SF). Walk round Hazeley Heath, part of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, for butterflies (possibly Silver-studded Blue), dry and wet heathland plants, birds and dragonflies. About 4 miles with a few short hills.

 18^th July (Saturday)                           14.30 at SU566531
MALSHANGER
Take Upper Wootton turning off A329, then turn right before restricted access, through village and left to Malshanger. Park at Shear Down Farm. Harold Makant from Natural England will lead a walk on the Malshanger Estate, including interesting arable plants, woodland, lavender and mint fields. About 3 miles, members only.

26^thJuly (Sunday)                                 14.30 at SU732966
ASTON ROWANT
Meet in the National Nature Reserve car park, on the west side of the Christmas Common to A40 road, signposted from just to the north of the M40 bridge. We could see 20 species of butterfly, including Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalkhill Blue, plus stunning chalk grassland flowers. Some steep ascents and descents.

 9^th August (Sunday)                            14.30 at SU694717
FOBNEY ISLAND
Meet at the south end of Circuit Lane, Southcote for a walk to the Holy Brook, Kennet & Avon Canal and the nature reserve at Fobney Island. We hope to see many interesting water plants such as the Pink and Blue Water-speedwell and their hybrid, as well as a range of dragonflies and butterflies.

15^th August (Saturday)                        21.00 at SU463710
16^th August (Sunday)                                           09.00
MOTHING AT SNELSMORE
Meet in the car park at the entrance to Snelsmore Country Park on B4494. 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.

19^th August (Wednesday)                  10.15 at SU648912
EWELME, Oxfordshire
Park at Cow Common Recreation Ground in Ewelme for a circular walk of 3.5 miles. Pub lunch and chance to explore the village (14^th century school, church and almshouses) with an optional guided tour (£3 each) of the historic watercress beds, which also have a number of wildflowers.

5^th September (Saturday)                 14.30 at SU953850
BURNHAM BEECHES
Following last winter’s fascinating talk about Burnham Beeches, we will have a ranger-led walk to look at ancient pollards, wood pasture, heathland and valley mire. Park on Lord Mayor’s Drive (fee £2) and meet near the cafe.

16^th September (Wednesday)           10.15 at SU813636
FINCHAMPSTEAD RIDGES & MOOR GREEN LAKES
Meet at the National Trust’s Simon’s Wood car park, on the north side of Wellingtonia Avenue, Finchampstead.  A 4.5 mile walk through heathland, woodland and along the River Blackwater, with a steep descent and a long climb back to the start.

 27^th September (Sunday)                  14.30 at SU499651
GREENHAM COMMON
Meet in the Control Centre car park off Bury’s Bank Road. This is mainly a heathland site, but with calcareous grassland on the former runways, and Alder woods and valley mires in the gulleys to the south.

Winter programme 2014/2015

11^th October (Saturday)                       10.30 at SU784718
LEAF MINES AT DINTON PASTURES
Joint meeting with British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS). Meet in the main car park of Dinton Pastures Country Park, off Davis Street, Hurst (fee £2 for 4 hours or £2.50 all day). We will be looking for leaf mines and other insect life, with the opportunity to look round the BENHS building afterwards. Optionally bring or buy lunch and stay for the afternoon session. Bring a hand lens or net if you have one.

2^nd November (Sunday)                        14.15 at SU704857
FUNGUS FORAY AT NETTLEBED WOODS
Join us for our annual fungus foray, which will be a circular walk round Nettlebed Woods. Meet at Highmoor Trench, off the east side of the Highmoor to Nettlebed road.

7^th December (Sunday)                         10.00 at SU681701
SEARLE’S FARM, BURGHFIELD
Meet at the southern end of Pingewood Road (a dead end) for ducks and other winter bird life at the Searle’s Farm gravel pit complex. Wrap up warmly and it may be muddy underfoot.

2015

10^th January (Saturday)                       9.30 at SU679044
FARLINGTON MARSHES FOR BIRDS
Joint field trip with BBOWT for geese, ducks, grebes and waders at Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth. Meet in the car park of the Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust reserve, accessed from the A27/A2030 Eastern Rd roundabout. Facilities at the service station to the north of the roundabout, but none on the reserve. Bring a packed lunch and wear warm clothes.

7^th February (Saturday)                       10.30 at SU466997
COTHILL & DRY SANDFORD FOR GEOLOGY
An opportunity to look at part of the Jurassic of Oxfordshire. The local geology gives rise to fen and sandy habitats in close proximity. Dry Sandford is a local and nationally recognised geological site which has been quarried for sandstone and Coral Rag. Meet at the car park at the entrance to Dry Sandford Pit.

7^th March (Saturday)                            14.00 at SU683902
MOSS WALK AT SWYNCOMBE
Meet at Swyncombe Church for a circular walk round the nearby woodland area, looking at mosses and liverworts. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Stout footwear and warm clothing essential.

Summer programme 2014

6^th May (Tuesday)                              19.00 at SU649698
HOSEHILL NEAR THEALE
Park inside the local nature reserve at Hosehill. The entrance gate is across the road from the Fox & Hounds pub at Sheffield Bottom. We will be looking and listening for spring migrants, especially Nightingales. Bring a torch and be ready to stay out until dusk.

 21^st May (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU760613
BRAMSHILL
Park at small car park at south-east corner of Bramshill Plantation. The SSSI is a large conifer plantation with interesting ditches and pond fringes. We hope to see early flowers of Southern Marsh and Bee Orchids as well as Marsh Frogs. About 4 miles on flat terrain which can be muddy.

25^th May (Sunday)                      14.30 at SU601606
RON WARD’S MEADOW, TADLEY
Park near The Green, Tadley Hill, which turns west off the A340. Ron Ward’s Meadow is a Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust Reserve. The flowers of this unimproved meadow include Dyer’s Greenweed, Saw-wort, Bitter Vetch, Common Spotted-orchid and Southern Marsh-orchid. Sorry, no dogs.

1^st June (Sunday)
PORTON DOWN
See enclosed letter for details of the annual coach trip.

15^thJune (Sunday)                              14.30 at SU594812
CLEEVE WATER MEADOW, STREATLEY
Park at Streatley Recreation Ground RG8 9PR, off Cleeve Court Drive, which turns E off A329. Join us for a bioblitz at this water meadow on the bank of the River Thames. The owner will tell us about the history and management of the site. Help record meadow flowers, birds, insects and small mammals, including water shrew. Wellies advisable, no dogs, refreshments provided afterwards.

18^th June (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU801905
MOOREND COMMON, BUCKS
A walk around this 22 hectare site (often wet in places!) to see unusual grasses, sedges and reeds as well as orchids, insects, birds etc. Meet in lay-by on Lane End to Frieth road. Parking is limited – alternative spaces within 400m.

29^th June (Sunday)                              10.30 at SU493565
LADLE HILL
Park at the top of the hill by the side of the minor road to Ashley Warren. We shall walk westwards along the Wayfarers Walk for about 1 mile across an area with interesting arable plants and downland birds to the rich chalk grassland of Ladle Hill. Bring a picnic lunch. Finish about 3pm.

16^th July (Wednesday)                      10.15 at SU785854
HAMBLEDON
Walk along the Shakespeare and Chiltern Ways to Homefield Wood for butterflies, profusion of flowers and late orchids, possibly slow worms.  Fairly steep climb at start.  Park behind Stag and Huntsman Pub in Hambledon.

 19^th July (Saturday)                              21.30 at SU616796
20^th July (Sunday)                                                09.00
MOTHING AT HARTSLOCK
Park inside the entrance to BBOWT’s Hartslock reserve. Coming along Gatehampton Road from Goring Station, bear left at the fork after 700m. After a further 1km, continue straight along the track when the road turns up to the left. The reserve entrance is on the right after 100m. 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.

3^rdAugust (Sunday)                              14.30 at SU640775
CHALKHILLS, WHITCHURCH-ON-THAMES
Marked as Bozedown Farm on the OS map, Chalkhills is east of Whitchurch next to Hardwick Road. Park if possible in the farmyard, otherwise park in the next field at SU644776. Come for a general interest walk through fine chalk grassland, farmland and woods where various conservation initiatives have been underway for 20 years or more. Some short steepish ascents and descents.

20^th August (Wednesday)                  10.15 at SU645647
MORTIMER
Park along Stephens Firs Road for a walk through Hundred Acre Piece and adjoining conifer plantations, looking for Grayling butterflies and ride-edge flowers and insects.

23^rd August (Saturday)                      10.30 at SU965649
CHOBHAM COMMON
Chobham Common is the largest National Nature Reserve in SE England and is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. Meet at the car park off the B383 near the roundabout. The heather will be flowering and we hope to see some of the many rarities of this site, including the Marsh Gentian, Grayling butterfly and Dartford Warbler.

 7^th September (Sunday)                     14.30 at SU463710
SNELSMORE COMMON
Meet in the car park at the entrance to Snelsmore Country Park on the B4494. We should see a range of dry heath and bog plants and possibly also some early fungi.

17^th September (Wednesday)           10.15 at SU588639
PAICE’S WOOD AND WASING
Meet at Paice’s Wood Country Park main car park off the A340 south of Aldermaston.  A general interest walk through Paice’s Wood, and Wasing Wood using some restricted access paths.  About 4 miles.

21^st September (Sunday)                   14.30 at SU736715
LICHENS ON WHITEKNIGHTS CAMPUS
Meet in car park 13 on Whiteknights campus (from Pepper Lane, turn right and follow road to car park 13 sign). Look at lichens on trees where urban and rural influences meet. The campus offers the opportunity to see how nitrogen pollution, bark pH and bark roughness change the species composition of lichen communities on trees.

Winter programme 2013/2014

29^th September (Sunday)                     14.00 at SU762803
HARPSDEN WOODS – FUNGUS FORAY
Join us in Harpsden Woods for our annual fungus foray. Coming from the Shiplake direction, park at the side of Woodlands Road, at the wider section about a quarter mile into the woods.

2^nd November (Saturday)                     14.00 at SU633738
FAMILY WALK AT MOOR COPSE, TIDMARSH
Meet at the reserve car park, on the east side of the A340, 200m north of the M4. Bring your children or grandchildren (or just come along anyway) to enjoy this BBOWT reserve in autumn.

14^th November (Thursday)
BEHIND THE SCENES AT WISLEY
Joint coach trip with Reading Gardeners. Ring for details.

7^th December (Saturday)                      10.00 at SU804628
MOOR GREEN LAKES AND BLACKWATER VALLEY
Meet at the car park on Lower Sandhurst Road for wintering Goosander and other wildfowl. The walk along the bank of the River Blackwater could have all 3 species of woodpecker, plus Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and flocks of tits. Distance 4 miles.

 2014

18^th January (Saturday)                       10.15 at SZ879977
PAGHAM HARBOUR FOR BIRDS
Joint field trip with BBOWT. Park along the road by the church. Bring a packed lunch and wear warm clothes for a day’s bird watching at Pagham Harbour and on the nearby beach.

8^th February (Saturday)                       10.30 at SU583723
BRADFIELD FOR GEOLOGY
Meet at the Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm for a walk of 2.5 miles, taking in the Chalk / Reading Beds unconformity at the quarry above Rushall Farm, an active swallow hole in the woods above and the springs at the Blue Pool.

8^th March (Saturday)                            14.00 at SU709935
MOSS WALK AT WATLINGTON HILL
Meet at the National Trust car park at the top of Watlington Hill for a good range of woodland and chalk grassland bryophytes. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Stout footwear and warm clothing essential.

12^th April (Saturday)                            14.30 at SU750708
MAIDEN ERLEGH RESERVE
Park and meet at Instow Road (Oak Wood side) for a walk through Oak Wood, Moor Copse, Oldpond Copse and along Maiden Erlegh Lake. Marsh-marigold, Golden-saxifrage and other early spring plants should be in flower there.

27^th April (Sunday)                               14.30 at SU725834
GREYS COURT, ROTHERFIELD GREYS
Park in the National Trust car park for a spring flower walk in the extensive grounds of Greys Court. The tea-room (free for NT members) is open 11-5, so why not have lunch before the walk or tea and cake afterwards?

Winter 2012/2013

14^th October (Sunday)                          14.30 at SU692801

GALLOWSTREE COMMON – FUNGUS FORAY

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

Joint trip with Reading Gardeners. Contact leader for details.

11^th November (Sunday)                      14.00 at SU653662

WOKEFIELD COMMON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
‘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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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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

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

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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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
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

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

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

20th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU744793
BINFIELD HEATH

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

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
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

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
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

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 
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

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

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.

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