{"id":6,"date":"2009-06-03T17:10:49","date_gmt":"2009-06-03T22:10:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/?page_id=6"},"modified":"2026-04-18T16:45:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T15:45:37","slug":"indoor-programme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/indoor-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Indoor programme"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings starting at 19:45, at Pangbourne Village Hall, RG8 7AN or on Zoom where indicated. Members are invited to bring exhibits and share their observations. The Zoom link will be in our monthly newsletter or use the <a href=\"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/contact-us\/\">contact form<\/a> to ask for one.\u00a0 Please check the website or contact a committee member.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors welcome (\u00a33 cash charge).<\/p>\n<p>If you wish to become a member click <a href=\"http:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/html\/contacts.htm#Membership\">here<\/a>. Our full programme of field trips and informal walks takes place throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<p><strong>To see all our upcoming activities please see our convenient <a href=\"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/?post_type=tribe_events\">calendar of events<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=10BrNTFnSDK_Sn_5vzHRLKPtaHozHlsQL\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5933 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-1024x620.jpg?_t=1663675449\" alt=\"\" width=\"843\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-1024x620.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-768x465.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-1536x931.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-2048x1241.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-80x48.jpg 80w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-36x22.jpg 36w, https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/PangVillHall-48x29.jpg 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 843px) 100vw, 843px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>5th May\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Presidential address from Grahame Hawker<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>(Vice chair of UTB BC &amp; Vice chair Berkshire Moth Group)<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Bringing Moths to Light <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The talk will cover the differences between moths and butterflies, macro and micro moths, lifecycle, finding moths, identifying moths and recording moths and their role in the environment..<\/p>\n<p><strong>2nd June\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Barbara Polonara (House Martin<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Conservation UK &amp; Ireland)<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>House Martins: how can we help them?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Join Barbara Polonara, committee member of House Martin Conservation UK &amp; Ireland, the only UK \u2013 IE charity solely dedicated to the preservation and protection of the house martin, for a talk on these amazing migratory birds and how we can help stop their decline.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>7th July\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Jane Sellwood (RDNHS, WDVTA, EEG)<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Water: How We Use and Abuse it<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Water, whether too much or too little around the globe is at the forefront of how the changing climate is affecting communities.<\/p>\n<p>The talk will cover wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment and the current national and global water issues and impact of the climate crisis.<\/p>\n<p><strong>8th August\u00a0 (Saturday)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 15.00-18.00 at SU506671 <\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>SUMMER SOCIAL<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>NATURE DISCOVERY CENTRE, Muddy Lane, Thatcham<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Meet at the cabin area adjacent to the main car park. This is a chance to catch up with other members, perhaps take a walk around the site, and certainly see sand martins. Bring your own tea (hopefully as a sharing option) but tea and cake can be purchased at the caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1st September\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Erica Bower (University of Reading)<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Regenerative Agriculture \u2013 looking to the Future<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Erica has worked on projects with small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Central Asia and is currently involved in a project to develop programmes for farmer trainers in regenerative agriculture in Eastern Europe. Her talk will give fascinating insights into this work.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fffef0; color: #806060; padding: 4px; border: 1px solid brown;\">\n<h1>Archive of previous evening talks<\/h1>\n<p><strong>2025<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th <\/sup>October (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Jon Mason<\/p>\n<p><strong>A Year in Reserve\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In 2023 Jon Mason, known as Instagram\u2019s \u2018theearlybirder\u2019, undertook the challenge to visit all of BBOWT\u2019s reserves in one year. This is the story of what happened\u2026<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> November (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr Henrietta Pringle (People\u2019s Trust for Endangered Species and British Hedgehog Preservation Society) and Maddie Davis (Bat Conservation Trust)<\/strong><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Using AI for mammal monitoring<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Technology is revolutionising the way in which we survey for wildlife. In these two talks, we demonstrate how AI and machine learning tools can be harnessed for mammal monitoring, enhancing species detection, improving survey efficiency, and ultimately supporting conservation efforts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2<sup>nd<\/sup> December<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>6<sup>th<\/sup> January (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Catriona Bass (<\/strong><strong>Long Mead Foundation &#8211; Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Connecting Communities \u00a0Connecting Landscapes<\/p>\n<p>Burnet floodplain meadows are on the brink of extinction. Only 4 square miles remain in the UK \u2013 an area the size of Heathrow Airport. This project is a rare community driven landscape-scale restoration project dedicated to bringing this plant community back from the brink.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> February (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Anna Forbes (ARK)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Action for the River Kennet<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Anna leads the Corporate Volunteer Programme at ARK and will tell us about some of their practical conservation and restoration projects in and by the river.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> March (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Martin Woolner (Wild Maidenhead)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plant galls &#8211; an introduction to their enormous variety, function, and occasional use for us.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Oak apples, Robin&#8217;s pin cushions, Witches&#8217; brooms \u2026 are all found around Berkshire along with hundreds of others, each specific to their host plant. They are parasites offering no benefit to the plant, but generally doing no harm either, and have been collected through the ages and used as ink (the Magna Carta was written in oak gall ink) and for medicine.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7<sup>th <\/sup>April\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h1>Winter 2024 &#8211; Spring 2025<\/h1>\n<p>1<sup>st <\/sup>October 2024 (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Ailsa Claybourn (Ailsa\u2019s Walks and Talks)<\/p>\n<h3>Shakespeare\u2019s Birds<\/h3>\n<p>There is a remarkable number of birds in Shakespeare\u2019s writing: What is a \u2018hernshaw\u2019, and how could Hamlet tell one from a hawk? Why are House Martins important in \u2018Macbeth\u2019? Many of the birds in his plays and poetry still live near us today, and Ailsa will tell you all about these and how to recognise them.<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> October 2024<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Dr Matthew Ordidge (University of Reading)<\/p>\n<h3>The UK National Fruit Collection<\/h3>\n<p>Matthew is Scientific Curator of the UK National Fruit Collection. He will talk about the work the University carries out to curate the collection as a \u2018genebank\u2019 protecting the diversity of fruit cultivars for the future.<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> November (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Prof Stephen Harris (University of Oxford)<\/p>\n<h3>George Druce (1850-1932): Botany, Politics and Pharmacy<\/h3>\n<p>Pharmacist George Claridge Druce was a self-made man who became a prominent botanist and politician during the early twentieth century. This talk explores Druce\u2019s life and idiosyncrasies, his contributions to recording plant distributions in Berks, Bucks and Oxon and his multifarious legacies.<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> November<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Professor Martin Lukac (University of Reading)<\/p>\n<h3>Storing Carbon Under Your Feet, Literally<\/h3>\n<p>There is urgent need to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it for the long term. With limited space for extensive tree planting in towns, the soil is the only carbon storage option with sufficient capacity. Adding carbon to urban soils not only removes it from the atmosphere, but also supports their life and function.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> December (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Richard Jones (Entomologist)<\/p>\n<h3>The Call of Nature<\/h3>\n<p>Dung is a 4-letter word, but nothing to get disgusted about \u2013 it is simply pre-used food, still full of nutrients. The fall of bodily waste onto the ground is the start of a race against the clock as a multitude of dung-feeders and scavengers fight over and consume this rich food source.<\/p>\n<p><strong>17<sup>th<\/sup> December<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/h3>\n<p>Members&#8217; Christmas party with quizzes, food and drink.<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> January 2025 (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Rosie Street (Berks Local Recovery Strategy)<\/p>\n<h3>Making space for nature<\/h3>\n<p>A brief overview of our Berkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy over the last 20 months. The policies forming it, communities that have contributed to it, how we have decided where is most important for nature recovery and what recovery actions are proposed. Learn about the Public Consultation happening right now, and how you can have your say.<\/p>\n<p>21<sup>st <\/sup>January 2025<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Ed Cooper (BioCap Limited)<\/p>\n<h3>Sulham Woodmeadows<\/h3>\n<p>A 130ha area of former arable land on the Sulham Estate is being transformed into a landscape aimed at increasing biodiversity.\u00a0 Ed Cooper is the founder of BioCap, a small charity that has assisted Sulham Estate with the design and practical work on this large area of land. He will explain the design process and habitat creation work that is occurring.<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> February (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Dr Steve Portugal (University of Oxford)<\/p>\n<h3>Bird Flight and Cooperation Aerodynamics<\/h3>\n<p>Learn how birds co-operate and the mechanisms they employ to save energy during flight. The distinctive V formation of bird flocks has long intrigued researchers and continues to attract both scientific and popular attention. Through the use of novel bio-logging technology, and by working with the reintroduction scheme of the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis, studies have been performed on the relative positioning of individuals in a V-formation, and the co-operative aerodynamic interactions that take place, at a level and complexity not previously feasible.<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> February<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Grahame Hawker (Butterfly Conservation)<\/p>\n<h3>Butterfly Identification Made Easy<\/h3>\n<p>After a brief introduction to butterflies, we will look at the butterflies that live in our area and the rest of the UK to ensure that everyone has the confidence to identify and record them.<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> March (ZOOM)<\/p>\n<p>Speaker: Ken White (RDNHS)<\/p>\n<h3>The Plants and Birds of Crete<\/h3>\n<p>Spring on the Greek island of Crete is spectacular. 1600 species of plants have been recorded of which about 160 are endemic. There is also a great variety of birds, both residents and migrants.\u00a0Ken will look into the factors contributing to the high level of plant endemism and share photos from two springtime visits to the island looking at some of the flora and birding highlights.<\/p>\n<p>*NOTE* rescheduled from 8th October.<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th <\/sup> March<\/p>\n<h3>AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/h3>\n<h2>Winter 2023 &#8211; Spring 2024<\/h2>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> October (ZOOM) Dom Price (Species Recovery Trust)<br \/><strong>The Species Recovery Trust<\/strong><br \/>A brief talk outlining the work of the SRT, the species they are working to try and save, and some of the challenges faced in the world of endangered species conservation. Dominic Price is the founder and director of SRT and is one of the country\u2019s leading species conservation experts and botanical authors.<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> October Rose-Ann Movsovic (Berks &amp; S Bucks Bat Group)<strong><br \/><strong>Bats in Berkshire<\/strong><br \/><\/strong>After a brief introduction to UK bats, we will look at the species that can be found in Berkshire, including the types of habitats they use for roosting and foraging, where to go to see bats and how the local bat group is contributing to our knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> November (ZOOM) Des Sussex (The Crown Estate)<br \/><strong>The Windsor Estate<\/strong><br \/>The wildlife and conservation work on The Crown Estate land at Windsor, extending across over 6500ha of varied land and habitats from the Castle, down the Long Walk through the Deer Park, and across to Swinley Forest in the south. The land includes over 3000ha designated as SSSI, SAC and SPA due to its exceptional conservation importance.<\/p>\n<p>21<sup>st<\/sup> November Bob Cowley (Oxfordshire Mammal Group)<br \/><strong>An Introduction to Tracks &amp; Signs \u2013 the Naturalist\u2019s Forgotten Skill<\/strong><br \/>The ability to accurately identify and interpret tracks and signs relies on a body of traditional knowledge that previous generations of naturalists would have regarded as fundamental. Sadly, now it is largely unknown and untaught, but with the upsurge of citizen science, it is perhaps more relevant than ever.<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> December (ZOOM) Lucy Wilde (Wilde Ecology Dogs)<br \/><strong>Conservation Detection Dogs<\/strong><br \/>A brief talk about the use of conservation detection dogs, how they are trained, research being done with case studies, and Lucy\u2019s personal experience of working with the dogs. Additionally, share how people can get involved and find out about formal training.<br \/>19<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/><strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>2024<\/h2>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> January (ZOOM) Keith Betton (Hants Ornithological Soc)<br \/><strong>Saving the Stone Curlew<\/strong><br \/>The Stone Curlew is a special bird of the North Wessex Downs where it breeds in small numbers. This summer migrant naturally chooses to nest on downland, but usually has to opt for arable farms instead. Keith Betton explains how efforts to help this rare species have worked and explains more about its secretive lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> January Matt Eade (Naturetrek Ltd)<br \/><strong>Birds and Mammals of the Terai Lowlands<\/strong><br \/>Nepal has greatly varying habitats, with eight 8,000m mountains, tropical forested hillsides, and Terai lowlands, which support a wealth of birds, plus the ultimate big cat \u2013 the Bengal Tiger. In this talk, Matt will discuss in detail the more remote regions of Nepal and the wildlife one can expect to find there.<\/p>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> Feb (ZOOM) Prof Jon Copley (Univ of Southampton)<br \/><strong>Life at Deep-sea Hydrothermal Vents<\/strong><br \/>This talk explores the patterns of life at hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, where chemosynthesis sustains colonies of deep-sea animals that often form partnerships with microbes. Because of their island-like nature, hydrothermal vents provide an ideal system to investigate processes of dispersal and evolution in the deep ocean that covers most of our world.<\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> February Dr Brian Ferry (Royal Holloway College)<br \/><strong>Flora of the Eastern Pyrenees<\/strong><br \/>From 1990-2010 Brian made annual visits to the eastern Pyrenees where he made detailed studies of the flora. The flora is essentially Mediterranean in type, but with great altitudinal variation from lowland valleys, often dominated by evergreen oak forests, to high altitude beech and conifer forests, both forms of scrub vegetation derived from Man\u2019s activities over millennia. As well as focusing on the plants, Brian spent time bird watching and moth trapping so these will get a mention too.<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> March (ZOOM) Dr Tim Rich (BSBI)<br \/><strong>The Difficult Plant Problem<\/strong><br \/>There are many groups of plants which are difficult to identify, but relatively few botanists are interested in tackling them. This talk draws attention to some of the difficult groups, covers why they are difficult, and suggests ways that they can be identified. So, take up difficult plants \u2013 you can make a difference!<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> March<br \/><strong>AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2022 \/ Spring 2023<\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>4<sup>th<\/sup> October (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr John Redhead (UKCEH)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Balancing biodiversity within economic farming systems <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>John\u2019s research focuses on using land in a way that is sustainable, in terms of\u00a0both protecting nature and ensuring human benefits. He will discuss the results of a ten year monitoring programme of agri-environment schemes on biodiversity and farm economics.<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emma Ashby (Berkshire College of Agriculture)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exploring the behaviour and social networks of captive Grey Wolves<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Emma\u2019s talk will describe her research into Grey Wolves and the social interactions that took place between several groups of Grey Wolves in a captive environment. She will detail the type, frequency and meaning of these interactions within and across groups of wolves.<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr David Williams (Natural History Museum)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Diatoms in the Ring of Fire<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>David is researching the systematics and biogeography of diatoms, especially in ancient lakes, and Circum-Pacific distributions. During the last decade he has concentrated his efforts on the role of fossils in determining evolutionary relationships in diatoms.<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> November (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Matt Pitts (Plantlife)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Saving England\u2019s Lowland Juniper<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Juniper is facing extinction in Southern Britain with whole colonies dying out. Since 2009, Plantlife has been trialling in-situ techniques to catalyse regeneration from seed at trial sites including Aston Upthorpe (recently visited by RDNHS). Matt will explain this project and give an update on progress so far.<\/p>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> Dec (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Fay Newbery (RHS\/British Lichen Soc)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fungi in Gardens: The good, the bad and the wondrous<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A surprisingly large number of fungi occur in gardens. Some are \u2018good guys\u2019 helping to recycle nutrients. Some are \u2018bad guys\u2019, causing plant disease and destroying trees. Others live out their amazing life cycles within our gardens with or without us noticing that they are there.<\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> December<\/p>\n<h3>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/h3>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> January (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mick Jones MBE (BBOWT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dancersend: Cradle of Nature Conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>He<\/strong>ar the extraordinary story of Dancersend Nature Reserve and its woods and chalk grasslands, how Charles Rothschild saved this valley rich in wildlife and his family later passed it to the Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) who have made it even larger. The story also illustrates changing ideas about nature conservation over the last hundred years since Dancersend was established. Mick has been the volunteer warden there for over 40 years.<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th <\/sup>January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jon Cole (BENHS)<\/p>\n<p><strong>A Survey and Review of Saproxylic Insects at Dinton Pastures Country Park<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Saproxylic species are in decline. They are associated with dead or decaying wood, providing important ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling and carbon sequestration. This talk describes the perhaps surprising results of a long-term survey of saproxylic insects at Dinton Pastures Country Park.<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> Feb (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof Graham Martin (Univ. of Birmingham)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Diverting birds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Graham is an ornithologist with an international reputation built upon his research into the sensory worlds of birds. In recent years he has been investigating problems concerned with the functions of vision in foraging behaviour, and in understanding why some bird species are particularly vulnerable to collisions with human artefacts, such as wind turbines, power lines and fishing nets.<\/p>\n<p>21<sup>st<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Imogen Cavadino (RHS)<\/p>\n<p><strong>For the love of slugs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Slugs are widely detested by gardeners, however they are represented by a diverse range of species in Britain and Ireland which play important roles in ecosystems. This talk will introduce you to the strange but fascinating world of slugs and the challenges they face in a changing world.<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> March (ZOOM)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Derek Gow<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bringing Back the Beaver<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Derek is a reintroduction expert, author, and farmer. Much of his land in Devon is under the process of rewilding (similar to the Knepp Estate) and he is well known for his work with Water Voles, White Storks, Wild Cats and Beavers. His talk will be about the history of the Beaver in Britain and its reintroduction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>21<sup>st <\/sup>March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2021\/2022<\/h2>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Matthew Oates (National Trust)<br \/><strong>Discovering the Purple Emperor<\/strong><em><br \/><\/em>This butterfly is a good news story. It is on the increase and we are getting better at looking for it. This talk explains what is happening, and why. It is based on Matthew\u2019s new book \u2018<em>His Imperial Majesty, a natural history of the Purple Emperor\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Stephen Powles (Freelance wildlife reporter)<br \/><strong>Tawny Owls coming to a wood near you\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0(ZOOM Meeting)<br \/><\/strong>Tawny Owls are often heard but rarely seen. This presentation describes the lives of these fascinating birds, much of it gleaned from a wild Tawny Owl that Stephen spent many hours observing and photographing over a fifteen-year period.<\/p>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Chris Foster (University of Reading)<br \/><strong>Britain\u2019s ground beetles: diversity, ecology and change<\/strong><br \/>This diverse group of beetles contains some of our largest and most spectacular insects, as well as many more mysterious species. The talk will explore the distribution and ecology of Britain\u2019s ground beetles and what they can tell us about landscape change. Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rob Stallard (RDNHS)<br \/><strong>Local walks on the wild side<br \/><\/strong>Rob has walked extensively in the local area. This talk will give an overview of the historical background to the intricate network of local routes which now provide vital wildlife corridors. It will include many photographs of the wildlife delights that can be seen along the long-distance paths that run through the area.<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Dr Brian Ferry (Royal Holloway College)<br \/><strong>Plant communities of the Canary Islands<br \/><\/strong>By chance in 1991, Brian became acquainted with the flora of Tenerife when asked to help run a field course for his university department. That trip opened his eyes to the remarkable flora of the island, a view which has since been expanded to cover the other six Canary Islands.<\/p>\n<p><strong>21<sup>st<\/sup> December<br \/><\/strong><strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>2022<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> January (ZOOM meeting)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rajan Jolly (Naturetrek Ltd)<br \/><strong>Exploring the wildlife of India and Sri Lanka<\/strong><br \/>Rajan will be talking about Naturetrek\u2019s two most popular tours to Sri Lanka and India: <em>Sri Lanka \u2013 Wildlife and History<\/em> (a 17-day wildlife holiday which also includes cultural tours) and <em>India Tiger Direct!<\/em> (an exciting tour taking you straight into the heart of tiger country).<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th <\/sup>January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof Helen Roy (CEH)<br \/><strong>Biological invasions: learning from the past and looking to the future<\/strong><br \/>Biological invasions can threaten biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly through their interactions with other drivers of change, such as climate warming. Sharing knowledge on invasive non-native species between countries is essential to advance understanding and enable successful implementation of management strategies. The talk provides an overview of the ways in which this information can be used to inform science, policy and conservation.<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> February \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Prof Martin Bidartondo (Imperial College and RBG Kew)<br \/><strong>Fungi and plants working together in a changing world<br \/><\/strong>Fungi helped plants to colonise land and ultimately dominate it. New findings are changing our views of how plants establish and grow with fungi. Martin will discuss examples ranging from the liverworts that carpet the ground to the orchids of the forest understorey and to the conifer and broadleaf trees that make up our woods. Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mia Ridler (ARK)<br \/><strong>Local rivers and the fascinating life of the European Eel<br \/><\/strong>Mia is a project officer at <em>Action for the Kennet<\/em>, a local charity which helps to protect and restore the rivers in the Kennet and Pang catchments. Her talk will include the work being carried out to help the long-term survival of the European Eel.<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> March\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Dr Tom Walker (RDNHS\/Conchological Society)<br \/><strong>My journey into shells\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>Shells are everywhere around us, many of them so small that we are unaware of their presence. Tom will discuss his entry into this world and talk about some of the non-marine shells that can be found in our gardens and countryside, and what we can learn from them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>15<sup>th <\/sup>March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fffef0; color: #806060;\">\n<h2>Winter 2020\/2021<\/h2>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ken White (RDNHS\/BTO)<\/p>\n<h4>First impressions of Patagonia<\/h4>\n<p>Three weeks of austral summer on Patagonia through the eyes of a Darwinian birdwatcher and botanist.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Brian Ferry (Royal Holloway College)<\/p>\n<h4>Vegetation patterns on the Dungeness shingle<\/h4>\n<p>Dungeness is the largest shingle landscape in Europe, with a sequence of several hundred shingle ridges extending several kilometres inland. The natural succession of vegetation change associated with ridge age will be described. Much of the landscape has been disturbed by man, resulting in a rich secondary flora. Scattered over the area are wetlands, some natural and others man-made, which add further to the diversity. These various elements make Dungeness one of the richest sites for plants in Kent.<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr John Thacker (RDNHS)<\/p>\n<h4>What has DNA ever done for us?<\/h4>\n<p>DNA provides the information to construct and maintain the identity of each organism. Access to this information is revolutionising our ability to describe and understand ourselves and other organisms, but how useful is DNA analysis in the identification, recording and conservation of wildlife?<\/p>\n<p><strong>15<sup>th<\/sup> December<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/h4>\n<p>The photographic competition will be held online this year \u2013 see website for details. Results to be announced at the party, which may also be held via Zoom.<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> January 2021 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Jim Asher (Butterfly Conservation)<\/p>\n<h4>What\u2019s up on the Downs?<\/h4>\n<p>For many years, local Butterfly Conservation volunteers have been carrying out survey and conservation work in a valley system on the Aston Upthorpe Downs. In this fully illustrated talk Jim will describe the valley, its wildlife, especially butterflies and moths, and the work done by volunteers.<\/p>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup>\u00a0February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Lucy Woodall (Oxford University)<\/p>\n<h4>The deep sea: what does it do for you?<\/h4>\n<p>What does the deep ocean look like? This presentation will share the delights and challenges of exploring the ocean\u2019s deep reef communities. It will also highlight why these places are important to humanity and what we can all do to help them stay healthy.<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof Owen Lewis (Oxford University)<\/p>\n<h4>Exploring Rainforest Biodiversity<\/h4>\n<p>Tropical rainforests support an extraordinary diversity of species, but are threatened by high rates of deforestation and degradation. Based on my experience researching rainforest biodiversity on three continents, I will discuss why rainforest diversity is so high, why it is threatened, and how we can maintain it.<\/p>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> March Keith Betton (Hampshire Ornithological Society)<\/p>\n<h4>Return of the Peregrine<\/h4>\n<p>Peregrines in the UK declined to just 350 pairs during the period 1940-1970. Since then they have increased to 2000 pairs \u2013 and have nested in several Berkshire locations. A new trend is nesting on buildings and pylons. Keith Betton has studied their rise and shares his experiences of them \u2013 often nesting in boxes that he has supplied.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6<sup>th <\/sup>March<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/h4>\n<h2>Winter 2019\/2020<\/h2>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Cliffe<\/p>\n<p>Presidential Address:<em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>Midsummer on Gotland<\/p>\n<p>An account of a trip made to this Swedish island in the Baltic in 2006, illustrating the rich and varied flora. Something of its history and archaeology will crop up along the way.<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Jonathan Mitchley (Univ. Reading)<\/p>\n<p><strong>He\u2019s singing our song! \u00a0\u00a0Dr M\u2019s guide to British Grasses<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Grasses are considered difficult to identify but the Poaceae is a very important family, many are ecological indicators of site condition and it is also very satisfying to be able to identify at least common grasses. This talk will include examination of living material and will provide tips for a better understanding of grasses green and wonderful.<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Phil Baker (Univ. Reading)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hedgehogs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hedgehogs are one of our most loved British mammals but are in serious decline. Their future depends on our help, but just how far are people prepared to go to help our spiny friends? Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ailsa Claybourn<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cockatoos and Kookaburras: The birds of Sydney suburbs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Australia\u2019s birds are impossible to ignore: frequently colourful, large, abundant and often unafraid to be literally \u201cin your face\u201d, they are very much a part of everyday suburban life in Sydney. Why are they so different from our usually smaller, more melodic and less conspicuous birds? Joint meeting with Reading RSPB Group.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Dr Ben Woodcock (C.E.H.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Neonicotinoids and bees<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This talk will discuss the impacts and implications of the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on both wild and honey bees in Europe.\u00a0 The talk focuses on explaining some of the evidence base underpinning the recent EU ban on these chemicals that were used on \u00a0wheat and oilseed rape in the UK. <em>Rescheduled from last year.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> December<\/p>\n<p><strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>2020<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ken White<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bird migration<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is a review of global bird migration with an emphasis on raptors, whose numbers are monitored at key migration hotspots. Visual counts, satellite and tagging results are presented to describe the phenology and remarkable feats these and other birds achieve on an annual basis.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">21<sup>st<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Dr Jon Robson (Univ. Reading)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The day after tomorrow \u2013 is the Gulf Stream set to shutdown?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A common popularisation of extreme climate change is that the Gulf Stream, a fast-flowing ocean current in the North Atlantic, will \u2018shutdown\u2019 with radical implications for the UK\u2019s weather and climate. But how likely is this scenario, and is it even possible? Dr Robson will review the science and the possible implications.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>4<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Carol Ellison (CABI)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Himalayan balsam: can biological control with a rust fungus bring an end to \u2018balsam bashing\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Himalayan balsam (<em>Impatiens glandulifera) <\/em>is a non-native plant species that has become highly invasive across the UK. Ministerial approval has been given to trial a rust fungus from the Himalayas to manage this weed.\u00a0 Dr Ellison will be discussing the current status of the rust release programme in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jill Butler (Ancient Tree Forum)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Knepp Wildland \u2013 is wilding good for wildlife?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since 2001, most of the historic Knepp Estate, once intensively farmed, has become a rewilding project where grazing animals drive ecological succession to \u2018free\u2019 nature. Rare species like turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies are now breeding; and common species numbers are rocketing. Is this the way forwards for many more areas of the UK? Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Dr Camilla Lambrick (Oxfordshire Flora Group)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rare Plants I have known<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2018Think global, act local\u2019 \u2013 the slogan was given teeth by the 1992 Earth Summit, so a Rare Plants Group was started and was asked to investigate Creeping Marshwort. Then they started studying other local rarities \u2013 including Fen Violet and Green Hound\u2019s-tongue. Some have since flourished, others are in trouble \u2013 Creeping Marshwort has been re-graded as Critically Endangered, and its Flora Guardian is still finding out new things about it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>17<sup>th <\/sup>March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2018\/2019<\/h2>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> October 2018 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Cliffe<\/p>\n<p><strong>Presidential Address:<em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>The nature diaries of T.W.Marshall<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In this talk, our President will be using the diaries of a past President to show what has changed since the 1930s, and what remains the same &#8211; habitats in our area, species and attitudes to nature conservation. Illustrated with some 1930s photographs.<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Graham Scholey (Environment Agency)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conservation of the Riverine Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A general synopsis of the work of the Environment Agency with respect to river ecology and conservation, the sorts of issue we deal with in our regulatory and advisory role, and some examples of local collaborative initiatives such as Fobney Island Wetland Nature Reserve.<\/p>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adrian Lawson (Reading tree warden)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Shady Side of Town &#8211; Reading\u2019s trees.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Shady Side of Town is a book of stories about some of Reading\u2019s trees. In writing the book, the author was restricted to a handful, and many favourites were left out. The talk will be about some of the trees that met the editor\u2019s axe.\u00a0 [*NOTE * Rescheduled from 4th December]<em><br \/><\/em><\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rose-Ann Movsovic<\/p>\n<p><strong>An introduction to British bats <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Joint meeting with BBOWT. A brief introduction to British bats followed by an account of the National Nathusius\u2019 Pipistrelle Project and the contribution the Berks &amp; South Bucks Bat Group is making to our knowledge of this rarely encountered and little understood migratory species. <em>Live bats on display.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Sarah Ball (Univ. Reading)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wild flowers in Eastern Andaluc\u00eda<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We will be taking a short virtual excursion to the coasts and mountains of Eastern Andaluc\u00eda, exploring the wild plants and their adaptations to extreme environments. We will \u2018visit\u2019 wild places, botanic gardens and other sites to consider impacts of climate change and conservation needs. [*NOTE* Rescheduled from 29<sup>th<\/sup> January]<\/p>\n<p><strong>18<sup>th<\/sup> December<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> January 2019 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Mark Fricker (Univ. Oxford)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The magic of slime moulds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Slime moulds thrive in damp woodlands and normally spread over rotting logs, eating bacteria and fungi. They are also unusual in being single giant cells that show remarkably sophisticated behaviour considering their humble form. This talk presents a little vignette of the science behind these curious beasts.<\/p>\n<p>29<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Ben Woodcock (C.E.H.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Neonicotinoids and bees<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This talk will discuss the impacts and implications of the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on both wild and honey bees in Europe.\u00a0 The talk focuses on explaining some of the evidence base underpinning the recent EU ban on these chemicals that were used on \u00a0wheat and oilseed rape in the UK. [*NOTE* Rescheduled\u00a0 from November 6th]<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Tim Guilford (Univ. Oxford)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Shearwater\u2019s world<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shearwaters are amongst the most elusive creatures on earth, spending most of their lives far out to sea and coming on land only to breed.\u00a0 From navigating trans-global migrations to understanding the threats to their future existence, I will introduce Oxford Navigation (OxNav) group\u2019s research into the shearwater\u2019s world. \u200bJoint meeting with Reading RSPB group.<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Karsten Schonrogge (C.E.H.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Of pests, disease and climate change: Oak in the 21<sup>st<\/sup> century<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Trees and forests are and will be subject to sources of stress, such as climate change, pests and diseases which are forecast to increase in the future. I will summarise some of the current research aiming to mitigate such impacts with a focus on oak health research at CEH. Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vicki Boult (Univ. Reading)<\/p>\n<p><strong>The future of the African Elephant<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Human population growth presents significant immediate threats to the persistence of elephant populations across Africa, whilst climate change may act in the long-term to compensate or exacerbate human-induced threats. What does the future hold for elephants and what options do we have to conserve them?<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>19<sup>th <\/sup>March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2017\/2018<\/h2>\n<p><strong>3<sup>rd<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Cliffe<\/strong><br \/><strong>Presidential Address:<em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>The Photographs of Ken Grinstead<br \/><\/strong>Ken was a committee member, editor of <em>The Reading Naturalist<\/em> and an excellent natural history photographer. Following his death in 2010, the Society received some 10,000 of Ken\u2019s slides. This talk will show some of the slides, now in digital format, and make suggestions as to how they might be utilized.<\/p>\n<p><strong>17<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Tom Oliver (Reading Univ.)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Impact of climate change and land use on butterflies.<br \/><\/strong>In the UK, we have a wealth of natural history data collected by dedicated volunteers which is very useful for understanding the impact of environmental change on butterflies. Dr. Oliver will show how detailed analysis of the data enables environmentalists to make informed decisions for butterfly conservation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Des Sussex (Natural England)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Damselflies and Dragonflies in Southern Lowland Britain.<br \/><\/strong>The talk will cover both common and scarcer species of damselflies and dragonflies and their habitats, with particular reference to localities in Berkshire. Des will discuss their lifecycles, and include details of some conservation actions taken to help these wonderful insects.<strong> Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>21<sup>st<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Katrina van Grouw<\/strong><br \/><strong>A very Fine Swan Indeed: Art, Science and the Unfeathered Bird.<br \/><\/strong>If you\u2019d expect a book about bird anatomy to be specialized and academic, think again. <em>The Unfeathered Bird<\/em> is a unique combination of art and science aimed at anyone interested in birds. Join Katrina as she discusses her inspirations for the book, and the 25-year journey to create it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5<sup>th<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Tara Pirie (Reading Univ.)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Leopards in South Africa.<br \/><\/strong>Dr. Pirie will talk about South African leopards including general biology, her research and the methods used to identify them using their coat patterns. The talk will include information about the extremely rare strawberry\/erythristic leopard captured on camera.<\/p>\n<p><strong>19<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/><\/strong><strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>2018<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong>2<sup>nd<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tony Rayner<\/strong><br \/><strong>Conservation &#8211; my way.<br \/><\/strong>Tony\u2019s Presidential Address in 2003 was about creating a private nature reserve from scratch. 14 years on, this talk seeks to outline the development and uses of this Cholsey site. Expect to hear about education, cider and a book.<\/p>\n<p><strong>16<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Michael Keith-Lucas<\/strong><br \/><strong>Climate Change &#8211; What will happen to your garden?<br \/><\/strong>Our speaker will talk about the effect of climate change on the plants in our gardens, and how it is affecting agriculture and wild species throughout the year. Michael has made an in-depth study of this topic over many years, so come along to hear a very well informed talk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Seirian Sumner (UCL)<\/strong><br \/><strong>Why you should love wasps.<br \/><\/strong>Everyone loves bees and is awe-struck by ants but no-one loves wasps. Dr. Sumner\u2019s mission is to make you think differently about these insects: there are 100 times more species of wasps than ants and bees combined, and their populations are declining at rates faster than bees. Without wasps your garden would be swamped with insect pests and spiders. But the main reason our speaker loves wasps is because their social behaviour is extraordinary and has many parallels with our own. Come along to find out!<\/p>\n<p><strong>20<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lizzie Croose (Vincent Trust)<\/strong><br \/><strong>On the trail of polecats and pine martens, Britain\u2019s most elusive mammals?<br \/><\/strong>This illustrated talk will present information on the ecology of polecats and pine martens, and the trials, tribulations and pleasure of studying them. <strong>Joint meeting with BBOWT.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>6<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Richard Fortey FRS, FRSL<\/strong><br \/><strong>The History of a Beech Wood.<br \/><\/strong>Prof. Fortey owns a small patch of Chiltern beech wood, and has spent several years researching its natural and human history to understand more about the origins and dynamics of our \u201cancient\u201d countryside. Prof. Fortey is a paleontologist, natural historian, writer and TV presenter. Author of <em>The Wood for the Trees<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>20<sup>th <\/sup>March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2016\/2017<\/h2>\n<p><strong>4<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jan Haseler<\/strong><br \/><strong>Presidential Address:<em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>The ghost of field trips past<\/strong><br \/>This talk compares sightings on recent field trips with wildlife reports from members of the Society for the years 1880 \u2013 1959 and tells how the Society\u2019s publications have chronicled historic changes to our local countryside.<\/p>\n<p><strong>18<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Martin Bidartondo (Imperial College)<br \/>Heathlands underground<\/strong><br \/>Joint meeting with BBOWT. Britain\u2019s heathlands are of global significance for biodiversity conservation and are fascinating habitats to understand ecology. In the last few years we have gained new information on how trees invade heaths and how bryophytes aid heathers. Come to hear this popular speaker describe how the intimate links between fungi and plants shape our heathlands.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1<sup>st<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Prof Alex Rodgers (Oxford Univ.)<br \/>Wonders, old threats and new dangers in the oceans<\/strong><br \/>The deep-ocean ridges of the Southern and Indian Oceans host an amazing range of habitats including cold-water coral reefs, gardens and hot springs. So far only 0.0001% of this habitat has been explored.\u00a0 Now it faces conflict not only with the deep sea fishing industry but also the prospect of mining on the ocean floor. How do we sustainably manage these issues?<\/p>\n<p><strong>15<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Irene Texidor Toneu (Reading Univ.)<br \/>Who took the roots away? Moroccan medicinal plants.<\/strong><br \/>A wide range of plants in the High Atlas Mountains are harvested for medicinal use by the rural communities and sold in the souks. This talk will explore the medicinal plant diversity in Morocco and the factors that threaten the conservation of some important wild populations of medicinal plants.<\/p>\n<p><strong>6<sup>th<\/sup>\u00a0 December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 Prof Mark Fellowes (Reading Univ.)<br \/>By accident and by design: how our decisions affect our garden birds.<\/strong><br \/>Joint meeting with RSPB. Our gardens are home to an incredible diversity of wild life. Every day we collectively make decisions that determine what lives and what dies on our doorsteps. In this talk Prof Fellowes shares examples from his research of the consequences for garden birds from blackbirds to red kites.<\/p>\n<p><strong>20<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>\u00a02017<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a03<sup>rd<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Paul Hadley (Reading Univ.)<br \/>Safeguarding the future of chocolate<\/strong><br \/>Prof. Hadley will talk about the history of cultivation of cocoa,\u00a0the\u00a0making of chocolate and the current problems facing the crop. Farmers need improved cocoa with higher productivity and greater resilience to unfavourable climatic conditions, combined with more sustainable farming practices.\u00a0The speaker is Director of the Centre of Horticulture and he has been working on cocoa crop improvement for over 35 years.<\/p>\n<p><strong>17<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Helen Roy (C.E.H.)<br \/>Unravelling the story of an alien invader &#8211; the harlequin ladybird.<\/strong><br \/>The harlequin ladybird, <em>Harmonia axyridis,<\/em> was first recorded in the UK in 2004. What followed is a remarkable story of inspiring contributions from people across the country furthering our understanding of the ecology of this invasive non-native species.<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><strong>7<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Markus Wagner (C.E.H.)<br \/>Rare arable wildflowers and their preservation in the modern agricultural landscape.<\/strong><br \/>Agriculture has changed markedly since the 1940s with profound effects on arable ecosystems. This talk will focus on research into formerly widespread but now rare arable plants. Bring your smartphone to this talk for an introduction to CEH\u2019s new Rare Arable Flowers mobile phone app.<\/p>\n<p><strong>21<sup>st<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Lucy Aplin (Oxford Univ.)<br \/>Cultured birds? Social networks and foraging traditions in great tits.<\/strong><br \/>Do animals use their social networks to learn new behaviours? Can this be considered \u201ccultural\u201d? Building on the well-known \u201cmilk-bottle\u201d innovation, our speaker has researched these questions in great tits at Wytham Woods in Oxfordshire. By using tracking technologies and wild experiments, Dr. Aplin has studied the process by which such innovations spread in populations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a07<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Timothy King (Oxford Univ.)<br \/>Ants, ant intelligence and ant-hills.<br \/><\/strong>After reviewing ants, our speaker will describe how an ant\u2019s body is equipped for efficient communication and how colonies are organized. The yellow meadow ant builds the familiar mounds in pastures. Dr. King will explain how it increases animal and plant diversity, drawing on his research at Aston Rowant NNR.<\/p>\n<p><strong>21<sup>st<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<h3>Previous seasons<\/h3>\n<h2>Winter 2015\/2016<\/h2>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jan Haseler<br \/>Presidential Address:<em> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/em>The wildlife of the Streatley Hills<\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Carl Hunter Roach<br \/>A local view of Bird Ringing<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> November \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Richard Comont (Data Monitoring Officer, Bumblebee conservation trust).<br \/>The plight of the bumblebee.<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Owen Mountford (C.E.H )<br \/>Between the Woods and the Water: the Natural History of Romania<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Prof Peter Worsley ( Reading Univ.)<br \/>The Sulham Gap area from a geological perspective.<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> December Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">2016<\/p>\n<p>\u00a05<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peter Creed (Nature consultant and author)<br \/>Wild orchids in Berks, Bucks and Oxon<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Timothy Walker (Oxford Univ.)<br \/>Sex, Lies and Putrefaction<\/p>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. P. Morris (Author)<br \/>The Edible Dormouse- a protected pest coming your way!<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Tom Hart (Univ. Oxford)<br \/>Beyond Bases: 21<sup>st<\/sup> century techniques to monitor Antarctica<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>1<sup>st<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Erika Degani\/ Samuel Leigh(Reading Univ.)<br \/>Can novel crop rotations enhance multiple ecosystem services?<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2014\/2015<\/h2>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Michael Keith-Lucas<br \/>Presidential Address:<em> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>The natural history of Shetland<\/p>\n<p>21<sup>st<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emma Rothero (OU)<br \/>Floodplain meadows:\u00a0\u00a0 a natural and cultural history<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prof. Jeremy Thomas OBE (Oxford Univ.)<br \/>Butterflies that live with ants<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Marek Borkowski (Wildlife Poland)<br \/>Pole position in nature conservation<\/p>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Katherine Booth-Jones (Reading Univ.)<br \/>Tracking tropical seabirds: the influence of genes and environment on dispersal<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a02015<\/p>\n<p>\u00a06<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dick Greenaway (Chairman West Berkshire Countryside Society)<br \/>Where did our woods come from? A short history of woodland in southern England<\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alan Potter (Brunel microscopes)<br \/>Microscopes and natural history<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Helen Read (Conservation Officer, Burnham Beeches NNR)<br \/>Pollards and pollarding, with particular emphasis on Burnham Beeches<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Cliffe<strong><br \/><\/strong>Flowers of Greece: south and north, autumn and spring<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd <\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John Tyler (Naturalist)<br \/>The island of crabs<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2013\/2014<\/h2>\n<p>1<sup>st <\/sup>October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Owen Mountford<br \/>From Wilderness to Cabbage Patch to a new Waterland \u2013 the Changing Face of Fenland<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Malcolm Storey<br \/>Fungi in the Garden<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Martin Townsend<br \/>Oak Processionary Moth: history and life history in Berkshire and elsewhere<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Ben Sheldon<br \/>Half a century and counting: population studies of the Great Tit population at Wytham Woods.<\/p>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chloe Hardman<br \/>Wildlife-friendly farming in the UK<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">\u00a02014<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Michael Keith-Lucas<br \/>Presidential Address:How Plants solve Crime<\/p>\n<p>21<sup>st<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Martin Woolner<br \/>A close and friendly look at some British spiders<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Martin Bidartondo<br \/>Fungi and plants working together<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Glynn Percival<br \/>What\u2019s New in Tree Protection?<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Malcolm Brownsword<br \/>Butterflies and Orchids of the Upper Thames Region<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/p>\n<h2>Winter 2012\/2013<\/h2>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Chris Bucke<br \/>Presidential Address: European Mountain Flowers<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Roger Dobbs<br \/>Practical woodland management \u2013 does all our blood, sweat and tears really help wildlife?<\/p>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Redhead<br \/>Understanding the Brown Hairstreak Butterfly<\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brian Clews<br \/>Wildlife of the JubileeRiver<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> December\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Des Sussex<br \/>The Thames Basin Heaths<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> December<strong><br \/><\/strong>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/p>\n<p>8<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Peter Spillett<br \/>The Pantanal \u2013 Home of the Jaguar<\/p>\n<p>22<sup>nd<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jennnifer and Victoria Wickens<br \/>British Bees: an Introduction<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Darren Mann<br \/>The Hope Entomological Collections, Oxford \u2013 Just a load of dead bugs?<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Daniel Allen<br \/>Otters of the World<\/p>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Phil Baker<br \/>Urban Cats<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/p>\n<h3>Winter 2011\/2012<\/h3>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nathan Callaghan \/ Mark Lee<br \/>Traffic Pollution and the Environment<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Helen Whiteside<br \/>The Real Life of Fantastic Mr. Fox<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Fred Rumsey<br \/>Ferns of the British Isles<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Georges Dussart<br \/>Slugs and Snails and\u2026.? The life and loves of a soft-bodied animal<\/p>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2012<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>3<sup>rd<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 John Eyre<br \/>Gilbert White \u2013 the man who started us all bird-watching<\/p>\n<p>17<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Renton Righelato<br \/>Bird Conservation in Ecuador<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prof. Chris Bucke<br \/>Presidential Address: Photosynthesis<\/p>\n<p>21<sup>st<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jo Hodgkins<br \/>Lowland Meadows of England: their history, conservation and wildlife<\/p>\n<p>6<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rob McBride<br \/>Offa\u2019s Dyke First Ever Ancient Tree Survey<\/p>\n<p>20<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 AGM and Members\u2019 Evening<\/p>\n<h3>Winter 2010\/2011<\/h3>\n<p>5<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Graham Saunders (Presidential Address)<br \/>Ancient Medicine<\/p>\n<p>19<sup>th<\/sup> October\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Catherine Side and Ray Winger<br \/>The Islands of the Hauraki Gulf<\/p>\n<p>2<sup>nd<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Paul Stanbury<br \/>Wildlife of Madagascar<\/p>\n<p>16<sup>th<\/sup> November\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dan Carpenter<br \/>Earthworms<\/p>\n<p>7<sup>th<\/sup> December<br \/>Christmas Party and Photographic Competition<\/p>\n<p>4<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peter Spillet<br \/>Peru, Land of Incas, Earthquakes and Biodiversity<\/p>\n<p>18<sup>th<\/sup> January\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 James Butler<br \/>An Evening on Safari<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Samantha Cartwright<br \/>Conservation of the Mauritius Kestrel<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> February\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 David Cliffe<br \/>As we were &#8211; 130 years of the RDNHS<\/p>\n<p>1<sup>st<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr Malcolm Storey<br \/>The Seashore<\/p>\n<p>15<sup>th<\/sup> March\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Members&#8217; Evening, AGM and Book Sale<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings starting at 19:45, at Pangbourne Village Hall, RG8 7AN or on Zoom where indicated. Members are invited to bring&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_customify_content_layout":"","_customify_sidebar":"","_customify_page_header_display":"default","_customify_disable_header":"","_customify_disable_header_top":"","_customify_disable_header_main":"","_customify_disable_header_bottom":"","_customify_disable_page_title":"","_customify_disable_content_vertical_padding":"","_customify_disable_footer_top":"","_customify_disable_footer_main":"","_customify_disable_footer_bottom":"","_customify_breadcrumb_display":"","_customify_header_transparent_display":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7461,"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6\/revisions\/7461"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rdnhs.org.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}