North Lancashire Wildlife Group

(formerly North Lancashire Naturalists' Group)

On the tree walk on the 11th September we came across this attached to a leaf. They are lacewing eggs, each on a stalk. Usually the eggs are separate but these are eggs of a lacewing belonging to the genus Nineta (probably flava or vittata), which bind the 'stems' together like this.

Words and Photograph Steve Garland

Meetings, field outings and workshops are listed below in date order. We also organise recording.

If you would like to receive email notifications of our events (including alterations, cancellations and extra events) and get priority on our occasional booked events, then become a member

The next winter programme has not been finalised. Come back in a month or two.

Summer Programme

No knowledge or experience necessary. Everyone very welcome. Great photography opportunities. Binoculars can sometimes be useful. In case of doubtful weather do ring, to check in case of cancellation or postponement. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed. Suitable outdcoor clothing and footwear are strongly recommended. Most are easy walks but one or two may be more demanding — please enquire if you have any questions. Bring water, and a packed lunch for the all-day events, There is no charge but donations are always welcome.

Please check our website for any late details. For more information or in the case of doubtful weather do contact us (robszsz@yahoo.co.uk, 07361 380255). Meeting place given by GR - Grid Reference; PC - Postcode (nearby); w3w - what3words.

May 3 Friday 1:00 PM–4:00 PM Spring Walk in Park Wood, Hutton Roof

Parking in small layby next to Lowther Court in Hutton Roof village. GR: SD570780; PC: LA6 2QL; w3w:_camper.compliant.sugar
Mixed woodland with limestone pavement that has had continuous cover for hundreds of years. Highlights are spring flowers, birds and butterflies although we hope to see a lot more.


May 20 Monday 1:00 PM–4:00 PM Late Spring Walk at Brown Robin, near Grange

Parking in the Cumbria Grand Hotel upper car park. GR: SD417788; PC: LA11 6EN; w3w: forwarded.snows.sundial
A walk around limestone woodland, grassland and scrub rich in flowers and insects. The grasslands have received no fertilizer for many years, resulting in a diverse meadow and dung fauna. We should see badger setts, woodland birds, butterflies and, with luck, some larger mammals.


June 3 Monday 10:30 AM–4:00 PM Visit to Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, Duddon Estuary, near Barrow

Turn off the A590 on to Hawthwaite Lane. The Sandscale Haws reserve car park is at the end of the lane. GR: SD200756; PC: LA14 4QJ; w3w: headliner.august.frame
An outstanding, nature-rich National Trust site with dune habitat and shoreline rock pools. Known for some specialist botanical species (including the rare coralroot orchid), a wide range of invertebrates and natterjack toad breeding pools.
Because of the distance we will try to arrange car sharing nearer to the time.


June 13 Thursday 1:00 PM–3:30 PM Hermitage Field Community Meadow

Meet at the Crook O' Lune Lancashire County Council car park. GR: SD521647; PC: LA2 9HU; w3w: shields.aquatic.taxed
A walk with Erica Sarney of the HFCM charity which has transformed the pasture behind the car park into this species-rich wildflower meadow. We will be looking at the plants, pollinators and other wildlife as we go.


June 18 Tuesday 10:30 AM–1:30 PM An Amble through Moorland above Grizedale

Meet at Grizedale Bridge car park. GR: SD535491; PC: PR3 1UJ; w3w: incursion.guesswork.scam
A slow walk up the fell along sheep tracks, discussing the patterns of vegetation and looking at wildlife, to reach the upland acid bog areas where we'll hopefully see insectivorous plants including sundew. Distance about 1.5km with 100m of ascent and then returning the same way.


July 3 Wednesday 10:30 AM–3:00 PM An Exploration of the Fossils and Wildlife of Trowbarrow Quarry

Roadside parking on Storrs Lane about 1km past Leighton Moss Visitor Centre just before leaving the wood, then go up the stone steps for the short path through the wood to the quarry. GR: SD481755; PC


July 13 Saturday 10:30 AM–3:00 PM Wildlife in Middleton Nature Reserve

Meet at Middleton Nature Reserve car park. GR: SD418590; PC: LA3 3NT; w3w: surveyed.among.buckling
Middleton Nature Reserve is a stunning mosaic of scrub, fen and grassland habitats woven around a network of peaceful pools. It's alive with birds, insects and plant life and our exploration is bound to reveal some special flora and fauna. As well as seeing dragonflies, butterflies, ladybirds and shieldbugs, we will be looking in some small ponds.


July 22 Monday 1:00 PM–4:00 PM Urban Wildlife Stroll in the Aqueduct Nature Reserve and Riverside Path

Meet at the Aqueduct car park on Caton Road, next to McDonald's. GR: SD487637; PC: LA1 3PE; w3w: themes.pets.jugs
Exploring the variety of wildlife not far from the centre of Lancaster. About one mile's gentle stroll, on tarmac and gravel paths.


July 30 Tuesday 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Plants of the Saltmarsh, Conder Green

Meet at Conder Green Lancashire County Council car park. From Lancaster, turn right at the Stork pub and drive to the end. GR: SD456561; PC:_LA2_0AN; w3w: shunted.lower.dignify
Conder Green has a rare bit of saltmarsh not grazed by sheep or cattle and therefore we will be able to find a greater variety of plants (and perhaps some of the associated insects). We will not be walking far at all, but be prepared for mud.


August 6 Tuesday 1:00 PM–4:00 PM River Lune Meander, Arkholme

Meet at the end of Main St., Arkholme. GR: SD587718; PC: LA6 1AY; w3w: tangent.blazers.genius
A walk along hedgerow, by farmland and woodland, and along the river to pools where we will be looking for aquatic invertebrates (water stick insects and water measurers have been found here). We should see dragonflies, butterflies and riverside birds and if lucky, kingfishers.


August 22 Thursday 7:00 AM–10:30 AM Early Morning Rockpooling at Half Moon Bay

Meet at the Lancaster City Council car park, opposite the cafe, at Half Moon Bay. GR: SD408607; PC: LA3 2XY; w3w: lamp.insert.crispier
An early morning start to find undisturbed rock pools to explore for fish, prawns, shrimps, anemones, barnacles & more. Wellies recommended.


August 29 Thursday 10:30 AM–12:30 PM Pond Dipping at Fairfield Nature Reserve

Parking available on Aldcliffe Rd. Meet at entrance to Flora fields GR: SD470606 PC: LA1 5BE; w3w:_housework.play.downfield
Looking at the flora and fauna of Flora Ponds of the nature reserve (or other ponds depending on water conditions at the time). Nets and other equipment will be provided. Strong footware or Wellingtons recommended.


September 15 Sunday– Tree Walk in Lancaster Cemetery

The walk will identify a number of specimens, describing any interesting characteristics, from the wide collection of mature evergreen and broadleaved trees, including native and exotic species. The walk is generally on good, level footpaths.
Booking required. We will use booking by Eventbrite to limit numbers on this popular event. Members will receive details by email a month before the event.


Any wildlife- or conservation-related event can go here. Contact the webmaster at webmaster@nlwg.org.uk