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
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). Meeting place given by GR - Grid Reference; PC - Postcode (nearby); w3w - what3words.
August 29 Friday 8:00 PM–11:00 PM Moth Trapping & Bat Detection Evening
Meet in Warton Crag Local Nature Reserve quarry car park on Crag Road. GR: SD491723; w3w: losing.infinite.scouts
Warton Crag nature reserves are an important site for many rare and unusual moths. We will search for moths by dusking and attracting them to lights and sugar. We will also observe bats at dusk and after dark using bat detectors. We’ll mainly be in the area around the car park so there will be little walking. Bring warm clothes and torches. If it is a good night we may stay much later, but being near the car park throughout, people may leave at any time.
Winter Programme
All indoor meetings are held on the second Friday of the month from September until March, from 7:30pm at the Church of the Ascension, Michaelson Avenue, Torrisholme, LA4 6RH. (the Hall is in Michaelson Avenue, first left off Lancaster Road between The Shrimp Roundabout and Torrisholme) There is a charge of £3 including light refreshments. There is no need to book for these talks. For more information, contact the Programme Secretary on 07361 380255.
September 12 Friday– Moths of the Arnside and Silverdale Area
The coastal fringes of Morecambe Bay and the Arnside and Silverdale area support one of the richest moth populations in northwest England. West Lancashire County Moth Recorder and Leighton Moss mothing team member, Steve Benner, will discuss just what makes this area so special for moths including a whirlwind photographic tour through a sample of the vast array of species to be found in the area, both large & small, common & scarce.
[Also our short AGM].
October 18 Saturday– The Work of the Local Wildlife Crime Task Force
Poaching, habitat destruction, persecution (e.g. badgers, bats, birds of prey), use of illegal methods (traps, snares & poisons) and more: Jon Wright of Lancashire Constabulary’s West Rural Task Force will talk about the national wildlife crime priorities and local wildlife crime issues around Lancaster, Morecambe and Over Wyre and some success stories from the division.
November 14 Friday– Badgers in Lancashire
Badgers have been one of the most successful mammals in the UK for thousands of years. There are many issues that affect our badgers including persecution through badger baiting, the controversial TB issue and destruction of their habitat for building. Jane Stevens of the Lancashire Badger Group will talk about the issues surrounding one of our most iconic mammals.
December 12 Friday– Christmas Wildlife Quiz and Jacob’s Join (free admission)
Our Xmas social. Very easy-going Xmas Wildlife Quiz (mark your own answers) and photos of the year slideshows. Bring a contribution for the Jacob’s Join.
January 9 Friday– Botanising in Lancashire’s Unlikely Habitat
Forget orchid rich meadow and choice limestone grassland. It’s time to explore back alleys, pavements, old walls, car parks and urban commons to find some of Lancashire’s interesting and unusual plants. Entertaining and informative speaker, Mike Gosling, is back to tell us about the fascinating plants that we may be walking past every day.
February 13 Friday– Why Garden for Wildlife?
We hear so much about gardening for wildlife and advice on how to do it and there are many products to buy. But why do it and is it worth doing at all? Belinda Nixie’s talk will look at the relationship between our gardens and the wildlife within them - what is useful to wildlife and what isn\'t and the rewards that come with making space for wildlife on our own patch.
March 13 Friday– Hope for Hen Harriers
Only one word can describe watching a male Hen Harrier skydancing over the moorland in spring — breathtaking! Hen harriers are one of the most iconic species breeding in our upland moorland habitats, but also one of the rarest. Come and find out more about these wonderful birds and how they are faring in the Forest of Bowland, one of their most important strongholds in England, and elsewhere. Sonja Ludwig from the RSPB tells us about the many challenges they face and the ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their continued survival.
Any wildlife- or conservation-related event can go here. Contact the webmaster at webmaster@nlwg.org.uk