Jan

5^th

photo competition

the Ron Arnold Shield

We kick off the new year in time honoured tradition with the Society’s photo competition. Please bring up to six, un-mounted pictures of up to 6 X 10”

12^th

Rockpooling

Society Member and wildlife photographer Geoff Blincow has delighted us in recent years with stories from his travels around the globe. This time we come closer to home as Geoff reveals the flora and fauna of our rocky coastline.

19^th

members’ night #1

The first of two members’ nights this term. Please let Martin Kincaid know if you would like ten minutes or more to wax lyrical.

26^th

the bats of Finemere Wood

Many of us know BBOWT’s Finemere Wood reserve for its butterflies, birds and flowers. However it is currently the subject of a three year study of its bats. Matt Dodds will tell us of the discoveries made so far.

Feb

2^nd

alien invaders

Dr Helen Roy is a leading authority on Britain’s ladybirds and co-ordinates the national Harlequin ladybird survey. Tonight she will discuss the impact of the Harlequin and other invasive species on our native fauna and flora.

9^th

practical evening #1

the night sky

This evening Alan Piggott will share with us his interest in astronomy. Following a short presentation we will venture outside to see the winter sky. Wrap up warm and hope for clear skies!

16^th

summer planning

Time to look forward to those long summer evenings. Please come along with suggestions of sites to visit plus maps and diaries! As ever, Gordon Redford will keep order.

23^rd

out of Africa

Tonight our very own Julie Lane relives her visit to Kenya and Tanzania in 2003. Not a recent trip but one that holds very fond memories for her. She also visited the location of a certain film

Mar

2^nd

monkeys, ladies and bees –

the Reg Mills lecture

Professor Richard Bateman of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will illustrate how appearance and DNA are used to study speciation and hybridisation in British and European orchids. 

9^th

the Hawk and Owl Trust

The Hawk and Owl Trust was established forty years ago to promote the conservation and study of British birds of prey. Rhona Taylor is its education officer and will tell us all about its work.  

16^th

Annual General Meeting

23^rd

members’ night #2

Our second members night of the Spring. Over to you…

26^th (Fri)

society dinner

the Robin Hood, Clifton Reynes

(Details from Steve Brady)

30^th

the glow worm

Everything you ever wanted to know about glow worms…what are they? How do they live? How (and why) do they glow? Where can they be found and why do they need our help? Chilterns-based naturalist John Tyler will be on hand with the answers.

Apr

6^th

no meeting – Easter break

13^th

birding the Gambia

One of the smallest countries in West Africa, The Gambia has a mosaic of habitats which support a vast array of bird life. Bird photographer Richard Pople will show us some of his personal highlights.

20^th

voyages to the aurora

The aurora are among the most spectacular natural events to be seen in the heavens. Dr Nigel Bannister of the Space Research Centre has been researching them for some years and will explain exactly what they are and how they work.

27^th

practical evening #2

identifying grasses

Our second practical session of the year. President Roy Maycock will help us all to get to grips with some common grasses to help us get our eye in for the approaching outdoor season…