Haslemere Natural History Society

Providing a focus for enthusiastic naturalists of all ages

Events

Early spring heathland birds on Lavington Common (National Trust)

Date: 20 April 2024
Time: 9:00
Directions: GR: SU949186 GU28 0QL South of Petworth on A285 at Heath End, take R turning signed Graffham. After 1 mile look for parking area on R.
Leader: Alan Perry (HNHS member and Emeritus President of Sussex Ornithological Society) An early morning walk on this SSSI site with wet and dry heath, acid grass and woodland. Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Stonechat recorded here.

Fossils at Bracklesham Bay

Date: 6 April 2024
Time: 13:45
Directions: GR: SZ80499636 PO20 8JH From A286 at Birdham roundabout by petrol station, turn L onto B2198 for Bracklesham Bay (Bell Lane becomes Bracklesham Lane). Continue to end of road, turn left for car park (cash or card) and toilets. Meet at slipway by “Billy’s on the Beach” café on seafront, next to car park.
Leader: David Bone (Geologist and Chair: Sussex Geodiversity Partnership) Starting with a “Show and Tell” of fossils, then moving onto the beach with the falling tide, searching the sand surface for fossils. (Bring freezer plastic bags.) Wellies essential.

Signs of spring on a Shillinglee walk

Date: 23 March 2024
Time: 10:30
Directions: GR: SU965319 GU8 4SY On A283 (going southwards towards Northchapel), take L at crossroads (signed Plaistow). At Shillinglee with group of cottages on L, look for property “Barton” first on R. Parking by kind permission of owner.
Leader: Jon Taylor (HNHS member) A morning walk through habitats of rough grazing with good hedging, woodland and a freshwater lake.

Solar Boat, West Itchenor: Bird Watching (Chichester Harbour Conservancy)

Date: 17 February 2024
Time: 10:30
Directions: GR: SU800014 PO20 7AW Directions: On A286 towards the Witterings, pass petrol station at Birdham, then 2nd exit to West Wittering. After ¼ mile turn R for Itchenor. Park & Display on L just before Ship Inn (currently £4.50 for 4 hours)
An opportunity with a bird-watching guide on board the boat (hired by the Society for only our members), to see some of the 55,000 birds that annually visit Chichester Harbour. Cost £10 per person for 2 hours. Book a seat by requesting to our email address. Payment by 30 January: Electronic Bank Transfer: Lloyds Bank […]

Winter birds at Pulborough Brooks Reserve (RSPB)

Date: 20 January 2024
Time: 10:30
Directions: GR: TQ058164 RH20 2EL
A morning visit to the Reserve in the Arun Valley within the South Downs National Park. Habitats include wetland, woodlands and heathland, with several hides and viewing points. Tea room. Entry fee of £4 and parking fee £3 (all-day) for non-RSPB members.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Date: 27 April 2024
After the short business meeting there will be an illustrated Talk. Wildlife Projects in Haslemere and BeyondSpeaker: Gareth Matthes (Ecologist and HNHS member) The talk will focus on local wildlife and provide a broad view of wildlife surveys, including reptile, riparian and hedgerow corridors, and conservation projects such as community orchards.

Swallows and martins

Date: 9 March 2024
Paul Stevens (Ecologist with increasing specialisation in hirundines and swifts) Paul will describe his love and interest from boyhood in these migratory birds. When Reserve Manager at Arundel Wetland Centre he instigated the Sand Martin hide.

in the Night: Britain’s nocturnal wildlife

Date: 3 February 2024
Time: 14:15
Speaker: Michael Blencowe (Sussex naturalist, co-author of “Butterflies of Sussex” and wildlife guide) Michael will “take us” on a night walk in Sussex gardens, woods, marshes and meadows and describe the wildlife to be found there.

Virtual presentation on Zoom The Earthworm

Date: 13 January 2024
Time: 14:15
Speaker: Chris Stewart (Professional Gardener) Is the Earthworm an eco-engineer or a simple hermaphrodite? It is a vital inhabitant of gardens and soil generally, affecting wildlife and life itself. The importance of composting will be described. The joining code for ZOOM will be sent out nearer the time.
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