Around Newton St Loe & Wilmington

Newton St. Loe Churchyard Newton St. Loe, Bath

Please note attendance to this event is limited to a maximum of 12 places Leader: Richard Bottle Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx. 14:30 Meet: Newton St Loe churchyard, GR ST701649. Landranger Map 172/Explorer Map 155. Please park considerately in village. Focus: General interest, local history and natural history. Description: A circular walk of 4.3 miles, taking […]

Presidential Address – Plant Pests and Parasites

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Rob Randall will illustrate some of the problems that plants encounter in their struggle to survive and strategies they employ to ensure that they do. They are not always successful ,of course. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests

Ham Wall and Shapwick, near Glastonbury

Ham Wall RSPB Reserve Meare, Ashcott,, Glastonbury, Somerset

Please note that attendance to this event is limited to 18 places Leaders: Tom Rogers and Glen Maddison Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx. 16.30 Meet: By reception building in Ham Wall RSPB reserve car park GR ST 449395 Landranger 182 or SAT NAV BA6 9SX. CAR PARKING CHARGES APPLY FOR NON RSPB MEMBERS Focus: Wetland birds, […]

CANCELLED: Bathampton To Claverton Pumping Station Linear Walk

The George car park Mill Lane, Bathampton

Saturday 17 December: the event has been cancelled because of the harsh weather forecast for the day.   Please note that attendance is limited to 12 places. Leader: Lucy Starling Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: In car park of The George public house off Mill Lane, GR ST 777665 Explorer Map 155 Focus: Winter […]

Annual General Meeting

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Go Slow Bath City Stroll

Beazer Maze Bath

Please note that attendance is limited to 15. Leader: Lucy Starling This walk is particularly suitable for those with limited mobility and most of the route is mobility scooter friendly. The event is also suited to the novice bird watcher. Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 12.30 Meet: By Beazer Maze on riverside path by Pulteney Weir, […]

Slimbridge Wildfowl And Wetlands Trust Reserve

Slimbridge Wetland Centre Bowditch,, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

Please note attendance is limited to a maximum of 16. Leader: Phillip Delve Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 16:00 Meet: In the car park below the entrance steps to Reception Centre GR SO 723047 Landranger 162/Explorer OL14 SAT NAV GL2 7BT Focus: Wildfowl, waders and birds of prey Description: Level walking on hard surfaces, visiting hides […]

Round Table Meeting

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

BRLSI Coffee morning, 11 am to 12 noon. A chance to socialise and provide ideas for next summer's programme.

Grand Parade, Bath

GRand Parade Bath

Please note that attendance will be limited to 10 due to the nature of the event. Leader: Rob Randall Start: 13:00 Finish: 14:0 Meet: Grand Parade above the weir, GR ST 751649. Landranger 172/Explorer 155 Focus: Lichens on Bath Stone Description: A close look at lichens growing on the balustrade. A hand lens or camera […]

St Catherine’s Valley, Northend, Batheaston

Eagle House Northend, Bath, Somerset

Leaders: Clare Herbert & John Rawles Start: 10.00 Finish: Approx. 13.00 Meet: Eagle House, Northend, GR 779684 Landranger 172/Explorer 155 SAT NAV BA1 7EH Roadside parking, or by bus 3A or 3B, alight St Catherine’s Way, Batheston (check timetable Traveline). Focus: Early Spring flora and resident birds and bird song. Description: Gentle level walking over […]

Linking Environment and Farming

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Jeremy Padfield runs a mixed farm at Stratton-on-the-Fosse, as a LEAF Demonstration Farm. LEAF encourages and helps land-owners to farm sustainably and aims to educate the public about the benefits to the environment of sustainable land management. See Stratton Farms | LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception.

BRLSI Exhibition – Facing Up To Beetles

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

NB Mondays to Fridays only 10 am to 4 pm, An exhibition of macro-photography by students at the University of Bristol, accompanied by a range of specimens from the BRLSI Collection. Timed to coincide with the talk by Mike Hacksto on Monday 6 March Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084

Entry Hill, Combe Down

Entry Hill Combe Down, Bath

Please note that attendance will be limited to 10 places due to the nature of the event. Leaders: Rob Randall & Marion Rayner Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 12:00 Meet: Cross-roads with the Bradford road at top of Entry Hill. GR ST 743622. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Park locally or come by bus. Regular services but check […]

Beetles and Their World

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Mike Hackston, An entomologist and botanist, will introduce us to the world of beetles. Mike is a teacher and produces a range of educational material on the internet, including identification keys Mikes Insect Keys (google.com) Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084

Bird Song Workshop

Sydney Gardens Community Pavilion Bath

Leader: lucy starling, past President and expert on bird song recognition. Sydney Gardens Community Pavilion (inside entrance at end of Bathwick Street) Start: 10:30 am, followed by a short walk round the Gardens.  

Primrose Hill to Beckford’s Tower

Weston Park East Bath

Leader: Robert Hargreaves and Anne Crowe Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: Weston Park East BA1 2UZ below The Royal High Junior School, GR ST 735660. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Roadside parking available. Focus: The last of the winter thrushes, first of the breeding birds and early spring flora. Description: A steady walk (no stiles) up […]

Go Slow Around Monkton Combe & Dundas Aqueduct

Angel Fish car park, Monkton Combe Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe

Leader: Terry Doman Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 12:00 Meet: In Pay & Display Angel Fish car park at the bottom of Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe, GR ST 783261. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Focus: Birds and general interest including early spring flowers Description: An easy paced slow walk in particular aimed at the less mobile. A linear […]

Our Changing Bird Population

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

A Tale From A Birder's Log Book Speaker: Chris Vines, Bird Recorder for Bath Natural History Society. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084

Lansdown Battlefields and Cotswold Way

Lansdown Park & Ride

Please note that attendance to this event is limited to 15 places. Leader: Glen Maddison Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx. 14:00 Meet: At Lansdown Park & Ride car park by bus stop: GR ST 731682 Landranger 172/Explorer 155 SAT NAV BA1 9BJ Focus: Early Spring migrants. Warblers, Wheatear, Whinchat and Hirundines. Butterflies, including Brimstone and Green-veined […]

Go Slow: Birds and Bird Song in Sydney Gardens

Sydney Gardens Bath

Leader: Lucy Starling Non-members and novice birders particularly welcome so feel free to bring a friend. Start: 9:00 Finish: 10:30 Meet: In Gardens by the gates at the end of Bathwick Street, GR ST 756653. Landranger 172/Explorer 155 SAT NAV BA2 4DB Focus: Birds and their songs and calls including Blackbird, Song Thrush, Nuthatch and […]

St. James’ Cemetery, Lower Bristol Road, Bath

St. James' Cemetery, Lower Bristol Road Bath

Please note that attendance will be limited to 10 places due to the nature of the event. Leader: Rob Randall Start: 1 pm Finish 2 pm Focus: Spring flowers, native and exotic. Description: A slow stroll round the cemetery, which has a wide range of trees and flowers, especially spring bulbs. Please book with the […]

(Cotswold Water Park &) Lower Moor Farm near Oaksey, updated

Neighbridge Car Park Spine Road, nr Minety, Wilts

Due to unforeseen circumstances this event has had to be amended from the description in the BNHS Autumn / Winter 2022-2023 newsletter, issued in 2022. Leader: to be confirmed 1. Cotswold Water Park This first part of the day is now self-guided and there will be no leader in attendance Start: 8:00 Finish: 10:00 Meet: […]

Moths at The American Museum Gardens, Claverton, Bath

American Museum Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Claverton,, Bath

Leaders: Lucy Starling & Phillip Delve Start: 9.00        Finish: Approx. 11.00 Meet: Main car park off Claverton Hill GR ST 783640 Landranger 172/Explorer 155 Focus: Moths caught overnight in two humane moth traps. Description: To view, record, then release moths caught the previous night. Traps will be opened in the gardens near the main entrance […]

Cancelled: Photography Workshop, Friary, near Bath

Friary

This event has been cancelled Leader: Victoria Hillman Host: Penny Williamson Start: 10.30 Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: GR ST 788591 Landranger 172/Explorer 142. Friary is reached via a steep narrow road off the A36, through Friary Woods. Focus: General interest wildlife specimens. Description: Learn to take both identification and creative images of your special interest […]

Brean Down, near Weston-Super-Mare

Brean Down nr Weston-supe-Mare, Somerset

Leader: Rob Randall Start: 11:00      Finish: Approx. 15:00 Meet: Brean Down car park. GR ST 297587 Landranger 182 /Explorer 153  (£6 coins or PayByPhone app, free to NT members). An easy route by car is via the A368 and A371 to Weston-super-Mare then the A370 south, turning right for Lympsham and Brean about a mile […]

Bathwick Fields and Smallcombe, Bath

Bathwick Fields & Smallcombe Bath

Leader: Marion Rayner Start: 14.00      Finish: Approx. 16.00 Meet: At entrance to Bathwick Fields, Bathwick Hill, GR ST760647 Landranger 172/Explorer 155.  Bus No: 18 to Bathwick Hill. On street parking limited but there may be some in nearby side roads. Focus: General wildlife including flowering plants and bryophytes. Description: An exploration of the varied habitats and […]

Carr’s Wood/Newton Brook, Bath

Carr's Wood Bath

Leader: Alvan White Start: 10.30      Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: Metal 5 bar gate. GR ST 718650 Explorer Map 155. If coming from the city, pass through Twerton shops, onto Newton Road, take 1st right immediately after store on right hand side. Take 2nd right to T junction and the gate is immediately in front of […]

Bath City Farm – Bioblitz (part of Festival of Nature)

Bath City Farm Kelston View, Bath

Leaders and times: Various. Meet at Bath City Farm buildings, GR ST725641. There is a small car park but it is preferable to park locally and walk, or use public transport. Description: Part of the Festival of Nature, with events organised by Bathscape, Bath City Farm, Avon Wildlife Trust and Bath Nats members. Full details […]

Innox Park, Twerton, public event in Festival of Nature

Innox Park Freeview Road, Twerton, Bath

Leaders: Dan Merrett, Alan Feest, Rob Randall (public meeting, part of the Festival of Nature, no need to book.) Start: Short guided walks on the hour from 11:00 to 14:00 Meet: End of Freeview Road, GR ST726643. Park locally, walk, or use public transport. Description: Organised as part of the Festival of Nature. The Biodiversity […]

Lower Woods, Wetmoor

Lower Woods Lodge car park. GR ST 746882 Glos

Leaders: Clare and Mark Kitchen Start: 11:00      Finish: Approx. 16:00 Meet: Car park near the ranger's house, GR ST 746881, Landranger 172/Explorer 167 Focus: General interest but especially plants and insects of ancient woodland. Description: A joint meeting with the botany section of Gloucestershire Naturalists' Society. Ancient woodland enclosing meadows and clearings on the site […]

Go Slow around Bradford-On-Avon

Bradford Station St Margaret's Street

Leader: Felicity Gilmour Start: 10.30      Finish: Approx. 13.00 Meet:  Outside Bradford Station GR ST825606 Landranger 173/Explorer 156. Charges apply in the car park or there is free parking on Moulton Drive, GR ST827597 which is approx. 15 mins walk from the meeting point. Focus: Nesting swifts and local wildlife Description: We will look for nesting swifts […]

Kenfig Burrows NNR, South Wales, with Bath RSPB

Kenfig NNR

Leaders: Dave Newman and Rob Randall Coach: 7.30 start with various pick up points in Bath, to be advised on booking form. Focus: General interest, but Dave will lead a party concentrating on birds, Rob will lead on plants and insects. Description: National Nature Reserve comprising an extensive dune system (one of the largest and […]

East Woodlands (South east of Frome)

East Woodlands

Leaders: Jenny Vickers and Alvan White Start: 10:30      Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: East Woodlands Church, GR ST 790441 Landranger 183/Explorer 142. Focus: Flora and fauna, including Golden Ringed Dragonfly and Silver-washed Fritillary. Description: A slow stroll of about 1-2 km around the valley bottom. Uneven ground, walking boots recommended. Suggest bring food and drink. Please […]

Lansdown/Upper Weston

Lansdown Park & Ride

Leader: Glen Maddison Start: 10.00      Finish: Approx. 13.30 Meet: Lansdown Park & Ride BA1 9BJ approx 9.45 for prompt start! GR ST 732681 Focus: Resident breeding and summer migrant birds, butterflies and interesting invertebrates. Description: Roughly a circular walk, up to 4 miles, taking in playing-fields, farmland tracks and margins towards Langridge Farm, where we […]

CHANGE of DATE: Warren Hill near Tidworth

Benin Road, Perham Down Wiltshire

NB Because of the weater forecast for the original date (Wednesday 2 August) the leader has changed the date to Friday 4 August) Leader: Phillip Delve Start: 11:00      Finish: 15:00 Meet: Benin Road, Perham Down, Wiltshire, SP11 9FQ. GR SU 260484 Landranger 186 / Explorer 131 Directions: From the A338 at Tidworth, turn east into Station Rd. […]

Bushy Norwood, Claverton, Bath

Bath Cats & Dogs Home The Avenue, Bath

Leader: Lucy Starling Start: 10:30      Finish: Approx. 14:00 Meet: By entrance to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, The Avenue, GR ST 777638 Explorer Map 155. Post Code BA2 7AZ. Pay and Display car park at University or University bus up Bathwick Hill. Focus: Late summer butterflies, dragonflies, crickets, grasshoppers, limestone flora and migrant birds, possibly […]

Langford Lakes, Steeple Langford, Wilts

Langford Lakes

Leader: Tom Rogers Start: 10.00 Finish: Approx.13.00 (with optional extension) Meet: In reserve car park signpost directions in Steeple Langford off A36. GR SU 037370 Explorer 130/Landranger 184. Sat Nav Post Code SP3 4NH. Focus: Migrating waders, and other birds, dragonflies, and other insects. Possible Red KIte, Hobby and Osprey. Description: A circular walk around […]

Newton St Loe and Wilmington

Newton St. Loe Churchyard Newton St. Loe, Bath

Leader: Richard Bottle Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx. 14:30 Meet: in Newton St. Loe Churchyard. Grid Ref. ST 701649. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Take care to park considerately in the village. Focus: General interest, local history, and natural history. Description: A varied circular walk of 4.3 miles, taking in the lakes and woods in the grounds of […]

Moths At Elm Farm, Burnett

Elm Farm Burnett, Keynsham

Hosts: Philippa and John Paget Leaders: Terry Doman and Phillip Delve Start: 9:00 Finish: Approx. 11:00 Meet: Elm Farm, Burnett, south of Keynsham off the B3116. GR ST 665651 Landranger 172/Explorer 155 Focus: Moths caught overnight, which may include interesting migrant species. Description: To view, record, then release moths caught the previous night by light […]

Members’ Evening – Short Talks by Members

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Venue: BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath Please contact the President  if you wish to give a short talk. Doors open: 19:00 for refreshments and a chat. Start: 19:30 Finish: 21:00

Bat walk in Victoria Park

Royal Victoria Park Bath

Leader: Laura Mullholland Meet 7 pm. at the top of Cow Lane, ST742652. Laura will give a brief introduction explaining how bat detectors work, then  we will proceed towards the Botanical Gardens and the duck ponds where bat activity is usually at its greatest. Length of the meeting will depend largely on the weather.

Charmy Down

Charmy Down

Meet: Layby on Charmy Down side of the junction of the old and new A46, Upper Swainswick, ST761681, Landranger 172/Explorer 155 Focus: Plateau grassland, fungi, butterflies and grasshoppers. Description: The disused airfield is traditionally managed, and cattle graze each field in turn. As a result there are always ungrazed areas to provide food for grasshoppers […]

Fungi At Lord’s Wood, Near Pensford

Lord's Wood near Pensford

Leaders: Alan Rayner and Helena Crouch Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx. 14:30 Meet: Birchwood Lane, by the entrance to the NW corner of the wood. OS Grid Ref ST631633 From Chelwood Roundabout, take A37 north. Birchwood Lane is on the right about 0.6km north of the roundabout. Parking by the wood is limited so please lift […]

Spider Workshop: Kensington Meadows, Walcot, Bath

Kensington Meadows Walcot, Bath

Leader: Catherine Turner Start: 10:00 Finish: 12:00 Meet: Entrance from Morrisons car park, ST757658. Bus stops nearby. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Focus: Spiders and their habits Description: A gentle stroll around the meadows and the riverside path looking for spiders and their webs. The varied nature of the vegetation should result in a wide range of […]

The Wrong Kind Of Bees

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Steve Smailes. An introduction to Solitary Bees and Bumblebees, their diverse natures and lifestyles, both in the garden, and the wider countryside. Steve's uncle was a beekeeper so his interest in bees began at an early age. Doors open 7.00pm, for coffee and a chat, with proceedings beginning at 7.30pm £2 members  £4 guests […]

BNHS/RSPB – Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Reserve

Slimbridge Wetland Centre Bowditch,, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

Replacement for cancelled coach trip to Ogmore by Sea previously scheduled for 14 October Leaders: Lucy Starling and Phillip Delve). Maximum participants 14.To book, contact Lucy Starling; members can find Lucy's contact details in their Autumn / Winter 2023-2024 newsletter.for the field trip of 28/4/2024 Start: 10:00 Finish: 15:00 Meet: WWT Centre. SAT NAV post […]

Cancelled: BNHS/RSPB Coach To Ogmore By Sea And Parc Slip

Ogmore By Sea Vale of Glamorgan

This event has been cancelled. Instead, on the same day Margaret Jones and Tom Rogers lead a trip  to Marshfield and on Wedenesday 11 October  Lucy Starling and Philip Delve will lead a visit to Slimbridge

BNHS/RSPB: Marshfield (replaces cancelled coach trip to Ogmore by Sea)

Marshfield

Leaders: Margaret Jones and Tom Rogers (contact Tom Rogers to book) Start: 10:00 Finish: 13:00 approx. Meet: Park in the Marshfield west layby, just off the A420 by Homes Barns, post code SN14 8JN, what3words: baroness.shift.poets Focus: Farmland birds, including Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Skylark & Red Legged Partridge Description: Walk around the Marshfield area […]

Planning Meeting

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Help the Programme Committee plan our summer field programme and next year's indoor programme. Coincides with the BRLSI's coffee morning. Followed by a local field meeting - at Henrietta Park – see next event this date Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084E

Go Slow – Henrietta Park

Henrietta Park Bath, United Kingdom

Start: 13:00 Finish: 14:00 approx. Meet: Entrance by the Garden of Remembrance, Henrietta Street, ST752652. Restricted parking but there are bus stops and car parks nearby. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Focus: Parkland trees and lichens Description: Stroll around the park taking in the autumn colours of the wide variety of trees and the lichens that grow […]

Bath’s Forgotten Trees

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Hugh Williamson, one of the organisers of the Bath Urban Treescape trails. Doors open 7.00pm, for coffee and a chat, with proceedings beginning at 7.30pm £2 members  £4 guests Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084E

Snail Workshop, Keynsham Local Nature Reserve

Keynsham Local Nature Reserve Keynsham, near Bath

Leader: Andrew Daw Start: 10:30 Finish: 13.00 (weather permitting) Meet: Parking area at the end of Windrush Road (BS31 1PT), ST664677. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Focus: Slugs and snails Description: A gentle stroll around the reserve, which includes woodland planted as part of the Forest of Avon project. Andy will be particularly looking for molluscs but […]

Moorlands Park to Beechen Cliff

Moorlands Park Englishcombe Lane,, Bath

Leaders: Hugh Williamson and Rob Randall Start: 10:00 Finish: 12:00 Meet: Bear Flat outside The Bear, ST745638. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Several buses stop at Bear Flat, including the one from Odd Down Park & Ride. Focus: Urban trees and parkland wildlife Description: A stroll through the parks and streets of Bath taking in Moorlands Park, […]

Presidential Address: Strandline Plants and Dune Formation

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Rob Randall. An in-depth study of the developing dune system in Sand Bay. Doors open 7.00pm, for coffee and a chat, with proceedings beginning at 7.30pm £2 members  £4 guests Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084E

New Year Plant Hunt

Leaders: TBA (contact Rob Randall for details and to book) This annual event is organised by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and contributes much to our knowledge of changes due to our milder winters in much the same way as the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch. Please book in advance. Members can find contact […]

Annual General Meeting

Agenda to be published neaer the time Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084E

POSTPONED: Tour of Malaby Biogas, Bore Hill Farm, Warminster

Bore Hill Farm

The tour of the Malaby Biogas on Wednesday 24th January has been postponed till the summer. The visit to Shearwater Lake, also on the 24th January will go ahead as in the programme. Charge: £4 per person. Organiser: Penny Williamson Start: 10:30 Finish: 12:00 Meet: Bore Hill Farm, ST867436, BA12 8FB. Take first exit off […]

Langford Lakes, Steeple Langford, Wilts (change from Shearwater Lake)

Langford Lakes

Please note this event replaces the advertised visit to Shearwater Lake which is now cancelled. NB new start time, 2 hours earlier than previously advertised Leader: Phillip Delve Start: 10.30   Finish: 14:00 Meet: Reserve car park, postcode SP3 4NH,  OS grid ref SU037370 ,  /// package.vague.gradually Take the A36 towards Salisbury. Turn right approx 2miles beyond the A303 […]

Wildlife of Costa Rica

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Kate Souter, Magazine Editor for Bath Nats. Kate will report on her recent holiday in the Caribbean. Doors open 7.00pm, for coffee and a chat, with proceedings beginning at 7.30pm £2 members  £4 guests Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084E

Go Slow Highbridge to Burnham on Sea (rail travel recommended)

Highbridge, Bank Street car park Market Street, Highbridge

This events replaces the Go Slow - Severn Beach visit originally planned for 15 February. Both date and venue have changed because of recent access difficulties. Birding but travelling by rail from Bath to Highbridge, walk from Highbridge to Burnham on Sea. Leader: Alvan White Start: 10:35am Meet: Highbridge, Bank Street car park (actually off […]

CANCELLED: Oldbury Court Estate and Glen Frome

Oldbury Court Estate

BNHS regrets that, following the sudden death of Rob Randall who was due to lead this event, it has been cancelled.  Leaders: Dylan Peters and Rob Randall Start: 13:00 Finish: 15:00 Meet: Pay & Display car park, ST635765. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. There are various routes to Fishponds then join the A432 (Yate road) and turn […]

BNHS/RSPB Coach To Portland Bill and Weymouth

Portland Bill & Weymouth

Leader: Dave Newman. Booking and prepayment essential by 23rd February 2024 Coach: 7:30 start with various pick up points in Bath, to be advised on booking form. Booking form: Download the booking form here Portland and Weymouth Booking form

Ferns of Bath

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Dr. Helena Crouch, Botanical Recorder for VC6 (North Somerset) for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and Secretary of Bath Nats. Ferns are one of Helena's favourite botanical subjects. This talk was originally scheduled for 4 March 2024 but had to be postponed. Doors open 7.00pm, for coffee and a chat, with proceedings […]

Compton Dando and Woollard

Compton Dando and Woollard

Leaders: Andrew Harrison and Helena Crouch Start: 11:00 Finish: 13:00 Meet: Compton Dando church, ST646646. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Limited parking nearby so car-sharing advisable if possible. Focus: General interest Description: Walk of about 3.5 km along paths and tracks through woodland and grassland by the River Chew. The varied geology results in equally varied vegetation, […]

Spring tree walk – Royal Victoria Park

Royal Victoria Park Bath

Leader: Kate Souter Start 13:00 Finish 15:00 pm Meet: Entrance to Royal Avenue above Queen Square, ST745651. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Focus: General interest Description: A walk of 1.5 miles following the tree gazing trail through Royal Victoria Park to the Botanical Gardens. As well as exploring the amazing trees, we will be looking out for […]

Bathwick to Bathampton via Batheaston

Beckford Road Bath

Please note numbers limited to 15. Leader: Lucy Starling Start: 9:30 Finish: 13:30 Meet: Beckford Road by the canal, ST 758654. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. No roadside parking nearby but buses stop on Beckford Road. Focus: Bird song, particularly warblers, butterflies and dragonflies. Hopefully, Sedge Warblers will have returned to breed in Bathampton Meadows NT fields. […]

Go-Slow at John Presland Reserve, Winsley

John Presland Reserve, Winsley

Leaders: Mike Williams and Alvan White Bookings: Alvan White Start: 10:30 Finish: 13:00 (with optional extension) Meeting place: Park on Limpley Stoke Road, BA15 2NP (first road into Winsley on R, after coming up Winsley Hill), Explorer 155 (ST 796 609), what3words: region.flash.faces Bus D1 stops at Winsley. Focus: Flora and fauna, but we hope […]

Photography Workshop At Friary, Hinton Charterhouse

Friary

Leader: Dan Swallow Bookings: Penny Williamson Prior booking and payment of £5 for Bath Nats members, £10* for non-members at least a week beforehand, please. (*£5 is redeemable for those joining Bath Nats on the day) Start: 10:00 Finish: 14:00 Meeting place: Friary is reached via Friary Wood Lane, a narrow steep road leading down […]

Moth Trap At Elm Farm, Burnett

Elm Farm Burnett, Keynsham

Leaders: Philippa Paget and Carole Catling Bookings: Carole Catling (Booking not essential but useful to know numbers expected) Start: 09:00 Finish: 11:00 Meeting place: Elm Farm, Burnett, near Keynsham, BS31 2TF. Explorer 155 (ST 665 652) From A39 turn right onto B3116 to Burnett. Elm Farm is signposted along a track to the left. From […]

Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire (National Trust)

Woodchesster Park Glos

Leaders: Dave Pole and Lucy Starling Bookings: Dave Pole Numbers limited to a maximum of 20 and car sharing would be sensible Start time: 10:30 Finish time: 15:30 Meeting place: Tinkley Gate NT car park, Explorer 168 (SO 813 005). Betwixt Nympsfield and Nailsworth: after passing through Nympsfield, drive along Tinkley Lane and look for […]

Go-Slow at Bath City Farm

Bath City Farm Kelston View, Bath

Leader: Mike Williams Bookings: Alvan White Start: 10:30 Finish: 15:30 (optional finish time) Meeting place: Bath City Farm offices, Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath, BA2 1NW, Explorer 155 (ST 726 640). Park in farm car park or on Kelston View. Focus: Invertebrates, birds and wildflowers Description: A slow walk, covering the 37ha site, including pasture, hay […]

Festival Of Nature: Stall on Milsom Street, Bath

Milsom Street, Bath

In 2024 the Festival of Nature will return to Bath City Centre for a one day, multi-venue event. This free family-friendly day, from 11am until 5pm will include interactive activity stands, performances, talks, workshops, and food stalls. We have booked a stall in a tent on Milsom Street for a display to promote Bath Nats […]

Festival Of Nature: Community Day at Moorlands Park, Bath

Moorlands Park Englishcombe Lane,, Bath

Contact: Alan Feest to volunteer to help Start / Finish: Timing to follow; an all-day event Meeting place: Moorlands Park, Englishcombe Lane, Bath, BA2 2EE Explorer 155 (ST 739 632) Focus: Biodiversity of park including remnant pasture in urban Bath, and Tree Walk Description: The Friends of Moorland Park aim to assess and improve the […]

Fields and Banks of River Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal

Beckford Road Bath

Leader: Lucy Starling Bookings: Lucy Starling  Numbers limited to 15 Start: 10:30 Finish: 13:30 Meeting place: Beckford Road by the canal, Landranger 172 / Explorer 155 (ST 758 654). No roadside parking nearby but buses stop on Beckford Road. Focus: Birds, particularly warblers, butterflies and dragonflies. Hopefully, Sedge Warblers will have returned to breed in […]

Go-Slow at Shapwick and Catcott Nature Reserves

Avalon Marshes Centra Shapwick Road, Westhay

Leader: Alvan White Bookings: Alvan White Start: 10:15 Finish: 15:00 (with optional extension) Meeting place: Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, BA6 9TT (NB postcode takes you to within half a mile), Explorer 141 (ST 425 414) what3words: cave.logbook.icon Parking: £3 Focus: Flora and fauna, but we hope to encounter the Raft Spider (Dolomedes fimbriatus) […]

Go-Slow at East Woodlands, Southeast of Frome

East Woodlands

Leaders: Andrew Harrison and Alvan White Bookings: Andrew Harrison Start: 10:30 Finish: approx. 14:00 (with optional extension) Meeting place: St Katherine’s Church, East Woodlands, Frome BA11 5LQ Explorer 142 (ST 789 441) Focus: Butterflies including Silver-washed Fritillary and Holly Blue; dragonflies including Southern Hawker, Large Red Damselfly and Common Darter; birds and flora Description: A […]

Go Slow at Bath Spa University / Newton St Loe Park

Bath Spa University

Leaders: Darrell Watts and Alvan White Bookings: Alvan White Start: 09:30 Finish: 15:00 (with optional extension) Meeting place: outside Visitor Reception, which is the central Georgian building east of the lower lake, see: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/media/bathspaacuk/hr/jobs/Map-of-Newton-Park-Campus-(1).pdf Explorer 155 (ST 695 641) Parking is available at the university via pay and display machines. Or park near the church […]

Battlesbury Hill, Warminster, Wiltshire

Battlesbury Hill Warminster

(This event precedes the Malaby Gas Biodigester tour, also at Warminster) Leader: Phillip Delve Bookings: Phillip Delve Start: 12:30 Finish: approx. 15:30 Meeting place: Explorer 153 (ST 893 452). Take the Imber Road from Warminster, drive through the MOD houses, turn right towards Battlesbury Barracks just before the rise of Sack Hill, follow the avenue […]

Visit To Malaby Biogas, Warminster

Malaby Biogas Bore Hill Farm Biodigester, Deverill Road, Warminster

Bookings: Penny Williamson Numbers limited to 20 Charges apply, £5 for Bath Natural History Society members and £10 for non-members, reduced to £5 on joining Bath Nats. Please bring exact cash on the day. Start: 16:30 Finish: 18:00 Meeting place: Malaby Biogas, Bore Hill Farm Biodigester, Deverill Road, Warminster, BA12 8FB, Explorer 143 (ST 867 […]

Bathampton Meadows

Bathampton Meadows reseve

Leaders: Helena Crouch and Glen Maddison Bookings: Helena Crouch  Numbers limited to 12 Start: 11:00 Finish: approx. 16:00 Meeting place: small car park at the reserve Explorer 155 (ST78016692). There is space here for about 6 cars, but if possible please park in the public car park in Batheaston (ST779673), free on Sundays, and walk […]

Siston and Overscourt Wood

Siston and Overscourt Wood

Leaders: Dave Pole, Andrew Harrison and Alvan White Bookings: Dave Pole Start: 10:30 Finish: 15:00 (or earlier) Meeting place: car park Explorer 155 (ST 687 748), nearest postcode BS30 5LY, what3words: toward.empty.arrive. Heading N on Siston Lane towards Siston, turn R up track by signpost for Overscourt Wood. Room for around 10 cars but the […]

Go Slow at Bath University and Bathampton Down

Bath University Claverton Down, Bath

Leader: Catherine Turner Bookings: Catherine Turner Start: 10:00 Finish: approx. 13:00 Meeting place: University East Car Park: Explorer 155 (ST 7775 6452), what3words: mobile.fills.urban There is very limited parking available at the university. Visitor parking is either in the East Car Park or South Car park using the JustPark App/SMS/phone. See: https://www.bath.ac.uk/locations/east-car-park/ but note that […]

Sale of books from library of Rob Randall

Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath

Rob Randall, who died earlier this year, was a nationally renowned botanist, President of Bath Natural History Society and on the trustee board of Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution He left a wonderful, diverse and extensive collection of books on a range of subjects, particularly Natural History, Geology and Ancient History, including many key […]

Sand Bay, Kewstoke

Sand Bay, Kewstoke

Leader: Helena Crouch Bookings: Helena Crouch Start: 10:30 Finish: approx. 15:00 Meeting place: Sand Bay car park and bus terminus Explorer 153 / Landranger 182 (ST 332 646) what3words: brew.bedroom.pink Parking costs £2.50 for the day (cash or MiPermit) Focus: Strandline plants and dunes (am), saltmarsh and coastal rocks (pm) Description: We will explore the […]

Kingsgate Park and Yate Common

Kingsgate Park

Leader: Alvan White Bookings: Alvan White Start: 10:30 Finish: 15:30 Meeting place: Western end of Kingsgate Park, BS37 4JB. Explorer 167 (ST 712 819). Roadside parking central to both sites is available near or at St Briavels Drive, BS37 4EZ (ST 709 816). Focus: Flora and fauna, but possible migrant birds and to include insects. […]

Moth Trap At The American Museum, Bath

American Museum Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Claverton,, Bath

Leaders: Phillip Delve and Carole Catling Bookings: Carole Catling (Booking not essential but useful to know numbers expected) Start: 09:00 Finish: 11:00 Meeting place: American Museum and Gardens, Claverton Hill, Bath, BA2 7BD. (ST 784 640). Two car parks. Meet at front of museum. Focus: Moth identification and recording. Description: An opportunity for those with […]

Fungal Foray in Greyfield Wood, High Littleton, Somerset

Greyfield Wood, GR ST641587, High Littleton, Somerset

Leaders: Alan Rayner and Helena Crouch Bookings: Helena Crouch Start: 10:30 Finish: approx. 14:30 Meeting place: park and meet along Greyfield Road, High Littleton. Explorer 142 (ST 640 586) Focus: Fungi and other Autumn wildlife Description: A slow walk looking at fungi in particular, but also the other wildlife of this varied woodland. Greyfield Wood […]

Go Slow at Shearwater, near Warminster

Shearwater, Near Crockerton

Leader: Alvan White Start: 10:30 Finish: Fluid, bring a picnic. Members of the party can drop out at their own discretion. Meet: Shear Water Lake Car Park (opposite tea rooms) BS35 4PE Explorer 143 (ST 854 420) (Note that the tea rooms opposite the car park are closed on Mondays) Focus: Flora and fauna Description: […]

Talk: What Is Biodiversity And Why Does It Matter?

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Doors Open 7.00pm for coffee and chat Speaker: Alan Feest Venue: BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN Start: 19:30 ( Finish 21:00 Description: Alan will demonstrate the deficiencies of the current definition of biodiversity and offer suggestions for a way forward, explaining the approach used in our local surveys.  This talk will be an […]

Lansdown

Lansdown Park & Ride

Leader: Anne Crowe and Robert Hargreaves, no need to book Start: 09:30 Finish: Approx 13:00 Meet: Lansdown Park & Ride, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 9DT Landranger 172 / Explorer 155 (ST 731 679), what3words: using.rises.always NB The P&R charges £2 for parking if not using the bus Focus: Winter migrants. Description: A walk over the Lansdown […]

Talk: The World of Wasps

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Steve Smailes Venue: BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN Start: 19:30 (Doors open: 19:00 for coffee and chat) Finish: 21:00 Description: In this illustrated talk, Steve will cover the social and the solitary aculeate wasps of our islands, and briefly touch on the parasitic wasps too. Most people are acutely aware of the […]

£3

East Harptree Woods

East Harptree Woods North Somerset

Leaders: Alan & Marion Rayner and Helena Crouch Contact: Helena Crouch  to book Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx 14:30 Meet: Forestry England car park off Smitham Hill Explorer 141 (ST 5578 5412), what3words: visit.plump.valid Focus: Bryophytes, ferns and fungi Description: This conifer plantation, on the site of former lead-mining activity, has varied habitats, with broad rides, […]

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum Glos, United Kingdom

Leader: Alvan White Booking: In addition to booking with the leader, you will need to pre-book a ticket up to 7 days in advance, see: https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/prebook Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx 14:30 Meet: Westonbirt car park, GL8 8QS Explorer 168 (ST 851 898), for directions see: https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum Focus: Photography, trees and birds Description: The trees should […]

Talk: Natural History Apps and AI: A Blessing Or A Curse?

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Speaker: Dave Pole Venue: BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN Start: 19:30 (Doors open: 19:00 for coffee and chat) Finish: 21:00 Description: Many of us use bird ID apps (eg Merlin) or plant ID apps (eg Flora Incognita) on our phones, and there are a host of others available, both free and paid. Many […]

£3

Berkeley Deer Park

Berkeley Deer Park Glos

Leaders: Clare and Mark Kitchen Start: 11:00 Finish: 13:00 Meet: by the Salutation Inn, Ham, nr Berkeley GL13 9QH, park on the roadside (NOT in the pub car park) Explorer 167 (ST 680 984) Focus: Scenery and Deer Description: A walk through the deer park where we hope to see the red and fallow deer […]

Heal Somerset Rewilding Site

Heal Somerset Rewilding Site Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane,, Witham Friary, Somerset

Limited to 20 participants. Leaders: Daniel Hill (Heal) and Alvan White to book Start: 13:30 Finish: Approx 16:30 Meet: Heal visitor car park, see www.healsomerset.org.uk/parking which gives map and details. Note no parking charges will apply. Address: Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH, Explorer 142 (ST 7357 4007), what3words: landowner.dove.shack Focus: […]

WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Slimbridge Wetland Centre Bowditch,, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

Attendance is limited to 18 participants Leaders: Lucy Starling and Phillip Delve (book with Lucy) Start: 10:00 Finish: Approx : 15:00 Meet: Inside Reception Centre to left of entrance. WWT Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT Focus: Wildfowl including geese and swans, waders and birds of prey. Description: Level walking of no more than about 1 mile, […]

New Year Plant Hunt – Bath City Centre

Riverside, Avon Street Avon Street, Bath, United Kingdom

Leader: Helena Crouch Start: 11:00 Finish: 15:00 Meet: Riverside terraces by Avon Street Car Park, Explorer 155 (ST 7485 6442), what3words: fits.likes.grades Focus: Winter-flowering plants Description: As last year, we will be participating in this annual event organised by the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, aiming to find as many species as possible in […]

Annual General Meeting

BRLSI - Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset

Venue: BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN Start: 14:00 for a 14:15 start Finish: 16:00 Please support your Society by attending the AGM. Further details to follow later. Wheelchair access is available by contacting  BRLSI reception 01225 312084