Spring & Summer activities suspended

We have had to suspend our activities because of the coronavirus pandemic. We hope to resume in the autumn. If you need to contact us please use the form to get in touch

CANCELLED because of Coronavirus: Evolution of Birds and Flight: Dr Dan Field

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

Dr Dan Field is a University Lecturer in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Birds are the most diverse group of terrestrial vertebrate animals, boasting nearly 11,000 living species. But how did this awe inspiring diversity arise? Dan will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how, where, and when birds […]

CANCELLED because of Coronavirus: Westhay Moor, Somerset

Westhay Moor, Somerset GR ST456437, Somerset

Leader: David Goode Meet: 10.30am Westhay Moor Car Park GR ST 456437 Landranger 182/Explorer 141 Finish: 15.00 approx. Focus: Bog ecology, Sphagnum mosses, wetland birds, early migrants. Description: A walk along paths and boardwalk within the Nature Reserve. Bring sandwiches, wet weather gear and wellingtons.

CANCELLED because of Coronavirus: Elan Valley, Coach Trip with RSPB

Riverside, Avon Street Avon Street, Bath, United Kingdom

Coach: Leaves Riverside, Avon Street at 08.00, returns about 18.00. Focus: Summer migrants, Pied Flycatcher, moorland birds. We will not revisit the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm Description: Joint Bath Nats/RSPB meeting. Booking and prepayment essential, see booking form for pick up times.

CANCELLED because of Coronavirus: Abbey Cemetery Early Bird Song Walk

Entrance to Bath Abbey Cemetery Ralph Allen Drive, GR ST758638, Somerset

Meet: 6.00 am at entrance to Bath Abbey Cemetery off Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, close to bus stop near Perrymead junction with Ralph Allen Drive. GR ST 758638 Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Focus: Bird Song Description: We will walk around cemetery and listen to bird songs and calls, possibly walking along Church Lane and The Dell […]

New Year City Walk: Bathwick Meadows And Smallcombe

Riverside footpath opposite St John’s Church Bath

Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. Leader: DAVID GOODE Meet: 10:00 Riverside footpath opposite St John’s Church. By the Cricket Ground. […]

New Year Walk: Bathwick-Batheaston-Bathampton Circular

Beckford Road Bath

Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. Leader: LUCY STARLING Start: NB new start time due to weather conditions:  12:30 on Beckford […]

New Year Walk: Victoria Park And Surrounds

Royal Victoria Park Bath

Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. Leaders: ROB RANDALL and HELENA CROUCH Meet: 13:30 In Victoria Park, by the chicane on […]

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions: Avebury And Barbery Castle Near Swindon

Car park off A4361 Swindon

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. With two leaders there is room for 10 members, five […]

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions: Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath

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

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. NB If Ham Wall remains off limits in Tier 4 […]

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions: Early Spring Wildlife At Friary

Friary

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions: Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. Leader: Helena Crouch and Penny Williamson Start: 11:00 just within […]

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions: Greyfield Wood & Stephens Vale, High Littleton

Greyfield Wood, GR ST641587, High Littleton, Somerset

POSTPONED because of Covid-19 restrictions: Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. Leaders: Marion and Alan Rayner Meet: 10:30 along Greyfield Road. […]

St Catherine’s Valley/ Northend, Bath

Eagle House Northend, Bath, Somerset

Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020 Leaders: Clare Herbert And John Rawles Meet: 10:00 at Eagle House, Northend BA1 7EH. Landranger […]

Westhay Moor, Somerset

Westhay Moor, Somerset GR ST456437, Somerset

This event has been revised to focus mainly on birds Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance . Leader: Tom Pinckheard Meet: 10:30 Westhay Moor Car Park GR ST456437 Landranger 182/Explorer 141 Finish: 15:00 approx. Focus: Bog ecology, Sphagnum mosses, […]

CANCELLED Elan Valley, coach trip joint meeting with RSPB

Riverside, Avon Street Avon Street, Bath, United Kingdom

This event has been cancelled because of COVID restrictions. Booking and prepayment essential, see RSPB booking form for pick-up times. Leader: Dave Newman Coach: Leaves Riverside, Avon Street at 08:00, returns about 18:00. Focus: Summer migrants, Pied Flycatcher, moorland birds. We will not revisit the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm, but plenty of […]

Abbey Cemetery Early Bird Song Walk, Bath

Entrance to Bath Abbey Cemetery Ralph Allen Drive, GR ST758638, Somerset

Because of Covid-19 walks are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in November 2020. Leaders: Lucy Starling Meet: 06:00 at entrance to Bath Abbey Cemetery off Ralph Allen Drive, […]

Ham Wall/Shapwick Heath NNR Birdsong Workshop (2)

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

Because of Covid-19 walks before 17 May 2021 are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in April 2021. Leader: Lucy Starling Meet: 08.00 in Ham Wall Car Park, Ashcott […]

Lansdown and Charlcombe

Lansdown Park & Ride

Because of Covid-19 walks before 17 May 2021 are for members only, are limited to 5 members plus the leader, and must be booked in advance with the leader whose contact details are in the newsletter and programme circulated to members in April 2021. This 90-minute field trip will be held twice to allow more […]

Ham Wall RSPB and Shapwick NNR, near Glastonbury

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

Leader: Lucy Starling Meet: 09.30 Ham Wall car park off Ashcott Road. OS Map 182 ST 449397 Finish approx.: 15.30 Focus: Bird song and wetland birds, warblers, herons, egrets, Hobby, and damsel and dragonflies. Description: Slow level walking, stopping, looking and listening along gravel paths and grass tracks, visiting hides and break for picnic packed […]

Bathwick

This 45-minute field trip will be held twice to allow more members to attend, with a choice of  times Leader: Rob Randall Meet: 14.00 or 15.00 where the FP from the canal crosses Sydney Buildings, GR ST758646. Finish: 14.45 or 15:45 Focus: Grass identification workshop Description: Investigation of the species growing in Bathwick Fields and […]

Twerton Roundhill LNR

Leader: Glen Maddison Meet: 11.00 Mount Road, by the former YMCA hut. GR: ST 725534 Finish: 14.00 Focus: General wildlife, butterflies, invertebrates, orchid and flowers Description: Though a relatively small site, this is a limestone meadow on a fairly steep hill, so walking boots are advisable. We will walk the hill, looking at the plentiful […]

Daneway Banks Reserve (Nr Cirencester)

Daneway Banks Reserve (Nr Cirencester)

Leader: Lucy Starling Meet: 09.00 by Sapperton Church where there is parking for about 7 cars. GR ST 948035 Landranger 163. Reserve postcode: GL7 6LN. Finish: 14.30 Focus: Large Blue butterfly/limestone flora and fauna Description: We will look for the large blue butterfly, plus limestone flora and fauna including day-time moths and other insects. A […]

Lower Woods, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

Lower Woods Lodge car park. GR ST 746882 Glos

Leader: David Goode Meet: 10.30 at Lower Woods Lodge car park. GR ST 746882 Landranger 172/ Explorer 167. Carshare desirable. (For access to car park turn south along rough track at Inglestone Farm on Chase Lane GR ST749886). Finish: 15.00 (people can leave earlier if they so wish). Focus: Ecology of ancient woodland and wet […]

Black Dog Woods Nr Westbury, Wiltshire.

Black Dog Woods Wilts

Leader: Phillip Delve Meet: 09.30 Parking spaces fronting Black Dog Farm on A36 GR ST831489 OS Explorer 143 Directions: These parking spaces are only accessed from the northbound side of A36. If you approach from Bath on the A36, you will need to pass the meeting point, then turn back onto the northbound side, by […]

Bradford On Avon

Leader: Felicity Gilmour Meet: 10.00 outside Bradford Station GR ST8256061 Landranger 173/Explorer 156. Charges apply in the car park or there is free parking on Moulton Drive GE ST827597 which is approx. 15 mins walk from the railway station meeting point. Finish: 13.00 Focus: Nesting swifts and local wildlife Description: We will look for nesting […]

Eastwood Farm LNR, Brislington.

Eastwood Farm LNR, Brislington

Leader: Helena Crouch Meet: 11.00 am at junction of Wyndham Crescent and Eastwood Crescent (ST628715). There is no parking in the reserve so please park considerately on local streets. (Note that there are bollards separating Eastwood Road from Eastwood Crescent, so if you approach along Eastwood Road park before the bollards and walk through). There […]

Mells Stream and Colliers Way

Mells Stream and Colliers Way Mells, Somerset

Leader: Tom Rogers Meet: 10.00 Opposite the PO/Cafe GR: ST 730 490 Landranger 183/Explorer 142. Finish: 15.30 Focus: Birds, butterflies and flowers Description: A fairly level walk of about 4.5 miles (a few stiles) along the Mells Stream and part of the Colliers’ Way. Please carry packed luncheon. Informative website: www.mellsvillage.co.uk

Slimbridge, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

Slimbridge Wetland Centre Bowditch,, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

Leader: David Goode Please notify the leader (contact details in your newsletter or recent email to BathNats members) if you plan to attend, stating how many WWT members (with free admission) and non-members are included, and whether non-members qualify for the over 65 age reduction. Adaptations to Covid mean visits must be booked in advance. […]

Moth Trap And Farm Walk, Elm Farm

Elm Farm Burnett, Keynsham

Leader and Host: Philippa Paget Meet: 09.00 Elm Farm, Burnett, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2TF. There is plenty of parking in the farmyard. Finish: 12.30 Focus: Moths and other interesting finds Description: The moth trap will have been set over night and hopefully there will be some interesting species to enjoy looking at, and Richard Pooley […]

Talk by David Goode: My local patch

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

Living on Lyncombe Hill, a few minutes walk from Bath Spa railway station yet surrounded by a great variety of wildlife in the woods, meadows, parkland and gardens of Widcombe, David takes us on a ramble through his local patch, demonstrating the value of living close to nature during lockdown. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members […]

Broadmoor to North Stoke, Little Down, Prospect Stile and back

Upper Weston

Leader: Rob Randall Meet: 14.00 where Leighton Road joins Broadmoor Lane, Upper Weston, GR ST720673. Park on local roads, making sure you do not block driveways. Finish: 16.00 Focus: Late summer flowers and insects Description: Walk of c.5km along stone tracks and footpaths. Strenuous in places, with two uphill sections, but mostly on the flat […]

Fungal Foray at Stockhill, Mendips

Leaders: Helena Crouch) & Alan Rayner Meet: 10.30 am in Stockhill Plantation car park. GR ST 548512 Landranger 182/ Explorer 141 Finish: 14.00 pm followed by display of our finds and tea with Helena Crouch at Bronwen, Farrington Road, Paulton (directions to be provided on the day). Focus: Fungi and other Autumn wildlife Description: A […]

80th Anniversary Exhibition at BRLSI (closed Sundays)

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

Bath Natural History Society turns 80! Pop in to BRLSI to see the exhibition and meet our helpful volunteers. 80th Anniversary Exhibition at BRLSI,  Queen Square, Bath from 7 to 25 October 2021 Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. The Bath Nats have been recording the variety of wildlife found in the city and its […]

Bathscape And A Landscape City

Booking essential via contact details in the members' Autumn-Winter 2021 newsletter. Leader: Dan Merrett ( or Penny Wiliamson 07712 437478). Meet: 10:00am On the corner of Twerton High Street and Dominion Road Gr ST726646  Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 12:30pm. Focus: Encouraging wildlife in the urban fringe. Description: A circular walk with Bathscape Manager Dan Merrett […]

Friary Fungus Day

Friary

Leader: Alan Rayner Hosts: Penny and Richard Williamson Meet: 11.00 just within Friary, to the right of the cattle grid, where you will see a sign,’ Welcome to Park’, Gr ST 788591 Landranger 172/Explorer 142. Friary is reached via Friary Wood Lane, a narrow steep road leading down from the A36. Finish: 15.30. Focus: Grassland […]

Zoom-only Talk by Mathew Frith: Urban nature; are we at a tipping point for the wild and our wellbeing?

Mathew has a particular interest in the relationship between nature and society in towns and cities. He has 30 years’ experience of land management policy and practice in nature conservation and has worked with various organisations to develop and promote better understanding of biodiversity conservation in urban areas, whether it’s in private gardens, parks, housing […]

Trees as micro-habitats

Royal Victoria Park Bath

Leader: Rob RandalL Meet: 10:00 at Gr ST742653, Royal Victoria Park, Bath at the top end of Cow Lane, running from Marlborough Lane to the edge of the park. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 11:30. Focus: Tree trunks as micro-habitats. Description: We will examine a range of trees in the park to see which are most […]

Trees As Micro-Habitats

Royal Victoria Park Bath

Leader: Rob RandalL Meet: 10:00 am at Gr ST742653, Royal Victoria Park, Bath at the top end of Cow Lane, running from Marlborough Lane to the edge of the park. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 11:30 am Focus: Tree trunks as micro-habitats Description: We will examine a range of trees in the park to see which […]

Mere Down, Farmland Birds

Mere Down

Leader: Lucy Starling Meet: 9:30 off B3095 north of Mere Gr ST825345, car share, space for about 8 cars in lay-by. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: Approx 13.00 with option to extend to explore around Stourhead and look for tree sparrows. Focus: Raptors and farmland birds, including red kite and corn bunting. Description: Linear walk, mainly […]

Poole Harbour joint visit with RSPB

Poole Harbour

Leader: David Newman (Booking and prepayment essential via contact details in the members' Autumn-Winter 2021 newsletter. Coach: Trip will start at 7.30 approx with pick up in Bath (location to be advised). Focus: Will be on winter migrants and wildfowl. Description: Joint BNHS/RSPB trip. We will have a 3-hour cruise around the harbour with local expert […]

Talk by Stephen Parker: Wilding

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

Stephen has recently retired from Natural England after working on the Somerset Levels for over 25 years. His main interest is field botany. He is the BSBI recorder for South Somerset. His interest in rewilding and reintroductions dates back to time spent in the Netherlands where he visited a range of sites undergoing Wilding. Doors […]

£2 – £4

Lichens – Weston Church Yard

Weston churchyard Church Rd, Weston, Bath

Leader: Rob Randall Meet: 11:00 at Gr ST 731662, entrance to churchyard on Church Road, Weston. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 12:30. Focus: Lichens on stonework. Description: As well as the local building stones, churchyards and cemeteries provide a variety of stones not found naturally in our area and as a result they can provide a […]

Kingsdown – Woodland and Farmland Birds

Swan Pub at Kingsdown

Leader: Glen Maddison Meet: 10.00 at the Swan Pub at Kingsdown just before Kingsdown Golf Club. Gr ST 812671. Landranger 173/Explorer 156. Please note that this is intended as a bus outing and bus 271 departs from Walcot Street at 18 minutes past the hour. Finish: 13.00. Focus: Winter farmland/woodland birds and other wildlife. The […]

New Year City Walk – River, Canal And Smallcombe Woods

Leader: David Goode Meet: 10.00 Riverside footpath opposite St John’s Church Gr ST 754646. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 13.00 Halfpenny Bridge (at the back of Bath Spa Railway Station) Focus: Urban wildlife in winter. Winter thrushes, peregrine, buzzard, kingfisher and winter heliotrope. Description: A leisurely walk of about 2 miles along footpaths with some steep […]

Zoom only: Annual General Meeting, Saturday 8 January 2022

Our Annual General Meeting for 2022 will be held at 2.00 pm on Saturday 8th January 2022  by Zoom. The original plan to hold it at BRLSI has been changed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A Zoom lnk has been emailed to members. The business meeting will commence at 2.15pm, but there will also be […]

Riverside And Canal Towpath

Beckford Road Bath

Leader: Lucy Starling Meet: 10:00am on Beckford Road Gr ST 754654. Landranger172/Explorer 155. Limited on street car parking locally. Finish: Approx 13:00. Focus: Kingfisher, grey heron, raven, winter thrushes, possibly meadow pipit and stonechat. Description: Bathwick to Bathampton via Batheaston Circular. Around 4.5 miles of mainly level walking on grass and hard surfaces with break […]

Avebury and Barbury Castle near Swindon

Avebury NT car park Avebury, Wiltshire

Leaders: Terry Doman and Glen Maddison Meet: 10:00 in National Trust car park sign-posted off A4361. Gr SU 099695 Landranger 173/Explorer 157. SATNAV SN8 1RD. Free parking for NT members. Finish: Approx 13:00 in Avebury or 16:45 Barbury Castle. Focus: Farmland/downland birds including tree sparrow, corn bunting and raptors including red kite. Possibility of short-eared […]

Talk by Fred Rumsey: Parasitic plants

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

Fred Rumsey was for over 20 years the British plant specialist at the Natural History Museum. He has recently co-authored a BSBI handbook on the Broomrapes of Britain and Ireland, following the earlier publication of one on Eyebrights. In this talk he will look at parasitic plants from around the world, those we can find […]

£2 – £4

Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath

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

Leader: Lucy Starling Meet: 10:00 Ham Wall RSPB car park. Gr ST 449396. Landranger Map 182/Explorer 141. Free parking for RSPB members. Non-members £2.00. Finish: approx 15:00 - optional extension until dusk for starling roost, weather permitting. Focus: Raptors, wildfowl, herons and egrets including bittern. Possible bearded reedling and whooper swan. Description: Level walking along […]

In The Footsteps of Monks, A Botanical Study at Friary

Friary

Booking  essential via contact details in the members’ Autumn-Winter 2021 newsletter Leader: Helena Crouch and  Penny Williamson Start: 11:00 just within Friary, to the right of the cattle grid, where you will see a sign,’ Car Park’. Gr ST 788591 Landranger 172/Explorer 142. Friary is reached via Friary Wood Lane, a narrow steep road leading down […]

Talk by Chris Jones: Introducing Beavers – the pros and cons

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

Chris is the Restoration Director of the Beaver Trust. The talk will include the biology of Eurasian beavers, and their status internationally. It will focus particularly on introductions in the UK discussing successes and problems. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests

£2 – £4

Spring Wildlife, Box

Box, Selwyn Hall Valens Lane, Box, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Leader: Terry Doman Meet: 10.00 in the public car park behind Selwyn Hall, Valens Lane off the A4. Gr ST 823686. Landranger 173/Explorer 156. Finish: 13.00. Focus: Winter wildlife in and around the By Brook and surrounding hillside grassland and woodland, plus a geological visit to the Box Rock Circus. Dipper, grey wagtail and possible […]

Greyfield Wood & Stephens Vale, High Littleton

High Littleton

Leaders: Marion And Alan Rayner (07704 333267). Meet: 10:30 along Greyfield Road. Gr ST 641586 Landranger 172/Explorer 142. Finish: 14:30. Focus: Early spring wildlife, including woodland birds, flowers, ferns, fungi, lichens, mosses and liverworts. Description:  A slow walk through this beautiful and richly diverse woodland habitat, with unusual underlying geology. Some slopes and a waterfall. Stout footwear is […]

Spring Flowers of Combe Hay

Odd Down

Leader: Rob RandalL Meet: 10:00 at Gr ST 734616, where Combe Hay Lane is crossed by Sulis Manor Road, near Odd Down Park & Ride. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 12:30. Focus: General interest walk with a focus on spring flowers. Description: Odd Down to Combe Hay and back via un-metalled tracks and local roads, about […]

Spring in the Ancient Woodlands of Englishcombe

Odd Down

Leader: Alan Feest Meet: 10.00 Entrance to Odd Down Park & Ride Car Park. Gr ST 733616. Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Finish: 12:30. Focus: Spring flora in ancient woodland. Description: We will visit Duchy-owned woodland in Englishcombe Parish to note the signs of Spring, especially the ground flora typical of these traditional oak-hazel woodlands, which are still […]

Westhay Moor

Westhay Moor, Somerset GR ST456437, Somerset

Leader: David Goode Meet: 10:30 Westhay Moor Car Park Gr ST 456437 Landranger 182/Explorer 141. Finish: 15:00 approx. Focus: Bog ecology, sphagnum mosses, wetland birds, early migrants. Description: A walk along paths and boardwalk within the Nature Reserve. Bring sandwiches, wet weather gear and wellingtons.

Langford Lakes and Battlesbury Hill

Langford

Leader: Phillip Delve Meet: 10.00 Langford Lakes WWT Reserve Car Park. Gr SU 038369. Landranger 184/Explorer 130. Directions: This is a two-centre meeting, beginning at Langford Lakes, followed by Battlesbury Hill near Warminster on the return journey. Langford Lakes: Follow the A36 south, past the A303 junction and turn right for Steeple Langford. Turn right […]

Elan Valley coach trip with RSPB

Elan Valley, Wales

Leader: Dave Newman Meet: 08.00 Coach leaves Riverside, Avon Street and returns about 18:00. Focus: Summer migrants, pied flycatcher, moorland birds. We will not revisit the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm, but plenty of kites will be seen in the area. Description: Joint BNHS/RSPB meeting. Booking and prepayment essential  (see form for details). Download booking form for […]

Riverside and Canal Towpath

Leader: Lucy Starling Attendance is limited to a maximum of 15. Booking required. Start: 9:30 Meet: Beckford Road. GR ST 756654 Landranger 172/Explorer 155 Limited on street parking locally. Finish: Approx 13:30 Focus: Bird song, including incoming summer migrants, warblers, possibly kingfisher, butterflies and damselflies Description: Bathwick to Bathampton, via Batheaston, as published on BNHS […]

Rodborough Common near Stroud, Glos

Leader: Andy Daw Start: 11:00 Meet: in car park at the top of Rodborough Common. GR SO 851034 Landranger 162/Explorer 168 SAT NAV 51.7308787-2.2168772 Finish: Approx 15:00 Focus: Orchids, butterflies, shield bugs and other insects Description: The Common, due south of Stroud, is rich in wildlife. There are steep slopes included on a walk of […]

Lam Brook Valley near Bath

Leader: Roy Mitchell Attendance  is limited to a maximum of 15. Booking required. Start: 10:00 Meet: At junction of Innox Lane and Tadwick Lane outside St Mary’s Church, Swainswick. GR ST 756683 Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Limited on street parking on Tadwick Lane and Innox Lane by the church and school. More on-street parking in other […]

Cinderford Linear Park, Glos

Leader: Phillip Delve Attendance is limited to a maximum of 16. Booking required. Start: 10:00 Meet: Southern entrance car park off B4226. GR SO 649127 Landranger 162 / Explorer OL14 Finish: Approx 14:30 Focus: Butterflies such as Wood White and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Day-time flying moths, dragonflies, flora and birds, in particular warblers and Tree […]

Little Solsbury Hill above Batheaston

Leader: Helena Crouch Start: 14:00 Meet: In lay-by on east side of A46. GR ST 762682 Landranger172 / Explorer155. Driving north from Bath on the A46, take left turn to Langridge/Tadwick/Woolley/Swainswick, then follow this round to the left, turning left under the A46 to reach the lay-by. Finish: Approx 17:00 Focus: Summer flowers and insects […]

Avon Valley, Saltford

Leader: Chris Vines Start: 10:00 Meet: The Shallows Car Park, Saltford (which can be busy if a hot sunny day). Bus service X39 Bath Bus Station to The Crown Inn, Saltford. GR ST 687673 Landranger 172 / Explorer 155. Finish: Approx 12:00 Focus: Dragonflies including scarce chaser, white-legged and blue-tailed damselflies. Possible bird sightings include […]

Moth Trap In American Museum & Gardens

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

Leader: Carole Catling Please note attendance to this event, is limited to a maximum of 20 places Start: 9:00 Meet: In main car park off Claverton Hill. GR ST 783640 Landranger 172 / Explorer 155 Finish: Approx 11:00 Focus: Moths caught overnight in traps Description: moth traps will be opened in the gardens close to […]

Newton St. Loe & Wilmington

Newton St. Loe Churchyard Newton St. Loe, Bath

Leader: Richard Bottle Start: 10:30 Meet: in Newton St. Loe Churchyard. Grid Ref. ST701649. Landranger Map 172/Explorer 155. Take care to park considerately in the village. Finish: Approx 14:30 Focus: Summer birds and plants. Description: A varied circular walk of 4.3 miles, taking in the lakes and woods in the ground of Bath Spa University, […]

Members’ Round Table at BRLSI

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

Join the President for coffee and a chat followed, weather permitting, by a short local walk.

Westhay and Ham Wall Reserves, Somerset

Westhay Moor, Somerset GR ST456437, Somerset

Leaders: Tony and Bryan Cook Please note attendance is limited to a maximum of 15 places. Start: 10:00 Meet: Westhay reserve car park. GR ST 456437 Landranger 183 / Explorer 141 Finish: Approx 15:30 Focus: Multiple interest, especially birds including bearded reedling, birds of prey, possibly hobby, herons and egrets, and migrating wader species. Dragonflies […]

Hazelbury Common (aka Wadswick Common)

Box, Selwyn Hall Valens Lane, Box, Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Leader: Geoff Hiscocks Please note attendance is limited to a maximum of 10 places. Start: 10:30 Meet: In the public car park in Box behind Selwyn Hall, Valens Lane, off A4. GR ST 823686 Landranger 173/Explorer 156. There is very limited parking space at the Common itself. There will be a walk up the A365 […]

Chilcombe Bottom near Batheaston

Eagle House Northend, Bath, Somerset

Leaders: Clare Herbert and John Rawles Please note attendance is limited to a maximum of 15 places. Start: 10:00 Meet: At Eagle House, Northend BA1 7EH. GR 779684 Landranger 172/Explorer 155. Parking available roadside. Or Bus 3A or 3B from Bus Station, alight St Catherine’s Way, Batheaston (check first with Traveline) Finish: Approx 13:00 Focus: […]

Moth Trap at Elm Farm, Burnett, Keynsham

Elm Farm Burnett, Keynsham

Please note the change of venue and booking details, and earlier start time from the details originally published in the BathNats members' newsletter Leaders: Lucy Starling and Terry Doman Please note attendance is limited to a maximum of 10 places. Hosts: Philippa and John Paget Start: 9:00 am Finish: Approx 11.30am Meet: Elm Farm, car […]

Members’ slides

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

Revival of what used to be a popular feature at the start of past indoor programmes. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests

Bat Watch, Friary, near Freshford

Friary

Leader: Laura Mullholland of Wiltshire Bat Group Host: Penny Williamson Start: 19:30 Meet: Just within Friary, to right of the cattle grid, where you will see a sign “Car Park”. GR ST 788591 Landranger 172/Explorer 142. Friary is reached via Friary Wood Lane, a narrow steep road leading down from A36. Finish: Approx 21:00 Focus: […]

Slimbridge WWT, Glos

Slimbridge Wetland Centre Bowditch,, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

Leader: Phillip Delve Please note attendance to this event, is limited to a maximum of 16 places. Start: 10:00 Meet: In the car park below entrance steps to Reception Centre GR SO 723047 Landranger 162/Explorer OL14. Postcode GL2 7BT Finish: Approx 14:30 Focus: Birds including passage waders and other migrant species and wildfowl Description: Level […]

Englishcombe and Haycombe, Bath

Haycombe Cemetery Haycombe, Bath

Leader: Rob Randall Start: 11:00 Meet: At entrance to Haycombe Cemetery. GR ST 721635 Landranger 172/Explorer 155. If arriving by car, park at Roundhill Park. If coming by bus, the (Whiteway) No.5, via Twerton runs every 15 minutes, or catch the (Southdown) No.1 to Wedmore Park, then take the path along north edge of Twerton […]

East Harptree Woods, North Somerset

East Harptree Woods North Somerset

Leaders: Alan Rayner and Helena Crouch Start: 10:30 Meet: In Forestry England car park off Smitham Hill GR ST 557541 Landranger 182/Explorer 141 Finish: Approx 14:30 Focus: Fungi and other autumn wildlife Description: Slow walk, looking at fungi and bryophytes in particular, through conifer plantation on the site of former lead mine. Site includes relics […]

Midsummer In Sweden, A Smorgasboard of Swedish Wildlife

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

Speaker: Andrew Daw, past President, photographer, illustrator and master of the art of origami. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests

Shearwater, Near Crockerton, Wiltshire

Shearwater, Near Crockerton

Leader: Alvan White Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: Shearwater car park, GR ST 854420 Landranger 183/Explorer 142 Focus: Insects, fungi, spiders and woodland birds, including Siskins and Crossbills. Description: A slow stroll around part of the lake with the possibility of extending the meeting by car or walking to another area in search of […]

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.

Bath High Common (previously Approach Golf Course)

Bath High Common

Leader: Rob Randall & Alan Rayner Start: 13:00 Finish: Approx. 15:00 Meet: Bottom entrance opposite the top entrance to Victoria Park GR ST 742655, Explorer 155 Focus: Grassland fungi. Description: A gentle stroll of about 1km through the old common looking for fungi which are varied and plentiful in a good year despite the rather […]

Friary Fungus Day

Friary

Leader: Alan Rayner Hosts: Penny and Richard Williamson Please contact the hosts in advance to book Start: 11:00 Finish: Approx. 15:30 Meet: Just within Friary, to the right of the metal grid, where you will see a sign “Welcome to park”. GR ST 788591, Landranger 172/Explorer 142. Friary is reached via Friary Wood Lane, a […]

Creating And Managing Wild Flower Meadows

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

Speaker: Dan Merrett The Bathscape Manager has had plenty of experience, having been involved in schemes to create species-rich grassland before moving to Bath. We hope to follow-up this talk with a visit to one of the local examples of a man-made wild flower meadow. Doors open 7.00pm £2 members  £4 guests

Around Stourhead, Wiltshire

Stourhead

Leader: Felicity Gilmour Start: 10:30 Finish: Approx. 13:00 Meet: National Trust car park off B3092 Post Code BA12 6QF GR ST 779340 Landranger 183/Explorer 142 Free parking for National Trust members (bring membership card) or £4.00. Focus: Signs and colours of autumn, especially woodland birds and possibility of Tree Sparrows. Description: A walk around the […]

Keyhaven, Hampshire with Bath RSPB

Keyhaven

Leader: Dave Newman (Booking and prepayment essential by 19th October 2022 ) Coach: 7:30 start, various pick up points in Bath (locations to be advised on booking form) Focus: Early winter migrants including waders, wildfowl and coastal species. Full details on booking form. Download the form here: Keyhaven 19th Nov Booking form

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 […]