UTB Events Programme - Spring 2008

Non-members are welcome to attend our events. If you do so, please make yourself known to the event organiser/leader at the start of the event.

For all outdoor meetings please check with the Leader before turning out as some may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions.

► Berks Moth Group

► Safety Code

Indoor and Outdoor Events

Tuesday 26th February 2008 - Annual Newbury Talk

"Woodland Butterflies - Challenges & Solutions" by Kate Dent (Tytherley Woods Project Manager, Butterfly Conservation) commencing at 7.30pm in the West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury.
During the first half of the talk Kate will review our woodland butterflies and the challenges many of them face. In the second half she will outline a major new project recently initiated by Butterfly Conservation in an attempt to arrest the decline of our threatened woodland species. Light refreshments will be available in the interval.

Saturday 1st March 2008 - Upper Thames Branch Conservation Action Day

Dinton Pastures, Berkshire : 10am to 5pm
The day will feature the usual mix of instructive lecture and enthusiastic discussion. We will be considering a range of topics under the general heading of "Immature Life Stages and their Habitat Conservation". There will be a brief round up of the work of our Species Champions, informative seminars from experienced practioners and plenty of time to chat during the breaks.
Click here to read the full Programme and for a location map of Dinton Pastures.

Saturday 8th March 2008 - 10.00am to 3.00pm Holtspur Valley Reserves Day of Conservation Action

We will be working on Holtspur Bottom and Holtspur Bank reserves and activities should include scrub clearing, shrub planting, may include moths trapped the previous evening if weather favourable and possibly bonfires. As part of the 40th Anniversary Events, the reserves are also open to the public who will be offered guided walks to explain our aims and objectives. If you have not been to the reserves, this is a great opportunity to see what's going on and learn our plans for the future. If you have been before this is a great opportunity to see conservation work in progress and you might even see a butterfly, almost certainly Red Kites.
Park in reserves' car parks off Riding Lane. SU905915 OS175.
Contacts : Nick Bowles 01442 382278, David Redhead 01865 772520
or Frank Banyard 01494 672310.

Sunday 6th April 2008 - 11am Homefield Wood

An early Spring walk around this tranquil BBOWT reserve. Hopefully there will be butterflies emerged from hibernation. Get your eye in for the coming season.
Meet at reserve entrance SU814866 OS175
Leader: Paul Bowyer 01628 526225

Saturday 10th May 2008 - 8.30pm onwards Holtspur Bottom Moth Trapping

Meet at reserve entrance in Riding Lane. SU918906 O/S 175.
Bring a moth trap if you want, the generator will run 2.
Bring torch, hot drinks, adequate warm clothing.
Leader and Contact: Paul Bowyer 01628 526225

Saturday 17th May 2008 - 11am Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks

A walk with our species champion for the Duke of Burgundy. Other spring butterflies will also be on the wing. Expect steep slopes and rabbit holes.
Meet at main car park SP963160.
Leader: Robin Carr 01296 625734

Saturday 24th May 2008 - 11am Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon

For a variety of spring species which should include Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreak and Duke of Burgundy.
Meet at SU550844 OS174. From A417, 1mile east of Blewbury, turn south along narrow lane opposite turn to Aston Upthorpe, signposted to the Downs. Park at grain drier half a mile along lane. Steep chalk banks.
Leader: Gerry Kendall 01865 245029

Sunday 25th May 2008 - 11am Calvert Jubilee, Bucks

A walk around this permit restricted BBOWT reserve. An under recorded reserve for butterflies, there could be some surprises.
Meet at reserve entrance SP683250. North from the A41. Through Edgcott then 1.5miles further north on the road to Gawcott. Parking at the entrance is limited.
Leader: Paul Bowyer 01628 526225

Saturday 31st May 2008 - 10.30am Lardon Chase N.T. Reserve

Our species champion, Maureen Cross, will be leading a walk to see the Adonis Blue on one of its few sites within the Upper Thames area. Other spring, chalk grassland butterflies should be on the wing too.
Very steep grass slopes.
Meet in N.T. car park at SU583807. Off the A4009 at the top of the hill from Streatley.
Leader: Maureen Cross 01491 871239

Sunday 1st June 2008 - 11am Watlington Hill, Bucks/Oxon border

Spring butterflies including Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreak and Small Heath.
Steep grass slopes.
Meet in N.T. car park at the top of Watlington Hill Road. Ref SU709937 OS175.
Leader: Mike Wilkins 01235 831300

AND A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY ...

Saturday 1st November 2008 - Upper Thames Branch 2008 Members Day & AGM
The FitzWilliam Centre, Beaconsfield, Bucks.
Further details will be given with our May Newsletter.

BERKSHIRE MOTH GROUP

The Berkshire Moth Group meets every second Thursday in the month at 19:30 at Maiden Erleigh Local Nature Reserve Interpretation Centre, Instow Road, Earley, near Reading, SU 749 709 (OS175).

Contact : Grahame Hawker 01189 700144.

SAFETY CODE

As with any other activity, there are hazards in the countryside and everyone taking part in a Field Meeting, Work Party or other event has a responsibility (duty of care), for their own safety and that of others. We try hard to ensure that our events present no hazards but please note and act on the following:

1. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If there are unusual requirements, these are noted in the individual event details. Stout shoes are a minimum requirement.

2. During the main summer season you may be exposed to strong sunshine for much or all of the walk. Take a hat, use sun cream or protection for exposed skin. Make sure that you have adequate food and liquid to drink with you. Equally, sunshine can easily turn to cold and rain during the day. Be prepared.

3. Winter events may result in exposure to very cold conditions although events are cancelled in extreme conditions. Warm and waterproof clothing and footwear should always be worn. It is sensible to bring a warm drink.

4. The leader will provide a briefing on the event before starting, with details of any known particular hazards, and will also give advice on what to do in an emergency. Please listen carefully.

5. At the briefing, please let the leader know if you have a mobile telephone and are willing to take it with you and/or you have First Aid qualifications.

6. Joining the event is an indication of your interest in butterflies. By their nature butterflies do not remain conveniently by the main path and will offer many opportunities (temptations) for you to wander away. Take particular care to look out for hazards – rabbit holes, fallen or hanging branches, barbed wire, boggy areas, etc. Beware of wet grass, particularly on sloping ground. Children are welcome at our events, but if under 16 must be accompanied by at least one adult for two children. It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s) to ensure that the event is within the children's ability.

7. Dogs are normally welcome on walks but not at work parties. They must be kept under control. Any exceptions are shown in the individual event details.

8. If you are uncertain about any details of the event, ring the leader/contact in advance. There is always a telephone number given with the event details.

9. If you decide to leave the event early, tell the Leader.

10. Take care at all times, but ENJOY YOUSELF.