NWT What's On August - December 2016

What’s On

August - December 2016

Wildlife events in Newcastle, North Tyneside & Northumberland

Welcome to Y

August - Dec

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is the largest environmental charity in the region, working to safeguard all native wildlife.

One of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has campaigned for nature conservation for over 40 years. It aims to inform, educate and involve people of all ages and backgrounds in protecting their environment in favour of wildlife and conservation.

Supported by over 12,000 individual members, over 300 volunteers, 33 corporate members and sponsors in the region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust manages and protects critical species and habitats at nature reserves and local sites throughout Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

Stay up to date!

We’re adding new events regularly, so watch the website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to our e-newsletter via our website.

NorthumberlandWT Northumberland Wildlife Trust Ltd Garden House St Nicholas Park Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 3XT

@NorthWildlife (0191) 284 6884 mail@northwt.org.uk www.nwt.org.uk

Registered in England & Wales Registered Company Number: 717813 Registered Charity Number: 221819 Front cover photo Š Amy Lewis

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www.nwt.org

Your Wild Life

cember 2016

Welcome to our latest what’s-on guide which provides you with a handy monthly view of all NWT events and activities and also those of our partner groups across the region. There’s something for everyone! We hope this guide will inspire you to get outside and get closer to nature!

Please book online Most of NWT’s events are now available to book online.

It’s quick and easy to do and guarantees you a place on the event. We don’t issue paper tickets but you’ll get a confirmation when you book and we’ll send you a reminder before the event takes place. You can also book by calling 0191 284 6884.

Look for the

icon on the events listing.

Please be aware that if you need to cancel your attendance to one of NWT’s chargeable events with less than 7 days’ notice, we won’t be able to provide a refund. If we have to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances, then a full refund will be issued.

Family Event

Guided Walk

Children’s Activity

Wildlife Talk

Training Course

Dynamic Druridge Event

SoMM* Event

Living Seas Event

Please note that all children under 18 attending NWT events must be accompanied by an adult. Adult places for children’s events are generally free but must be booked.

Supported by players of

NWT general events are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Dynamic Druridge and Save our Magnificent Meadows events are funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Living Seas events are funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. *Save our Magnificent Meadows.

g.uk/whats-on

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Around th

Northumberland Wildlife Trust works with a number of groups ac you’re interested in learning more about wildlife and meeting lik

NWT Coquetdale Group Jubilee Hall, Rothbury Contact: Lorna Aiken, 01669 640 237 NWT Coquetmouth Group St Mark’s Church Hall, Wellwood Street, Amble Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177 NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330 NWT Ponteland Group St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781 Alnwick & District Natural History Society Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614 Alnwick Wildlife Group St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346 Berwick Wildlife Group The William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655

Out and about

We love to get involved with the local community and we’re excitie the coming months. If you’re out and about please stop by our NW events and are always adding more venues so stay in touch with w • • • • •

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Slaley Show Allendale Agricultural Show Bellingham Show Glendale Show Whalton Show

13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Aug 29 Aug 17 Sep

www.nwt.org

he Region

cross the region that regularly meet and organise events. If ke-minded people, then find a group near you:

Border Natural History Society Bellingham Middle School, Bellingham Contact: Lee Hollings, 01434 221 284 Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club Northern Rugby Club, McCracken Park, Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Contact: Martin Davison, 07962 720 616 North Northumberland Bird Club Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869 North Northumberland Wildlife Watch Group Laverock Law Cottages, Lowick Contact: Harvest & Dave Harris-Jones, 01289 388 867 Natural History Society of Northumbria Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Visit nhsn.ncl.ac.uk for details of Autumn talks.

In Focus On-hand experts with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

Contact: NWT offices Mon-Fri, 0191 284 6884 Hauxley direct Sat-Sun, 01665 711 578

ed to be joining a number of fairs and shows across the region in WT stall and have a chat. We’re already confirmed at the following where we’ll be via Facebook and Twitter.

• • • • •

Alwinton Show 8 Oct Haltwhistle Christmas Fair 5 Nov Azure Christmas Market 18-20 Nov Rival Arts Christmas Fair, Hexham 26-27 Nov Alnwick Gardens Christmas Market 3-4 & 10-11 Dec

g.uk/whats-on

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August

oying the b evenings are perfect for enj Long sunny days and mild – visit B und abo flies gon dra selflies and ’re luc Stunning butterflies, dam you If nt. cou how many you can nth to Northumberlandia and see mo this ily fam the for es y activiti wee too! There are lots of holida as l wel as s e hunt and animal sign re mo Weetslade with a treasur rn lea to ling poo k roc Join us for s mis Nicholas Park in Gosforth. ’t Don ise. for a guided osprey cru packe wildlife or head to Kielder and r yea last n tha ter ger and bet Hall Estate. It’s back, big activities for all ages.

Treasure hunt

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Tuesday 2 August Weetslade Country Park - Meet at picnic tables near car park PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £3 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for a marine themed treasure hunt. Use your marine knowledge to answer questions to find the treasure pieces. Put them together to make your prize!

Wild Tots

10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 3 August Northumberlandia - Meet at the visitor centre PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £4.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon.

Discovering rockpools

10:00am - 12:00pm, Wednesday 3 August Cresswell, Northumberland - Meet at the bottom of the beach steps, next to the Village Hall PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £3 per person, under 5s free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join NWT to discover the wonders of rockpooling on the beach at Cresswell.

august Events

Breeding birds and flowers

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2:00pm - 5:00pm, Thursday 4 August East Chevington, Northumberland - OS 88 270985 PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk along the coast looking at wildlife on the lakes and in the dunes.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Discovering rockpools

10:30am - 12:30pm, Thursday 4 August Cullercoats, North Shields - Meet outside RNLI at Cullercoats PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £3 per person, under 5s free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Fascinated by the marine world? Know your whelks from your winkles?

Come and see the wonderful creatures living on our shores.

For more info and to book online go t

best of the region’s wildlife.

Big Waters or r cky you might spot an otte at oo including summer fun ekly wildlife activities at St l e about our smaller coasta n gdo Bla at dlife s Our Wil ed full of exciting wildlife Photo ©

Duncan

Hutt

Wonderful Worms

10:00am - 11:30am, Thursday 4 August St Nicholas Park, Gosforth PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Build a wormery, then join us for a look around the park to see if we can find some worms and see what other mini-beasts might be hiding.

Purple hairstreak spotting at Gosforth Nature Reserve

FREE

A wander around Elba Park

FREE

5:00pm - 6:00pm, Saturday 6 August Gosforth Park Nature Reserve - Meet at reserve entrance PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Purple hairstreak butterflies live entirely on oak trees and there is a healthy population in the reserve. Join reserve warden Paul Drummond for this drop in session to try and see these butterflies, which tend to be most active on sunny afternoons. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

6:00pm - 8:30pm, Tuesday 9 August Elba Park, Houghton-le-Spring - Meet in the car park PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group A guided walk around the park to observe the wildlife within. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

august events

Be part of our free osprey watch events at Leaplish Waterside Park, where you can view the birds on their nest though high powered telescopes, chat to our volunteer experts and enjoy live images from two nests via nest cams.

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 4:30pm until the birds disperse in August. Additional Wednesdays will take place in August.

Photo © Forestry Commission England

Osprey Watch

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Wildlife & Osprey Motor Boat Cruises Enjoy a guided motor boat trip around beautiful Kielder Water, with experienced Calvert Trust staff and knowledgeable NWT volunteers.

£20 per person

Wednesday 3 August Wednesday 10 August Wednesday 17 August 6pm - 8pm each day To book call: (01434) 250 232 or email: enquiries@calvert-kielder.com

Brilliant Birds

10:00am - 11:30am, Thursday 11 August St Nicholas Park, Gosforth PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Make a bird feeder, have a go at crafts to learn more about birds, then we’ll have a look around the park to see what birds we can find.

Moths at Gosforth Nature Reserve

FREE

Guide in the hide

FREE

Hauxley Open weekend (Sat)

FREE

august Events

8:30pm - 10:15pm, Friday 12 August Gosforth Park Nature Reserve - Meet at reserve entrance PRE BOOK: No COST: Suggested donation £3 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Join county moth recorder Tom Tams and reserve warden Paul Drummond to catch and identify a range of common and rare moths.

The moths are trapped using a bright light and enable you to get close up to these beautiful and rarely seen insects before they are released.

Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

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11:00am - 1:00pm, Saturday 13 August Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust A volunteer/staff member will be on hand to point out birds and other wildlife on the site and to provide information about the Dynamic Druridge project.

9:30am - 3:30pm, Saturday 13 August Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the site improvements on the reserve. All the hides and as many of the footpaths as possible will be open.

For more info and to book online go t

In Focus

FREE

Hauxley Open weekend (Sun)

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 14 August Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: In Focus In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

9:30am - 3:30pm, Sunday 14 August Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the progress on our new Discovery Centre and other site improvements. When it is safe to do so there will be tours of the new buildings at 11am and 1pm.

Animal tracks & trails

1:00pm - 2:30pm, Tuesday 16 August Weetslade Country Park - Meet at picnic tables near car park PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £3 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Explore our collection of animal skins and skulls, and look for clues to decide which animal they belong to. Better still, make your own plaster cast footprint to take home!

Wiggly water creatures

10:00am - 11:30am, Thursday 18 August St Nicholas Park, Gosforth PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Bring your wellies and do some pond dipping to discover the tiny creatures that live in our ponds.

Our Wildlife 2016

10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday 20 August Blagdon Hall, Seaton Burn PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £8, £5 child/OAP/student, under 5s free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us to celebrate the wonderful wildlife of Northumberland! Hear about the conservation work our members, volunteers and supporters have helped us with and have a go for yourself. There will be talks, hands-on workshops, drop in sessions and demonstrations to help you get up close and personal to Northumberland’s wildlife.

Happy hedgehogs

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

august Events

10:00am - 11:30am, Thursday 25 August St Nicholas Park, Gosforth PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Build an insect hotel to hold some food for hedgehogs that visit your garden, then join us on a minibeast hunt and look for signs of hedgehogs in the park.

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September

tastic autumn r with warm days and fan It’s a beautiful time of yea final throes o ir the in s es to see the tree Visit our woodland reserv s our popular winter months. Don’t mis starting to prepare for the and make su k dar r afte rtidal species for a unique view of our inte tinues as con me the rine ma The .

Run runners in the Great North rine cons ma l loca t por join us to sup British beach clean – please foragin be ll ky shore bioblitz. And we’ loc marine surveying in our roc ring ove disc od Wo on at Priestclose month with Bruce Fergus r. ula pop early as these events are

Autumn birds, flowers and fungi

2:00pm - 5:00pm, Thursday 1 September Thrunton Woods, Northumberland - Meet at the car park PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk through the woods in search of forest birds, flowers and fungi.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

FREE

Bats in Gosforth Park

7:45pm - 9:15pm, Sunday 4 September Gosforth Park Nature Reserve - Meet at reserve entrance PRE BOOK: Yes COST: Suggested donation £3 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Join NHSN for a short talk on bat biology and ecology, and as the sun is setting, walk through the reserve looking for and listening to the resident bats. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Wild Tots

10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 7 September Northumberlandia - Meet at the visitor centre PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £4.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon.

FREE

September Events

Great Auk at the Hancock

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11:00am - 3:30pm, Friday 9 September Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria The NHSN will be opening the doors of their prestigious Council Room.

See some of their fascinating Great Auk material, including specimens, manuscripts and artwork. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Sunday 11th September

For more info and to book online go t

colours starting to show. of summer and wildlife night rock pooling event ure you support our s we take part in the Great servation or take part in ng again at the end of the cal edible species – book Photo ©

David Jo

nes

Hauxley Open weekend (Sat)

FREE

In Focus

FREE

Hauxley Open weekend (Sun)

FREE

9:30am - 3:30pm, Saturday 10 September Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the site improvements on the reserve. All the hides and as many of the footpaths as possible will be open.

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 11 September Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: In Focus In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

9:30am - 3:30pm, Sunday 11 September Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the progress on our new Discovery Centre and other site improvements. When it is safe to do so there will be tours of the new buildings at 11am and 1pm.

Buzzing bees

Support our runners at this prestigious half marathon, visit www.nwt.org.uk/ great-north-run for more information

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

September Events

7:15pm - 9:15pm, Tuesday 13 September St Helen’s Church Hall, Low Fell NE9 6BQ PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group Mandy Oliver from the North Pennines AONB Parnership will tell us about bees - how to identify them and what plants they need. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

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FREE

Fungi foray

10:00am - 4:00pm, Wednesday 14 September Location to be confirmed, please check online PRE BOOK: Yes COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Ever noticed how many different fungi there are and wondered what they were called? Well now’s your chance to come along and find out.

Thanks to HLF funding through Save our Magnificent Meadows you can join us for a free day of fungi foraying.

The birds of Peru

7:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday 16 September Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non members £2 donation ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club Tim Dean of the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club will talk about birding in Peru. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

Night rockpooling

8:00pm - 10:00pm, Friday 16 September Cresswell Village Hall PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per person ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for an evening rockpooling session. Many intertidal species such as fish, crustaceans and molluscs are highly active at night which means the shore will be teeming with even more life than usual.

Great British Beach Clean

FREE

1:00pm - 3:00pm, Saturday 17 September Cresswell Foreshore - Car park opposite the Drift Cafe PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us as we take part in the Marine Conservation Society’s annual beach clean with the data going towards a report on the state of marine litter on beaches around Britain.

The Hauxley project

7:30pm, Monday 19 September St Mark’s Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2 includes tea and biscuits ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group An illustrated talk by Alex Lister, NWT Dynamic Druridge Reserves Manager. Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

September Events

Small mammals in Gosforth Park

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FREE

10:30am - 12:30pm, Saturday 24 September Gosforth Park Nature Reserve PRE BOOK: Yes COST: Suggested donation £3 ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Join NHSN to learn about live trapping and examine active traps for small mammals (mice, voles and shrews) - hopefully you can see them up close. This event is part of our ongoing annual survey for small mammals. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

For more info and to book online go t

Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts and the UK’s leading environment action club for kids.

Watch membership costs from only £15 a year, or the whole family (two adults and up to four children) can join for as little as £4.50 per month. If you join Wildlife Watch as a member, you’ll get all sorts of exciting wildlife goodies throughout the year including four issues of Wildlife Watch magazine.

Plus posters, stickers, activity books and more.

We also have a really wild website which sends out a monthly e-newsletter full of wild ideas and nature-spotting tips. And the very best thing about Wildlife Watch is that you’ll be helping Northumberland Wildlife Trust to care for the wildlife where you live! Isn’t that great?

www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

Foraging and tasting

Save Our Magnificent Meadows

7:30pm -9:30pm, Wednesday 28 September St Michael’s Church Hall, Canongate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group Naomi Waite from NWT will talk to us about the current efforts to save and improve our Northumbrian hay meadows. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578346.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

September Events

10:00am - 12:00pm, Sunday 25 September Priestclose Woods, Prudhoe - Meet outside The Falcon pub PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £10 per person ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust An autumn foraging and tasting walk including a tour around Priestclose Wood led by Bruce Ferguson of Wild North Discovery. We hope to discover what’s in the wood and taste some edible species.

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October

and mellow f this, the season of mists Autumn colours abound in conkers. En rse cou of and ves fallen lea enjoy collecting colourful time of chan a It’s temperatures drop. winter as days shorten and the colder m for up g ckin sto rts as it sta clocks, but also for wildlife ek’ at the We ns s ‘Wild About Garde migrants head off. Don’t mis , St Nich dia lan ber hum Not at r. We’ll be focussed on bats this yea theme ty bat a with Halloween fun but County Park for our usual

Northumberland trees

7:30pm, Tuesday 4 October St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2, includes coffee and cakes ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group When you go for a walk can you confidently identify all the trees? This talk by Richard Poppleton should help to increase your enjoyment of the countryside. Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Wild Tots

10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 5 October Northumberlandia - Meet at the visitor centre PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £4.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon.

Winter birds

1:30pm - 4:30pm, Thursday 6 October Budle Bay, Northumberland - Meet at layby alongside Budle Bay OS 75 151347 PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk along the bay looking at the resident birds and early winter arrivals. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

October Events

Sketches from my notebook

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7:30pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 6 October Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society An illustrated talk by Stewart Sexton. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Wild Gifts from NWT We have a range of wildlife-themed books, mugs, cards, toys and Living World wildlife kits for sale online. www.nwt.org.uk/shop

For more info and to book online go t

fruitfulness. Children can njoy the familiar creep of nge, not only for the months and summer end of the month, e holas Park and Weetslad r. yea this Photo ©

Amy Lew

is

Hauxley Open weekend (Sat)

FREE

In Focus

FREE

Hauxley Open weekend (Sun)

FREE

9:30am - 3:30pm, Saturday 8 October Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the site improvements on the reserve. All the hides and as many of the footpaths as possible will be open.

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 9 October Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: In Focus In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

9:30am - 3:30pm, Sunday 9 October Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the progress on our new Discovery Centre and other site improvements. When it is safe to do so there will be tours of the new buildings at 11am and 1pm.

Gorgeously green Gateshead

Little terns - why bother?

7:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday 14 October Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 donation ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club Iain Robson of the Northumberland AONB will discuss the little tern recovery project. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

October Events

7:15pm - 9:15pm, Tuesday 11 October St Helen’s Church Hall, Low Fell, NE9 6BQ PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group Steve Purvis from Durham Wildlife Trust will give an illustrated talk about his work on Gateshead wildlife sites. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

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Butterfly migration

7:30pm, Monday 17 October St Mark’s Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2 includes tea and biscuits ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group An illustrated talk on butterfly migration by David Stebbings. Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

The Amazing World of Fungi

7:30pm - 9:00pm, Wednesday 19 October William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed PRE BOOK: No COST: £2 members, £3 non-members ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Ron McBeath. Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655.

National Trust coast

7:30pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday 26 October St Michael’s Church Hall, Canongate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group Kevin Redgrave has been a National Trust ranger for the Northumberland Coast AONB for a number of years. He will talk to us about the amazing wildlife of our coast. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578346.

Batty about Halloween

9:30am - 11:00am, Friday 28 October Northumberlandia - Visitor centre PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Get your pumpkins ready and have a go at batty Halloween crafts. All materials will be provided, including pumpkins. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Halloween pumpkin carving

2:00pm - 3:30pm, Friday 28 October St Nicholas Park, Gosforth PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Get your pumpkins ready and have a go at batty Halloween crafts. All materials will be provided, including pumpkins. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

October Events

Halloween bats & pumpkin carving

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1:00pm - 2:30pm, Saturday 29 October Weetslade Country Park - Meet at picnic tables near the car park PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £5 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Come along to prepare and cook a campfire feast - mmm! Have some fun carving your very own pumpkin and making bat themed crafts.

For more info and to book online go t

Northumberland W i l d l i f e Tr u s t

Our Wildlife 2016 Saturday 20th August, 10am - 4pm

Blagdon Hall, Seaton Burn, NE13 6DE

An outdoor festival of wildlife encounters, including: • Hear from polar explorer Conrad Dickinson on his expeditions and trekking with Prince Harry • See wild birds and mammals up close with experts • Have a go at pond dipping • Make a seed bomb to plant your own meadow • Get top tips from award-winning photographers • Be creative with seaweed art • Listen to wildlife storytelling • Go on a tractor-trailer wildlife safari* • Gain exclusive access to Blagdon Hall’s gardens • Enjoy Northumbrian pipers ‘Robson’s Choice’ • Browse local produce from our stalls • Food, snacks and refreshments available* Try your luck with our raffle! Top prizes include: a bicycle, a glider flight, sea kayaking, binoculars, a food hamper and many more…

Tickets Adult Child (5-17)/OAP/Student Under 5s

£8 £5

Free

Book online now www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on Pre-booking recommended. *Not included in ticket price.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

17

November

make this a r skies and misty mornings The dark afternoons, clea decoration nal um aut ht e lost their brig now, many of the trees hav migrants should ter win r Ou ier. eas be means wildlife spotting can ters, Druridge reserves such as Big Wa head to one of our many arrive from A le migratory geese which seasonal visitor, for examp at the sta sky ht nig the t Bonfires ligh to spend the winter with us. king for a co loo ogs geh hed y ndl frie our forget to check yours for n or gift me Consider an animal adoptio the Christmas shopping? e. eon som cial an unusual gift for that spe

Wild Tots

10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 2 November Northumberlandia - Meet at the visitor centre PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £4.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon.

Winter birds

November Events

Photo © Elliott Neep

1:30pm - 4:30pm, Thursday 3 November Aln Estury, Northumberland - Meet in car park near the cricket ground OS 81 238111a PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A circular walk around the Aln Estuary looking for wintering wildfowl.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

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A Gift of Membership Why not consider a membership to Northumberland Wildlife Trust as a gift for friends or loved ones this Christmas? Membership starts at £3 per month/£30 per year.

For further information on membership visit our website www.nwt.org.uk/membership or contact us on 0191 284 6884.

For more info and to book online go t

a magical time of year. By n but the bare woodland d start to return soon, so or Cresswell to spot a Arctic breeding grounds art of the month, so don’t g osy, winter home. Startin embership with NWT as Photo ©

Steve Sc

offin

Cheviot goats

7:30pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 3 November Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A talk by Dr Richard Bevan of Newcastle University about the Cheviot goats. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Wildlife crime

7:15pm - 9:15pm, Tuesday 8 November St Helen’s Church Hall, Low Fell NE9 6BQ PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group Colin Heath from the Northumbria Police will tell us about wildlife crime in the North East. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

The Shiants

7:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday 11 November Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 donation ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club Philip Hanmer, local ringer and ornithologist, will give an illustrated talk on this fascinating island group situated in the Outer Hebrides. Please note the NNBC AGM will precede this talk. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

FREE

In Focus

FREE

9:30am - 3:30pm, Saturday 12 November Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the site improvements on the reserve. All the hides and as many of the footpaths as possible will be open.

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 13 November Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: In Focus In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

November Events

Hauxley Open weekend (Sat)

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Hauxley Open weekend (Sun)

FREE

9:30am - 3:30pm, Sunday 13 November Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the progress on our new Discovery Centre and other site improvements. When it is safe to do so there will be tours of the new buildings at 11am and 1pm.

Illustrated talk

7:30pm - 9:00pm, Wednesday 16 November William Elder Building, Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed PRE BOOK: No COST: £2 members, £3 non-members ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group An illustrated natural history talk of local interest. Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655.

Big Wader Watch

FREE

Big Wader Watch

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday 19 November Druridge Bay Reserves - Meeting place to be confirmed PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust An exciting weekend of wader watching awaits as we scan our Druridge Bay reserves to get a picture of our wader populations.

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 20 November Druridge Bay Reserves - Meeting place to be confirmed PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust An exciting weekend of wader watching awaits as we scan our Druridge Bay reserves to get a picture of our wader populations.

Marine conservation

7:30pm, Monday 21 November St Mark’s Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE BOOK: No COST: £2 includes tea and biscuits ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group An illustrated talk on marine conservation by Steve Lowe, NWT Head of Conservation. Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

November Events

Capturing our coast citizen science of the shores

20

7:30pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday 30 November St Michael’s Church Hall, Canongate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group Jacqui Pocklington will tell us about this important coastal project and explain how we can get involved. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578346.

For more info and to book online go t

Volunteering Want to get involved?

Anyone can volunteer with Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

With over 60 nature reserves, an active education and events programme and a busy office, we appreciate help from people just like you.

Whether you are happy to get your hands dirty creating and maintaining habitats on our reserves, enjoy helping out at events, or want to join our busy office team, we have a volunteering opportunity for you!

Volunteers are an important part of NWT and we hope to give everyone a fun and rewarding experience. We have an action force of over 300 volunteers who contribute around 180 days of work for us each month. Whatever your background, we can find a position to match your interests and abilities.

How to sign up If you are interested, then visit our website to see our current volunteer roles and please complete the online volunteer enquiry form at www.nwt.org.uk/current-opportunities.

Once you are registered we’ll then invite you to a New Volunteer Session. This gives you the opportunity to meet with NWT staff and volunteers to discuss the role(s) in more detail and to book onto a trial activity. New volunteer sessions are held once a month, usually on a Thursday.

Photo Š Jo Christie

Note: If you are already registered as a volunteer, you can log onto your online volunteer account to sign up for activities and tasks by visiting your profile on, www.MyVolunteerPage.com.

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

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December

. Days are s gs herald the festive season Cold, frosty winter mornin this time of at d har birds, times can be creatures, especially small es called m tim me (so tice sols ter the win sets ea regular food and water. It’s and st late s when the sun rise stunn December, the shortest day are re The rs. hou ter ligh during the und of our beautiful reserves aro just as istm p up warm. With Chr Northumberlandia but wra life them wild e som buy and ws s or sho us at one of the festive fair a on Satur Grotto at Northumberlandi sure you don’t miss Santa’s it. tive spir 18th to get you into the fes

Guided walk around Linton Ponds

1:30pm - 4:30pm, Thursday 1 December Linton Ponds, Northumberland - Meet near entrance PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk around Linton Ponds to view the wintering wild fowl. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

dynamic druridge

7:30pm - 9:00pm, Thursday 1 December Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A talk by Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Alpine Flowers of the Yunnan

7:30pm, Tuesday 6 December St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE BOOK: No COST: £2, includes coffee and cakes ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group An illustrated talk by Prof John Richards, a retired Professor of Botany at Newcastle University, President of the Alpine Garden society and author of the monograph on primulas. Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

December Events

Wild Tots

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10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 7 December Northumberlandia - Meet at the visitor centre PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £4.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your under 5s. Run by Sarah and Annie from Footprints on the Moon.

Hauxley Open Day (Sat)

FREE

9:30am - 3:30pm, Saturday 10 December Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the site improvements on the reserve. All the hides and as many of the footpaths as possible will be open.

For more info and to book online go t

short and for many f year so don’t forget mid-winter’s day) on 21st arliest. So make the most ning views from d the corner, why not join med stocking-fillers? Make rday 17th and Sunday Photo ©

Bob Coy

le

In Focus

FREE

Hauxley Open Day (Sun)

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 11 December Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: In Focus In Focus experts will be on-hand with a range of optical equipment such as telescopes and binoculars allowing you to try before you buy.

9:30am - 3:30pm, Sunday 11 December Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland PRE BOOK: No COST: Free but donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for the chance to see the progress on our new Discovery Centre and other site improvements. When it is safe to do so there will be tours of the new buildings at 11am and 1pm.

Re-introducing water voles to Kielder

7:15pm - 9:15pm, Tuesday 13 December St Helen’s Church Hall, Low Fell NE9 6BQ PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Wildlife Group Kevin O’Hara from Northumberland Wildlife Trust will give an illustrated talk about progress on the Kielder water vole project. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

A voyage around the islands

Santa’s grotto

11:00am - 3:00pm, Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 December Northumberlandia PRE BOOK: Yes COST: £7.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Meet Santa in his grotto and get a present if you’ve been good!

to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

December Events

7:30pm - 10:00pm, Wednesday 14 December St Michael’s Church Hall, Canongate, Alnwick PRE BOOK: No COST: Visitors/non-members £2 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group Richard Bevan will take us on an island adventure - some British islands and some further afield. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578346.

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Reserves Central Northumberland 34. Bakethin 35. Barrow Burn Wood 36. Bell Crag Flow 37. Butterburn Flow 38. Falstone Moss 39. Fontburn 40. Goose’s Nest Bluebell Bank 41. Grasslees Burn Wood 42. Harbottle Crags 43. Holystone Burn 44. Holystone North Wood 45. Little Harle Pasture 46. Mill Burn 47. Whitelee Moor 48. Whittle Dene

South Northumberland 23. Beltingham River Gravels 24. Briarwood Banks 25. Close House Riverside 26. East Crindledykes Quarry 27. Greenlee Lough 28. Grindon Lough 29. Juliet’s Wood 30. Priestclose Wood 31. South Close Field 32. Tony’s Patch 33. Williamston

North Northumberland 1. Annstead Dunes 2. Holburn Moss 3. Ford Moss 4. Flodden Quarry 5. West Fleetham East Northumberland 6. Arnold Memorial 7. Big Waters 8. Cresswell Pond 9. Cresswell Foreshore 10. Druridge Pools 11. East Chevington 12. East Cramlington Pond 13. Evelyn Howick Memorial 14. Fencerhill Wood 15. Hauxley 16. Holywell Pond 17. Linton Lane 18. Newsham Pond 19. Northumberlandia 20. Prestwick Carr 21. St Nicholas Park 22. Weetslade Country Park

Berwick upon Tweed

3

4

2

Wooler

A1

Bamburgh 1

5

A697

6 13

Alnwick 47

A68

Kielder

Otterburn

34

35 42

A1068 44 43 41 46

38

37

Morpeth A696

A686

29

31

A68

30

25

Amble

9

A189 A1

A69

48

Hexham

10 8 17

A68

36

33

A1

39

40 45

27 2628 32 A69 23 24

15 11

Rothbury

18

19 12 16 20 7 22 A19 2114

Newcastle upon Tyne

More info at www.nwt.org.uk/reserves