NWT What's On Aug - Mar 2016

What’s On Aug 2015 - Mar 2016

Wildlife events in Newcastle, North Tyneside & Northumberland

Welcome to Y August 2015 Northumberland Wildlife Trust is the largest, non-government funded 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 12,500 individual members, over 250 volunteers, 35 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 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 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: Margaret Holland

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www.nwt.org

Your Wild Life - March 2016 Welcome to the second edition of our new look 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. We hope this guide will inspire you to get out and get closer to wildlife.

Family Event

Guided Walk

Children’s Activity

Wildlife Talk

Member’s Event

Training Course

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

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

It’s quick and easy to do, it guarantees you a place on the event and it saves us administration costs. We don’t issue paper tickets but you’ll get an email 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 place on one of NWT’s priced 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.

Supported by players of

NWT general events supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Dynamic Druridge and Save our Magnificent Meadows events funded by Heritage Lottery Fund. Living Seas events funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

g.uk/whats-on

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Around th

Northumberland Wildlife Trust works with a number of groups ac local people the chance to get involved. If you’re interested in le then find a group near you: NWT Coquetdale Group Jubilee Hall, Rothbury Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972 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, 0191 488 3597 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 Berwick United Reformed Church, Main Street, Spittal Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655 Border Natural History Society Bellingham Middle School, Bellingham Contact: Lee Hollings, 01434 221 284

Summer is hotting up!

As summer arrives, our community and engagement team has a busy diary filled with local fairs and shows across the region.

Don’t miss Our Wildlife at Kirkley Hall in September with Iolo Williams. The team is even planning for Christmas! If you’re planning to attend any events, then please stop by our NWT stall and have a chat. We’re already confirmed at the following events and are always adding more venues so stay in touch with where we’ll be through Facebook and Twitter.

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www.nwt.org

he Region

cross the region who meet and organise regular events offering earning more about wildlife and meeting like-minded people,

Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club Northern Rugby Club, McCracken Park, Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne Contact: Martin Davison, 07962 720 616 Northumbria Mammal Group Contact: see individual events for contact details North Northumberland Bird Club Bamburgh Cricket Pavilion, Bamburgh Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869 North Northumberland Wildlife Watch Group Hunting Hall, Beal 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 Talks take place on Fridays 7-8pm from 2 Oct to 18 Mar. Non-members welcome, suggested donation £3.

Autumn/winter diary TBC, visit nhsn.ncl.ac.uk for details.

In Focus An opportunity to try out a selection of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment at Hauxley Nature Reserve.

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

• • • • • • • • •

College Valley Countryside Fair, 2 August Slaley Show, 8 August Allendale Agricultural Show, 15 August Bellingham Show, 29 August Glendale Show, 31 August Newcastle Allotment & Garden Show, 6 September Alwinton Show, 10 October Rival Arts Christmas Fair, Hexham, 28 & 29 November Grainger Street Christmas Fair, 4 - 6 December

g.uk/whats-on

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August

for enjoying light evenings are perfect Warm sunshine and long, gonflies abo dra terflies, damselflies and wild spaces. Delicate but nt. It’s a fea cou can you ny ma see how air – visit Big Waters and nth cramm mo per most of it with a bum too. And we’re making the Weetsl T’s NW at ing pen hap re’s lots you for young and old alike. The for on lots s all mammal walks plu grassland species and sm den visi gar st alle sm our ut abo rn more of the month, you can lea shine. coastal activities in the sun or enjoy one of our great

Foraging and Tasting 10:00am - 12:30pm, Saturday 1 August St Nicholas Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £10.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust A foraging and tasting walk and tour around the grounds of the Wildlife Trust HQ led by Bruce Ferguson of Wild North Discovery. Taste up to 30 edible species and enjoy sampling some foraged cooking around a small camp fire.

Introduction to True Bugs 10:30am - 3:00pm, Saturday 1 August Bardon Mill Village Hall PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £40.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join Jim Flanagan - Terrestrial Heteroptera (land bugs) Recording Scheme for the UK - for a one day course on true bug (Hemiptera) ID. Part of the Save our Magnificent Meadows project.

Family Pond Dipping Day

FREE

1:00pm - 3:00pm, Saturday 1 August St Nicholas Park PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Come along and have a go at pond dipping at St Nicholas Park.

Discover the tiny creatures living in puddles near you!

Photo © Joanna Dailey

august Events

OSPREY WATCH

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Join us for 2015 Osprey watch at Kielder.

Come see the birds on the nest using telescopes and the live nestcam. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.

Leaplish Waterside Park, behind the Boat Inn. Runs every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday throughout August, 10:30 - 4:30.

Contact: Kelly Hollings, 01434 240 365

For more info and to book online go t

the best of our region’s m ound, dancing on the war s ast for swifts and swallow nts eve tic tas fan of full med lade reserve including ungsters. Towards the end itors; bees and ladybirds; © John B

artley

Night Rockpooling 9:30pm - 11:00pm, Saturday 1 August Cresswell Shore PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join NWT for an evening rockpooling session at Cresswell Shore.

Wild Tots 10:00am - 11:30am, Monday 3 August Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your toddler in a fun, safe environment. Run by Footprints on the Moon. Aimed at under 5s.

Red Squirrel Family Event

FREE

10:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesday 4 August Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: RSNE Kids activities, drey building and a chance to spot a squirrel. An RSNE, Morpeth and District Red Squirrels and Northumberland County Council joint event. Contact: Katy Cook, 0191 284 6884.

Treasure Hunt 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Tuesday 4 August Weetslade Country Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for a treasure hunt around Weetslade Country Park.

Minimum recommended age of children is 5 years. No toilets/hand washing facilities on site.

august Events

Beach Blast 11:00am - 3:00pm, Wednesday 5 - Friday 7 August Tynemouth Beach PRE-BOOK: No COST: £3.00, plus discount to aquarium ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Have a fun day at the beach and find out more about native marine wildlife - includes RAF assault course and a sand castle competition.

Run with Tynemouth Aquarium.

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

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Wildlife and Osprey Evening Boat Trip 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Wednesday 5 August Kielder Water PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £22.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT and Calvert Trust Enjoy a guided motor boat trip around beautiful Kielder Water, with experienced Calvert Trust staff and knowledgeable NWT volunteers to spot local wildlife and with luck, one or more of the ospreys! Please book your place online at: enquiries@calvert-kielder.com.

Coastal Bird Walk 9:30am - 3:30pm, Thursday 6 August Druridge Bay - meet at car park opposite Drift Café PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join local bird expert Tom Cadwallender on a guided walk to identify the many different birds that can be found along the fabulous Druridge Bay coastline (approx 7 miles). This is a Living Seas event.

Holburn Moss 2:00pm, Thursday 6 August Holburn Moss - meet at Holburn Grange PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Join us for a walk to look at moorland and woodland flora and fauna.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Campfire Cooking 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Saturday 8 August Weetslade Country Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Come along and prepare to cook a campfire feast. No toilets/ hand washing facilities on site. Minimum age, 5 years.

Purple Hairstreak Butterfly Spotting

FREE

4:00pm - 5:00pm, Saturday 8 August Gosforth Park Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Purple hairstreak butterflies are very attractive but live in the tree tops and are difficult to see. Come along and try to spot them.

Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

august Events

10:30am - 3:30pm, Sunday 9 August Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

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For more info and to book online go t

Grassland species walk 11:30am - 2:30pm, Sunday 9 August Weetslade Country Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join our wardens to see the many wonderful wild flower species on the site. No toilets/hand washing facilities on site.

Animal Tracks and Trails 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Tuesday 11 August Weetslade Country Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 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! No toilets/hand washing facilities on site. Recommended minimum age, 5 years.

A wander in Watergate Park

FREE

6:00pm, Tuesday 11 August Watergate Park, Lobley Hill, Gateshead PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Join us for a wander in Watergate Park to observe birds, flowers, trees and anything else that’s around. Park in main car park at Lobley Hill, off Whickham Highway. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

Wildlife and Osprey Evening Boat Trip 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Wednesday 12 August Kielder Water PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £22.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT and Calvert Trust Enjoy a guided motor boat trip around beautiful Kielder Water, with experienced Calvert Trust staff and knowledgeable NWT volunteers to spot local wildlife and with luck, one or more of the ospreys! Please book your places online enquiries@calvert-kielder.com.

Moth Trapping

FREE

8:45pm - 10:15pm, Wednesday 12 August Gosforth Park Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria 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.

Wildlife Watch Summer Day Out

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

august Events

10:30am - 2:30pm, Friday 14 August Priestclose Wood PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £7.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join our walk to learn more about Northumberland’s woodland wildlife followed by woodland activities and games. Please bring a packed lunch. Suitable for 5-12 year olds.

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Collecting & Preserving Insects

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Saturday 15 August Cockle Park Farm PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Learn how to collect and preserve insects, such as butterflies, moths, and beetles. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Discovering the Birds of Druridge Bay 10:00am - 3:00pm, Saturday 15 August Druridge Bay - meet at car park opposite Drift Café PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join local bird expert Tom Cadwallender on a 7 mile guided walk from Cresswell Pond to Hauxley Nature Reserve to identify the many different birds that can be found along the fabulous Druridge Bay coastline. This is a Dynamic Druridge event.

Wild flowers and small mammals 10:30am - 12:30pm, Tuesday 18 August East Chevington - meet at the education hide PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Search for small mammals and collect wild flowers to make pictures.

Look for signs of rare harvest mice in the reedbeds. This is a Dynamic Druridge event.

Red Squirrel Family Event

FREE

10:30am - 2:30pm, Wednesday 19 August Bolam Lake PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: RSNE Kids activities, drey building and a chance to spot a squirrel. Joint event between RSNE and Northumberland County Council.

Wildlife and Osprey Evening Boat Trip 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Wednesday 19 August Kielder Water PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £22.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT & Calvert Trust Enjoy a guided motor boat trip around beautiful Kielder Water, to spot local wildlife and with luck, one or more of the ospreys! Please book your places online at: enquiries@calvert-kielder.com.

august Events

Wildlife Watch Summer Day Out 10:30am - 2:30pm, Friday 21 August St Nicholas Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £7.50 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join our pond dipping and learn more about the creatures in Northumberland’s ponds. After lunch, we’ll have a go at some pond related crafts and games. Please bring a packed lunch. Suitable for 5-12 year olds.

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For more info and to book online go t

Surveying Bees in Northumberland

FREE

10:00am - 1:00pm, Tuesday 25 August St Nicholas Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Learn about the bee species that live in Northumberland with an ID session, introduction to bee ecology and a survey to go into the UK dataset. Funded by BBTC.

Wild Tots 10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 26 August Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your toddler in a fun, safe environment. Run by Footprints on the Moon. Aimed at under 5s.

Wildlife and Osprey Evening Boat Trip 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Wednesday 26 August Kielder Water PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £22.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT & Calvert Trust Enjoy a guided motor boat trip around beautiful Kielder Water, with experienced Calvert Trust staff and knowledgeable NWT volunteers to spot local wildlife and with luck, one or more of the ospreys! Please book your place online at: enquiries@calvert-kielder.com.

Introduction to Ladybirds

FREE

11:30am - 1:00pm, Thursday 27 August Clore Suite, Great North Museum: Hancock PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free ORGANISED BY: NWT & NHSN Find out about ladybird species found in Northumberland and then we’ll go bug hunting (weather permitting). This is a joint event between NHSN and NWT. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Small mammal walk 10:00am - 1:00pm, Saturday 29 August Weetslade Country Park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join a local specialist for a guided walk to see the wonderful small mammal species on the site. No toilets/hand washing facilities on site.

Night rockpooling

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

august Events

8:00pm - 10:00pm, Saturday 29 August Cresswell Shore - meet at Cresswell Village Hall PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join NWT Living Seas team for an evening rockpooling session at Cresswell Shore. This is a Dynamic Druridge event.

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September

s of autum we start to see the first sign As the season turns again, the trees in th see to es erv res nd dla woo warm days by visiting our T Living Seas nge colour. Don’t miss NW as the leaves start to cha the Great No in s ner run our t por sup you Weekend and make sure ley Hall, whic Kirk at dlife month, Our Wil first supporter’s event this Countryfile) Iolo Williams (Springwatch, for all. Join TV presenter ion work and vat ser con Hear about our wildlife of Northumberland! to help yo es iviti act life wild on dsat han there! before an afternoon of gre you see to e hop nd’s wildlife. We personal to Northumberla

Bats of the North East 7:30pm, Tuesday 1 September St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group A talk by Hazel Makepeace who may be able to bring some bats followed by a bat walk. Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Boulmer Shore 2:00pm, Thursday 3 September Boulmer Shore, meet at main car park Boulmer PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Join us for a walk looking at passage migrants and autumnal flowers.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Mini-beast Hunt

FREE

1:00pm - 3:00pm, Friday 4 September Gosforth Park Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, donations welcome ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Hunt for beetles, caterpillars and millipedes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

september Events

Guide in the Hide

FREE

4:00pm - 7:00pm, Friday 4 September Linton Lane PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join NWT’s Head of Conservation, Steve Lowe, in our wildlife hide at Linton Lane to discover the many species of bird that make this nature reserve their home. This is a Dynamic Druridge event.

Sunday 13 September 12

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

For more info and to book online go t

mn. Enjoy the remaining r heir final throes of summe tch Wa ch Bea S MC s: orth Run. We’re holding our ch is set to be a great day to celebrate the wonderful d enjoy a BBQ lunch ou get up close and ! © David

Jones

Member’s Afternoon Tea

FREE

2:00pm - 4:00pm, Saturday 5 September Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Explore Northumberlandia and its wildlife with an illustrated talk and walk, followed by a refreshing afternoon tea.

Bats at Gosforth Park

FREE

7:45pm - 9:15pm, Sunday 6 September Gosforth Park Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria A short talk on bat biology and ecology, and as the sun is setting we will walk through the reserve looking for and listening to bats. Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

Wild Tots 10:00am - 11:30am, Monday 7 September Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your toddler in a fun, safe environment. Run by Footprints on the Moon. Aimed at under 5s.

Sounds of the Borders and Beyond

september Events

7:30pm, Monday 7 September Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group Illustrated talk with sound recordist Geoff Sample.

Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

Kittiwakes on the Tyne 7:15pm, Tuesday 8 September St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group An illustrated talk with Dan Turner.

Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

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

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Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 13 September Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

The North Sea – A new wildlife frontier 7:30pm, Friday 18 September Bamburgh Cricket Pavillion PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club A talk by Martin Kitching of Northern Wildlife Tours.

Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

Wildlife Watch Campfire Cooking 9:30am - 11:30am, Saturday 19 September Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Learn to cook on the campfire and enjoy the fruits of your labour afterwards. Age 5-12 years.

Small Mammals at Gosforth Park

FREE

10:30am - 12:00pm, Saturday 19 September Gosforth Park Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Natural History Society of Northumbria Examine bait tubes and Longworth live traps for signs and presence of small mammals. Accompanied children welcome.

Contact: Hazel Makepeace, 0191 208 2790.

MCs Beach Watch Weekend

FREE

september Events

12:00pm - 2:00pm, Saturday 19 September Cresswell PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us as we take part in the Marine Conservation Society’s annual beach clean. Equipment will be provided, including gloves and litter pickers, but do wear suitable, sturdy footwear and protection from the elements (wind or sun!).

Hedgerow Cooking 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Sunday 20 September Hunting Hall, Beal PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.50 per child ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Wildlife Watch Autumn hedges provide a feast for our wildlife - Karen Burn from Hunting Hall will show us how they have created diverse hedgerow habitats and we will then use some of our finds to create a fruit crumble and chutney. Contact: Harvest & Dave Harris-Jones, 01289 388 867.

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For more info and to book online go t

NWT Living Waterways 7:30pm, Monday 21 September St Marks Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE-BOOK: No COST: £1.50 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group Update on NWT’s river’s programme by Emma Craig.

Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

St Oswald’s Ultra 7:00am, Saturday 26 September Holy Island to Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland ORGANISED BY: Total Racing International A 50km, 100km or a challenging 100 mile run (or walk) through beautiful countryside across Northumberland. Why not run to raise funds for NWT? For more info and to register visit www.stoswaldsultra. com/run-for-charity. Contact: Phil Smith, 07449 888 580.

Our Wildlife 2015 Sunday 27th September 2015, 10am - 4pm Includes Members’ AGM A day of demonstrations, talks and wildlife activities. Get up close to local wildlife and talk to the experts.

Tickets

• £12 per adult • £8 per child, under 5s free • Includes BBQ lunch • Members’ AGM at 12 noon

Venue

Kirkley Hall Ponteland Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0AQ

Wild Tots

september Events

10:00am - 11:30am, Wednesday 30 September Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy natural outdoor activities with your toddler in a fun, safe environment. Run by Footprints on the Moon. Aimed at under 5s.

Ladybird spotting in Northumberland 7:30pm, Wednesday 30 September St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Dr Cathleen Thomas who will advance our understanding of British ladybirds, including the effects of recent invasive species. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

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

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October

and mellow this, the season of mists Autumn colours abound in conkers. En rse cou of and ves fallen lea enjoy collecting colourful time of cha a It’s p. temperatures dro winter as days shorten and the colder for up g ckin sto rts as it sta clocks, but also for wildlife fungi so jo g ttin spo at time of year for migrants head off. It’s a gre y Island Hol at ch wat al mm Ma Marine Steel Rigg on 6th and it’s ing ha dur e Den nd ernation in Jesmo spo Wildlife Watch, all about hib and ving car pkin pum ng , includi fun at the end of the month

Holystone Woods 1:30pm, Thursday 1 October Holystone Woods - meet at Holystone Forest car park PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Join us for a walk to look at the autumn colours, seeds, fruits and fungi.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Birds and Mammals of the North Sea 7:30pm, Thursday 1 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 Martin Kitching, North East cetacean project co-ordinator. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Flora of Northumberland 7:30pm, Monday 5 October Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group Illustrated talk with Chris Metherell.

Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

October Events

Waxcap Fungi ID Day

FREE

9:00am - 5:00pm, Tuesday 6 October Steel Rigg PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust A day identifying waxcap fungi in one of the best places in the country to see these colourful mushrooms. A course aimed at those beginning to identify this group or for those that need a refresher.

Followed by a survey. A Save Our Magnificent Meadows event.

Bee Friendly Gardening 7:30pm, Tuesday 6 October St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group An illustrated talk by Tony Milan on how to help your bumblebees.

Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

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For more info and to book online go t

fruitfulness. Children can njoy the familiar creep of ange, not only for the months and summer oin our Waxcap ID Day at on 10th. Don’t miss alf term and Halloween ooky fireside stories.

The BTO ringing scheme 7:30pm, Friday 9 October Bamburgh Cricket Pavillion PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club A talk by Lancs patch birder, blogger and ringer Seamus Evans, the Hairy Birder. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

Marine Mammal Watch

FREE

10:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday 10 October Holy Island PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free, £3.00 suggested donation ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us surveying for cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise) at a great time to spot marine mammals off the Northumberland coast. Safe crossing times: 5.00am-12.25pm and 5.30pm-12.30am).

Star gazing 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Saturday 10 October Hunting Hall, Beal PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.50 per child ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Wildlife Watch Watch this space! Join the North Northumberland Wildlife Watch group and NASTRO (Northumberland Astronomical Society) for an evening of star gazing. Contact: Harvest & Dave Harris-Jones, 01289 388 867.

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

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

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october Events

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 11 October Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

Photo © Tom Marshall

Adopt an Animal Give an adoption as a gift to family, friends and loved ones, or buy one for yourself and help us make a difference to the wildlife and wild places in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.

To find out more go to www.nwt.org.uk/adopt-an-animal

Pearls, robbers, rodents and reptiles 7:15pm, Tuesday 13 October St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Anne Porter from Durham Wildlife Trust’s Heart of Durham Project will tell us about her work.

Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

Wildlife Watch Let’s go fly a kite 9:30am - 11:30am, Saturday 17 October Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Enjoy a walk to see what birds we can spot and use them as inspiration to build our own kites. Age 5-12 years.

October Events

Breamish Valley Wildlife 7:30pm, Monday 19 October St Marks Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE-BOOK: No COST: £1.50 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group An illustrated talk by Hugh Tindall.

Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

Hunting Hall, a greener farm 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday 21 October Berwick United Reformed Church, Main Street, Spittal PRE-BOOK: No COST: Members £2.00, Non-members £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group Karen Hunt, with her husband, farms with wildlife very much in mind.

They are hosting a Wildlife Watch group in converted farm buildings.

Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655.

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For more info and to book online go t

Wildlife Watch 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Tuesday 27 October Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 per child ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust What does wildlife do in the autumn? Learn about hibernating hedgehogs, sleepy snails and how you can help the wildlife in your garden. Suitable for 5-12 year olds.

Desert Island Survival 10:30am - 12:00pm, Wednesday 28 October Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Come along to Northumberlandia to spend a morning in the woods learning survival skills. Using a mysterious map you will discover your tasks which will include making a den, fire-lighting and building a raft to escape from the island. Age 8-12 years.

Northumbria Bird Atlas 7:30pm, Wednesday 28 October St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Tim Dean who will talk about the new Bird Atlas published in 2015. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

Pumpkin carving 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Friday 30 October Weetslade Country Park - meet in the car park PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for some spooky Halloween fun at Weetslade. We’ll be pumpkin carving around the campfire, followed by hot potatoes, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. No toilets/hand washing facilities on site. Pumpkins will be provided. Not suitable for under 5s.

Halloween Family Fun 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Friday 30 October Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Come along and get your Halloween pumpkins ready and have a go at other Halloween themed crafts. Pumpkins will be provided.

Spooky fireside stories

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

october Events

6:30pm - 8:00pm, Saturday 31 October Northumberlandia - meet at the visitor centre PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Meet for a night time walk through the woods, then gather round the fire to toast marshmallows and hear some spooky Halloween stories. Please wear warm clothes and bring a torch. Fancy dress welcome. Suitable for age 5 and over.

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November

make this a m r skies and misty mornings The dark afternoons, clea decoration e lost their bright autumnal now, many of the trees hav ts should ran mig ter win r be easier. Ou means wildlife spotting can , Druridge o ters Wa Big as h suc es reserv head to one of our many arrive from A le migratory geese which seasonal visitor, for examp at the start o sky ht nig the t ligh s fire Bon spend the winter with us. for a cos king loo ogs our friendly hedgeh forget to check yours for sider an ani Con ng? ppi sho as istm Chr Contemplating starting the t special someone. as an unusual gift for tha

Ladybirds 7:30pm, Monday 2 November Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group An illustrated talk with Dr Cathleen Thomas.

Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

Magnificent Meadows 7:30pm, Tuesday 3 November St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refresments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group An illustrated talk by NWT’s Naomi Waite, on the national project to restore grasslands and what is happening in the North East.

Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Berwick Estuary 1:30pm, Thursday 5 November Berwick Estuary - meet at north end of old bridge PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Join us for a walk in search of wintering wildfowl and waders.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Our Reserves november Events

We have over 60 nature reserves at Northumberland Wildlife Trust. From grasslands and woodlands to coastal and wetlands, throughout Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.

There’s bound to be one near you!

To find your nearest reserve go to www.nwt.org.uk/reserves

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For more info and to book online go t

magical time of year. By but the bare woodland start to return soon, so or Cresswell to spot a Arctic breeding grounds to of the month, so don’t sy, winter home. imal adoption with NWT © Steve

Scoffin

a focus on Great crested grebes 7:30pm, Thursday 5 November 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 Brian Moorhead and Sam Hood on the Killingworth Lake great crested grebe. Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 8 November Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

Britain’s rarest orchids 7:15pm, Tuesday 10 November St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Illustrated talk with Colin Scrutton about the rarer orchids found in Britain. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

Photo © Steve Playle

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November Events

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

What’s that bird?

7:30pm, Friday 13 November Bamburgh Cricket Pavillion PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club AGM followed by a talk on bird identification by Graham Bell, Honorary President of NNBC. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

Wildlife Art 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Sunday 15 November Lowick Village Hall PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.50 per child ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Wildlife Watch Professional wildlife artist Kittie Jones will run a mixed media art and craft workshop, helping us to produce our own animal masterpieces.

Contact: Harvest & Dave Harris-Jones, 01289 388 867.

Moths 7:30pm, Monday 16 November St Marks Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE-BOOK: No COST: £1.50 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group An illustrated talk by Stuart Sexton.

Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

Bees and pesticides 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday 18 November Berwick United Reformed Church, Main Street, Spittal PRE-BOOK: No COST: Members £2.00, Non-members £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group Graham White is a beekeeper who has studied the effects of different pesticides on bees. Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655.

Wildlife Watch Brilliant Birds 9:30am - 11:30am, Saturday 21 November Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Learn what the birds will be doing to prepare themselves for winter and make a bird feeder for your garden. Age 5-12 years.

november Events

What’s that wader?

7:30pm, Wednesday 25 November St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Graham Bell who will bring his lifelong birding experience to help us with this sometimes difficult group of birds.

Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

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For more info and to book online go t

Photo © Elliott Neep

A Gift of Membership Support Northumberland Wildlife Trust Why not consider a membership to Northumberland Wildlife Trust as a gift for friends or loved ones this Christmas?

Membership starts from £3 per month and includes: ■ A guide to our nature reserves in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.

■ ‘Roebuck’, Northumberland’s own wildlife magazine, three times a year, packed with local features and national news.

■ Our Wildlife Gardening leaflet to help you make your garden more wildlife friendly.

■ Information on over 500 local events each year.

■ Invitations to special events and promotions.

■ Information on volunteer opportunities.

■ Opportunity to purchase a hide key for £10, for memberonly access to hides at Big Waters and Holywell Pond.

Best of all, as a member, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to safeguard some of the finest Northumbrian countryside and wildlife for yourselves and the future.

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

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

Roebu The Wildl

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Issue 135

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December

. Days are s gs herald the festive season Cold, frosty winter mornin of e year so do es can be hard at this tim especially small birds, tim -winter’s day) mid ed call (sometimes water. It’s the winter solstice t. So make lies ear s set and st late s rise shortest day when the sun s from N view ng nni stu hours. There are k ab reserves during the lighter thin not just around the corner, why do you up warm. With Christmas e sur ke Ma r? love is a wildlife friend or family member who Santa’s Gro rse cou of and h 12t ay urd at Northumberlandia on Sat the festive spirit.

Sunday 20th to get you into

Birding in Retirement 7:30pm, Tuesday 1 December St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refresments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group An illustrated talk by Tom Cadwallender giving a birding tour of countries visited since retirement. Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Linton Ponds 1:30pm, Thursday 3 December Linton Ponds - meet at South Linton PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Join us to observe the wintering wildfowl and waders on the ponds.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Wildlife of the Falkland Islands 7:30pm, Thursday 3 December 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 Tim Mason, former Head of the Falklands school.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

december Events

Wonderous waxcap - grassland gems 7:30pm, Monday 7 December Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group Illustrated talk with Shaun Hackett.

Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

Watervoles and otters 7:15pm, Tuesday 8 December St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation for Northumberland Wildlife Trust, will tell us about the work underway to help these stunning creatures.

Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

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For more info and to book online go t

res, short and for many creatu and d foo r ula on’t forget reg on 21st December, the e the most of our beautiful p Northumberlandia but wra a for hip ers mb bout NWT me on’t miss Christmas crafts otto on Saturday 19th and © Bob C

oyle

Humps, bottles and killers?

7:30pm, Wednesday 9 December St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refresments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation for Northumberland Wildlife Trust, outlines the status of the marine mega-fauna of the Northern North Sea. PLUS quiz and nibbles! Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

Christmas crafts 2:00pm - 3:30pm, Saturday 12 December Northumberlandia Visitor Centre PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Escape the Christmas crowds and spend an afternoon sipping mulled apple juice, nibbling mince pies and creating natural christmas crafts.

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 13 December Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

Wildlife Watch Plastic Fantastic december Events

9:30am - 11:30am, Saturday 19 December Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Use your unwanted plastic and make a variety of Christmas gifts.

Santa’s Grotto 11:00am - 3:00pm, Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 August Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £7.50 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

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January

stop and n remember wildlife doesn’t It’s a cold time of year but and this is ur st adding welcome colo evergreens are at their fine htest an brig ir the in are swans. Drakes watch ducks, geese and ate your don to tion olu res r’s yea new year. Why not make your for new h Trust? We’re always looking Northumberland Wildlife porting e sup erves and visitor centres, tasks, working on our res a du get ht mig we y, luck ce. If we’re activities or in our busy offi es – great erv res our on nes sce ter win month creating beautiful wt.org.uk/ er our reserves at www.n tracks and signs. Discov

Wild goats in the Cheviots 7:30pm, Monday 4 January Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group An illustrated talk with Richard Bevan.

Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

The Farne Islands in the 19th century 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Tuesday 5 January St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group Illustrated talk on the history of birds on the Farnes. Everyone welcome.

Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Winter wildfowl and waders 1:30pm, Thursday 7 January Howick Seahouses Farm PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Coastal walk to look for winter wildfowl and waders.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Wildlife of Ethiopia

january Events

7:30pm, Thursday 7 January 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 Janet Dean on her recent visit to Ethiopia.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

A Thai recipe 7:30pm, Friday 8 January Bamburgh Cricket Pavillion PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club An illustrated talk on birding in Thailand by Brian Clasper.

Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

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For more info and to book online go t

neither do we. Winter s a great time of year to nd best plumage of the time as a volunteer for helpers for conservation education and events usting of snow this t for spotting wildlife /reserves © Alex L ister

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 10 January Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

Heavy metals and rocks 7:15pm, Tuesday 12 January St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Naomi Waite from NWT will give a talk about the ‘Magnificent Meadows’ project she is managing. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

Wildlife Watch Wonderful Worms 9:30am - 11:30am, Saturday 16 January Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Search for minibeasts and build your own wormery to take home.

Natural history of Howick

january Events

7:30pm, Monday 18 January St Marks Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE-BOOK: No COST: £1.50 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group A talk by Richard Poyer. Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

Stories from the stores 7:30pm, Wednesday 27 January St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Dan Gordon about the ‘stores’ (Great North Museum Natural History collections).

Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

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

27

February

staying in hi might make most feel like The wintery feel this month ouraging enc h, 13t ay urd Sat on a erlandi team. We’re at Northumb event. Bri d me the ’s ine life at a Valent brilliant Northumberland wild got some gr ve we’ And rs. love ure d nat alone and meet like-minde 16th and all a including willow crafts on term at Northumberlandia red friends du ut looking after our feathe youngsters can learn abo in February, cold and rt the days are sho Remember, even though op hunting in o wdr sno go so , nth mo this spot early signs of spring as Juliet’s Wood. woodland reserves such

Life in the shadow of the Cheviot volcano 7:30pm, Monday 1 February Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group An illustrated talk with Ian Kille. Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

AGM Members Night 7:30pm, Tuesday 2 February St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group Annual AGM followed by two brief illustrated talks by members (subject to be confirmed). Buffet supper. Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Wintering wildfowl on the Coquet Estuary 1:30pm, Thursday 4 February Warkworth Dunes - meet in Warkworth Dunes car park PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A walk through the dunes and salt marshes.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

The wonders of bird migration

february Events

7:30pm, Thursday 4 February 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 local ornithologist Graham Bell.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

The return of the red kite 7:15pm, Tuesday 9 February St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Judy Summerson from the Friends of Red Kites, will give an illustrated talk about how the red kite was introduced into north east England, how it has influenced the local communities and the state of the current population of birds. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

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For up to date info and to book online g

T ibernation but not the NW our for love the you to feel ing a loved one or come f reat events on during hal about birds on 18th where uring the winter months. y, you may be lucky and one of our beautiful © Becky

Johnson

The Birds of Madagascar 7:30pm, Friday 12 February Bamburgh Cricket Pavillion PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club An illustrated talk by local birder John Lumby on his trip to Madagascar. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

Love Wildlife Saturday 13th February, 2pm – 4pm Northumberlandia Show your love for wildlife this Valentine’s Day. Learn how our wildlife needs extra special care in the cold weather and get creative making bird feeders.

Enjoy a Valentine’s mocktail.

Bring a loved one or come alone and meet like-minded nature lovers.

£5.00 per person Book online at www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

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

29

february Events

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 14 February Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

AGM and Social Evening 7:30pm, Monday 15 February St Marks Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE-BOOK: No COST: £1.50 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group AGM and social evening. Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

Wicked Willow 10:00am - 12:00pm, Tuesday 16 February Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Come along to Northumberlandia to learn about this amazing plant and how to use it to create crowns, butterflies, fairy wings or a living willow sculpture. To build a living willow sculpture you will need to bring a bucket and trowel. Please wear warm/waterproof clothes. Age 10+.

Northumbrian Trees 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday 17 February Berwick United Reformed Church, Main Street, Spittal PRE-BOOK: No COST: Members £2.00, Non-members £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group Talk by Richard Poppleton, an experienced naturalist with a wide knowledge of the trees of the county.

Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655.

All about birds 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Thursday 18 February Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Find out what the birds are up to at this time of year, with fun hands-on activities to help you learn to identify different birds, crafts to learn about how birds build their nests and what they eat. Get something special to take home for the birds near your house!

Wildlife Watch Tracks and Signs 9:30am - 11:30pm, Saturday 20 February Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Become an intrepid explorer for the morning and learn how to spot the tracks and signs of different animals and birds. Age 5-12 years.

february Events

Iconic birds of Northumberland 7:30pm, Wednesday 24 February St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Gill Thompson on the iconic birds of Northumberland National Park.

Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

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For up to date info and to book online g

Volunteering Want to get involved?

Anyone can volunteer with Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

With over 60 nature reserves across the region, 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, enthusing people at events, or helping behind the scenes, we have a volunteering opportunity for you!

We have an action force of over 250 volunteers who contribute around 180 days of work for us each month. Whatever your background, we will strive to find a position to match your interests and abilities.

How to sign up Visit our website at www.nwt.org.uk/current-opportunities to see our current volunteer roles and complete the online volunteer enquiry form.

We will then invite you to the next New Volunteer Session.

This gives you the opportunity to meet NWT staff and current volunteers to discuss role(s) in more detail and book onto a trial activity. New Volunteer Sessions are held once a month, usually on Thursdays.

Photo Š Jo Christie

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

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

31

March

with some f r to look to the night skies It’s a wonderful time of yea es away erv res our of one a trip out to we sh star gazing. Why not take and ard , our clocks move forw can enjoy the view? This month we e hop let’s , nth mo ly Easter this tre fun start to show. With an ear a with a brate at Northumberlandi ir insp sunshine. Join us to cele life wild e som do to h again on 30t as h March and we’ll be there suc , nth mo out of hibernation this might spot wildlife coming and water dy area with some shelter sha a ve lea Make sure you

Kielder water vole heritage project 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Tuesday 1 March St Mary’s Church Hall, Ponteland PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Ponteland Group Illustrated talk by Graham Holyoak of Tyne Rivers Trust.

Contact: Mary Lee, 01661 822 781.

Wildlife and Ponds 1:30pm, Thursday 3 March Branton Nature Reserve - meet in the nature reserve car park PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society Visit the Branton and Hedgeley gravel ponds to view wildfowl.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

AGM 7:30pm, Thursday 3 March Costello Centre, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £1.50 ORGANISED BY: Alnwick and District Natural History Society A short AGM followed by an illustrated talk by one of our members.

Contact: Coral Turnbull, 01665 602 614.

Rescued from the sea

March Events

7:30pm, Monday 7 March Jubilee Hall, Rothbury PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.50 ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetdale Group An illustrated talk with Barry Mead.

Contact: Heather Lister, 01669 621 972.

AGM followed by wild cats 7:15pm, Tuesday 8 March St Helen’s Church Hall, Belle Vue Bank, Low Fell PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: NWT Gateshead Group Eddie Bell, a retired policeman, will give an illustrated talk about wild cats. Contact: Judy Summerson, 07811 927 330.

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For up to date info and to book online g

fantastic opportunities for from the street lights and hould find spring flowers n also enjoy some early easure hunt on 26th red egg painting. You s frogs or hedgehogs. for them. © Becky

Johnson

Wildlife in Speyside and Beyond 7:30pm, Friday 11 March Bamburgh Cricket Pavillion PRE-BOOK: No COST: Visitors/Non-members £2.00 ORGANISED BY: North Northumberland Bird Club An illustrated talk by Chrissie Nicholson on the birds and other wildlife of Speyside. Contact: Liz Harrison, 01289 388 869.

Hauxley Open Day & In Focus

FREE

10:00am - 4:00pm, Sunday 13 March Hauxley Nature Reserve PRE-BOOK: No COST: Free ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Public open day to check on the progress of our new visitor centre as well as to access the reserve. This event is suitable for both adults and children. A Dynamic Druridge event. Look out for In Focus, on site during the day to try a range of binoculars, telescopes and other optical equipment before you buy. Contact: Hauxley Reserve, 01665 711 578.

Get your wild gifts in our online shop!

Now for sale on our website, we have a range of wildlife-themed books, mugs, cards, toys and Living World wildlife kits.

March Events

All proceeds go towards helping wildlife in this region, so get shopping today! www.nwt.org.uk/shop

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

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Looking for Ladybirds 7:30pm - 9:30pm, Wednesday 16 March Berwick United Reformed Church, Main Street, Spittal PRE-BOOK: No COST: Members £2.00, Non-members £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Berwick Wildlife Group Dr Cathleen Thomas has an extensive knowledge of small ‘beasties’ and will give some hints on surveying for ladybirds. ID sheets for ladybirds may be available for purchase.

Contact: Molly Hardie, 01289 332 655.

Wildlife Watch Signs of Spring 9:30am - 11:30am, Saturday 19 March Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Spend a morning looking for signs of spring and learn what the animals will be doing as spring arrives. Age 5-12 years.

Ferns 7:30pm, Monday 21 March St Marks Church Hall, Wellwood, Amble PRE-BOOK: No COST: £1.50 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: NWT Coquetmouth Group An illustrated talk by Chris Metherell.

Contact: Sue Swanston, 01665 711 177.

Easter Treasure Hunt 10:00am - 3:00pm, Saturday 26 March Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £3.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Drop-in to the centre to collect the first clue which will lead you on a trail around the site, exploring the woodland and its inhabitants.

Collect answers to questions along the trail and a prize at the end.

Suitable for 4-10 years.

Easter Egg Painting 10:30am - 12:00pm, Wednesday 30 March Northumberlandia PRE-BOOK: Yes COST: £5.00 ORGANISED BY: Northumberland Wildlife Trust Join us for a morning of artistic activities. We will explore the woodland to create our own colour palette and use the spring colours as inspiration to paint eggs. Suitable for 5-10 years.

March Events

Natural Flood Management 7:30pm, Wednesday 30 March St Michael’s Church Hall, Bailiffgate, Alnwick PRE-BOOK: No COST: £2.00 (inc refreshments) ORGANISED BY: Alnwick Wildlife Group An illustrated talk by Dereck Robeson on natural flood management in the Borders. Contact: Richard Poppleton, 01665 578 346.

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For up to date info and to book online g

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, posters, stickers, activity books and more. Visit our website to learn more at www.nwt.org.uk/discoverlearn/wildlife-watch

Wildlife Watch Groups and Activities • North Northumberland Wildlife Watch group meets every second Sunday of the month, from 2-4pm at either Hunting Hall, Beal or Lowick Village Hall. Sessions cost £2.50 per child (which includes all materials and refreshments). For further information or to join the group please contact Watch Leaders Harvest and Dave HarrisJones on 01289 388867. Suitable for children age 5-12 years old as well as their parents/guardians. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions are both indoors and outdoors.

• NWT is running Wildlife Watch activities on Saturday mornings at 9:30 at Northumberlandia from September aimed at children aged 5-12 years, £3 per session, materials will be provided. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Find out more from Sarah Tribe on 01670 738701.

• There are also various exciting Watch activities throughout the school holidays for your budding wildlife enthusiasts. Check this guide or the NWT website for details.

• • www.wildlifewatch.org.uk

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

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Reserves North Northumberland 1. Annstead Dunes 2. Holburn Moss 3. Ford Moss 4. Flodden Quarry 5. West Fleetham

South Northumberland 23. Beltingham River Gravels 24. Briarwood Banks 25. Broadoak Quarry 26. Close House Riverside 27. East Crindledykes Quarry 28. Greenlee Lough 29. Grindon Lough 30. Juliet’s Wood 31. Priestclose Wood 32. South Close Field 33. Tony’s Patch 34. Williamston

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

Central Northumberland 35. Bakethin 36. Barrow Burn Wood 37. Bell Crag Flow 38. Butterburn Flow 39. Falstone Moss 40. Fontburn 41. Goose’s Nest Bluebell Bank 42. Grasslees Burn Wood 43. Harbottle Crags 44. Holystone Burn 45. Holystone North Wood 46. Little Harle Pasture 47. Mill Burn 48. Whitelee Moor 49. Whittle Dene

Berwick upon Tweed

3

2

Bamburgh

4

A1

1 5

Wooler A697

6 13

Alnwick 36 43

48

A68

Kielder

Otterburn

35

A1068 45 44

15 11

Rothbury

42 47

A1

40

39

18

A1

A68 37 28 2729 33 A69 23 24

A686

9

A189

A696 38

10 8 17

Morpeth

41 46

Amble

30

A69

49

Hexham

26 32

31

A68 25

19 12 16 20 7 22 A19 2114

Newcastle upon Tyne

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