Events Programme Autumn/Winter 2008/2009

Events taking place over the coming months…

Except where indicated, phone 0117 917 7279 to book places. Concessions include members and anyone in receipt of benefits.

SEPTEMBER 2008

Thursday 25 September
A PHYSICIST AMONG THE PENGUINS -  talk by Peter Barham.  Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Chew Magna, 7.45pm.  Members £2, Others £2.50, Season £10, refreshments included.  (CV)

Friday 26 September
JOURNEY TO ALDABRA in the Seychelles.  Illustrated talk by Dr Pat Hill-Cottingham  New Venue - Folk Hall, High Street, Portishead , 7.30 to 9.30 pm.  Tea/Coffee break mid-evening.  (P)

PLANTS FOR HERBAL MEDICINE, illustrated talk by Ann Freeman.  Old Bakery Annexe, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm.  (T)

Saturday 27 September
SAND POINT WALK, looking for returning migrating birds..  Meet at National Trust car park, ST 330660 at 10.30am.  (WsM)

OCTOBER 2008

Saturday 4 October
AUTUMN FAIR at Somerset Hall, Portishead.  10.15 am to noon.   Offers of help please ring 01275 373453.  (P)

Sunday 5 October
RIVER DIPPING near Dapp's Hill, Keynsham, led by Dave Sage,  Meet 2pm.   Help and have fun with this ongoing survey of the River Avon.   Ring Dave on 0117 940 7968.  (K)

Tuesday 7 October
THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HEDGEHOGS  with Yvonne Cox from Hedgehog Rescue - Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project  0117 9030609 to book. Venue accessible to wheelchair users and hearing loop in place.

Wednesday 8 October
AVON GORGE RAPTORS, illustrated talk by Ed Drewitt.  Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, 7.30pm.  Members £1, non-members £2.  (C)

Friday 10 October
WILDLIFE OF THE SEVERN ESTUARY & THE PROPOSED BARRAGE, illustrated talk by ecologist Rupert Higgins. New venue - Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham , 7.30pm.  Adults £2, Non-members £3, Children/Students £1.  Refreshments, Bring & Buy Books.  (K)

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October

Identifying birds in winter
Course  with Ed Drewitt  Fri 7 - 9 pm and Sat 8 - 10 am,  £15.00  Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book

Sunday 12 October
FASCINATING FUNGI - Identification Walk and Course at Willsbridge Mill, 1 - 4.30pm  with mycologist, Justin Smith. Adults £10 (AWT members £8).  Please ring to book - 0117 917 7270. 

Wednesday 15 October
HEDGEHOGS IN THE ENVIRONMENT with Yvonne Cox from Hedgehog Rescue. United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea, at 7.45pm.  Entrance fee £2.00 includes refreshments.  (N)

Thursday 16 October
URBAN PEREGRINES, illustrated talk by Ed Drewitt.  Royal British Legion, Long Ashton at 7.30pm.  (LA)               

Friday 17 October
THE ROLE OF GREEN SPACES in a sustainable community and a liveable city, talk by Prof. Chris Baines at Banqueting Room, Guildhall, Bath, 7pm.  Tickets £6 from The Secretary, 33 Arundel Road, Bath BA1 6EF. (B&NES Allotments Association)

Wednesday 22 October
GRIZZLY BEARS IN ALASKA, illustrated talk by Oliver Smart.  The Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm.  Adults £2, Children £1.  (S)

Thursday 23 October
WESTON-SUPER-MARE GROUP AGM at Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle, 7.30pm.  Followed by a talk by Fred Quinney on Clevedon Court Wood.  Adults £1 (AWT/SWT), Non-Members £2, Children under 16 free. (WsM)

HIDDEN SLIMBRIDGE, A PARADISE FOR BIRDS, talk by Neil Woodward.  Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Chew Magna, 7.45pm.  Members £2, Others £2.50, Season £10, refreshments included.  (CV)

Friday 24 October
CLIMATE CHANGE - ITS EFFECT ON GLOUCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE, illustrated talk by Mike Martin.  Old Bakery Annexe, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm.  (T)

THE SECRET WORLD OF NEW ROAD FARM, illustrated talk by Pauline Kidner.  Folk Hall, High Street, Portishead , 7.30 to 9.30 pm.  Tea/Coffee break mid-evening.  (P)

Saturday 25 October
AUTUMNAL SILK PAINTING COURSE  with  Su Lees, Bristol Zoo’s Wildlife Illustrator  10.00am – 3.30pm.  £17.50 (includes materials). Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book.

Sunday 26 October
APPLE DAY at Willsbridge Mill, 12 - 5 pm.  Orchard games, apple pressing, apple tasting, longest peel competition. Free Entry.

Wednesday 29 October
HOWLING HALLOWEEN at Willsbridge Mill, 10.30am -12.30 pm or 1.30 - 3.30 pm. Come and join us for a pre halloween party to learn more about creatures that go bump in the night. £5.50/child (5 yrs and over), £4 (AWT member/concs), adults and under 5s free.

Thursday 30 October
AUTUMN STORIES on the Downs making.  10.00am – 3.30pm.  £7.50 per child (8-12 years).  Bristol Zoo Gardens.  Booking essential - call Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609.

OWL PROWL at Willsbridge Mill, 7 - 9 pm.  Free Entry - limited places - please ring to book - 0117 917 7270.

Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November
IDENTFYING FUNGI course  with  mycologist Justin Smith  Fri 7 - 9pm and Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm,  £20.00  Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book

NOVEMBER 2008

Saturday 1 November
JUMBLE SALE at Avon Way Hall, Portishead, 10.15 am.   Offers of help or collection of jumble please ring 01275 373453.  (P)

Wednesday 5 November
THE CONSERVATION OF BRITISH OWLS with local owl conservationist Ian McGuire Bristol Zoo Gardens 7 - 8 pm  £3.00. Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book.  Venue accessible to wheelchair users and hearing loop in place.

Wednesday 12 November
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION OF ARNOS VALE CEMETERY, illustrated talk by Mary Wood.  Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, 7.30pm.  Members £1, non-members £2.  (C)

Friday 14 November
GOING BATTY with David Brown of Avon Bat Group.  Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham , 7.30pm.  Adults £2, Non-members £3, Children/Students £1..  (K)

Sunday 16 November
BOOKSALE/COFFEE MORNING  The Baptist Church, High Street, Chipping Sodbury, 10 am to midday (S)

Wednesday 19 November
PAN PIPES AND INCA COLA, illustrated talk on Latin America by David Trump  United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea, at 7.45pm.  Entrance fee £2.00 (N) 

OWL PROWL ON THE DOWNS  with  owl conservationist Ian McGuire 7.30pm - 9.30pm,  £3.00.  Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book.

Thursday 20 November
WILDLIFE OF DARTMOOR, illustrated talk by Alan Buckthorpe.  Royal British Legion, Long Ashton at 7.30pm.  (LA)

DORMICE, OLD MAMMALS AND NEW DISCOVERIES, talk by local expert Michael Woods at Methodist Church Hall, Cliff Street, Cheddar at 7.30 for 8 pm. (WsM)

Friday 21 November
BIRD RINGING, MIGRATION AND POPULATIONS, illustrated talk by Mike Bailey, BTO.  Old Bakery Annexe, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm.  (T)

Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November
IDENTIFYING FUNGI course with mycologist expert Justin Smith Fri 7 - 9 pm and Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm,  £20.00. Run in conjunction with the National Trust. Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project

Sunday 21st December
Nature's Christmas Craft at Folly Farm
In the morning join one of the Folly Farm Team on a guided walk and in the afternoon Willow artist Julie Starks will show you how to creating festive crafts and decorations out of natural materials including holly, ivy, mistletoe and willow.

10am - 4pm, Cost:  £15 for adults, £10 for under 12's, refreshments included throughout the day, participants will require a packed lunch.  Suitable for families with children aged seven and above.  Due to the limited number of places early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Bookings - contact Jo Morris on 01275 331590 or email jomorris@follyfarm.org

Saturday 22 November
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR at Keedwell Church, Long Ashton, 10 - 11.30am. (LA)

Sunday 23 November
DINOSAURS AND DIAMONDS  geology walk led by local geologist Andrew Mathieson. 10.30am - 12.30pm, £3.00.
N.B. This walk involves some steep paths and steps. Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project

Tuesday 25 November
THE RED KITE, illustrated talk by Ian McGuire on its reintroduction to the Elan Valley.  The Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm.  Adults £2, Children £1.  (S)

Thursday 27 November
GORILLAS IN UGANDA, talk by Ron McCann.  Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Chew Magna, 7.45pm.  Members £2, Others £2.50, Season £10, refreshments included.  (CV)

Friday 28 November
DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE OF THE AVON GORGE AND DOWNS, illustrated talk by Mandy Leivers.  Folk Hall, High Street, Portishead , 7.30 to 9.30 pm  (P)

Saturday 29 November

CHRISTMAS WILLOW with Julie Starks, Folly Farm. Creative use of willow to make simple structures for decoration. Learn how to shape the willow into circles and wreaths; tying with willow; angles with willow making stars. Cost: £35. 10am - 4pm. To book - contact Jo Morris on 01275 331590 or email jomorris@follyfarm.org

DECEMBER 2008

Monday 1 December

MOSSES & LIVERWORTS IDENTIFICATION An introductory look at bryology - the study of mosses and lichen - by exploring the Folly Farm nature reserve with local naturalist Justin Smith. Learn how to identify mosses from liverworts - getting started with id, using keys and theory of bryophytes
Cost: £35. 10am - 4pm. To book - contact Jo Morris on 01275 331590 or email jomorris@follyfarm.org

Tuesday 2 December
A NATURAL HISTORY YEAR ON THE DOWNS. With author Geraldine Taylor  Bristol ZooGardens 7.00 - 8.30pm,  £3.50  Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project Venue accessible to wheelchair users and hearing loop in place.

Sunday 7 December
TREE DRESSING at Willsbridge Mill, 2 - 5 pm.  A spectacular celebration of trees with workshops to dress the tree, as well as tree folk lore walks, storytelling, seasonal gift-making Culminates in lantern-lit procession to dress the tree.  Free Entry.

Friday 12 December
COTSWOLD WILDFLOWER SHOW, illustrated talk with Keith Taylor. Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham , 7.30pm.  Adults £2, Non-members £3, Children/Students £1.  (K)

Saturday 13 December
FLAG DAY at Tesco, Yate (indoors!).  Please book in with Gloria Stephen to cover one-hour slots from 10am to 4pm. 01454 310328.  (S)

Thursday 18 December
ICELANDIC WILDLIFE, illustrated talk by Helen Williams.  Royal British Legion, Long Ashton, 7.30pm.  (LA)

Sunday 21 December

NATURE'S CHRISTMAS CRAFT AT FOLLY FARM
In the morning join one of the Folly Farm Team on a guided walk and in the afternoon Willow artist Julie Starks will show you how to creating festive crafts and decorations out of natural materials including holly, ivy, mistletoe and willow.

10am - 4pm, Cost:  £15 for adults, £10 for under 12's, refreshments included throughout the day, participants will require a packed lunch.  Suitable for families with children aged seven and above.  Due to the limited number of places early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

To book - contact Jo Morris on 01275 331590 or email jomorris@follyfarm.org

JANUARY 2009

Friday 9 January
CONSERVING OWLS with Ian McGuire..  Baptist Church Hall, High Street, Keynsham , 7.30pm.  Adults £2, Non-members £3, Children/Students £1.  Refreshments.   (K)

Wednesday 14 January
COTSWOLD WILDFLOWER SHOW, illustrated talk by Keith Taylor.  Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, 7.30pm.  Members £1, non-members £2.  (C)

NATURAL NORWAY, illustrated talk by Andrew Town. United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea, at 7.45pm.  Entrance fee £2.00 includes refreshments.  (N)

Thursday 15 January
MENDIP HILLS THROUGH THE TIME TUNNEL, talk by Mendip Warden Les Davies.  Royal British Legion, Long Ashton, 7.30pm.  (LA)

Sunday 18 January
WASSAILING at Willsbridge Mill, 2 - 5 pm.  A lively ceremony to awaken the sleeping orchard and its wildlife to ensure a bumper harvest later in the year. Free Entry.

Thursday 22 January
BAT RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION IN CHINA, talk by Gareth Jones.  Millennium Hall, Old School Room, Chew Magna, 7.45pm.  Members £2, Others £2.50, Season £10, refreshments included.  (CV)

FRANCIS OF ASSISI, a wildlife-related talk by Trust Secretary Cecile Gillard. Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle, 7.30pm.  Adults £1 (AWT/SWT), Non-Members £2, Children free. (WsM)

Friday 23 January
THE COASTLINE FROM CLEVEDON TO PORTISHEAD, illustrated talk by Vince Russett.  Folk Hall, High Street, Portishead , 7.30 to 9.30 pm. (P)

Saturday 24 January
BRISTOL UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN, illustrated talk by the curator, Nick Wray.  St Mary's Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, c 7.30pm, followed by Buffet Supper.  (T)

Wednesday 28 January
QUIZ NIGHT -   The Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm.  Contact Malcolm on 01454 310328 (S)

Local Group contacts