Colchester Natural History Society
EVENTS
Field Trips
Come along and join us for an enjoyable trip. You do not have to be an expert as everyone has varying degrees of knowledge and interests. Bring along a packed lunch if you plan to stay for the day, a drink, suitable clothing and footwear (check with the leader to find out if wellies will be needed).
Coach Trips
Unless stated otherwise you do not need to book for most field trips and there is no charge. One exception is the coach trip. For coach trips please email Pascale Genevois to book a seat.
Indoor Meetings (Sep-April)
Our talks are free to members and non members alike, but donations are accepted for refreshments. Unless otherwise stated all indoor meetings are held at the Cardinal Bourne Hall in Priory Street, Colchester [see map] and usually start at 8.00pm. The Hall is situated at the East Hill end of Priory Street with car parking almost opposite by the Roman Wall at the cost of £2.
Please remember there are special events such as the Christmas Social in December & AGM in January each year which start earlier. Don’t get caught out!
Sun, 13 AprColchesterWalk with Colchester City Council Ranger Carla Davis.
Mon, 14 AprColchesterYou are invited to present a short illustrated presentation on any wildlife subject of your choice - this could be showing a selection of photographs on a particular subject, taken home or abroad, or you may wish to update members on a project you are working on.
Sun, 27 AprMaldonCome with us to hear the nightingale in full song, plus many other woodland species.
Wed, 30 AprColchesterJoin us for our annual social event in Fingringhoe with refreshments and food, followed by a nightingale walk around Fingringhoe Nature Reserve.
Mon, 05 MayColchesterJoin the Colchester City Council Ranger and Colchester Natural History Society to look for returning migrant birds, we hope to find Nightingale amongst other species.
Sat, 10 MayLawfordThis has been arranged by kind invitation of CNHS members Tim & Jenny Francis.
Thu, 29 MayTiptree HeathWe are hoping to see Heath Bumblebee and other specialist insects of the heath.
Sat, 07 JunElmstead MarketA return visit to this little-known Woodland Trust reserve, with a wide range of habitats, including meadows, riverbank, and woodland.
Wed, 11 JunColchesterWe are joining the Essex Moth Group to survey this excellent habitat for moths that occur on the site.
Sat, 28 JunColchesterWalk led by Colchester City Council Ranger Nick Shimwell & Ted Benton.
Sun, 06 JulStanwayJoin the Colchester City Council Ranger and Colchester Natural History Society to discover what wildlife can be seen across the conservation grassland.
Sun, 13 JulColchesterThis 74ha working farm owned by Colchester City Council is a Local Wildlife Site Cervus 101 44 and consists of a variety of wildlife habitats including grazing meadows, arable fields, hedgerows, woodland and the river Colne.
Sat, 19 JulColchesterCity Centre riverside walk including a look at Cowdray Marsh. Led by Ted Benton.
Wed, 06 AugTiptree HeathA joint CNHS / Essex Moth Group mothing session led by Dougal Urquhart
Sun, 10 AugColchesterMiddlewick Ranges Local Wildlife Site. Grassland and scrubland wildlife walk, led by Dougal Urquhart.
Sun, 17 AugColchesterThis site is a hidden gem for wildlife. Join us to look at the summer plants and wildflowers.
Mon, 10 MarColchesterThe love of nature, from an artists perspective.
Sun, 16 FebColchesterJoin Dougal on this exploration of this rich grassland site on the south side of Colchester, will owned by the MOD but threatened with development.
Your health and safety
As part of our insurance requirements we do occasionally have to review our procedures at events to ensure that we not only look after our members, but ensure that the committee and walk leaders are not left open to malicious prosecution for accidents that can occasionally occur. The committee is now required to provide Risk Assessments as part of that insurance. This should not affect anyone coming out with us or attending an event, but you may be asked to listen to a short safety talk before setting off. A common sense approach to safety is encouraged to avoid the need for more prescriptive health and safety regulations that could affect our ability to do the activities we have enjoyed since the Society was formed in 1953.
First aiders
Some of us are already trained as first aiders by the organisations for which we work, however it is not a requirement for CNHS to provide a qualified first aider for walks. Despite this, the committee feels it would be sensible to provide a portable first aid kit so all walk leaders will carry one with them. Members are still advised to take sensible precautions to ensure their own safety when attending organised events.