Colchester
Natural History Society
EVENTS
Covid 19
It seems unlikely that new Covid restrictions will be placed on us as the year progresses so we have therefore proceeded on the basis that meetings and field trips can continue at present but each one is reviewed prior to taking place. For example we ran a couple of the winter talks as virtual ZOOM meetings instead, so please do check the event details and book a FREE ticket if it is online to get the meeting details sent to you.
Field Trips
All field trips will need to be booked this year - there is no charge unless stated differently.
Come along and join us for an enjoyable part day or a whole day out, you don’t have to be an expert. We are a friendly group with varying degrees of knowledge and interests. Everyone is welcome, including non-members too. Please 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). Sunscreen and a hat are thoroughly recommended at appropriate times. Please take care of your own Covid security and obviously the Society will adhere to any new restrictions, should they become necessary.
Indoor Meetings (Sep-April)
Our talks are free to members and non members alike, but donations are accepted for refreshments. We start at 7.30pm and need to be out by 10pm but there is a refreshment interval. Please remember with Covid still an issue we may change some events to online ZOOM meetings and you will need to book a FREE ticket to take part. A link to the meeting will be attached to any tickets or emails after you have booked your place.
Sun, 22 MayHilly Fields Local Nature ReserveJoin the CBC ranger and Ted Benton from Colchester Natural History Society looking for butterfly and day-flying moth species as well as other grassland, heathland and tree insects, dragonflies and damselflies.
Sun, 29 MayDaws HallA gentle stroll around the estate which includes a superb wild flower meadow and a walk down to the river.
Sun, 12 JunCoppins Farm, AlphamstoneThere should be plenty of butterflies to enjoy and other insects, along with skylarks, buzzards, yellowhammers possibly red kites too, while dormice have been found in some of the hedgerows.
Sat, 18 JunHumberlands, Parrington’s FarmJoin our President, Ted Benton, to look for butterflies, grasshoppers and other invertebrates in this wonderful little patch of north-east Essex where woodland, wildflower fields, pastures, conservation margins, hedgerows and a little orchard provide a good mix of habitats.
Wed, 29 JunHazeleigh WoodA moth evening in this almost unique working oak and hazel coppice woodland, first mentioned in the Doomsday Book. By this time, the Small Black Arches should be on the wing at its only site in Eastern England.
Sun, 03 JulGosbecks Archeological ParkJoin the ranger to discover what wildlife can be seen across the conservation grassland side of the site at this time of year. We should see Skylark singing and if we are lucky Corn bunting.
Wed, 13 JulGosbecks Archeological ParkThis site produced over 180 species in one evening in 2018. Situated next to the Roman River Valley, the potential for interesting discoveries remains very high.
Sat, 16 JulMarks Hall EstateThis is our annual mid-summer walk at Marks Hall to monitor butterflies in particular, especially the silver-washed fritillary and if we are lucky the purple emperor.
Wed, 27 JulSalary Brook LNRJoin the Ranger for a morning pond dipping at Salary Brook and help us discover what creatures hide under the surface. A family orientated event but all welcome to help us record what we find.
Wed, 27 JulLocation to be confirmed - book for detailsJoin Essex Moth Group for their first trapping session here. With this site being ancient woodland with grassland, marsh and estuary habitats nearby we hope to find some interesting species!
Sat, 06 AugColchester CemeteryMeet the Ranger and join the led walk around Colchester Cemetery identifying different bats. The evening will include crossing the road and taking a look at bat activity over the lake at Bourne Valley.
Wed, 10 AugLexden Springs Local Nature ReserveA small reserve, but with many different habitats.
Sun, 14 AugJames Carter RoadCome and see how this site has developed into a wildlife haven; a far cry from its former refuse site beginnings.- Sun, 21 AugHilly Fields LNRJoin Dougal Urquhart looking at summer insects, birds and flowers in this attractive local nature reserve.
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.