Colchester
Natural History Society
EVENTS
Indoor Meetings (Sep-April)
The Society now holds its indoor meetings Old Heath Community Centre in D’Arcy Road, Old Heath, CO2 8BB starting at 7.30pm. The Centre is at the eastern end of D’Arcy Road, close to Old Heath Road, which is the main road from town to Rowhedge – not far from the junction off to the Whitehall Industrial Estate. The hall itself only has parking for five cars and a disabled space but there is plenty of on-street parking too. The modern spacious hall, is energy efficient and warm with a fully functional kitchen for us to use, as well as toilets.
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 also recommended at appropriate times.
Tue, 30 AprOld Heath Community Centre30 Apr 2024, 19:30 – 21:30Old Heath Community Centre, D'Arcy Rd, Colchester CO2 8BB, UKYou 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, or you might wish to update members on a project that you are working on.
Wed, 01 MayWhalebone Inn/EWT Fingringhoe Wick01 May 2024, 17:30 – 21:00Whalebone Inn/EWT Fingringhoe Wick, Fingringhoe, Colchester CO5 7BG, UKSocial Tea at the Whalebone Pub in Fingringhoe followed by Nightingales and more! PRE-BOOKING VIA EVENTBRITE IS ESSENTIAL (see main details for link)
Sat, 04 MayMeet at Elmstead Market Car Park04 May 2024, 09:30 – 13:00Meet at Elmstead Market Car Park, Colchester CO7 7FH, UKA visit to this little-known Woodland Trust reserve, with a wide range of habitats, including meadows, riverbank, and woodland. BOOKING INFO in main event details
Multiple DatesMon, 06 MayMiddlewick Ranges, Colchester06 May 2024, 14:00 – 16:00Middlewick Ranges, Colchester, Middlewick Ranges, Colchester CO2 8QG, UKMonday afternoon walks during May. This is a chance to see the site for yourselves and to enjoy the rich wildlife associated with acid grassland whilst being serenaded by the songs of nightingales and skylarks.
Tue, 07 MayFriday Wood (but park at layby)07 May 2024, 10:00 – 13:00Friday Wood (but park at layby), Friday Wood, Colchester CO2, UKBOOKING DETAILS below - By early May, Nightingales and a range of other summer migrants should be singing their hearts out so this a good time to visit. Led by expert birder John Thorogood.
Sun, 12 MayLexden Springs Local Nature Reserve12 May 2024, 10:00 – 12:00Lexden Springs Local Nature Reserve, Spring Ln, Colchester CO3, UKJoin Carla Davis to look for Pignut, Harebell and Devil’s-bit Scabious along with a wide range of other species at this hidden gem of a site.
Sun, 19 MayHumberlands19 May 2024, 10:30Humberlands, Harwich Rd, Lawford, Manningtree CO11 2LP, UKSpring Walk arranged by kind invitation of CNHS members Tim & Jenny Francis. A fabulous unspoilt little valley with many protected species and different habitats. A hidden gem close to Lawford. BOOKING through Liz Cutting (see main details)
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.