Events

Birdwatching Trip to Martin Mere 2009

Location: WWT Martin Mere Reserve, near Burscough, Lancashire
L40 0TA (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
Martin Mere is one of the best places in the north of England to see wildfowl. Watch, from the comfort and choice of ten lookout hides, internationally important numbers of ducks, geese and swans gathering in winter to form spectacular feeding flocks on flooded wetlands. Martin Mere is a first class, year-round, wetland wildlife attraction. Martin Mere Wetland Centre is also home to over 100 species of rare and endangered ducks, geese, swans, flamingos and beavers which adds to the interests of a visit. The North West Bird Watching Festival will be held at Martin Mere on the weekend we are visiting. This gives you the opportunity to view the latest digital and optical equipment, hear a range of guest speakers celebrating North West wildlife, visit a range of stands including outdoor clothing, birdwatching holidays, second-hand and new books, multimedia (DVDs, sounds, guides, CD Roms etc) and wildlife artists and photographers and learn the basics of photograph manipulation in a drop-in workshop throughout the day. To take advantage of the early hide access on that day we are leaving earler than usual.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity

Time: THIS TRIP WILL BE LEAVING THE DEPOT AT 5.30 A.M., MICHELIN AT 6.15 A.M. AND MARTIN MERE AROUND 3.20PM

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Bins and Boots Walk

Location: Westport Lake. The site is at Longport, Stoke-on-Trent and can be reached by taking the A5271 off the A500 D road.
Landranger: SJ858501
ST6 4SA (Google map)

This is a leisurely walk of up to two and a half hours led by an experienced local bird watcher.
The main lake at Westport Lake is the largest body of water in the city. Despite being within the heart of a major industrial conurbation, the site has over the years produced significant birds on a regular basis. It is an important overwintering site for many water birds. The conservation area at the back of the site is home to many species including kingfishers.
There is now a new Visitor Centre at Westport Lake. Toilet facilities are available.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.
Leader Jenny Wright

Time: 10.00 am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Indoor Meeting

Location: North Staffordshire Conference Centre/Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT

ST4 7NY (Google map)

Ian ROWLANDS
SCOTTISH ISLES
So many people enjoyed Ian's last talk that we decided to ask him back sooner rather than later.
His talk tonight is about the islands off the Scottish coast which are world-renowned for their stunning beauty and enchanting birds, plants and mammals. The stops on the journey will include: the geese of Islay; the sea eagles and whales of Mull; the machair corncrakes of the Uists; the seabird cities of St. Kilda; and otters and phalaropes on Shetland.
We look forward to a feast of wildlife this evening. Come and join us to hear a wonderful speaker.

SPONSORED BY PICTURE BOOK BOOKSHOP, LEEK www.leekbooks.co.uk

Time: 7.30 pm

Price: Group Member £2.50, Member Concessions £2.00, Non Members £4.00, Non-member concessions £3.50 and Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Indoor Meeting

Location: North Staffordshire Conference Centre/Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT
ST4 7NY (Google map)

Stephen MOSS
FROM AVOCET TO YELLOWHAMMER
Stephen Moss is a television producer, writer and broadcaster specialising in British wildlife, especially birds. He works at the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, where he has been responsible for many successful series, including Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Big Cat Diary, The Nature of Britain and Springwatch. Stephen writes a monthly column on birdwatching for The Guardian, and regularly contributes to BBC Wildlife, BBC Countryfile and Gardener's World magazines, Radio Four and Radio Five Live. We are fortunate that Stephen has agreed to visit us again, this time with a talk which explains the origins of British bird names.

SPONSORED BY ROBIN HOOD TRAVEL LTD. www.robinhoodtravel.co.uk

Time: 7.30 pm

Price: Group Member £2.50, Member Concessions £2.00, Non Members £4.00, Non-member concessions £3.50 and Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Birdwatching Trip to Tophill Low 2010

Location: Tophill Low, near Beverley, Yorkshire.
YO25 9RH (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
Tophill low is on Yorkshire Water land (north of Beverley) which is recognised as a site of specific scientific interest due to the richness of wildlife that flourishes in and around the reservoirs. There are 12 hides dotted around the reserve with great views over ponds, marshes and reservoirs.
Facilities include toilets and heated visitor centre. There are no catering facilities.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity

Time: All day

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Bins and Boots Walk

Location: Ford Green Nature Reserve, Smallthorne Stoke-on-Trent The reserve is situated on Ford Green Road next to Ford Green Museum.
Landranger SJ884516
ST6 1NG (Google map)

This is a leisurely walk of up to two and a half hours led by an experienced local bird watcher.
Ford Green Nature reserve is a large reserve adjacent to Ford Green Hall comprising lake, swamp, reedbed, trees and grassland. There is a wide variety of plant and birdlife present. The swamp surrounding the lake provides an ideal nesting habitat for many birds and waterfowl abound at the site.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.
Leaders: Janet & Eddie Wainscott

Time: 10.00 am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Indoor Meeting

Location: North Staffordshire Conference Centre/Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT
ST4 7NY (Google map)

John and Tracy LANGLEY
"HOW DO THEY DO THAT?" - The ins and outs of wildlife photography.
This talk reveals the stories behind many of the images accompanying the talk with tips for the audience on how to improve their own wildlife photography.
John and his wife, Tracy, have shared an interest in both wildlife and photography that stretches back over more than 20 years. More recently these two interests have come together and resulted in them forming a business specializing in all aspects of nature photography. Whilst they have travelled extensively in search of their subjects, much of their work still centres around British wildlife.
The presentation will be enjoyed by photographers and lovers of wildlife alike. Come and have an interesting pleasant evening with stunning images.

SPONSORED BY BENTLEY'S CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS Tel: 01782 811493, evenings 711420

Time: 7.30 pm

Price: Group Member £2.50, Member Concessions £2.00, Non Members £4.00, Non-member concessions £3.50 and Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Birdwatching Trip to Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve 2010

Location: Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, near Coventry
CV3 3GW (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
Brandon Marsh is a superb mosaic of open water, wetland and grassland which attracts a wonderful variety of wildlife. It is especially important for birds throughout the year. At the end of the nineteenth century the area was enclosed farmland with two small woodlands and small wetland areas in the flood plain of the River Avon. Today the landscape is totally different due to coal mining causing subsidence which led to the formation of "Brandon Floods", a large lake linked directly to the river, which first attracted wetland birds and birdwatchers to the site. Then from the 1950's to the 1980's quarrying creating further areas of open water and opportunities for wetland plants to colonise. Birdwatchers worked alongside the gravel company to enhance the area's wildlife value. In 1973 the importance of the site was recognised through its designation as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Then in 1981 Warwickshire Wildlife Trust entered into a formal agreement with the gravel company, and has worked in partnership with the volunteer group and the company to create the marsh of today. Quarrying ceased in 1989 and today all that remains is a superb wetland nature reserve.
Facilities include visitor centre, tea room, hides, toilets and a shop.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.

Time: All day

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Indoor Meeting

Location: North Staffordshire Conference Centre/Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT
ST4 7NY (Google map)

Keith OFFORD
SKYDANCERS
Keith has visited us many times and never fails to entertain and interest us.
Whilst Keith needs no introduction to our members he may not be as well known by general visitors to this site. Keith established a passion for birds at an early age, and a childhood of birdwatching led to a particular interest in birds of prey. He studied bird of prey hunting behaviour at university as part of his Zoology degree. Although primarily a field ornithologist, he is also a keen photographer and has a wealth of slides to illustrate his talks. Each title is a careful blend of science, anecdote and humour and will appeal to both novices and experts alike. If you have never heard Keith, come along and have a wonderful entertaining evening. Those who know him are delighted to welcome him back.

SPONSORED BY GARNERS GARDEN CENTRE www.garnersgardencentre.co.uk

Time: 7.30 pm

Price: Group Member £2.50, Member Concessions £2.00, Non Members £4.00, Non-member concessions £3.50 and Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Birdwatching Trip to Potteric Carr Nature Reserve 2010

Location: Potteric Carr Nature Reserve near Doncaster, Yorkshire
DN4 8DB (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
Potteric Carr is Yorkshire Wildife Trust's flagship nature reserve. Its wide range of habitats from open water and marsh to grassland and woodland, covering an area of about 500 acres, give it a rich diversity of wildlife. In addition, Potteric Carr's footpaths through attractive scenery make it an ideal venue for all kinds of visitors ranging from those who simply enjoy a walk in the outdoors to the nature enthusiast. Recent visits have given us excellent views of bittern and water rails. Facilities include a Field Centre with café where a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals are available. Toilets are available.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.

Time: All day

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Bins and Boots Walk

Location: Cotten Dell, Oakamoor. There is no parking within the reserve. Use the car park in Oakamoor which is approximately ¼ mile walk to the entrance of the reserve.
Landranger SK 053446 (car park)
ST10 3AB (Google map)

This is a leisurely walk of up to two and a half hours led by an experienced local bird watcher.
Cotton Dell combines a conifer plantation and broadleaf woodland with Cotton Brook winding its way through the middle. It is an ancient woodland nature reserve managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. On a visit in the spring you will be rewarded by the appearance of spring woodland flowers trying to make the most of the sunshine before the tree canopy closes in. This is also the best time to listen out for woodland birds. The stream is the focus for much of the wildlife and attracts dippers.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.
Leader Geoff Sales

Time: 10.00 am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Indoor Meeting

Location: North Staffordshire Conference Centre/Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT
ST4 7NY (Google map)

Jim ALMOND
A CENTURY AT VENUS POOL (Shropshire)
To quote Jim: "... a personal challenge to capture images of 100 bird species found on the reserve.
With a little effort, seeing 100 species during a typical year is a reasonable proposition; taking
photographs of the same number would certainly be a challenge. Find out if I made it and enjoy the
birds."
If you want a taste of Jim's beautiful photographs, look at his blog on http://shropshirebirder.blogspot.com/

Time: 7.30 pm

Price: Group Member £2.50, Member Concessions £2.00, Non Members £4.00, Non-member concessions £3.50 and Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Birdwatching Trip to Paxton Pits 2010

Location: Paxton Pits, Huntingdon.
PE19 6ET (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
Paxton Pits lies near Huntingdon and from a small nature reserve in the 1980s it has become a very popular reserve for birds and people. Birds, especially nightingales at this time of year, are the main source of interest for many visitors but throughout the summer, Paxton Pits is a buzz with insects, including butterflies, moths and dragonflies. It is also ablaze with wild flowers. The most shy group are mammals, many of which appear only before most visitors arrive or after they've gone. Bucking the trend, though, are otters which sometimes can be seen right through the day. Facilities include a visitor centre where refreshments including soup can be purchased. Toilets are available.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity

Time: All day

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Bins and Boots Walk

Location: Jackson's Coppice, Staffordshire Wildilfe Trust reserve, near Eccleshall. Meet in the car park.
Landranger SJ786301

This is a leisurely walk of up to two and a half hours led by an experienced local bird watcher.
Jackson's Coppice is an ancient semi-natural woodland which has over 20 species of trees most of which were planted in the 19th century. The coppice has a particularly good range of woodland birds to view. Most commonly observed are nuthatch, treecreeper, great spotted woodpecker, long tailed tit and marsh tit.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.
Leader Joyce Legge

Time: 10.00 am

Price: Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Indoor Meeting

Location: North Staffordshire Conference Centre/Medical Institute, Hartshill Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT

ST4 7NY (Google map)

Tony BATES
HARE AND OWLS
Paying us a return visit, Tony, chairman of Dorset Wildlife Trust, will devote the first part of his talk to the hare and the second to British owls.

Time: 7.30 pm

Price: Group Member £2.50, Member Concessions £2.00, Non Members £4.00, Non-member concessions £3.50 and Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) Free

Telephone: 01782 262082

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Birdwatching trip to RSPB South Stack 2010

Location: RSPB South Stack Cliffs, Anglesey
N25 7RX (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
Our main destination for the day is RSPB South Stack but if time allows we will pay a brief visit to see black guillemots in Holyhead harbour before going on the see auks and choughs on the sea cliffs. Enjoy a close-up view onto a wonderful cliff-side nesting colony. Guillemots, razorbills and puffins can be seen.
There is no RSPB provision at South Stack but the privately-owned and operated South Stack Kitchen (café) serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals is located adjacent to the reserve.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.

Time: All day

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk

Birdwatching Trip to Rutland Water 2010

Location: Rutland Water, near Oakham, Rutland.
LE15 8BT (Google map)

This is a coach visit organised by the North Staffs Group and open to any bird watchers or nature watchers.
This extensive reserve has a variety of habitats including three large lagoons providing suitable habitat for a wide variety of waders and wildfowl throughout the year. There are more than 10 hides.
Areas of willow scrub and young plantations attract warblers and other passerines. There are ancient hay meadows, small areas of ancient woodland and hedges which help to encourage species of wild flowers, butterflies and dragonflies that are rare elsewhere. Facilities include toilets and shop. Refreshments and hot drinks are available.
Generally the birdwatching coach trips are not suitable for children under 12, but exceptions may be made. Up to the age of 16 children should be accompanied by an adult.
If you are interested in taking part in our outside activities but do not have binoculars, we have three pairs to lend on a first come basis for the duration of the activity.

Time: All day

Price: Price to be announced.

Booking essential

Telephone: 01782 388316

E-mail: daylateuk@yahoo.co.uk