South Lakes U3A Natural History Group

Meeting details

Summer (April to September)

Frequency	Twice a month
Time	2.00 pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays
Duration	2 hours
Location	Various field trip locations
Coordinators	Liz Hotchkiss & Linda Wood

Winter (October to March)

Frequency	Monthly
Time	1.45 pm
Duration	2 hours, on the second Wednesday
Location	Castle Street Centre
Coordinators	Liz Hotchkiss & Linda Wood

What we do

During the summer months i.e. April to September inclusive, our meetings are held outdoors at varying locations, twice monthly on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. We gather at the agreed venue at 2.00 and plan to finish at 4.00–ish. We meet whatever the weather.

Winter meetings, from October to March, are on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 2 pm, with refreshments at 1.45pm. Some members have opted to be winter members only.

We are all learning from each other; some members have a great wealth of knowledge and are happy to share. Our list of suggested topics is endless and we are looking forward to plenty of exploration and learning in the months ahead: do join us if you wish to learn or have expertise to offer – you will be very welcome.

It would be wise to check with Liz re field trips in case there have been changes or if you need more information.

Reports

November 2011

Toadstools from the fungal foray Our Field Trip in September, a “Fungal Foray”, was a great success.The weather was magnificent and the group gathered many specimens,mainly waxcaps, whilst walking over pasture land at member Jennifer Armitage’s farm. We had several experts with us who helped us with identification on our return to the Court Room, at the farm, plus tea and cakes.

So far we have enjoyed our first talk; a tour of the Outer Hebrides in June, with Tony Marshall; a pleasant escape on a wet Kendal afternoon. In November we look forward to Edward Mills talking about his woodland and at our Christmas gathering we will plan our future programme and members will make illustrated contributions.

We hope to have our first Field Trip to Edward Mill’s [Cumbria Woodland] Sales Bank Wood in April on either 11^th or 25^th; details later.

Our Winter Talk Programme for 2012 is:

11th Jan: Bees,wasps and hoverflies – mimicry exemplified
8th Feb: Golden Eagles . Neil Harnott . CWT
12th Mar: Cumbrian Orchids. Maurice Steel

Please contact Liz or Linda if you would like any further information or if you feel able to be one of our future speakers.

Liz Hotchkiss

July 2011

We have enjoyed our Field Days despite some poor weather and the fact that at Bassenthwaite the ospreys had decided to move nests just prior to our visit and so were off camera. We did see them through a telescope.

Also the Ladies Slipper Orchid had flowered much earlier than expected at Gaitbarrows Reserve and had rather withered in the two hottish days in late May just prior to our visit.

However wonderful orchids abounded at Waitby Greenrigs Reserve.

We still have a guided visit to Latterbarrow Reserve to look forward to in July and the Fungal Foray in September.

We have very much appreciated the input into the Field Trips programme from some of our members.

We should also be grateful if any members who do not intend to continue with the group could let us know.

Autumn/Winter Talk Programme

12^th October: The Outer Hebrides in June (Mr T Marshall of Kendal)
9^th November: Cumbria’s Woodlands - why wood is good (Mr Edward Mills)
14^th December: Christmas Gathering.

Please contact Liz or Linda should you need any further information.

Liz Hotchkiss