HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA AND FLORA SOCIETY

AUTUMN/WINTER PROGRAMME 2023/2024

 

All meetings start at 7.30pm and are held at the Countryside Centre, Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon. Everyone is welcome: Members free, non-members/guests welcome on payment of £2 (refunded if you join on the night).

Thursday 19th October 2023 Strawberry Hill – 30 years in the making and where do we go from here? – Aidan Matthews and Chantelle Warriner

An Illustrated talk exploring the development of one of the richest areas of ex-arable land in the Wildlife Trust BCN area. Drawing on research and surveys carried out by interest groups, volunteers and external bodies, we will discuss the importance of the site and opportunities we have, as we look to move from tenants to landowners.

Thursday 16th November 2023 - Nature-friendly farming supporting fauna and flora to improve farmland – Martin Lines

Martin is a 3rd generation farmer based near St Neots, growing mainly arable crops on his family farm. For nearly 20 years he has been delivering environmental schemes to improve the environment. He is also the CEO of nature friendly farming network: a network of farmers across the UK who are trying to improve biodiversity on their farms. Martin will talk about how fauna and flora play an important role in our farming system.

 

Thursday 7th December 2023 -   ‘Members Christmas Evening’ 

Please bring some of your wildlife pictures on a disc or memory stick to show as well as specimens etc. Get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy some time to chat and socialise. There will also be a raffle & quiz.

 

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMME 2023


Sunday 23rd April                            2.30pm            Crown Lakes, Farcet

Leader: Barry Dickerson

The site was transformed back in 1997 by landowners O. & H. Hampton who have brought the site, from derelict land left over from the brick workings to what it is today. The park, covering 85 acres, can be found on the southern outskirts of Peterborough near the village of Farcet. Take Junction 16 when travelling north on the A1(M) and follow London Road/A15 and then Broadway/B1091. Take a turning on the left for Haddon Way and the car park is at Grid reference: TL198946, Postcode PE7 3AZ.


Sunday 14th May                              2.30pm            Archers Wood

Leader: Peter Lake

Archers Wood, near Sawtry, is owned by The Woodland Trust and covers 46 acres. It is a wet Ash/Field maple and Pedunculate oak/Hazel type woodland (NVC type W8). It also notably contains large number of Wild Service trees. Look out for its display of bluebells and other spring flowers. Directions: Leave the A1 at junction 15. At the roundabout take the first exit, and continue along Toll Bar Way, then turn right at the T-junction, signposted Coppingford. Continue until you see the wood on the left. Parking is in the laybys near the junction of St. Judith's Lane. Grid reference: TL172813


Sunday 11th June                            2.30pm           Madeleine's Patch Conservation

Leader: Steve Parnell/Barry Dickerson

Madeleine's Patch Conservation: creating new habitats to support increasingly threatened resident and migratory species - bees and butterflies will flourish on wildflower margins, otters and water voles in the ditches and reptiles and newts will shelter in newly created hibernacula - a place where these creatures can seek refuge, especially where such features are absent, or where traditional hibernation and refuge sites have been degraded. Parking available is in the yard at Greenwillows Farm, First Turf Fen Drove, Warboys PE28 2TZ. Grid reference: TL317821

 

Sunday 16th July                             2.30pm            Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve

Leader: Stuart Irons

Swaddywell Pit Nature Reserve was originally owned by Charles Rothschild in the early 20th century and earlier in history it was made famous by the poet, John Clare in two poems ("I love thee Swordy Well"). This much maligned site (previously a quarry, refuse tip and race track) has been restored by the Langdyke Trust and is now rich with plants and insects during the Summer months. From the A1(M), take the A47 turning east and then take the turning north (Langley Bush Rd) towards Upton and stay on this road until you reach a crossroads. Turn right at the crossroads and the site is on the left (Stamford Stone).

Grid reference: TF115031

 

Sunday 13th August                         2.30pm            Grafham Water Lagoons    

Leader: Mike Drew/Catherine Keating

Grafham Reservoir was created in 1965 to provide people with drinking water and was immediately colonised by wildlife. The nature reserve surrounds the western side of the reservoir and contains ancient and plantation woodlands, grasslands and wetland habitats such as reedbeds, willow and open water. We will be surveying the lagoons on the edge of the reservoir. Directions: From the A1, take the turning west from the Buckden roundabout onto the B661 to West Perry. The car park (Plummer) is on the right, next to the reservoir.

Grid reference: TL162666

Sunday 17th September                  2.30pm            Hinchingbrooke Country Park  

Leader: Sam James/Gordon Wyatt

Hinchingbrooke Country Park covers 170 acres of open grasslands, mature woodland and lakes. All three species of British woodpecker can be seen here, along with nuthatch and marsh tit. Meet and park in the lower car park used for the winter programme of talks at

Grid reference: TL220716, next to the Countryside Centre if spaces are available.


Sunday 15th October                       2.00pm            Gamlingay Wood

Leader: Alan Robbins

Gamlingay Wood is a Wildlife Trust ancient woodland, rich in flora and insects. From the A428, take the B2040 turning at Eltisley to Waresley. Just after leaving Waresley, there is a track to the left which takes you to the parking by the wood. Grid reference: TL241537


When attending Field Meetings please wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for the site conditions and weather. For further information about the summer programme please contact either Peter Lake on 01763-261554 or Barry Dickerson on 01480-475689.

For further information about the Society please go to www.hffs.org.uk.


DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAMME AS A PDF
 

 

 

FEBRUARY MEETING

The February meeting will take place on Zoom at 7.30 on 17th February when Brian Eversham will talk on "Wildlife Recording in Changing Times" This wide ranging talk brings a bit of history of recording, landscape history and climate change and draws on examples from most groups of wildlife, to offer something for everyone. Brian will also go into recent work recording local elms and goldilocks buttercups.

Please contact Peter Lake to join the meeting on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY

WINTER PROGRAMME 2021-2022

Dates of forthcoming meetings:

14th October - Air Pollution and its Effects on Wildlife – the Answer is Blowing in the Wind by Gordon Wyatt

18th November - All you would like to know about bats by Aidan Matthews, of the Wildlife Trust.

As well as being the West Cambridgeshire Reserves Manager for the Trust, Aidan is an active member of the Bedfordshire Bat Group and is on their Committee as the National Bat Monitoring Programme Co-ordinator and the trainer for roost visits. He will share his extensive knowledge about this fascinating group of mammals and the many and varied species that are found in our local area. He will also demonstrate some of the technology that is used for monitoring bats.

2nd December - Christmas meeting. Details to be announced near the time, so we comply with the latest Covid advice.

20th January - TBA

17th February - TBA

26th March - Annual General Meeting

All meetings will be at the Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Kestrel Room and will begin at 7.30pm

Conditions:

We have taken advice from various organisations and the NHS. We are therefore applying the following at our winter (indoor) meetings.

We ask that you only attend if you have been double vaccinated and also ask that you wear a cloth face mask during the meeting. Clear visors are not acceptable. These are frowned upon by the National Health Service because they do not restrict air flow around the nose and mouth. The doors and windows will be open to allow circulation of air throughout the room. It is probable that the room will be cold with the air circulating, so wear adequate clothing to keep yourself warm. Chairs will be spaced apart, but couples who live together can move the chairs next to each other. There will not be any refreshments served after the meeting, so if you think you might need a drink please bring your own. You will be asked to leave the meeting as soon as possible after the talk has finished, so please minimise getting together in groups, especially indoors. 

Do not attend the meeting if you have received a positive Covid test within two weeks of the meeting. Do not attend the meeting if you have any symptoms that could relate to Covid: Headache, Sore throat, Continuous Cough, loss of taste or smell, a high temperature or generally feeling unwell. 

At present we will see how well the October meeting is attended  and depending on how good the turnout is we will decide if we should continue with the following meetings. If the following meetings go ahead they will be subject to change, even at short notice, because the Covid and possible Flu situation can change rapidly. We want to keep members as safe as possible, so we will follow the latest guidelines issued at the time of each meeting. 

If Barry does not have your e-mail address please send it to him as soon as possible. We cannot send a letter by post to those who have not supplied an e-mail address to update you every time the situation changes. We will endeavor to keep the website up to date as far as is reasonably possible, so you can keep up to date with any changes in the situation. Barry can also be contacted by phone on 01480-475689.

 

JANUARY MEETING

Our next meeting is on 20th January at 7.30pm. We are planning to hold this meeting by Zoom. If you have not used Zoom before enter the word 'Zoom' into your search engine and you should get the statement to 'Download Zoom'. Follow the on screen instructions and an Icon will appear on your desktop. When you want to join the meeting a link will be sent to you via e-mail. All you need to do is to click on the link and you should be connected automatically.

The title and subject of the talk is below:

Protecting and Enhancing Wildlife across the East of England by Mike Drew

Anglian Water own and manage 49 SSSIs including 10 major sites, of which Grafham Water is one. Mike will be talking about their work across the region, from North Lincolnshire to Colchester, including the Nightingale, Pool Frog and Osprey projects, and how they work in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts to protect and enhance wildlife.

The talk will start at 7.30pm. Further instructions will be sent with the link to the talk.

Peter has asked if you could tell him if you plan to attend the meeting, so please send an e-mail to him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Stuart would also like to remind you that subscriptions are now due. For a list of subscription rates please see the HFFS web site at www.hffs.org.uk. If you do not have Stuart's postal address to hand please get back to me or refer to last year's Annual Report.

With reference to the Annual Report I still have many pages that require filling. Several regular reports have not been received at present from the County recorders, so I would be grateful to receive these as soon as possible and definitely before the end of the month. We are aware that field work was limited once again, but a couple of pages is better than nothing.

 

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY

WINTER PROGRAMME 2021-2022

Dates of forthcoming meetings:

14th October - Air Pollution and its Effects on Wildlife – the Answer is Blowing in the Wind by Gordon Wyatt

18th November - All you would like to know about bats by Aidan Matthews, of the Wildlife Trust.

As well as being the West Cambridgeshire Reserves Manager for the Trust, Aidan is an active member of the Bedfordshire Bat Group and is on their Committee as the National Bat Monitoring Programme Co-ordinator and the trainer for roost visits. He will share his extensive knowledge about this fascinating group of mammals and the many and varied species that are found in our local area. He will also demonstrate some of the technology that is used for monitoring bats.

2nd December - Christmas meeting. Details to be announced near the time, so we comply with the latest Covid advice.

20th January - TBA

17th February - TBA

26th March - Annual General Meeting

All meetings will be at the Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Kestrel Room and will begin at 7.30pm

Conditions:

We have taken advice from various organisations and the NHS. We are therefore applying the following at our winter (indoor) meetings.

We ask that you only attend if you have been double vaccinated and also ask that you wear a cloth face mask during the meeting. Clear visors are not acceptable. These are frowned upon by the National Health Service because they do not restrict air flow around the nose and mouth. The doors and windows will be open to allow circulation of air throughout the room. It is probable that the room will be cold with the air circulating, so wear adequate clothing to keep yourself warm. Chairs will be spaced apart, but couples who live together can move the chairs next to each other. There will not be any refreshments served after the meeting, so if you think you might need a drink please bring your own. You will be asked to leave the meeting as soon as possible after the talk has finished, so please minimise getting together in groups, especially indoors. 

Do not attend the meeting if you have received a positive Covid test within two weeks of the meeting. Do not attend the meeting if you have any symptoms that could relate to Covid: Headache, Sore throat, Continuous Cough, loss of taste or smell, a high temperature or generally feeling unwell. 

At present we will see how well the October meeting is attended  and depending on how good the turnout is we will decide if we should continue with the following meetings. If the following meetings go ahead they will be subject to change, even at short notice, because the Covid and possible Flu situation can change rapidly. We want to keep members as safe as possible, so we will follow the latest guidelines issued at the time of each meeting. 

If Barry does not have your e-mail address please send it to him as soon as possible. We cannot send a letter by post to those who have not supplied an e-mail address to update you every time the situation changes. We will endeavor to keep the website up to date as far as is reasonably possible, so you can keep up to date with any changes in the situation. Barry can also be contacted by phone on 01480-475689.

 

HUNTINGDONSHIRE FAUNA & FLORA SOCIETY

WINTER PROGRAMME 2021-2022

Dates of forthcoming meetings:

14th October - Air Pollution and its Effects on Wildlife – the Answer is Blowing in the Wind by Gordon Wyatt

18th November - All you would like to know about bats by Aidan Matthews, of the Wildlife Trust.

As well as being the West Cambridgeshire Reserves Manager for the Trust, Aidan is an active member of the Bedfordshire Bat Group and is on their Committee as the National Bat Monitoring Programme Co-ordinator and the trainer for roost visits. He will share his extensive knowledge about this fascinating group of mammals and the many and varied species that are found in our local area. He will also demonstrate some of the technology that is used for monitoring bats.

2nd December - Christmas meeting. Details to be announced near the time, so we comply with the latest Covid advice.

20th January - TBA

17th February - TBA

26th March - Annual General Meeting

All meetings will be at the Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Kestrel Room and will begin at 7.30pm

Conditions:

We have taken advice from various organisations and the NHS. We are therefore applying the following at our winter (indoor) meetings.

We ask that you only attend if you have been double vaccinated and also ask that you wear a cloth face mask during the meeting. Clear visors are not acceptable. These are frowned upon by the National Health Service because they do not restrict air flow around the nose and mouth. The doors and windows will be open to allow circulation of air throughout the room. It is probable that the room will be cold with the air circulating, so wear adequate clothing to keep yourself warm. Chairs will be spaced apart, but couples who live together can move the chairs next to each other. There will not be any refreshments served after the meeting, so if you think you might need a drink please bring your own. You will be asked to leave the meeting as soon as possible after the talk has finished, so please minimise getting together in groups, especially indoors. 

Do not attend the meeting if you have received a positive Covid test within two weeks of the meeting. Do not attend the meeting if you have any symptoms that could relate to Covid: Headache, Sore throat, Continuous Cough, loss of taste or smell, a high temperature or generally feeling unwell. 

At present we will see how well the October meeting is attended  and depending on how good the turnout is we will decide if we should continue with the following meetings. If the following meetings go ahead they will be subject to change, even at short notice, because the Covid and possible Flu situation can change rapidly. We want to keep members as safe as possible, so we will follow the latest guidelines issued at the time of each meeting. 

If Barry does not have your e-mail address please send it to him as soon as possible. We cannot send a letter by post to those who have not supplied an e-mail address to update you every time the situation changes. We will endeavor to keep the website up to date as far as is reasonably possible, so you can keep up to date with any changes in the situation. Barry can also be contacted by phone on 01480-475689.