Summer Field Trips 2023
Programme of Summer Field Trips 2023
In the event of adverse weather conditions, please refer to the website on the evening before the trip to see if it has been cancelled.
In the interests of reducing our carbon footprint, the protection of habitats and landscape and limited venue parking we encourage members to car share.
For anyone requiring transport or willing to offer a lift please contact us via the email address: arnsidenaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com
We will try to link those who may be able to car share. You will need to agree to share your email address/phone number with the car share driver/passenger to arrange pick-up times etc. You should agree costs between yourselves.
Please bring a packed lunch for all field trips and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Due to the sensitive nature of the sites no dogs are allowed on any of these walks
Members and friends attend the field trips at their own risk and the Society cannot be held responsible for any accidents or incidents.
Contact details for trip coordinators / leaders
Mike Johnson 07540 767744
Alison McLeod 07473 049220
Paul Trowell 01539 564096
John Webb 01524 701497
Chris Winnick 01539 728254
Tuesday 25th April 2023: Birdwatching field trip to Aldcliffe
Meet at the end of New Quay Road, Lancaster, Grid ref SD458617, what3words ///poems.design.penny at 8.15am.
We will then follow the pedestrian/cycle track past Freemans Pools to the lane from Aldcliffe village. This track is tarmacadam and suitable for wheelchairs. Whilst it is possible some members would want to return along the track, it is proposed that the main party returns via the public footpath along the embankment between Aldcliffe Marsh and the River Lune. The total distance is about 2.25 miles. We would return to the cars before lunchtime. There are no facilities on the route, which includes woodland, field, hedgerow, marsh, river, and pools, providing a variety of habitats for a range of birds. The end of April can be a good time for migrant species, some of which stopover around the Lune estuary.
For a longer day there is the option to visit another site after lunch, John will advise on the day. High tide (Morecambe) is 8.1 metres at 3.27pm.
Leader John Webb
Sunday 14th – Monday 22nd May 2023: Residential trip to The Chilterns
Fully booked.
Leader: Chris Winnick
Wednesday 24th May 2023: Ormsgill, Barrow Slag Banks
10.30am -12.15pm.
Meet at Grid ref SD192712 what3words///statue.rescue.noises. Parking at Slag Banks just off A590. Looking for butterflies, key targets small blue, common blue, dingy skipper.
Optional afternoon trip to Sandscale Haws, Grid ref SD 201 757 what3wordsmagazines.alike.tiredness
Leader: Chris Winnick
Sunday 28th May 2023: Mystery butterfly field trip
Booking is required direct with Chris Winnick. Please email chriswinnick@tiscali.co.uk or telephone 01539 728254. Please do not turn up if you have not booked.
Meet at 10.30am at the layby on the Kendal side of A684 off Junction 37 of the M6
Grid ref SD595 932 what3words///insist.perfect.replying. Please note if there has been rain on the days prior to the trip, wellies/waterproofs maybe required
Leader: Chris Winnick
Tuesday 6th June 2023: Haybridge Reserve
Meet at Haybridge car park at 10.00am for a walk. Grid ref SD 336 867 what3words ///conjured.cabbage.sticky
Brian Hancock and Helen Loxam (warden at Haybridge) will be setting moth traps the night before. We will look at the moth traps then walk around the woods and meadows in the morning followed by a walk along the boardwalks and bogs in the afternoon.
Species we hope to see: moths, butterflies, dragonflies, flowers, coral root orchid, ospreys, cuckoos, pied flycatchers and wood warblers.
Entry to Haybridge for members is free, but a donation is required from non-members.
Leader: Mike Johnson
Wednesday 14th June 2023: Lancaster canal trip (The Canal Trust)
Following on from our September indoor lecture we have arranged a boat trip along the canal to see the restoration work and visit the Stainton Aqueduct and Hincaster tunnel.
Booking essential as the trip is limited to 12. The cost is £10 per person payable on the day. The money is going to The Canal Trust.
To book your place please email: arnsidenaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com
Meet at the Crooklands Hotel, Milnthorpe at 9.45 am. Park in the overspill car park, The Canal Trust has agreement for us to use this site despite the signs. Post code LA7 7NW
Grid ref SD 534836 what3words///forklift.curvy.hazelnuts The trip will start at 10.00am and finish around 1.00pm.
Coordinator: Mike Johnson
Friday 23rd June 2023: Coldwell Parrock and Dick Fell reserve (Guard Hill Lane)
A guided walk around both reserves led by Bob Pickup and Lynne Farrell. There are many interesting features to note at both sites: varied flora and fauna specific to limestone, hedgerow creation & management, features of a varied limestone landscape, historical and economic use of the local environment, variation of grassland species as a consequence of management methods and much, much, more. Bob and Lynne will explain all on the day.
Meet at Coldwell Parrock at 10.00am. Park at Gait Barrows Grid ref SD478 775
what3words///bounded.clapper.cosmetic or look out for Bob or Mike at the gate opposite for car parking at Coldwell Meadows.
Lunch is scheduled for 12.00pm.
We will go to Dick Fell reserve, Guard Hill Lane at 12.45pm for a walk to last until approximately 2.00pm
Grid ref SD4723 7977 what3words///since.capillary.scope
Bob will give details of parking arrangements for Dick Fell reserve on the day.
Coordinator: Mike Johnson
Wednesday 28th June 2023: Waitby Greenriggs, Kirby Stephen
Waitby Greenriggs guided walk by Alan Gendle. 11.00am - 1.00pm Grid ref NY77 2088, what3words///unfilled.unwanted.panics. Post code CA17 4HA
Parking is restricted at the reserve entrance. Meet at Christian Head car park (next to the Grammar school) in Kirkby Stephen for 10.50am. We need to minimise the number of cars parking at the reserve, 4/5 cars can park on the roadside around the reserve however there is always the possibility that other people will be visiting the area.
We hope to see eight orchid species and a couple of orchid hybrids. This area was probably a hay meadow in the 1800’s. We hope to see typical hay meadow species and limestone grassland plants.
Booking is essential as the walk is limited to 15. To book your place please email: arnsidenaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com
Coordinator: Elaine King
Thursday 6th July 2023: Walk round Roudsea Wood and Mosses
Meet at 10.00am at Roudsea Wood car park Grid ref SD 3290 8267 what3words/// pricier.frocks.commuting
Woodland and wetland species including ospreys, large yellow sedge, herb paris, aspen and wild service tree, as well as butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles.
Wear suitable footwear for paths that may be muddy and in places rough.
The walk will take two-three hours.
Coordinator: Alison McLeod
Friday 21st July: Guided walk round Black Beck Wood, Bouth
Meet at 10.00am at Black Beck Wood, Bouth Grid ref SD 337 860 what3words///forehand.stunts.hype
Following on from our February indoor lecture by Edward Mills about the woodlands of Cumbria, Edward will lead a visit to his own wood near Bouth. He will explain how previous woodland management has shaped the area and how he now promotes bio-diversity. He will set moth traps the night before for us to examine.
Parking is limited, so please car share if possible. You should wear suitable clothing and footwear for a woodland walk along paths that may be rough or muddy in places.
The visit will take two - three hours.
Coordinator: Alison McLeod
Wednesday 2nd August 2023: Visit to Julia Piggott’s bee reserve at Brigsteer
Meet at Helsington Church Grid ref SD488 889 what3words///recent.wide.tigers at 10.00am
We will walk down the steep slope to Julia’s house for a talk on bees before walking to the meadow to see the bees and have a go at identifying the different species.
We will return to Julia’s house about 12.30pm/1.00pm for a cup of tea/coffee and lunch (bring your own). Please make a small donation for the visit.
Coordinator: Mike Johnson
Friday 18th August 2023: Guided visit RSPB Haweswater
10.00am meet at Naddle Farm, Haweswater Grid ref NY469 108 What3Words smarting.grad.miles
Welcome and an introductory talk about the progress of the 'rewilding' project, and hot drinks to be followed by a visit to the tree and plant nursery. The RSPB will then lead a guided walk round Swindale Valley to explain the restoration work being undertaken and the farming operation. This will take about two and a half hours. Those wishing to stay longer should bring a packed lunch and can then spend the afternoon exploring other parts of the Haweswater reserve.
Numbers are limited to 20 so booking is essential. To book your place please email arnsidenaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com
There is a requested £10 donation towards the RSPB's work at Haweswater from each person attending, payable on the day by cash or card.
For additional information about the reserve see:www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/haweswater-reserve
Coordinator: Alison McLeod
Wednesday 30th August 2023: Evening bat walk at Leighton Moss led by Gail Armstrong
Meet at Leighton Moss RSPB car park at 7.50pm. Grid ref SD 476 750 what3 words thread.giants.headrest. Bring a head-torch, and a bat-detector if you have one. Some bat-detectors will be provided. The walk will last approximately two hours.
Coordinator: Alison McLeod
Thursday 14th September 2023: Ashmeadow apples and history of Ashmeadow, Arnside
Meet at 10.30am at the end of Arnside Promenade /entrance to Ashmeadow (along from the Albion) Grid ref SD 453 786. What3words///illogical.describe.flasks
An exploration of Ashmeadow woodland, Arnside. This will be a stroll through the woodland with a trustee of the Barnes Trust, which is responsible for the care of the woodland and the neighbouring Crossfield Wood. They will talk about woodland management, dealing with the catastrophic storm damage of Arwen, and look at the continuing growth of a community orchard. Phil Rainford, orchards expert, and member of South Lakes orchard group will join us to give a talk on apples and orchards. The talk is due to last for approximately two hours. If you want to stay for your lunch and eat it in the walled garden, you are more than welcome
Leader: Basil Herwald
Tuesday 19th September 2023: South Walney Nature Reserve
A visit to view winter migrant birds, seals, butterflies, fauna and flora with Paul Trowell.
Meet at South Walney car park 9.45am Grid ref SD 215 620 what3words///stance.fried.wealth
High tide is 2.20pm so we can walk out to the hides to view the birds and seals. Entry is free for Wildlife Trust members but there is a charge of £3 for non-members.
Leader: Paul Trowell