Winter Field Excursions 2022-23
In the event of adverse weather conditions, please refer to the website on the evening before the trip for an update.
In the interests of reducing our carbon footprint, the protection of habitats and landscape and limited venue parking we encourage members to car share. Anyone requiring transport or willing to offer a lift please contact us via the email address: arnsidenaturalhistorysociety@gmail.com and 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 the transport costs between you.
Please bring a packed lunch for field trips.
No dogs are allowed on any of the walks except assistance dogs.
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 co-ordinators:
Mike Johnson: 01524 761450 or 07540767744
Alison McLeod: 01524 702861 or 07473049220
Pete Moreton: 07866 668970
Clare Shaw:07827 867188
Pete Stevens: 01524 733931 or 07933292182
Saturday 15th October 2022
Fungi of Haybridge
Meet at Haybridge at 10.30am (SD336 876) (what3words///conjured.cabbage.sticky)
Two-mile guided walk around Haybridge - Helen Speed.
We estimate the walk to take three hours so bring a packed lunch and maybe have a walk around reserve in the afternoon.
Entry to Haybridge is free for members. Non-members are expected to make a donation on the day.
Society leader/Contact - Mike Johnson: 01524 761450 or 07540767744
Tuesday 22nd November 2022
Trip to Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetland Centre
Leave Arnside 8.00am arrive 10.00am Walk of about three miles
High tide: 11.50am to see wading birds from hides.
Leave Caerlaverock 4.00pm arrive Arnside 6.00pm
Coach travel booked for those who have confirmed attendance.
Please contact Mike Johnson (07540 767744) to reserve a place if not already confirmed attendance.
Society leader/Contact - Mike Johnson: 01524 761450 or 07540767744
December 2022
A half-day walk around either Coldwell Meadow or Gait Barrows to look for brown hairstreak butterfly eggs - Lynne Farrell
Date and time to be confirmed nearer the time and will be weather-dependent.
Society leader/Contact - SB
Wednesday 14th Dec 2022
Pre-Christmas lunch and local walk
Mosses of Silverdale area - Clare Shaw
Meet at 9.30am at the Silverdale childrens playground , cove road. Clare will take us on a walk in eaves wood , aim to be back at the cars for 12.15.
please wear walking boots.
Christmas lunch at Silverdale Hotel, 12.30pm for 1.00 pm.
(We will send booking information to members via email in November)
Society leader/Contact - Clare Shaw:07827 867188
Monday 23rd January 2023
Knott End, River Wyre Estuary - Pete Stevens
Start point Knott End car park 10.30 am (SD 3464 4842)
(what3words///fairy.mere.variances) The walk is four miles.
High tide is about 12.15pm and it’s one of the highest of the month. We will spend the first hour (approx) around the mouth of the estuary, looking for birds on the incoming tide and the lower section of the river.
We will then lead a walk of about four miles maximum. This is a circular walk starting and finishing at Knott End car park. The walk follows the river Wyre south to Barnaby’s sands – a salt marsh which should be good for waders on the high tide. The route then doubles back and turns inland (by a large green gate) over low lying farmland, to return to Knott End.
If you lose the group, please make sure on the way back, at Hackensall Hall you check the Wyre Way signpost and follow the sign for Knott End.
In winter this area is good for flocks of waders – lapwing, dunlin, redshank, golden & grey plover, black & bar tailed godwit, curlew etc. A variety of duck species should be on the river or the lakes at Preesall. Raptors can include kestrel, sparrow hawk, peregrine and buzzard. Flocks of twite and smaller numbers of snow bunting could also be about. The area hosts barn, tawny and little owl, and in winter occasional short eared owl. Winter thrushes and the usual suspects (finches, tits etc) should also be seen.
There are toilets (20p per visit) in the car park and a café near the ferry point. The café is open 9.30am – 4.00pm.
Society leader/Contact - Pete Stevens: 01524 733931 or 07933292182
Friday 3rd February 2023
Roudsea Wood and Mosses
Start at Roudsea Wood car park at 10.15am (SD 3290 8267)
(what3words ///pricier.frocks.commuting)
At 10.30am Glen Swainson, senior ranger with Natural England, will lead a guided walk focussing on bog and fen restoration, woodland management and dormouse monitoring and management.
The guided walk, about two miles, will last until lunch time. If you want to stay longer bring a packed lunch and explore in the afternoon.
Society leader/Contact - Alison McLeod: 01524 702861 or 07473049220
Thursday 23rd February 2023
Mosses of Silverdale area.
Clare Shaw will lead a walk to discover and identify the mosses of the Silverdale area.
Meet at Eaves Wood National Trust car park on Park Road opposite The Row at 9.30am.
Map reference SD47177475848 What3Words: dosed.dented.newsreel
If you are planning to attend it would be helpful if you could bring a hand lens to help with identification, Clare will bring a few spares.
Please wear warm clothes and walking boots and beware of slippery ground. Bring snacks and a hot drink if you like we aim to finish by 1pm.
Thursday 23rd March 2023
Southport beach and RSPB Marshside - Pete Moreton
The walk is about three miles.
This trip includes a visit to the wader high tide roost at Southport beach (am) followed by a visit to the Marshside RSPB reserve (pm).
At the RSPB reserve we hope to see returning avocets as well as other waders and geese. We may be lucky to see hen harriers patrolling the shore.
Meet at Birkdale golf course. There is a public car park (no charge) overlooking the club house (take the left-hand branch to the road leading to the club house).
Start at the car park at 10.00am (SD318 143), (PR8 2 LX),
(what3words ///hairspray.circles.limo)
Society leader/Contact - Pete Moreton: 07866 668970 / Mike Johnson: 01524 761450 or 07540767744