Summer field trips 2026
Programme of Summer Field Trips 2026
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 parking we encourage members to car-share.
If you require a lift or are prepared to car-share, please contact Clare Shaw 07827 867188 who will add you to the Society’s WhatsApp group. Guidelines are on the contact page.
Please bring a packed lunch for all the 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 co-ordinators:
Mike Warren: 07777 668769
Clare Shaw: 07827 867188
Steve Porter: 07480 254917
Monday 11th May: Warblers walk at Tilberthwaite with Peter Moreton
Start 10.00 am . Meet at the car parking area just off the Ambleside to Coniston road located between the two roads which go into Tilberthawaite from the south. Grid ref SD 313 997; what3words: ///sinkhole.recur.snake.
Bird species expected: Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Cuckoo, Peregrine plus the more common species.
The plan is to start at this meeting point and then go on to Hodge Close quarry parking area from which we can do a circular walk of about 2 to 3 miles. Walking on rough track so boots/walking shoes needed. Some modest climbing/descending. The walks can be as long or as short as people want to make it.
Wednesday 10th June: Wet Sleddale and Shap Wells with Chris Winnick
Meet 10.30 am in the carpark adjacent to the reservoir at Wet Sleddale. Finish by 2.30pm.
At the first site will be looking in particular at birds and butterflies, and after a packed lunch at Wet Sleddale we will move on to the Red Squirrel site at Shap Wells. NOTE: Wellie boots / waterproof boots may be needed at Wet Sleddale.
Grid ref: NY 55457 11418; what3words: ///newly.contemplate.habits
Trip co-ordinator: Mike Warren.
Wednesday 17th June: North Walney for wildflowers and birds with Steve Porter
Meet 10.30 in the West Shore car park at Earnse Point. This will involve a walk of two to three hours, so bring a packed lunch.
Grid ref: SD 172 699; what3words ///spell.tasty.post
Trip co-ordinator/Steve Porter
Monday 29th June: Arnside Swifts with Peter Moreton
Meet at the Educational Institute car park at 8:30 pm. This is weather dependent but will only be cancelled if wet. Will consist of a walk of about a mile or so.
Grid ref: SD 45735 78778; what3words: //////denoting.info.tutored
Trip co-ordinator: Mike Warren
July evening, Latterbarrow for Wildflowers with Steve Porter
This will be very weather dependent, so the date will be announced with a week’s notice. Look out for emails about this.
Saturday 4th July: Helsington Barrows orchids with Richard Bate
Meet 10.30am at Helsington church
This is a walk of about 7 kilometres – to the ‘Mushroom’ and back on Scout Scar including lunch break. Approximately 120 metres of elevation from start to finish. Grassland and varying limestone terrains – manageable for most unless distance, elevation or insecurity underfoot is an issue.
Grid ref: SD 48855 88971; what3words: ///shins.risk.cling
Trip co-ordinator: Mike Warren
Tuesday 7th July: Whitbarrow for butterflies & woodland management with Chris Winnick
Meet 10.00 at the 'Dog Kennels' adjacent to the entrance to Oversands School (formerly Witherslack School), for a walk around Witherslack and Howe Ridding Woods. We hope to see at least three types of Fritillary and many other species of butterfly. We will also look at the management of these two contrasting woods.
Packed lunch needed plus suitable outdoor clothes and footwear.
Grid ref: SD 43706 85979; what3words: ///fresh.diverting.vegans
Trip co-ordinator: Mike Warren
Wednesday 29th July: Moth trapping in Silverdale with David Talbot
Meet at 10am at 10 St John's Ave (David’s house). Moth traps set on the previous evening will be opened, with additional moths from Pete Stevens/Brian Hancock from their traps. Street parking locally but lift sharing would be good. Finishing around midday. Depending on weather there may be the option of a short dusk walk same day with Brian to Hyning Woods for the rare Netted Carpet Moth.
Grid ref: SD SD 46386 75253 (approx); what3words: ///shady.lime.lecturers
Trip co-ordinator: David Talbot
Wednesday 12th Aug: Waitby Greenriggs wildflowers with Lynne Farrell
Meet 10am on the road bridge by access to Waitby Greenriggs. We will have a short walk through this small reserve (up to a mile and a half) to see the Marsh helleborines and other late orchids. There might be the possibility of Scotch Argus butterflies, though these are mainly seen at nearby Smardale. Note that there are very steep steps at the start, and the possibility of some bumpy ground. There is only parking here for about 5 cars so please lift share or arrange for shared transport from the largish CWT car park for Smardale Gill, at NY 742 083; what3words ///crispier.quench.snack. Shared transport can be arranged through the carshare WhatsApp group.
Booking is essential as the trip is limited to 20. To book your place please email: adnhssecretary@gmail.com
Grid ref: NY 75666 08581
Trip co-ordinator: Clare Shaw
Friday 18th September, Levens Bridge bats with Gail Armstrong
Meet at 7.15pm in lay-by at side of A6 slip-road, just north of bridge at Levens Bridge.
We will walk along the river where a range of bat species are likely to be flying. Bring a head-torch, and a bat detector if you have one. Some bat detectors will be provided. The walk will last approximately an hour and a half.
Grid ref: SD 495854; what3words///rehearsed.onions.plot
Trip co-ordinator: Mike Warren