The start of meteorological winter, December is a month of short days and precious little greenery to brighten the countryside. There is, however, still plenty of birdlife to look out for.

Read our guide ‘What to look out for in December’ by following this link

WINTER WILDLIFE TALKS PROGRAMME

Tursday Decemebr 7th – The best of Britain: From Ardnamurchan to the Forest of Dean – Tom Mabbett, Naturetrek

In this talk, Tom will cover his favourite wildlife locations across the UK from the “Wild west” of Scotland to his local Forest of Dean. Appreciating what is close to home and on our doorstep has never been more important and Tom will also talk about some local wildlife discoveries and the joy and excitement of finding wildlife on your home patch, including an introduction to camera trapping.

A lifelong fascination with wildlife, a degree in Biology and extensive travel around the world encountering sharks, rays and too many birds and mammals to mention, followed by work at an environmental charity and then as grounds warden at WWT Slimbridge have given Tom a wealth of knowledge and experience which he puts to good use with Naturetrek. Since 2013, Tom has led over 50 of their tours around the world seeking out wildlife ranging from Hawfinches in the UK to Clouded Leopards in Borneo.

Each talk will be available online through Zoom (some may be available as recordings). Each talk costs £4 per device including booking fee. For dates, full details, including technical requirements and how to book, please follow this link.

GET CLOSER TO NATURE THROUGH ORGANISED EVENTS

Sat 9th December – Rushcliffe Wildlife WATCH GROUP

11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Meet at Rushcliffe Country Park Visitor Centre.

For young people between 8 and 12 years old who are interested in wildlife-related activities.  Meets monthly, on every second Saturday. Charge £3 per session.

WORK PARTIES

Our local nature reserves rely on volunteers to help maintain them, and organise regular work parties.  Planned parties for December are as follows:

Fri 1st              Skylarks                                   Gresham Marsh

Sat 2nd            Wilwell Farm Cutting

Sun 3rd            The Hook Reserve

Sat 9th             Wilford Claypit                        Meadow Park

Sun 10th          Skylarks                                   Sharphill Wood

Grizzled Skipper – Grange Farm Normanton on Soar

Sat 23rd           Springdale Wood

Details of times, etc. can be found in the Diary section of our website here, so if you have some spare time and energy please feel free to join in – you will be very welcome!

Don’t forget, you can find out more about what’s happening with nature in Rushcliffe by following us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SouthNottsWildlifeGroup

If you would like to contact us, send an email to southnottswildlife@gmail.com