Sika deer seen on visit to Arne
An avocet spotted on Brownsea Island
On the fourth Friday of each month the group visits a site of wildlife interest, mainly in Somerset, Wiltshire or Dorset, and usually starting at the chosen site at 10.30am, followed by an optional pub lunch. Details of each trip are emailed to group members in advance.
In the first half of 2024 the group enjoyed wonderful visits to Slimbridge in February to see an array of waders and and other wetland birds; Battlesbury Hill in May, mainly for wildflowers but also birds and butterflies; RSPB Arne in June where we searched in vain for sight of Dartford Warblers but we’re rewarded with sightings of other birds including some lovely sandwich terns; and East Woodlands in July where we saw lots of butterflies, despite it being a poor year for them.
Later in the year we visited the new Heal Rewilding project near Witham Priory in August looking for developing numbers of birds, butterflies and various mammals; then Langford Lakes, RSPB Ham Wall and RSPB Lake Radipole to see waders and wetland birds.
The group is full at present, but enquiries are always welcome in order to go on our waiting list.