The SNS Calendar of events 2008

Use our calendar to plan your field meetings.
Hover over a date to find out what is on.
Click on field meeting dates to find details.

For families, school holidays and bank holidays are marked

No lianility is accepted for information on holidays from public information websites, the content of which is beyond our control
Field Meetings in GREEN School Holidays in GREY Bank Holidays in BLUE

Programme Secretary:    Juliet Hawkins, The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Sudbury, CO10 9NY
Tel
01787 247235 E-mail:  

This page is divided as follows, click to choose ...


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GENERAL INTRODUCTION & CONTACTS

Each year the Society aims to provide a series of field meetings for all members. The purpose of the field meetings is to encourage the further study of the natural history of the county and to record the flora, fauna and geology of some of its many special places. We also hope that the meetings provide a sociable day out with fellow naturalists in an enjoyable natural environment.
As ever, we try to organise a selection of events spread across the county, so that wherever you live, you will not have too far to travel to an event. However, gaps do exist so let me know where you'd like to visit and I'll see what we can do! If you'd like to lead or organise a walk or event yourself, please get in contact.
There are a number of other special interest groups with connections to the Suffolk Naturalists' Society. Whilst the SNS accepts no responsiblilty for arrangements at events led by other groups they do organise field meetings within their area of interest which may be of interest to SNS members. Therefore we do show them here if asked, the contacts for these groups are as follows:

Geology Group - Bob Markham (01394) 384525

Suffolk Moth Group - Tony Prichard (01473) 270047

Suffolk Ornithology Group (SOG) - Andrew Gregory (01473) 253816

Butterfly Conservation – Rob Parker ( 01284) 705476

Attendance at Field Meetings

  All members are welcome to attend the field meetings and to bring along guests to those meetings. Please bear in mind these few simple rules to help us to keep you safe and to make sure you have an enjoyable day.

  If you are attending, please telephone the leader beforehand to let them know you are coming. They will tell you where and when to meet and please give the leader a call if you subsequently cannot come on the trip – this is important.

  You should inform the leader of any health problems that may affect you during the day (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart conditions). The leader will advise you beforehand of how strenuous the day's activities will be.

  For all day trips you should provide your own picnic lunch. Toilet facilities may not always be readily to hand during the day but will be identified wherever possible.

  Most events take place over uneven terrain but if you wish to discuss wheelchair accessibility of any event, contact the leader. Dogs are not normally permitted, other than guide dogs.

  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who takes full responsibility for them.

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FIELD MEETINGS & OTHER EVENTS 2008

Please contact the event leader a few days in advance in order to confirm numbers attending and to receive details of where to meet on the day. Please also try and give the leader a call if you subsequently cannot come on the trip – this is most important.  Further guidance notes for those intending to participate in the field meetings are provided at the top of the page. Any changes to the program will also be posted immediately on our websites at www.white-admiral.co.uk or www.sns.org.uk
Don't forget also to use the calendar at the top of the page to quickly remind yourself of meetings coming up. Click on the meeting date to read the details and check for updated information.

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The Annual General Meeting
to be held on Wednesday April 16th 2008 at 7 pm
Holiday Inn, Ipswich
:

Venue Map


View Larger Map

1 Apologies for absence

2 Minutes of the 2007 AGM

3 Chairman's report - Joan Hardingham

4 Hon. Secretary's report - Adrian Knowles

5 Hon. Treasurer's report - Howard Mendel

6 Election of members to the Council

7 Any Other Business
Any members wishing to raise an item under AOB should have notifed the Hon. Secretary, in writing, not later than 7 days before the AGM. Matters raised during the meeting will be discussed at the chairman's discretion. The details of the AGM were published as usual on the Suffolk Nature Blog, the quickest way to get updates and news to our members, on February 19th 2008.

8 Members Presentations
Contact Adrian Knowles if you wish to make a 5-10minute presentation – tel 01206
271139 or adrian.knowles AT tesco.net

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SATURDAY MAY 10th ~ 10.30 am
BUTTERFLY SURVEY at ‘SALSABIL STUD ’,
Kettlebaston, nr Lavenham

Meet: park cars on concrete pad at side of minor road out of Kettlebaston Map ref: TL965505 (Landranger 155). Bring packed lunch.

Book with leader Rob Parker 01284 705476 or E-mail:

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SUNDAY MAY 18th ~ 10.00 am
DINGY SKIPPER SURVEYS in KINGS FOREST
A joint SNS / Butterfly Conservation Meeting


No previous experience necessary and an opportunity to participate in surveys at other sites on subsequent days. Appropriate training given for those not already familiar with Erynnis tages. Meet at the FC Kings Forest North Stow picnic site on the B1106 at TL825750.
Bring packed lunch. Further surveys will be conducted at RAF Barnham and Center Parcs, Elveden, probably on Wednesday 21st May & Saturday 24th May If you are able to assist, please contact leader Rob Parker 01284 705476 or E-mail: , before 16th May for further details.

SUNDAY MAY 18th ~ 11.30 am
OBSERVATIONS & RECORDS for the
NATURAL HISTORY of a SUFFOLK FARM

Milden Hall, Milden, nr Lavenham
with a FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATE WORKSHOP

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and recorders for a series of dates! Possibly over-ambitiously, Juliet Hawkins is hoping to pull together several years of observations and sporadic wildlife records into a bound ‘natural history of Milden Hall’ with commentary. Whilst typical of many Suffolk clayland farms, the various habitats (including ancient meadow CWS, hedges and ponds, field margins, recently planted woodland, neighbours’ ancient woodland SSSI) have all been sympathetically managed for wildlife for 20+ years. The more observations and the more different groups of wildlife covered, the more interesting, thorough and wideranging, the end snapshot of natural history can be. For more details see article in White Admiral 69.


The format of all these days will be to wander where you will, for as long as you wish, armed with hand-annotated farm map, to enjoy the farm wildlife, make observations and records that could be used in such a natural history. Each day a specialist will run an informal workshop on an issue to help naturalists develop their skills – this time it’s a freshwater invertebrate workshop, led by county recorder, Adrian Chalkley. Adrian will have a selection of live invertebrates caught from the ponds to look at, discuss, answer questions about; he will help identify insects brought in jam jars from your own ponds; and have some preserved, easily identified, invertebrates on display for which we need more county records and that people may well see in countryside ponds/streams.

Bring a picnic to eat in a meadow or by a pond.

Meet at Milden Hall car park, Milden (TL955461) Click here for a map of Milden Hall

Book with leader Juliet Hawkins 01787 247235 or E-mail: 

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SATURDAY JUNE 7 th ~ 21:30
NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT
West Stow Country Park

Joint SNS/Butterfly Conservation/Suffolk Moth Group meeting


Meet at Visitor Centre car park (minor road off A1101 between Lackford and Icklingham at TL801714). Map Ref: TL801704 (Landranger 155)

Bring torch, refreshments and warm clothing
Booking not necessary but enquiries to leader Tony Prichard 01473 270047
or E-mail:  or tony AT suffolkmothgroup.org.uk.

Children under 12 are not allowed due to health and safety restrictions.

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SUNDAY JUNE 22 nd ~ 11.30am
OBSERVATIONS & RECORDS for the
NATURAL HISTORY of a SUFFOLK FARM

Milden Hall, Milden, nr Lavenham

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and recorders for a series of dates! Possibly over-ambitiously, Juliet Hawkins is hoping to pull together several years of observations and sporadic wildlife records into a bound ‘natural history of Milden Hall’ with commentary. Whilst typical of many Suffolk clayland farms, the various habitats (including ancient meadow CWS, hedges and ponds, field margins, recently planted woodland, neighbours’ ancient woodland SSSI) have all been sympathetically managed for wildlife for 20+ years. The more observations and the more different groups of wildlife covered, the more interesting, thorough and wideranging, the end snapshot of natural history can be. For more details see article in White Admiral 69.


The format of all these days will be to wander where you will, for as long as you wish, armed with hand-annotated farm map, to enjoy the farm wildlife, make observations and records that could be used in such a natural history. Each day a specialist will run an informal workshop on an issue to help naturalists develop their skills.

Bring a picnic to eat in a meadow or by a pond.

Meet at Milden Hall car park, Milden (TL955461) Click here for a map of Milden Hall

Book with leader Juliet Hawkins 01787 247235 or E-mail: 

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 25th ~ 10.00 am
SILVER STUDDED BLUE SURVEY at RSPB MINSMERE
A joint SNS / Butterfly Conservation Meeting


Meet at the Ranger centre 200 m before the main RSPB car park.
Bring packed lunch.
Book with leader Rob Parker 01284 705476 or E-mail:

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WEDNESDAY JULY 2nd ~ 10.00 am
SILVER STUDDED BLUE SURVEY at RSPB MINSMERE
A joint SNS / Butterfly Conservation Meeting


Meet at the Ranger centre 200 m before the main RSPB car park.
Bring packed lunch.
Book with leader Rob Parker 01284 705476 or E-mail:

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TUESDAY JULY 8 th ~ 21:00
MOTH NIGHT at MILDEN HALL

Joint SNS / Suffolk Moth Group meeting

Meet at Milden Hall car park, Milden (TL955461) Click here for a map of Milden Hall
Bring torch, refreshments and warm clothing.

Book with Juliet Hawkins 01787 247235 or E-mail: 
Other enquiries to leader Tony Prichard 01473 270047
or E-mail:  or tony AT suffolkmothgroup.org.uk.

Children under 12 are not allowed due to health and safety restrictions.

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SUNDAY JULY 20th ~ 11.30 am
OBSERVATIONS & RECORDS for the
NATURAL HISTORY of a SUFFOLK FARM
Milden Hall, Milden, nr Lavenham

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and recorders for a series of dates! Possibly over-ambitiously, Juliet Hawkins is hoping to pull together several years of observations and sporadic wildlife records into a bound ‘natural history of Milden Hall’ with commentary. Whilst typical of many Suffolk clayland farms, the various habitats (including ancient meadow CWS, hedges and ponds, field margins, recently planted woodland, neighbours’ ancient woodland SSSI) have all been sympathetically managed for wildlife for 20+ years. The more observations and the more different groups of wildlife covered, the more interesting, thorough and wideranging, the end snapshot of natural history can be. For more details see article in White Admiral 69.

The format of all these days will be to wander where you will, for as long as you wish, armed with hand-annotated farm map, to enjoy the farm wildlife, make observations and records that could be used in such a natural history. Each day a specialist will run an informal workshop on an issue to help naturalists develop their skills.

Bring a picnic to eat in a meadow or by a pond.

Meet at Milden Hall car park, Milden (TL955461) Click here for a map of Milden Hall

Book with leader Juliet Hawkins 01787 247235 or E-mail: 

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SUNDAY 27 th JULY ~ 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
INVERTEBRATE STUDY DAY
for FAMILIES & INDIVIDUALS
At Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market

This event is part of the SNS’s biennial 2008 invertebrate drawing and photography competition is open to children and adult members of the general public, schools, SWT WATCH groups, other children’s’ groups and natural history societies, not just SNS members.

There will be a study session catching, identifying and drawing or photographing invertebrates on this mixed farm, in fields, woodland, ponds, ditches and pasture. Experts and enthusiasts will be on hand to help catch and identify the creatures on the farm – a sure way of getting into the winners category!

Equipment and identification books will be available – but if you have any please bring them.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to this event.
The accompanying adult will be entirely responsible for supervising youngsters activities while on the farm.

Alder Carr is a working farm with ditches, ponds, river, trees, and wild areas. There are poultry, Highland cattle and fruit and vegetable crops. Suitable areas will be indicated and are accessible with care and adult supervision. Please wear suitable tough outdoor clothing and footwear.

Meet at Alder Carr Farm, Needham Market TM091554. Easy parking available by the Farm Shop.

Booking with leader essential by Friday 25th July: Joan Hardingham 01449 721751 or Email: jfh AT hardingham.net

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SUNDAY AUGUST 17th ~ 11.30am
OBSERVATIONS & RECORDS for the
NATURAL HISTORY of a SUFFOLK FARM
Milden Hall, Milden, nr Lavenham
with a FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATE WORKSHOP

(workshop brought forward from Sept 21st)

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and recorders for a series of dates! Possibly over-ambitiously, Juliet Hawkins is hoping to pull together several years of observations and sporadic wildlife records into a bound ‘natural history of Milden Hall’ with commentary. Whilst typical of many Suffolk clayland farms, the various habitats (including ancient meadow CWS, hedges and ponds, field margins, recently planted woodland, neighbours’ ancient woodland SSSI) have all been sympathetically managed for wildlife for 20+ years. The more observations and the more different groups of wildlife covered, the more interesting, thorough and wideranging, the end snapshot of natural history can be. For more details see article in White Admiral 69.

The format of all these days will be to wander where you will, for as long as you wish, armed with hand-annotated farm map, to enjoy the farm wildlife, make observations and records that could be used in such a natural history. Each day a specialist will run an informal workshop on an issue to help naturalists develop their skills – this time it’s a freshwater invertebrate workshop, led by county recorder, Adrian Chalkley. Adrian will have a selection of live invertebrates caught from the ponds to look at, discuss, answer questions about; he will help identify insects brought in jam jars from your own ponds; and have some preserved, easily identified, invertebrates on display for which we need more county records and that people may well see in countryside ponds/streams.

Bring a picnic to eat in a meadow or by a pond.

Meet at Milden Hall car park, Milden (TL955461) Click here for a map of Milden Hall

Book with leader Juliet Hawkins 01787 247235 or E-mail: 

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21st ~ 11.30am
OBSERVATIONS & RECORDS for the
NATURAL HISTORY of a SUFFOLK FARM
Milden Hall, Milden, nr Lavenham

Freshwater Invertebrate Workshop will now take place on August 17th

Calling all wildlife enthusiasts, naturalists and recorders for a series of dates! Possibly over-ambitiously, Juliet Hawkins is hoping to pull together several years of observations and sporadic wildlife records into a bound ‘natural history of Milden Hall’ with commentary. Whilst typical of many Suffolk clayland farms, the various habitats (including ancient meadow CWS, hedges and ponds, field margins, recently planted woodland, neighbours’ ancient woodland SSSI) have all been sympathetically managed for wildlife for 20+ years. The more observations and the more different groups of wildlife covered, the more interesting, thorough and wideranging, the end snapshot of natural history can be. For more details see article in White Admiral 69.


The format of all these days will be to wander where you will, for as long as you wish, armed with hand-annotated farm map, to enjoy the farm wildlife, make observations and records that could be used in such a natural history. Each day a specialist will run an informal workshop on an issue to help naturalists develop their skills.

Bring a picnic to eat in a meadow or by a pond.

Meet at Milden Hall car park, Milden (TL955461) Click here for a map of Milden Hall

Book with leader Juliet Hawkins 01787 247235 or E-mail: 

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20 th ~ 7 pm for 7:30 pm start
AUTUMN MEMBERS EVENING
with
NORFOLK & NORWICH NATURALISTS' SOCIETY
at REDGRAVE & LOPHAM FEN NATURE RESERVE VISITOR CENTRE

Come along and meet naturalists from your neighbouring county – and exchange short presentations on what naturalists each side of the border is up to!

Light refreshments only.

Contact Adrian Knowles if you wish to make a 5-10minute presentation – tel 01206 271139 or email Adrian.knowles AT tesco.net

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GEOLOGY GROUP
FIELD MEETINGS 2008

For further information on Suffolk Naturalists’ Geological Group field meetings and on GeoSuffolk (Suffolk RIGS) contact:
Bob Markham, telephone 01394 384525
or visit www.geosuffolk.co.uk

Saturday April 26th ~ 10.30 am
Waveney Valley led by Tim Holt-Wilson


To see terrace remnants and other Pleistocene sites.

Meet at the lay-by on the A143 by Billingford ‘Horseshoes’, TM 165786.
Bringpacked lunch and stout footwear.

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Sunday May 18th ~ 2 pm
Thorpenesss and Aldringham


To see Norwich Crag deposits, beach features and building stones.

Meet at Thorpeness ‘pay and display’ car park (we shall stay there for 1-2 hours before moving on) TM 472595.
Wear stout footwear, some beach walking.

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Suffolk Geocoast mid-week field meetings

Monday July 28th ~ 2 pm
Bawdsey peninsula churches


To see local building stones. For further information see leaflet GeoSuffolk goes to Church in Suffolk Coastal by Dr Roger Dixon (downloadable from www.geosuffolk.co.uk).

Meet at Sutton Church, TM 307464.

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Tuesday July 29th ~ 2 pm
Dunwich Beach walk


to see Westleton Beds and Norwich Crag sand, and inland walk to see remaining buildings and building stones of old Dunwich.

For further information see leaflet Dunwich, ‘Suffolk’s lost city’ by Dr Roger Dixon and Caroline Markham (downloadable from www.geosuffolk.co.uk).

Meet in the car park by the fish & chip restaurant, TM 478707.
Wear stout footwear.

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Wednesday July 30th ~ 2pm
Easton Bavents


Beach walk to see Norwich Crag deposits and various sea defences.

Meet at the north end of Southwold Pier car park TM 513770.
Wear stout footwear.

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Thursday July 31st ~ 2.30pm
Bawdsey East Beach


To see Red Crag and London Clay; evidence of processes (sea defences and erosion).

Meet at the car park at the end of East Lane, TM 357401.
Wear stout footwear.

For further information on Suffolk Naturalists’ Geological Group field meetings and on GeoSuffolk (Suffolk RIGS) contact:
Bob Markham, telephone 01394 384525
or visit www.geosuffolk.co.uk