Events Programme
JANUARY-MAY 2007

Sunday 21 January
WASSAILING at Willsbridge Mill, 2 - 5pm. Join the lively ceremony to revive this long lost local tradition to ensure a good fruit harvest the following season. Help us plant more fruit bushes in the Wild Waste Garden. Make instruments and lanterns for our procession to wake the orchard up. Fruity trails, orchard games, home made apple refreshments. Ffi 0117 932 6885.

Thursday 25 January
YACWAG (Yatton & Congresbury Wildlife Action Group), talk by Trevor Riddle. Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle, 7.30pm. Members £1, Non-members £2, Children under 16 free. (WsM)

CRETE – ITS PEOPLE, HISTORY AND WILDLIFE, illustrated talk by Les Cloutman. Millennium Hall, Chew Magna, 7.45pm. (CV)

Friday 26 January
A SOUTH AFRICAN FLORAL SAFARI, illustrated talk by Geoff & Joyce Schaffer. United Reformed Church Hall, Woodhill Road, Portishead, 7.30-9.30pm (P)

Saturday 27 January
DESERT ISLAND BIRDS, illustrated talk by Stephen Moss, series producer at BBC Natural History Unit, followed by Buffet Supper. St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury, 7.30pm. (T)

Sunday 28th January (start 10am)
SEVERN WONDERS EVENT - Birds and the importance of the salt marsh
Contact Richard Aston for details – Tel: 01454 863725 / email Richard.Aston@southglos.gov.uk

Tuesday 30 January
SOUTHWOLD QUIZ NIGHT at The Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Please bring your own nibbles and drinks. Tea/coffee available in break. To book a place for your team of four (£6, all proceeds to wildlife conservation) contact Malcolm on 01454 310328. (S)

Friday 9 February
HEDGES, WOODLAND & BATH ASPARAGUS by Dr David Hill, a local botanist. St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Bristol Road, Keynsham, 7.30pm. Refreshments and Bring & Buy Books. Adults £2, Non-members £3, Children £1. (K)

Tuesday 13 February
ROCK-CRESS AND ROPES with Libby Houston who has been studying rare plants of the Avon Gorge for 20 years. Bristol Zoo Gardens, 7 – 8 pm, £3. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book. Venue accessible to wheelchair users and hearing loop in place.

Wednesday 14 February
WOODLAND MANAGEMENT OF NORTONS WOOD (part of Clevedon Court Estate), illustrated talk by Fred Quinney. Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, 7.30pm. Members £1, non-members £2. (C)

Thursday 15 February
WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY – IT’S WILDLIFE AND STEAM TRAINS, illustrated talk by David Bailey. Royal British Legion, Long Ashton, 7.30 pm. (LA)

Wednesday 21 February
BIRD’S EYE VIEW at Willsbridge Mill
Learn how to help our feathered friends. Activities include making bird boxes & feeders from sustainable materials and go on a bird walk through the reserve, so bring binoculars! 10am-12.30pm and 1.30- 4pm. Children £5.50 (members /conc £4) Adults free. £5 materials charge for bird boxes & feeders. Family drop-in event suitable for all ages.

THE WILDLIFE OF EAST AFRICA, illustrated talk by David Trump. United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea (opposite Somerfield Car Park) 7.45pm. Entrance £1.50 to include refreshments. (N)

Thursday 22 February
BIRD BOX BONANZA. A fun morning of bird related games and activities and in the afternoon you can make a nest box to take home for your garden. 10am – 3.30pm. £7.50 per child aged 8-12 years (need to bring a packed lunch). Meet at Bristol Zoo, booking essential. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book.

OTTERS OF THE SOMERSET LEVELS, presented by James Field, Trust staff member. Worle Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle, 7.30pm. Members £1, Non-members £2, Children under 16 free. (WsM)

GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE, illustrated talk by George Alway. Millennium Hall, Chew Magna, 7.45pm. (CV)

Friday 23 February
GRIZZLY BEARS IN ALASKA, illustrated talk by Oliver Smart, our Puxton Moor Reserve warden. United Reformed Church Hall, Woodhill Road, Portishead, 7.30-9.30pm (P)

Saturday 24 February
BIRDING AT CHEW VALLEY LAKE, 9am - 2pm. Minibus from Wellsway School, Keynsham at 9am or meet at Herriott’s Bridge 9.30am. Cost £5 including permits. Picnic lunch. Details from David Sage 0117 940 7968. (K)

IDENTIFYING MOSSES, LICHENS AND LIVERWORTS. Join expert Justin Smith 10am – 3.30pm, £15. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book.

Sunday 25 February
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR ON THE DOWNS. Inspiring winter walk with local author Geraldine Taylor 2 – 4pm, £3. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book

Friday 2 March
WATER VOLES OF NORTH SOMERSET, illustrated talk by James Field, Trust staff member. Old Bakery Annexe, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm. (T)

Saturday 3 March
JUMBLE SALE in Avon Way Hall, Portishead, 10.15am. Offers of help or collection of jumble, please ring 01275 373453. (P)

Sunday 4 March
SPRING WALK AT CROMHALL, led by Pauline Wilson. Stout footwear please. Meet Chipping Sodbury Clock 10am for car share. (S)

Friday 9 March
THE WILDLIFE OF ARNOS VALE CEMETERY, illustrated talk by Mary Wood, Trust staff member at St Dunstan’s Church Hall, Bristol Road, Keynsham, 7.30pm. Refreshments and Bring & Buy Books. Adults £2, Non-members £3, Children £1. (K)

Tuesday 13 March
PARADISE FOUND - the history and recent restoration of the enchanting landscape of Paradise Bottom, Leigh Woods by tree expert Tony Titchen. Bristol Zoo Gardens 7 – 8pm, £3. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book. Venue accessible to wheelchair users and hearing loop in place.

Wednesday 14 March
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE WESTERN ISLES OF SCOTLAND, illustrated talk by Helen Williams. Friends Meeting House, 126 Hampton Road, Redland, Bristol, 7.30pm. Members £1, non-members £2. (C)

Thursday 15 March
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, illustrated talk by photographer Phil Mugridge. Royal British Legion, Long Ashton, 7.30 pm. (LA)

Wednesday 21 March
THE AVON GORGE & DOWNS PROJECT, illustrated talk by Mandy Leivers. United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea (opposite Somerfield Car Park) 7.45pm. Entrance £1.50 to include refreshments. (N)

Thursday 22 March
A NATURAL WONDERLAND – THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, illustrated talk by Brian Cooke. Millennium Hall, Chew Magna, 7.45pm. (CV)

Friday 23 March
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE, illustrated talk by George Alway. United Reformed Church Hall, Woodhill Road, Portishead, 7.30-9.30pm (P)

Saturday 24 March
PICTURE PERFECT. Learn how to take great wildlife photographs with Ray Cottrell and members of the North West Bristol Camera Club. 10am – 3.30pm, £15.Please bring your own digital camera to this course. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book.

Wednesday 28 March
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE, illustrated talk by George Alway. The Old Grammar School, Chipping Sodbury, 7.30pm. Adults £2, Children £1. (S)

Thursday 29 March
RETURN OF THE WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE, RSPB film, presented by Eric Allcock. Community Centre, Lawrence Road, Worle, 7.30pm. Members £1, Non-members £2, Children under 16 free. (WsM)

Friday 30 March
A WILD GRIZZLY ADVENTURE, illustrated talk by Oliver Smart. Old Bakery Annexe, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm. (T)

Sunday 1 April
GORGE-OUS PLANTS. Discover some of the rare plants of the Avon Gorge with local botanist, Libby Houston. 2 – 4pm, £3. This walk involves steep slopes and steps. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609.

Wednesday 11 April
WILD ART at Willsbridge Mill
Come and get crafty and make seasonal sculptures. Earth walks round the valley will open your eyes to the wonders of spring. 10 am -12.30 pm and 1.30 - 4.00 pm. Children £5.50 (Members / conc. £4) Adults free. Family drop-in event suitable for all ages.

Sunday 15 April
THORNBURY STREAMS, walk led by Allan Burberry. Meet at Castle Court car park, Thornbury 9.30am. (T)

WALK AT CHEDDAR RESERVOIR, led by Frank Bowen. Meet at Car Park at the back of the lake near Axbridge (ST 446535) at 10am. (WsM)

WALK ALONG COTSWOLD EDGE, with views of Hawksbury Monument, led by Malcolm Stephen. Meet at Chipping Sodbury clock for car share 10am. (S)

PORTISHEAD, a spring walk through East Wood. Steep in places. Meet by the open air swimming pool, 2pm. (C)

Wednesday 18 April
GOD BLESSED AMERICA, illustrated travelogue talk by Diane Bennett. United Reformed Church Hall, Stockway North, Nailsea (opposite Somerfield Car Park) 7.45pm. Entrance £1.50 to include refreshments. (N)

Thursday 19 April
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF INSECTS, illustrated talk by Andrew Town. Royal British Legion, Long Ashton, 7.30 pm. (LA)

Friday 20 April
A HISTORY OF TREES IN BRITAIN, illustrated talk by Allan Burberry. Old Bakery Annexe, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury, 7.30pm. (T)

Sunday 22 April
HARDWICKE FIELD, TYTHERINGTON, Walk led by Allan Burberry. Meet at Swan Inn car park 2.30pm. (T)

Friday 27 April
AGM OF KEYNSHAM GROUP, 7pm, at Elm Farm, Burnett, followed by a talk by Mike Rogers of the Hawk & Owl Trust with two live birds of prey. (K)

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, illustrated talk by Philip Mugridge. United Reformed Church Hall, Woodhill Road, Portishead, 7.30-9.30pm (P)

Sunday 29 April
DAWN CHORUS at The Shallows, Saltford (ST 688669) at 4.30am. Details from David Sage 0117 940 7968. (K)

Monday 7 May
MAY FAIR AT REDLAND GREEN. Cabot Group stall. Cakes, jam, plants and bric-a-brac. 11am onwards. (C)

Saturday 12 May
AMMERDOWN PARK near Radstock. Meet 10 am at Terry Crossroad entrance to Reserve (ST 715534) on A362 Frome road. Details from Barbara Price 0117 986 5261. (K)

Sunday 13 May
THORNBURY STREAMS, Walk led by Allan Burberry. Meet at Park Road car park at 9.30am. (T)
PRIORS WOOD WALK. Come and join us in our search for bluebells in this Trust Reserve. Meet outside The Priory pub, Portbury at 2 pm. (C)

Saturday 19 May
COFFEE MORNING / PLANT SALE, 10am – 1pm, at 36 St Peter’s Road, Portishead. Offers of help or plants please ring 01275 843160. (P)
GOING BATTY IN LEIGH WOODS. Spend a magical evening with members of the Avon Bat Group. 8.30 – 10.30pm, £3.. Call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 to book

Sunday 20 May
WALK AT HAM WALL RSPB RESERVE, led by Stan Radcliffe. Meet 1pm at Ashcott Corner car park (ST 450397), south of Meare. (WsM)
VOLUNTEER WORK DAYS (Now including the AWT Wildlife Action Group work dates)

HELLENGE HILL RESERVE, BLEADON / PURN HILL RESERVE. Work parties and/or wildlife surveying/monitoring. Ring warden Frank Bowen 01934 632285 for times and meeting point. (WsM)

OLD TOWN QUARRY, WESTON-SUPER-MARE (junction of South Road and Queen’s Road). Wildlife recording. Ring Liz Green 01934 627330.

HELLENGE HILL RESERVE, BLEADON / PURN HILL RESERVE.
Work parties and/or wildlife surveying/monitoring. Ring warden Frank Bowen 01934 632285 for times and meeting point. (WsM)

OLD TOWN QUARRY, WESTON-SUPER-MARE
(junction of South Road and Queen’s Road). Wildlife recording. Ring Liz Green 01934 627330.

JANUARY

Sunday 28
WALTON COMMON, scrub control and alien tree removal from the grassland. Meet 10 am on road verge of coast road beside Clevedon Golf Course above Weston-in-Gordano (ST 423735). Finish 12.30-1pm. (GCG)

FEBRUARY

Sunday 25
TICKENHAM RIDGE. More work on the woodland edges to improve the habitat for small mammals and birds. Meet 10am on the Reserve (ST 442724). Phone Keith (01275 852627) for directions. (GCG)

MARCH

Sunday 11
WAPLEY SPRING CLEAN of the woodlands before all the new plants rise, and cutting back under the hedgerows. Meet at Shireway Footbridge 10am. Gloves and Wellies please. (S)

Sunday 25
WALTON COMMON. Removal of alien tree saplings from the grassland. Meet 10 am on road verge of coast road beside Clevedon Golf Course above Weston-in-Gordano (ST 423735). (GCG)

MAY

Sunday 13
WAPLEY SURVEY DAY, annual bird and plant survey work. Please come and give us a hand and bring your wildflower and birding books. Meet at Shireway Footbridge entrance 10am. (S)

Sunday 27
PRIORS WOOD. Rhododendron clearance. It’s a long walk to the work area so we will meet half an hour earlier than usual. Meet at bottom of track (ST 497752) leading to the Reserve at 9.30am. There is no parking for the Reserve, but limited space in the lay-by near the entrance or in Portbury Village. Please park considerately.

WILDLIFE ACTION GROUP WORK DAYS – departing from the Trust’s office at 32 Jacobs Wells Road on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10am – For further details and full programme info ring Tim Curley on 0117 917 7270.

Please Note: The Trust can supply transport for up to 17 people per task.

WEDNESDAYS

January
24th Netcott’s Meadow (GR 476 696)
31st Tickenham Ridge (GR 446 724)

February
7th Purn Hill (GR 332 573)
14th Burledge Hill (GR 588 589)
21st Monk Woods (GR 754 709)
28th Burledge Hill (GR 588 589)

March
7th Weston Big Wood (GR 445 736)
14th Lower Woods (GR 746 881)
21st Stockwood Open Space (GR 675 693)
28th Willsbridge Mill (GR 665 708)

SUNDAYS

January
21st Weston Big Wood (GR 445 736)
28th Purn Hill (GR 332 573)

February
4th Old Weston Moor (GR 445 723)
11th Monk Woods (GR 754 709)
18th Browns Folly (GR 794 660)
25th Tickenham Ridge (GR 444723)

March
4th Stockwood Open Space (GR 675 693)
11th Burledge Hill (GR 558 589)
18th Stock wood Open Space (GR 675 693)
25th Willsbridge Mill (GR 665 708)

LOCAL GROUP CONTACTS
(B) Bath Gordon Ward 01225 316218
(C ) Cabot Jill Kempshall 0117 940 0706
(CV) Chew Valley Anne-Marie Morris 01275 332534
(K) Keynsham Barbara Price 0117 986 5261
(LA) Long Ashton Joy Williams 01275 392690
(N) Nailsea Hilary West 01275 853079
(P) Portishead Verna Crowhurst 01275 847181
(S) Southwold Gloria Stephen 01454 310328
(T) Thornbury Kelvin May 01454 414143
(WsM) Weston-s-Mare Frank Bowen 01934 632285
(W) Willsbridge Mary James 0117 961 1119

OTHER GROUPS
Avon Badger Group 0777 609 0816
Avon Bat Group Bob Howard 0117 986 4202
Cam Valley Wildlife Group Helena Crouch 01761 410731
Eastville Park Action Group Irene Blessitt 0117 965 8429
Gordano Conservation Group Keith Giles 01275 852627
Patchway Conservation Group 0117 940 0020/ 01454 898369 / 868530
Royate Hill Volunteers/Wildlife Action Group (WAG)Tim Curley 0117 917 7270
Wapley Bushes Conservation Group Isabel Ryan 01454 313055
WsM Civic Society Volunteers Liz Green 01934 627330
Willsbridge Events Contact Ruth Worsley or Alison Logan 0117 932 6885

Avon Gorge & Downs Project Contact Mandy Leivers 0117 903 0609 (mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk)

Deadline for next Events programme (January – May 2007) is 29 November 2006

Willsbridge Mill Directions: Take A 431 Bristol/Bath road to Willsbridge and turn into Long Beach Road. Car park is on L. Take footpath opposite down to Mill. Buses – hourly 332 Bristol/Bath, or quarter-hourly Bristol City Line 45. Easy access from Bristol-Bath Cycle Path.

Folly Farm Directions: Take A 368 Weston-super-Mare/Bath road. Travelling from Weston, turn R after Bishop Sutton at sign just beyond the turning to Stowey. Buses - 376 Bristol/Clutton or Swiftlink 673 Bedminster/Sutton Farm.

The Wildlife Centre, 32 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol BS8 1DR 0117 917 7270

Willsbridge Mill Willsbridge Hill, South Gloucs BS30 6EX 0117 932 6885

Willsbridge Events Contact Ruth Worsley or Alison Logan 0117 932 6885