2010CASE STUDIES

Projects funded: 27

Grant available: £1000 – £4000

Extending Your Reach Inspiring a new generation of nature enthusiasts

2010 focused on projects that inspired a ‘new generation of naturalists’.

This concept didn’t just include children, but anyone with the potential to be

engaged by the natural world.

Grants supported public-facing projects that helped to increase awareness

of groups within the wider public, provided opportunities for people to

become actively involved, and encouraged new members to join.

85% of groups had an increase in membership as a direct

result of the project

people came into contact

with nature through projects run

by OPAL-funded groups in 2010

23 000

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society

………………Encouraging Naturalists of the Future……………………

Dipterists Forum

..................... Identification Training Materials …………………………

Dorset Bat Group

..................... Mobile Education and Interpretation Unit………………..

Earthworm Society of Britain

………………Earthworm Identification…………………………………..

Hertfordshire & Middlesex Bat Group

……………....Open Spaces Bat Walks Project…………………………

Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group

……………... ‘Kent Goes Wild’ Taster Sessions…………………….....

The Mammal Society

.....................New Media for Small Mammal Monitoring………………..

Merseyside and West Lancashire Mammal Group

………………Mole Patrol…………………………………..……………..

Newbury District Ornithological Club

………………The Next Generation of Birdwatchers in Newbury……..

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Northumbria Ringing Group

……………... Birds in the Hand…………………...……………………...

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Project: New equipment for events

Over 300 000 people live in Blackwater Valley, and have access to its network of public green spaces and footpaths. The Trust’s goal was to get as many people enjoying, recording and conserving the region as possible.

By supplementing their survey and identification equipment, the Trust can now loan this equipment out to local community and conservation groups. It has directly contributed to the emergence of new recording schemes, and the equipment has been well used at the Trust’s own events.

The continued access to equipment not only supports current recording, but should lead to more projects in the area, contributing to the forward planning and conservation of Blackwater Valley.

“Having a good range of survey equipment has enabled the Trust to encourage its members and associated groups to go and survey the flora and fauna…”

David Pilkington

Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust Nature Surveying and Identification

Grant awarded: £1715

Key Outputs

The Trust promotes the conservation, protection, and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Blackwater Valley.

www.blackwater-valley.org.uk

Group Profile

Publicity posters + promotional bannerSurveying equipment Field guides and identification books

Photos courtesy of Blackwater Valley Countryside Trust

Download page as a PDF

Project: One-day lichen courses at Field Studies Council (FSC) Centres

The British Lichen Society (BLS) has been closely involved with the preparation of the OPAL air survey, to which there has been tremendous response across the country, and which has stimulated interest in lichens as indicators of air quality.

The Society’s aim was to capitalise on this interest and offer local people the opportunity to progress their lichen knowledge at a series of introductory days at Field Study Council field centres as part of their annual brochure of events.

The events proved to be highly popular, and as a result, the annual programme has been repeated since, using the learning resources developed as part of the original project

British Lichen Society Extending our Reach

Grant awarded: £1520

Key Outputs

The Society was formed in 1958 to advance interest in all branches of lichenology, and is the first society in the world entirely devoted to the study of lichens.

www.thebls.org.uk

Group Profile

Tutor pack and legacy of learning resources

Courses and training at 19 different venues.

Resources

Introduction to Lichens

Identifying Lichens

Handbook for 1 day course

Photo of Lobaria pulmonaria courtesy of British Lichen Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Development of E-books

Myriapods and Isopods are an important component in the ecology of English habitats. Although good taxonomic guides exist for these animals, there is a gap between beginners’ introductions to invertebrates and specialist literature for identification.

The Group wanted to bridge this gap and popularise these animals in a modern and accessible way. A concise resource was created as a basic introduction to myriapods, woodlice and millipedes, and a rich source of images provided to complement more expert work. This was packaged as an E-book, promoting further engagement with these animals and the biodiversity research associated with them, with direct application at the Group’s training events. “For the first time we now have a

resource to help new members get to grips with the animals we study. “ Paul Richards

British Myriapod and Isopod Group Identification skills sharing

Grant awarded: £4000

Key Outputs

The group’s to further the study of myriapods, terrestrial isopods and other groups of soil arthropods by encouraging interest and conservation.

www.bmig.org.uk

Group Profile

E – book publication : ‘An Introduction to Myriapods’; ‘An Introduction to Millipedes’; ‘An Introduction to Woodlice’

15 training eventsAnnual field meeting

Resources

E-book cover art and introduction

E-book snapshot of millipede key

Photos courtesy of British Myriapod and Isopod Group

Download page as a PDF

Project: Leaflets, launch, and events

The Big Biodiversity Butterfly Count (BBBC) has run for several years now. It is designed to raise the bio-literacy of the local populace in Brighton & Hove through citizen science, encouraging observation of wildlife and improving ID skills.

As well as launching the BBBC with a high profile public event and distribution of leaflets throughout the area, a high quality poster was produced highlighting and celebrating the butterflies of Brighton and Hove.

This has not only been used as a tool to supplement the local and national recording schemes, but also raises awareness of the value of Brighton & Hove’s natural heritage

“The Identification posters have been seen to be of great value by both the public and the nature conservation professionals.”

Dr Dan Danahar

Butterfly Conservation Sussex Branch The Big Biodiversity Butterfly Count

Grant awarded: £3295

Key Outputs

The Sussex branch holds regular events, collects records, manages a reserve, and advises landowners across the county.

www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk

Group Profile

50 000 ID and recording leaflets10 000 Butterflies of Sussex postersRecording section on website

Resources

The Butterflies of Brighton & Hove Poster

BBBC recording section

Download page as a PDF

Photo of Chalkhill Blue © Paul Cox

Project: Bioblitz equipment and publicity

After months of planning, including creating and distributing publicity materials, CAN ran a BioBlitz in conjunction with the staff at Norton Priory estate in Runcorn and rECOrd.

A range of recording and surveying equipment was purchased in preparation for the day, and Norton Priory selected as the location, where a great diversity of habitats are present. The day itself was a huge success with 500 members of the public involved, and 70 specialist naturalists from around the country present.

The event allowed existing members to gain new expertise, but also had the effect of attracting new members, and raised the profile of the group.

“We believe we achieved one of the most successful Bioblitzes ever to be staged.” Rachel Hacking

Cheshire Active Naturalists (CAN) Cheshire BioBlitz 2010

Grant awarded: £3310

Key Outputs

Cheshire Active Naturalists aim is to further the understanding and enjoyment of the County's wildlife.

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/gloucestershire

Group Profile

Surveying and recording equipmentUSB microscopes Field guidesPublicity materials 1000+ species recorded in 24 hours

Resources

CAN BioBlitz Postcard

Photos courtesy of Cheshire Active Naturalists

Download page as a PDF

Project: Recruitment drive, membership packs, survey

A recruitment drive was devised by the Society in an attempt to attract a greater number of active members, and particularly involvement from young people.

The purchase of new equipment and the production of new publicity material and membership packs helped create a more attractive and modern image of the Society to present at the various events and activities run.

These events were very successful in encouraging public participation and awareness of wildlife conservation issues in the area, with an increase in attendance at events compared to previous years.

Derbyshire and Notts. Entomological Society Encouraging Naturalists of the Future

Grant awarded: £3822

Key Outputs

The Society was formed in 1914 to promote an interest in entomology and the study of all land arthropods, especially species in the region.

www.danes-insects.org.uk

Group Profile

3 bug hunts + 3 moth watches 3 ‘Insects for Beginners’ workshops4 x stereo microscopes + 1 video

microscope Entomological equipment + ID guides

Resources

Making a moth trap instructions

DANES membership leaflet

DANES guide to moths

Photo courtesy of Derbyshire and Notts. Entomological Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Camera microscope and printed teaching materials

The Forum previously had to rely on using equipment owned by members for talks or events. The purchase of a new camera microscope and associated equipment, freely available to all trainers, has made it possible for the group to extend their training activities.

These courses have been effective in recruiting new members and contributors to recording schemes, and their success has helped prove that there is considerable enthusiasm for such courses amongst natural history organisations.

With better equipment and training materials available, Dipterists Forum is well placed to increase its activities, and so promote and enhance interest in Diptera.

“We have been particularly encouraged by the take up amongst younger people, especially post- graduate students” Stuart Ball

Dipterists Forum Identification Training Materials

Grant awarded: £3675

Key Outputs

The National Society for people interested in flies. It fosters the study and recording of Diptera and acts as an umbrella organisation for recording schemes

www.dipteristsforum.org.uk

Group Profile

9 hoverfly ID training courses Training material for ID courses 350 x photographic key to tribes Trinocular stereo microscope with

USB camera

Photos courtesy of Dipterists Forum

Download page as a PDF

“The forming of new partnerships and

strengthening of existing partnerships

with other organisations has been an

exciting and encouraging outcome…”

Project: UK earthworms ID workshops

Despite 100 years of earthworm science, there is very little information on the distribution of UK earthworm species, something which is vital for understanding how environmental change affects earthworms.

One of the reasons is the perceived difficulty in earthworm ID, which requires the use of a microscope in order to confidently identify all UK species. The Society purchased a number of microscopes in order to run identification courses.

These proved to be highly successful, enjoyable, and well attended by a diverse range of people. The USB microscopes purchased also proved to be useful in engaging people at public events, especially those who may not have attended proper ID courses.

“The OPAL grant has provided us with a foundation on which to build earthworm ID capacity”

Dan Carpenter

Earthworm Society of Britain Earthworm Identification

Grant awarded: £2641

Key Outputs

The Group promotes and supports scientific research and the conservation of worms, and aims to educate and inspire people.

www.earthwormsoc.org.uk

Group Profile

12 earthworm ID courses 6 microscopes2 USB microscopesPetri dishes, forceps, pipettes

Photos courtesy of Earthworm Society of Britain

Download page as a PDF

Project: A fun way to learn about bats for all

One of the best ways of igniting an interest in bats is for people to experience them close up in their natural habitat - the night skies. Bat walks are a great way of doing this, and by purchasing additional bat detecting equipment the Group were able to significantly enhance the experience for all those that attended.

These proved very popular, and required less sharing of equipment than before. The hope is that an increased interest in bats will lead to more members, as well as trained Natural England volunteer bat workers in the area.

Members currently training for bat workers licenses have already made use of the equipment before purchasing their own. “The availability of these detectors has

enhanced our knowledge base and as a result there has been an increase in members using detectors and recording bat sounds” Jackie Wedd

Hertfordshire & Middlesex Bat Group Open Spaces Bat Walks Project

Grant awarded: £3390

Key Outputs

The Group work to further bat conservation in Herts and Middlesex.They also provide advice and information for householders and landowners.

www.hmbg.org.uk

Group Profile

20 Baton bat detectors20 heterodyne bat detectors19 bat walks + 12 member eventsOver 1500 people used the equipment

Photo of Natterer’s bat © Jackie Wedd

Download page as a PDF

Project: Training wildlife recording activity sessions

The Group aimed to raise awareness of biological recording in the area by engaging with local communities, particularly young people, in order to nurture an early interest in the environment.

A number of taster days were run for adults and children. The Group also promoted the project at Kent Goes Wild, and ran a number of workshops.

Over 1000 people were engaged, primarily through the use of fun and memorable activities conducted by the group, with many people learning about wildlife recording for the first time. The project also had measurable success by increasing participation in recording with some individuals inspired by the taster sessions now trained to record new sites for KRAG.

“Events like these are vital if the Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group and Kent High Weald Partnership are to continue to have a growing impact.” Mike Phillips

Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group 'Kent Goes Wild' Taster Sessions

Grant awarded: £3600

Key Outputs

The Group and works to conserve, protect and increase the understanding of Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in Kent.

www.kentarg.org

Group Profile

15 children’s taster sessions 6 adult taster sessionsObservation tanks and reptile refugiaWildlife passports + spotters packs 2 full-day workshops Promotional materials

Photo of Common Lizard © Jason Steel

Download page as a PDF

Project: Training videos for the web

To support the Society’s National Small Mammal Monitoring Scheme, it was decided that additional training and support was required.

A new approach, in the use of new media, helped the society reach a wider audience. The focus was the creation of the Society’s own YouTube channel containing ‘how to’ videos produced to assist members and volunteers with their surveys and general field work.

These link directly to the society’s Facebook and Twitter pages, that send out alerts when a new video is posted. The result is a useful training resource, and effective promotional tool that presents the society as a fun and modern organisation.

“The most important benefit is that we will be reaching out to a new generation of surveyors who tend to find information and activities via new media “ Marina Pacheco

The Mammal Society New Media for Small Mammal Monitoring

Grant awarded: £3490

Key Outputs

The mammal Society are the only members organisation dedicated to the study and conservation of all mammals of the British Isles.

www.mammal.org.uk

Group Profile

Camcorder and video editing software Laptop and monitorStand alone projector Nearly 3000 views online

Resources

The Mammal Societ y YouTube Channel

Photos courtesy of The Mammal Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Merseyside and West Lancashire Mammal Atlas support project

The project was aimed to directly support the creation of a mammal atlas for the region. In order to address a common recording bias towards smaller mammals, the group focussed on recording larger, common species, while at the same time engaging with groups that may not have previously considered the mammals of their region.

This required some creative thinking, and the result was the production of a number of resources and activities. Most notably, this including creating a puppet show and set from scratch to promote mammal awareness to youngsters. A new online recording website, as well as acquisition of further mammal traps, has greatly increased the group’s capacity. “The grant and the project

encouraged us to think more creatively about engaging non- members and creating interest in

the group” Richard Burkmar

Merseyside and West Lancashire Mammal GroupMole Patrol

Grant awarded: £3490

Key Outputs

The group aim to be a proactive and useful organisation for mammal conservation in the region and promote the wild mammals present.

www.mammalgroup.org.uk

Group Profile

Screen and projector Eight Longworth traps Mammal recording website (BioBank)FSC Field Guides Mammal puppets for children's events ID guide and recording leaflet

Resources

Mole Patrol website

Mammal recording sheet

Puppet show script

Photo of Mole courtesy of Photo of Merseyside and West Lancashire Mammal Group

Download page as a PDF

Project: Nest boxes and live video links

The Club aimed to improve links with young people in the area, fostering their natural curiosity in the hope of creating a long standing interest in birds.

The approach was to create a memorable experience for staff and pupils at local primary schools. Camera nest boxes were installed at three schools streaming live images of nesting birds on the newly created Newbury Springwatch website as well as the schools’ own computers.

This was supplemented by educational visits from members of the Club, and proved to be a big hit amongst the children. The hope is that Springwatch will become widespread in the locality, sustained by parents and staff, with ongoing support from the Club.

“Pupils at 2 schools were asked, during the first visits, for reactions which included ‘cool, interesting, fun, amazing’ and ‘fantastic, interesting, excellent and ‘super’.”

Newbury Springwatch Project

Newbury District Ornithology ClubThe Next Generation of Birdwatchers in Newbury District

Grant awarded: £3490

Key Outputs

The Club promotes all aspects of bird watching, Novice and experienced birders alike are encouraged to join, and visitors are always welcome.

www.ndoc.org.uk

Group Profile

Camera nest boxesPC and USB video adaptorDesign of leaflets and websiteOver 500 people involved

Resources

Springwatch 2011 Flyer

Springwatch website

Nest box cameras

Photo of Egret courtesy of Newbury District Ornithology Club

Download page as a PDF

Project: Ringing demonstrations and events

Although the group is very active, there was a real need to recruit new members to ensure monitoring of birds continues into the future. In the past, group talks proved effective at recruiting members, so it was decided to increase the number of talks and demonstrations, as well as acquire new equipment to improve their quality and effectiveness.

The purchase of a brushcutter was also important in opening up routes for ringing; coupled with talks and events, the group have undoubtedly made ringing more accessible, and reached a wider audience to demonstrate the basics of bird watching to, and encourage an appreciation of birds. The project has also stimulated more active and social participation from old and new members alike.

“Particularly satisfying to see the delight on peoples faces when they were able to see the bird in the hand. “ Richard Barnes

The Northumbria Ringing Group Birds In The Hand

Grant awarded: £1328

Key Outputs

Since its establishment in 1963, the Group have caught and ringed almost 300,000 birds; a valuable scientific record of birds over a range of species.

Group Profile

Brushcutter & safety equipmentPortable PA systemSinging bird toysPortable GazeboOver 2000 members of the public

involved

Photo of Great Tit © Creative Commons; Photo of European Robin Creative Commons © Darren T A Bradnick

Download page as a PDF

Project: Taster sessions and equipment for projects

PEA rely on the hard work of volunteers to carry out practical conservation, and so are always keen for new volunteers. A series of ‘taster’ sessions were devised as one way of doing this: one day projects and residential weekends held once a month over fourteen months to incorporate seasonal surveys and tasks.

The group used the grant to purchase invaluable equipment needed, and produce promotional material for widespread publicity.

In total, eighteen events were run, and many new volunteers involved. Further opportunities also became available for volunteers at sites once projects ended, and the group made strong links with new partners. This all bodes very well for the future of the Group’s work.

“PEA has worked well in partnership with organisations and has made links with new contacts for further surveys.”

Esther Hughes

Plymouth Environmental Action (PEA)Ecological Project 2010 - 2011

Grant awarded: £2838

Key Outputs

PEA is an organisation which carries out practical conservation work, and preservation of local heritage and is lead by young people aged 16 – 24.

www.btcv-pea.blogspot.co.uk

Group Profile

117 new volunteers took partLarge variety of survey equipmentBat detectors + GPS 16 types of ID guidesPhase 1 Habitat Survey CoursesLife jackets, waterproofs + first aid kit

Resources

PEA Promotional Banner

Photos courtesy of Plymouth Environmental Action

Download page as a PDF

Project: Walks, activities, equipment

The Society has always been conscious of recruiting new members to continue its work, and wildlife walks prove an effective way of doing this, by directly engaging people with the natural world in a friendly way.

Brand new equipment was purchased to enhance the experience for new and potential members, who often don’t have their own to use. The equipment was also used at six busy wildlife activity days run by the Society at Basildon Park, which offered a variety of wildlife hands-on experiences to the visiting public.

All events were considered an absolute success, with very positive feedback received, new interests in nature sparked, and past interests reawakened.

“ Possibly, this is the first time we have looked outside the Society and shared our knowledge with the

public.” Susan Twitchett

Reading and District Natural History Society Bringing the Natural World to a Wider Public

Grant awarded: £3657

Key Outputs

The Society encourages the study of natural history in the region. Members meet for regular walks, and indoor meetings during the winter.

www.rdnhs.org.uk/blog

Group Profile

Moth trap and trapping equipment 163 FSC guides + wildlife books StereomicroscopeSurvey and monitoring equipmentPublicity material3517 members of the public involved

Resources Beautiful Butterfly Week poster

Photos courtesy of Reading and District Natural History Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Banners, posters, and signs for cross- society wildlife fair

Wild About Norfolk is an independent wildlife and environment fair, established in 2001 by David and Christine Cannon as a non-profit making venture providing a showcase for conservation bodies to engage with local families and young people in Norfolk.

The event was organised by volunteers from RSPB Norwich Local Group, that decided to build on the success of the event over the years by producing high quality publicity and promotional materials.

Leaflets and posters were distributed far and wide to help raise awareness of the event, and new banners and signs helped give the event a more professional appearance, and have been successfully re-used since. “The publicity material (i.e. the

banners/badge making machine) will allow us to better publicise the event (at shows/other events) in future years” Catherine Greenhough

RSPB Norwich Local GroupWild About Norfolk 2010

Grant awarded: £1968

Key Outputs

The Society is the county’s oldest natural history organisation. Its members study and publish information about the state of Norfolk’s wildlife.

www.rspb.org.uk/groups/norwich

Group Profile

3000 fliers Promotional bannersRoad Signs Bird boxes Badge making machine1000 members of the public attended

Photo of Robin © Chris Raper ; Photos of event courtesy of Wild About Norfolk

Download page as a PDF

Project: Live stream of nesting + feeding birds

The Trust continually seeks to enhance access to wildlife at the Field Centre, and using new technology is one way of doing this.

The project involved setting up cameras in nest-boxes and at a bird feeding station, and streaming the images to the classroom.Visitors can now watch species at close quarters without disturbing the birds, and nest box cameras also allow an insight into the seasonal cycle of breeding birds, from the building of a nest to the fledging of the chicks

The live streams have attracted quite a ‘fan club’; a focal point for younger visitors, providing entertainment and education for our volunteers, but also useful population data for the wardens. “Throughout the spring visitors

were able to view the life-cycle of birds.” Pete Findley

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory TrustBirdcam Outreach Project

Grant awarded: £1535

Key Outputs

The group aims to advance the education of the public by the study of birds and the study and conservation of flora and fauna in Sandwich Bay.

www.sbbot.co.uk

Group Profile

Cameras, cable, quad box Television equipment Cable and electrical works30+ birds recorded feeding in 1 day20+ species recorded feeding

Photos © Ian Hodgson (Yellow-browed Warbler; Reed Bunting; Sandwich Bay

Download page as a PDF

“It has provided the parish with base-

line information and linked the local

information to its wider local and

national context.” Wildlife Group

Heritage Walks Leaflet ‘Action plan for wildlife’ Preview

Project: Training videos for the web

An array of new equipment was purchased to improve the group’s capacity in delivering outreach and engagement, so that the wealth of knowledge and experience in the group can be transferred to a new generation.

It also gave the group the self reliance and confidence to deliver a number of BioBlitzes, workshops, and activity days over the course of the year, as well as support to individual members in their own recording projects.

Another goal was to engage with individuals that previously had little opportunity to enjoy the natural world, and to this end, the group worked in conjunction with the charity, Ewe and You , that provides support and respite for children who come from dysfunctional and disadvantaged homes. “The field equipment and Bioblitz

& survey days have got people motivated to go out and record. There is a real Buzz”

Danny Arnold

Teme Valley Wildlife Group Opening Young Eyes To The Wonders Of Nature

Grant awarded: £1328

Key Outputs

The Teme Valley Wildlife Group is a local group of wildlife enthusiasts, living and working within the Teme Valley area of Worcestershire.

www.temevalleywildlife.com

Group Profile

Moth Traps and generator Invertebrate surveying equipment Projector & Screen USB Microscope5 Bioblitzes + 4 Orchard training daysA first ‘county moth record’ for

Shropshire

Group photo © Wendy Southall; Photo of Snowdrops © Jo & David Sothers; Photo of Moth © Ken Willetts; Photo of Peacock butterfly © John Abbiss

Download page as a PDF

Project: Improved technology, publicity and display materials

To raise awareness of the Society and the birds in the area, as well as encourage new membership, the Society planned an open day at Horton Country Park Nature Reserve.

To present the society in a professional, fun, and interesting way, new display materials were purchased, and a range of promotional materials produced and distributed. Children’s quizzes were also created to target a younger audience, with prizes for the winners.

The open day included 4 guided walks around the reserve, and those participating enjoyed sightings of both Hobby and Peregrine falcons.

The event was extremely well received, and the Society’s greatly increased capacity to promote their activities means there is hope for equally successful events in the future.

“The new equipment is of great benefit to us as has been the opportunity to raise our public

profile.” Thelma Caine

The Surbiton & District Bird Watching Society Public Event Enhancement

Grant awarded: £618

Key Outputs

The Society is an active group and a registered charity. They aim to educate the public in the knowledge, study and appreciation of birds.

www.encief.co.uk/sdbws

Group Profile

Publicity and promotional material Gazebo and display boardsChildren’s quiz sheetsDisplay stand at Surbiton FestivalOpen day at Horton County park Four guided bird walks

Resources

Society Posters

Children’s quizzes

Photos courtesy of The Surbiton & District Bird Watching Society

Download page as a PDF

Project: Kit to support surveys and encourage wildlife

The project’s aim was to increase awareness and appreciation of the local area by its residents, with an emphasis on developing local children’s sense of value for the natural history on their doorstep.

This was achieved by holding specific wildlife events, and presentations; to offer both hands on experience, as well pass on specialist knowledge.

The Group purchased a range of equipment, including for biological surveying, that could be loaned out to residents for personal and group projects.

The quality and quantity of wildlife recording has significantly increased as a result., and there has been an increase in group recruitment and a large number of people involved in wildlife activities for the first time.

“The purchase of good quality equipment in this project has allowed us to provide people with opportunities

they would not otherwise have.”

David Emery

The Sutton Poyntz Society Biodiversity GroupImproving Biodiversity

Grant awarded: £1790

Key Outputs

The Sutton Poyntz area has a diverse range of natural habitats. The Group welcomes anyone with an interest in the natural environment.

Group Profile

Laptop + Digital MicroscopeReference BooksBat Box DetectorDipping EquipmentSmall Mammal Traps10 bat evenings

Resources Map of bat distribution Group posters

Photo courtesy of The Sutton Poyntz Society Biodiversity Group

Download page as a PDF

Bioblitz species list

Bioblitz poster

Key Outputs

The Society was formed in 1974, with the aim of encouraging and pursuing the study, recording and conservation of birds in Wiltshire.

www.wiltshirebirds.co.uk

Group Profile

Eight pairs of binocularsBirdmike song recorder and player Two public events at Langford Lake New interpretation boardsBird checklists and event programmes

Resources

Interpretation boardsBirds checklist

Wiltshire Ornithological Society Fostering an Interest in Birds

Grant awarded: £2800

Project: binoculars and interpretation boards for events at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve

The Society’s membership has grown largely from word of mouth amongst nature enthusiasts in the area, but there was a desire to reach out and encourage wildlife recording amongst those without specialist knowledge.

One Bioblitz was run for the general public, designed as an initial taste of wildlife recording. This was a great success, and also provided Society members with experience in running a major public event.

The second Bioblitz was exclusive to members, and an opportunity for them to shadow experts and enhance their skills and knowledge. Loan of equipment purchased has provided members with personal hands on experience since.

Photo of Dipper © Len Ingram;

Download page as a PDF

www.opalexplorenature.org/Societyfunding