Wildlife events across JUNE – SEPTEMBER 2019

Exploring Norfolk’s wildlife We are lucky in Norfolk to have wonderful wild places and stunning wildlife to encounter and enjoy.

Our reserves: NWT A149 Coast Road, NR25 7SA NWT Hall Lane, Knapton, NR28 0SH NWT Whitlingham Lane, NR7 0QA NWT Broad Road, NR13 6HY NWT Stubb Road, NR12 0BW NWT Wood Themelthorpe Road, NR20 4QR NWT Bretts Wood Off A148, NR21 0BB

Walks are rated to show the likely difficulty. Level 1: An easy walk, gentle and even. Level 2: Intermediate, may be steep or uneven in places. Level 3: Challenging, likely to be uneven or steep.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust offers a programme of walks, talks and events throughout the county for adults, children and families. These are organised by staff, visitor centres and our eight Local Groups. General event information • For events that take place outside, please dress accordingly to changing weather conditions; stout footwear is advised. • In the event of adverse weather please call 01603 625540 to check event alterations. • Please inform us if you wish to cancel an event as we often have a reserve list for our events. • All children attending any events must be accompanied by an adult • Please note: For non-members, a reserve entrance fee applies to events taking place on reserves with an entrance fee, see our website for more details: www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Local Groups Run by NWT members on a voluntary basis, all are welcome at our events and you do not need to be a member of the Trust. To find out more contact your Local Group: Breckland Peter Roat: 01953 886756 Jerry Simpson: 01692 630674 Robin Parker: 01328 864399 Mid Norfolk Ina Zweiniger: 01362 822047 Andy Clarke: 01263 821259 Jon Shutes: 01263 735799 West Norfolk Adrian Winnington: 01485 534747 / 07775 643877 Wymondham Ann Carpenter: 01508 488337 Or email [email protected]

Booking Not all events need to be booked ahead of time, but where booking is essential please telephone as places may be limited. Please contact the organiser if you would like more information.

For general enquiries about NWT events call: 01603 625540.

All information is correct at the time of going to print, however occasionally details may change. Please contact the event organiser if you would like to confirm arrangements or visit our website for up-to-date listings.

NWT Regular Guided Walks

Thorpe Marshes Guided Walks Thursday 4 July, 7 – 9pm Tuesday 6 August, 10am – 12 noon Friday 13 September, 10am – 12 noon Explore NWT Thorpe Marshes, in the Norfolk Broads, yet on the edge of Norwich in Thorpe St Andrew. It’s a charming mix of grazed and ungrazed marshes, ditches and the open water of St Andrew’s Broad. Join local naturalist, Chris Durdin and discover the reserve’s wildlife. Bring binoculars and a camera if you have them. Venue: NWT Thorpe Marshes, pedestrian railway bridge at the end of Whitlingham Lane. Cost: Free NWT, Walk, Level 1

Memories from the Mill Sunday 14 July, 12 noon – 4pm Sunday 11 August, 12 noon – 4pm Sunday 8 September, 12 noon – 4pm Discover and explore the unique Stubb Mill. Drop in and look at historical photographs, climb up into the cap and ask our Stubb mill expert, Hazel questions about the mill. Please be aware there is a 1.2km walk to the mill from the visitor centre. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes Cost: Free members and children, £4.50 (gift aid admission) non-members (Cost includes entry to the reserve). NWT, Walk, Level 1

Guided Walk Around Pigneys Wood Thursday 25 July, 10am Tuesday 20 August, 2pm Saturday 21 September, 2pm Pigneys Wood is home to new and old woodland, veteran trees, a variety of wetlands (including ponds, scrapes and reedbeds), open grassy meadows – and even a new heathland. Spend around two hours exploring the reserve at a gentle pace, with plenty of chances to stop and see the wildlife. Venue: NWT Pigneys Wood Cost: Free NWT, Walk

Hickling Butterfly Walk Every Wednesday until 8 August, 10.45am – 12.45pm A guided circuit walk exploring Hickling’s wildlife and habitats. Join us with the chance to see a variety of butterflies and the iconic swallowtail butterfly in their natural habitat. The walk will begin with a look at the moth traps. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes Cost: £3.50 NWT members / £5 non-members (plus nature reserve entry fee for non- members) Booking essential: 01692 598276 NWT, Walk, Level 1

Hickling’s Marvellous Moths Every Wednesday from June to July when the butterfly walks are not running at 11am Join us as we open our moth traps and be amazed by the variety, beauty and extraordinary markings of the moths that live on the reserve. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes Cost: Free NWT, Walk, Family

Ranworth Ramble Wednesday 10 July, 10.30am – 12 noon Wednesday 24 July, 10.30am – 12 noon Wednesday 7 August, 10.30am – 12 noon Wednesday 21 August, 10.30am – 12 noon A guided circuit walk around the village and nature reserve exploring its wildlife and habitats. If you are new to wildlife watching and want to learn more, no matter what your age, join us! Please bring binoculars although a limited number can be provided for those without. Venue: NWT Ranworth Broad and Marshes Cost: £3.50 NWT members, £5 non-members Booking essential: 01603 270060 NWT, Walk, Level 1

Holme Nature Walk Thursday 11 July, 10.30am – 12.30pm A guided walk around the reserve exploring its wildlife and habitats. Subjects will vary depending on weather and season but may include; butterflies and moths, flora, bird watching, general wildlife and reserve management/history. Binoculars can be provided. Venue: NWT Cost: £3.50 NWT members, £5 non-members Booking essential: 01485 525240 NWT, Walk, Level 1

Holme Ramble Thursday 25 July, 10.30am – 12.30pm A guided walk of approximately 2 miles across Redwell Marshes, through Holme village to explore the lesser-known Holme Marshes and the village hides overlooking fresh water scrapes adjacent to original 200-year-old sea wall. Venue: NWT Holme Dunes. Meet at the ticket hut at the top of the Broadwater track, parking available at the Saltings. Cost: £3.50 NWT members, £5 non-members Booking essential: 01485 525240 NWT, Walk, Level 1

Children’s Wildlife Watch

Ladybirds Saturday 13 July, 10.30am – 12.30pm Lovely ladybirds, loved by many! Loved by farmers for eating aphids and loved by children for guessing their age by the number of spots. Find out what their spots really say and learn more about the lives of ladybirds. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad, NR12 OBW Cost: £4 Watch members, £6 non-members (one accompanying adult free) Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Rockpools and Rocks Saturday 10 August, 9.30 – 11.30am Join us for the only Saturday in the year when we rummage in the rockpools for marine life and rooting through rocks for fossils. Venue: West Runton Cost: £4 Watch members, £6 non-members (one accompanying adult free) Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Helping Hedgehogs Saturday 14 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm Like many species hedgehogs are declining but we can all do something to help hedgehogs in our gardens. Hear more about our only spiny mammal and what help we can provide. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad, NR12 OBW Cost: £4 Watch members, £6 non-members (one accompanying adult free) Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Family Events

Miraculous Minibeasts Friday 26 July, 10.30am – 12 noon at NWT Hickling Broad Monday 5 August, 10.30am – 12 noon at NWT Hickling Broad Thursday 22 August, 10.30am – 12 noon at NWT Friday 23 August, 10.30am – 12 noon at NWT Pigneys Wood Forage among the foliage and search between the sedge for any minibeast which may be waiting. We’ll be there with our bits and bobs to catch any bug or beast for a closer inspection. Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members (Reserve fee entry for non-members) Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Dyke Dipping Friday 26 July, 1.30 – 3pm at the dipping platform at NWT Hickling Broad Sunday 28 July, 10.30am – 12.30pm at the dipping platform at NWT Thorpe Marshes Thursday 1 August, 1.30 – 3pm at the dipping platform at NWT Ranworth Broad Monday 5 August, 1.30 – 3pm at the dipping platform at NWT Hickling Broad Wednesday 7 August, 1.30 – 3pm at the dipping platform at NWT Hickling Broad Friday 9 August, 1.30 – 3pm at the dipping platform at NWT Ranworth Broad Sunday 25 August, 10.30am – 12:30pm at the dipping platform at NWT Thorpe Marshes Sunday 29 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm at the dipping platform at NWT Thorpe Marshes Discover the wonderful wildlife that can be found in the dykes. The experts will be on hand to help you tell your boatman from your beetle larvae. Cost: Free at NWT Thorpe Marshes. £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members (Reserve fee entry for non-members) Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Rock Pool Rummaging Monday 29 July, 10 – 11.30am Tuesday 30 July, 11am – 12.30pm Friday 2 August, 1.30 – 3pm Monday 12 August, 10.30am – 12 noon Thursday 15 August, 1 – 2.30pm Friday 16 August, 1.30 – 3pm Wednesday 28 August, 10.30am – 12 noon Friday 30 August, 12.30 – 2pm Monday 2 September, 3 – 4.30pm Rummaging in rock pools in search of life. Come along with sturdy shoes and keen eyes and help us carefully investigate the secrets of the seashore. If you don’t know a barnacle from a belemnite the experts will be on hand to identify your finds. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign up. Venue: West Runton Beach, meet outside the beach café Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members. Charge for car park NWT, Family

Fascinating Fossils Monday 29 July, 12.30 – 2pm Tuesday 30 July, 1.30 – 3pm Friday 2 August, 11am – 12.30pm Monday 12 August, 1 – 2.30pm Thursday 15 August, 10.30am – 12 noon Friday 16 August, 11am – 12.30pm Wednesday 28 August, 1 – 2.30pm Friday 30 August, 10 – 11.30am Monday 2 September, 12.30 – 2pm You won’t believe the creatures that used to call Norfolk home! Come along and see the remains of some of the amazing beasts that were found here millions of years ago. Good explorers may be lucky enough to find a fossil to take. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign up. Venue: West Runton Beach, meet outside the beach café Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members. Charge for car park NWT, Family

Nature Detectives Thursday 1 August, 10.30am – 12 noon at NWT Ranworth Broad Friday 9 August, 10.30am – 12 noon at NWT Ranworth Broad Thursday 22 August, 1.30 – 3pm at NWT Foxley Wood Friday 23 August, 1.30 – 3pm at NWT Pigneys Wood Look at our natural history items and learn how to tell the difference between a fox and badger skull, which rodents have eaten which nuts and learn how to identify what an owl has eaten. Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Signs of Summer Wednesday 7 August, 10.30am – 12 noon Swallowtails may have a second brood, lizards may be basking on the boardwalk but who and what will we see? Venue: NWT Hickling Broad, meet at the visitor centre Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members. (Reserve fee entry for non-members) Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Sea Dipping Tuesday 13 August, 11am – 12.30pm Thursday 29 August, 11.30am – 1pm We will be plunging for prawns and dunking for dabs. No need for swimming costumes, we will be the ones getting wet! Once we come ashore, you will be amazed by the secrets of the sea. Please wear suitable waterproof footwear and arrive 15 minutes early to sign up. Venue: NWT Holme Dunes – meet outside the visitor centre Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members. Non-member car park fee applies. Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Searching for Sharks Tuesday 13 August, 1.30 – 3pm Thursday 29 August, 2 – 3.30pm Meet us at NWT Holme Dunes as we search for sharks’ egg cases, more commonly known as mermaid purses. Come along and help us identify what sharks can be found off the coast of Norfolk. Venue: NWT Holme Dunes – meet outside the visitor centre Cost: £3 NWT members, £3.50 non-members. Non-member car park fee applies. Booking essential: 01603 625540 NWT, Family

Local Group events

June

Hoe Bird Walk, Hoe Common Sunday 16 June, 8 – 9.15 am or 9.15 –11.30am A monthly walk to record and observe birds and wildlife. New members always welcomed. Venue: Meet in the lane to Hoe Common at Grid Ref: TF 989 173 Cost: Free MID NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Walk, Level 1, 3 Miles

Wheatfen Walk Saturday 22 June, 2 – 5pm A guided walk around Wheatfen Nature Reserve with Warden Will Fitch. Refreshments provided. Venue: Wheatfen Broad, The Covey, off The Green, Surlingham, NR14 7AL Cost: A minimum £2 donation towards the upkeep of the Reserve most welcome Booking essential: preferably by email: [email protected] or call 01692 630674 BROADLAND LOCAL GROUP, Walk, Level 1

Walk at Pools Monday 24 June, 7 – 9pm An evening walk at the site of former gravel workings that have been flooded to form deep and shallow pools with islands. Venue: Meet in the reserve car park, NR9 5QY (Grid Ref: TG 073 180) Cost: Free FAKENHAM LOCAL GROUP, Walk, 2 Miles

July

Getting Your DSLR Off Auto: A Beginner’s Guide to Photography Friday 5 July, 10am – 4pm A workshop aimed at beginners by award-winning photographer Catherine Bullen. After an introductory session in the Education Hut, we will head out onto the nature reserve, along with NWT Education and Engagement volunteer, Elizabeth Dack, to photograph nature. After a lunch break, the afternoon session will include a boat trip. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes Cost: £40 NWT members, £45 non-members (plus nature reserve entry fee for non- members) Booking essential: 01692 598276 NWT, Workshop

Breckland Wildlife of the Night – Evening Walk Saturday 6 July, 8.30 – 10.30pm An evening walk led by a member of the Brecks team, to discover nocturnal wildlife. Due to the nature of this walk please leave your dogs at home. Venue: NWT Cost: £2 NWT members, £3 non-members Booking essential: 01953 717227 BRECKLAND LOCAL GROUP, Walk, Level 2

Dragonfly Walk Wednesday 10 July, 10am – 1pm Morning Walk with Dr Pam Taylor, to look for a broad range of dragonfly species, including Norfolk hawker and variable damselfly. Venue: Upton Fen at NWT Cost: Free, donations welcome Booking essential: preferably by email: [email protected] or tel: 01692 670311 BROADLAND LOCAL GROUP & BRITISH DRAGONFLY SOCIETY, Walk, Level 2, 1-2 Miles

Fakenham Local Group AGM Monday 15 July, 7.30pm AGM of the Fakenham Local Group of NWT. Contact the group for details (see page 3). Venue: Hempton Music Room Cost: Free FAKENHAM LOCAL GROUP, Talk

Dersingham Bog NNR Tuesday 16 July, 8.30 – 9.30pm An evening walk around this Natural England reserve to search for nightjar. Insect repellent advisable. Please bring a torch if you have one. Venue: Meet in West Roadside car park, TF 663 284 Cost: Free WEST NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Talk

Butterfly Walk Saturday 20 July, 10am – 1pm Guided walk from Horsey gap to see dark green fritillaries and other species of butterfly, led by Jerry Simpson and Andy Beaumont. Venue: Meet at Horsey gap car park, NR29 4EF. Grid ref: TG 465 242. Cost: Event is free, donations welcome. Parking fee applies Booking essential: preferably by email: [email protected] or 01692 630674 BROADLAND LOCAL GROUP, Walk

Hoe Bird Walk, Hoe Common Sunday 21 July, 8 – 9.15 am or 9.15 – 11.30am A monthly walk to record and observe birds and wildlife. New members always welcomed. Venue: Meet in the lane to Hoe Common at Grid Ref: TF 989 173 Cost: Free MID NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Walk, Level 1, 3 Miles

August

Ashwellthorpe Wood Guided Walk Sunday 11 August, 10am – 12 noon A walk guided by Dr Anne Edwards to discover the diverse and abundant flora and fauna of one of Norfolk’s few remaining ancient woodlands. Due to the nature of this walk please leave your dogs at home. Venue: NWT Lower Wood, Ashwellthorpe, NR16 1HB Cost: £2 NWT members, £3 non-members Booking essential: 01953 717227 BRECKLAND LOCAL GROUP, Walk

NWT Wednesday 14 August, 10am – 12 noon A walk through this hidden valley to see flowers and insects of unimproved chalk grassland. Venue: NWT Ringstead Downs Cost: Free WEST NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Walk

Hoe Bird Walk, Hoe Common Sunday 18 August, 8 – 9.15 am or 9.15 – 11.30am A monthly walk to record and observe birds and wildlife. New members always welcomed. Venue: Meet in the lane to Hoe Common at Grid Ref: TF 989 173 Cost: Free MID NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Walk, Level 1, 3 Miles

Felbrigg Park for Birds and Insects Wednesday 21 August, 12 noon – 2.30pm A circular walk around Felbrigg Park, led by local birder Trevor Williams. Stout footwear essential. For those who wish, there is the option of stopping off at the Felbrigg Hall café for refreshments at the end of the walk. We expect to see a range of woodland birds, and a variety of butterflies and dragonflies. Venue: Meet at the Sexton’s Lodge car park (no charge), off Lion’s Mouth, NR11 8PS at the western end of the Felbrigg estate Cost: Free, donations welcome NORTH NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Walk

Moth Evening Friday 23 August, 8.30pm – late Moth identification led by Jerry Simpson and Andy Beaumont. Bring sensible footwear, torch and insect repellent. Venue: NWT Hickling Broad NR12 0BW. Cost: Free, donations welcome BROADLAND LOCAL GROUP, Workshop

September

BBQ, Bat and Moth Evening at NWT Sunday 8 September, 6pm – late A social evening starting with an optional barbecue before watching and listening for the various species of bats and other creatures who make this reserve their home. No dogs please. Venue: NWT Weeting Heath, IP26 4NQ Cost: £2 NWT members, £3 non-members. BBQ extra, details on booking. Booking essential: 01953 717227 BRECKLAND LOCAL GROUP

Ethiopia: Where Africa Touches The Sky Wednesday 11 September, 7.30 – 9.30pm NWT Wildlife Evangelist Nick Acheson gives an illustrated talk about the wildlife of Ethiopia. Venue: Alec Bussey Scout Centre off Rowington Road, Norwich, NR3 1RR Cost: £2 including refreshments NORWICH LOCAL GROUP, Talk

Decomposing In Norfolk: Rare and Unusual Fungi Thursday 12 September, 7.30 – 9.30pm An illustrated Talk by Tony Leech, the Norfolk County Recorder for fungi, telling the story of some of the rare and unusual fungi found in the county over the years. Venue: Town Green Centre, Wymondham, NR18 0PW Cost: £2 WYMONDHAM LOCAL GROUP, Talk

Hoe Bird Walk, Hoe Common Sunday 15 September, 8 – 9.15 am or 9.15 – 11.30am A monthly walk to record and observe birds and wildlife. New members always welcomed. Venue: Meet in the lane to Hoe Common at Grid Ref: TF 989 173 Cost: Free MID NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Walk, Level 1, 3 Miles

Barrow Common Wednesday 18 September, 10am – 12 noon An autumn morning visit to this county wildlife site with panoramic views over Brancaster Staithe. Venue: Meet in the small car parks at the North end of the common. Grid Ref: TF 791 433 Cost: Free WEST NORFOLK GROUP, Walk

North Norfolk’s Unique Reef Monday 23 September, 7.30 – 9.30pm Illustrated talk by marine conservation diver and photographer Rob Spray. Venue: Hempton Memorial Hall, NR21 7LG Cost: £2.50 FAKENHAM LOCAL GROUP, Talk

Looking For the Goshawk – The Lost Raptor Thursday 26 September, 7.30 – 9.30pm Conor Jameson’s personal, narrative account of the natural history of this mystery shrouded bird of prey: how it lives, where it lives, and why it might be missing from our lives. His search took him to some unexpected places, at home and abroad. This adventure turned into the essay with which he won the BBC Wildlife Nature Writer of the Year, and then the book, which received a Roger Deakin Award. Venue: Methodist Church Hall, Austin Street, Hunstanton, PE36 6AL Cost: £2.50 members, £3 non-members, including refreshments WEST NORFOLK LOCAL GROUP, Talk

Wild and Wonderful Mid Norfolk: Creatures of the Night Saturday 28 September, 6 – 9pm Come and explore NWT Foxley Wood at twilight and discover our fascinating night-time wildlife, with activities for all the family and fireside refreshments. Celebrating 40 years of the Mid Norfolk Local Group. Funded by Tesco Bags of Help. Remember to wrap up warm, and bring a torch if you can. Venue: NWT Foxley Wood Cost: Free Booking essential: 01603 625540 MID NORFOLK, Family

Norfolk Commons Week Saturday 6 July to Sunday 14 July 2019 Join in celebrating Norfolk’s commons For the full programme visit www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk or email [email protected] • Come along to one or more of our free commons discovery events • Explore your local common and tell us about the wildlife you find • Take part in our commons photographic competition

Our heritage of commons across the county are part of what makes Norfolk special: brilliant for wildlife and great places to explore. Help us celebrate them.