Guided Walks

Dr Cathy Horsley, Conservation Officer SW for Bumblebee Conservation Trust & lead on West Country Buzz project will give insight into needs of UK bees, their natural histories, how to recognise them, and how to encourage them into your garden.

Ecology expert Shaun Plenty will give a talk on his work with students from Bridgwater College in clearing this waterway, where
Kingfishers and Dippers are still to be seen.

We are very sorry to announce that this event is now cancelled, apologies for any inconvenience caused. Learn about how to manage an ancient woodland as we take a walk with forester Paul Oswin around Asham, Mendip’s largest and most biodiverse ancient semi-natural woodland.

Illustrated Wildlife Talk. Further details to be made
available shortly on our website

Ex-Wildlife Trust trainee, Phil Bruss, tells us how he has developed as a professional conservationist, and how to develop skills to help you on your way. Come along if you are thinking of getting into conservation. 

An enjoyable (and usually very productive) search for fungi in the Alfred’s Tower woodland and grassland areas.

Illustrated Wildlife Talk. Further details to be
made available shortly on our website.

Sabine Peukert of FWAG highlights the work being done in the upper catchment of the River Parrett to “slow the flow” from the hills to the Levels to reduce the impact of flooding on the Levels and Moors.

Rebecca MacDonald is Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Coastal Survey Officer. She will tell us about the work being done to survey Somerset’s varied and beautiful coastline.

This year we will be holding a Members’ Day, which will include Somerset Wildlife Trust’s 2017 Annual General Meeting. The AGM will be followed by an update on our nature reserves by Tim Youngs, Director of Land Management, members of his team, and other guest speakers. Refreshments, including lunch, will be provided. The AGM is free to attend but lunch must be booked in advance for which a charge will be made.

Join Michael Jordan the well known mycologist and founder of the Association of British Fungal Groups on a fungi and mushroom foray in Stockhill Forest, and learn about the 13,000 different species that occur in the UK.

Laid hedges create wildlife corridors and safe havens for nesting birds and small animals, as the density of laid and the re-growth provides a habitat for them. Learn how to manage hedgerows and sharpen your tools at a training day located at a beautiful reserve. Attendees for gain enough pratice in this techniques to get started on their own hedges.

Somerset Wildlife Trust’s special fundraiser returns for a second year and is proud to present the ‘Steam Tea Wildlife Special’  steam train ride with special VIP guest – Val Stones from TV’s ‘Great British Bake Off’. Val will be enjoying a cream tea with you, enjoying the stunning Somerset countryside and judging scones and jam on the way! 

Peter Thompson (Biodiversity Advisor, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust) will talk about the history, ecology, distribution and population of Brown Hares, and the reasons for their decline in some parts of the country.

For much of his life, local conservationist John Corder has been involved in reintroduction programmes for endangered species in Asia. This illustrated talk will discuss some of these programmes, particularly those of the world’s most threatened pheasant species and will also touch on reintroductions for Tigers, Orangutans and Pandas.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Children’s Wood Project where trees were planted on the site for each child born in Taunton Dean. The event will include lots of family activities such as apple juicing, arts and crafts and apple head carving. There will also be an apple circus run by FUSE Performance where you can learn to juggle with apples, make and take home some juggling balls and have a go at circus tricks and antics in a colourful bunting tent. Light refreshments will be available on the day.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Children’s Wood Project where trees were planted on the site for each child born in Taunton Deane. To celebrate the anniversary, as well as National Apple Day, we will be holding a family event in the wood on October 28th. The event will include lots of family activities such as apple juicing, arts and crafts and apple head carving. There will also be an apple circus run by FUSE Performance where you can learn to juggle with apples, make and take home some juggling balls and have a go at circus tricks and antics in a colourful bunting tent.   Light refreshments will be available on the day.

A talk by Somerset Wildlife Trust Coastal Ambassador Nigel Phillips. We have wonderful marine life, if you know where to look and Somerset’s coast is also one of the best places in the UK to watch wintering birds. All on your doorstep!

Chris Packham has led a remarkable life. He’s gained recognition as a naturalist, television presenter, writer, photographer, conservationist, campaigner and filmmaker.

We are looking for volunteers to help us manage our old reserve, Asham Woods, Mendip's largest and most diverse ancient semi-natural woodland. Training in coppicing techniques with be provided by local Coppicer, Harry Samuel. If you are interested in joining a volunteer day with SWT, come join us in the woods and brush up on your skills in this ancient technique.

We are looking for volunteers to help us manage our old reserve, Asham Woods, Mendip's largest and most diverse ancient semi-natural woodland. Training in coppicing techniques with be provided by local Coppicer, Harry Samuel. Come join us to learn this ancient technique. If you are interested in joining a volunteer day with SWT, come join us in the woods and brush up on your skills in this ancient technique.