Talks

Sharpen your nocturnal senses on a wildlife-rich, night-time ramble across the Mendip landscape with nature and astronomy expert and broadcaster Chris Sperring MBE, looking for owls, glow worms, nightjars and stars.

A walk round parts of the 4 meadows of unimproved, species-rich, neutral grassland. Green-winged Orchids, Adder's tongue fern, Oxe-eye daisies etc. Butterflies & bees if sunny.

Model Farm shows how much nature can create a sanctuary within a decade. The owners have made a beautiful garden bursting with wildlife, a joy to spend time in.

This Avon Wildlife Trust reserve near Winscombe is the source of the Lox Yeo river. It is an area of damp neutral grassland that contains some uncommon plants including various orchid species.

Join us and the owners of the wonderful site for a wander around Eley's Fields Private Nature Reserve, at a time when the orchids and wildflowers are at their most spectacular. 

Caroline has created a jewel for wildlife. Last year, a top Garden designer came to visit when she opened for Somerset Wildlife Trust and was absolutely full of praise! Combine your visit with a visit to Nunney castle.

John Bebbington intends to follow up his April talk by showing us the results of a survey of moths at Batty Piece nature reserve in Curry Rivel.

Learn to 'fly like a wild goose' and other simple Tai Chi movements in our stunning Edford Meadows Nature reserve. This relaxing form of gentle exercise is suitable for all ages and abilities, with instruction provided by Beth Woodburn from Tai Chi for Health  

Get to know the wildflowers, bumblebees and butterflies at these beautiful meadows with help from Somerset Wildlife Trust's Pippa Rayner.  

Callow Bank is an area of limestone grassland above Cheddar Wood. SWT has undertaken signifcant scrub clearance in the area. The visit will take us up through the wood to the Bank which is above the Callow Rock Quarry.

Now in its ninth year, the British Wildlife Photography Awards highlights the great diversity and wealth of the country’s wildlife. The exhibition showcases the great diversity and wealth of the country’s wildlife and raises awareness of our natural habitats and including here in Somerset.We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Red Brick Building to bring this fantastic exhibition to Somerset again. There will be an events programme related to the exhibition, including a wildlife photography walk on 22nd August (details of all events will be available on the website in due course).

A return visit to Lower Chelmsine where David and Lindy Edmondson have developed a Private Nature Reserve with 10 acres of broadleaf
woodland, 5 acres of Hazel/Sweet Chestnut coppice and a most attractive garden and wildlife area. There is also a 400 yr old Linhay Barn. Refreshments for local charity. 

Stroll through the back lanes of Westbury-subMendip after dark with expert Peter Bright.

Visit this wonderful flower farm with posies to be made. The owner is a flower farmer! Using her beautiful blooms , she creates bouquets and arrangements for all occasions. Come and see how she has done this and create your own posy to take home.

An inspiring, peaceful wildlife garden full of bumbleebees, butterflies and bird song. After your visit, treat yourself to a beautiful cottage garden plant from the nursery

Stroll through the back lanes of Westbury-subMendip after dark with expert Peter Bright.

Discover the 'small wonders' (including insects, galls, fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns) that local wildlife enthusiasts Veryan and Andy Conn will share with you in Coleford's meadows and woodlands.  

A walk around the Bishops Palace Moat in Wells with local bat expert Dave Cottle and members of the Somerset Bat Group. Learn how to use a bat detector to identify different species, and fascinating facts about bats.

Alan Wells of Pitcombe Rock Falconcry will talk about the different birds of prey; and their work rescuing birds, and educating people about raptors.

A visit to explore Somerset’s Brilliant Coast and look a the wildlife that is exposed at one of the lowest tides of the year. We shall be accompanied by Rebecca MacDonald on our journey to the low tide line.

Since Beavers were frst discovered to be living wild in Devon, much work has been conducted to evaluate their impact on the countryside, both to the environment and co-habiting species. Devon Wildlife Trust explains all.

Join us for an evening walk around Vallis Vale SSSI to listen and look out for bats, including rare Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats. Led by Adel Avery from the Somerset Bats Group. 

Drought poses a signifcant threat to the environment, agriculture and our water supplies. It could affect us all in various ways. Sarah Ayling will describe her work on the DRY project, which has concentrated on grassland ecology and the way that it responds to drought.

A wonderful talk by Rob Williams who has spent a decade working for the conservation of the Manu National park. Located in the western Amazon and together with neighbouring areas it forms part of the largest contiguous wilderness remaining on Earth and is home to over 1000 bird species and 300 mammals.

Dr Charles Hill author of For the Love of Trees will share insight into the complexities of our native Woodlands. This is based on a life-time’s interest. Sales table. Tea & coffee available