Wild about the Wensum
This is the diary of previous special events, courses, field trips and holidays.
The background colour of the date is used to show different types of meeting. Green is used for BDS and BDS Local Group organised field meetings and events, Blue where the BDS will have a stand or speaker(s), but is not responsible for the event itself (please follow any given links for further details) and Yellow for other dragonfly events. These last are listed for information only, using information as it was provided to us. The BDS is not directly involved in these events and therefore all details are solely under the control of the individual event organisers. We suggest you contact these organisers direct or follow the given links to confirm details.
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Saturday 18th May 2013Pensthorpe, Norfolk
10am to 5pm
Visit the BDS stand at this event that promotes environmental and community charities along the River Wensum Valley. Admission to Pensthorpe on the day is free, but a car park charge will raise money for conservation projects.
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Tuesday 7th May 2013National Trust Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire
Discovering Dragonflies- a series of 3 dragonfly identification workshops with County Recorder Sue McLamb. Aimed at beginners this series will enable people to identify a range of species that occupy different flight periods throughout the season. Classroom inputs during the morning will focus on identification of ‘seasonal species’ and an understanding of the natural history of these fantastic insects. Participants will also learn how the life cycle is adapted for species emerging at different times of the year. Following a brief lunch the afternoons will be spent outside at 3 different locations on the Long Mynd putting identification skills to the test in a variety of habitats.
Emily Knight 01694 725000
Please report to the National Trust’s chalet pavilion at Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JG. The workshop will start at 10am and finish at 2pm. For further directions see
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carding-mill-valley-and-shropshire-hills/how-to-get-here/Packed lunch essential. Wellies/walking boots and waterproofs as we will be venturing out! Total walking will be no more than 1km. Identification guides and hand lens if owned. There is a charge of £10 per session.
NB: Weather permitting 2 afternoons will be spent at pools on top of the Long Mynd so some participants will need to drive and car sharing will be very much appreciated.
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Saturday 20th April, 2013Preston Montford Field Centre (SJ433143)
Dragonfly Larvae Workshop with County Recorder Sue McLamb. Aimed at beginners this course will commence with an introduction to dragonfly larvae and the part they play in the dragonfly lifecycle. Indoor practical sessions will then focus on the identification of exuviae. After lunch the afternoon focus will be spent out and about at Preston Montford dipping in a number of ponds and practising some hands on identification. Click here for the course flyer.
Sue McLamb 01584876163
Please report to reception at Preston Montford Field Centre (SJ433143). Coffee available from 10.15am and workshop will start at 10.30am and finish at 3.30pm. For further directions see
http://www.field-studies-council.org/centres/prestonmontford/location.aspxPacked lunch essential (tea and coffee provided but there is no cafe available). Wellies/walking boots as we will be venturing out! Total walking will be no more than 1km. Larval identification guides and hand lens if owned.
For those who wish the Field Guide to the larvae and exuviae of British Dragonflies by Steve Cham wil be available for purchase at £12 (cash/chq only).
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Saturday 6th April 2013Bell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne, Cornwall.
A day of Practical Conservation Work. This is our last scrub bashing session before the summer break.
Just turn up!
Assemble at the meeting point at SW629422 at 11.00am.
Please bring lunch & wellington boots which are essential as this is a wetland site. If the weather forecast suggest showers don't forget your raincoat!
The land owners, Cornwall Council will be providing insurance for volunteers working on the site at these events and thanks to Western Power Distribution we now provide tools such as bow saws & loppers, however if you have any suitable tools please bring them along.
Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn right at the end of the slip road, cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
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Sunday 17th March 2013Bell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne, Cornwall.
A day of Practical Conservation Work. During this session we will be cutting out the remainder of the willow in the first section of the marsh and making further in roads into the second section.
Just turn up!
Assemble at the meeting point at SW629422 at 11.00am. Bell Lake Marsh is ten minutes walk from the meeting place and is not visible from where we will initially assemble so please be punctual as we will be moving off promptly at 11.00am.
Please bring gardening gloves, lunch & wellington boots which are essential as this is a wetland site. If the weather forecast suggest showers don't forget your raincoat! For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.
Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn right at the end of the slip road, cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.The land owners, Cornwall Council will be providing insurance for volunteers working on the site at these events as well as tools such as bow saws & loppers, however if you have any suitable tools please bring them along.
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23rd FebruaryBell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne, Cormwall.
A day of Practical Conservation Work. During this session we hope to be pulling birch & willow saplings from the wetland, cutting out the remainder of the willow in the first section of the marsh and perhaps making a start on the second section.
Leaders: Steve Jones & Jo Poland
Just turn up!The meeting point is at SW629422. Meet at 11am.
Bell Lake Marsh is ten minutes walk from the meeting place and is not visible from where we will initially assemble so please be punctual as we will be moving off promptly at 11.00am. Please bring gardening gloves, lunch & wellington boots which are essential as this is a wetland site. If the weather forecast suggest showers don't forget your raincoat! The land owners, Cornwall Council will be providing insurance for volunteers working on the site at these events as well as tools such as bow saws & loppers, however if you have any suitable tools please bring them along.
Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn right at the end of the slip road, cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track. -
26 Jan 2013Great Wheal Seton, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve, Cornwall
A Day of Practical Conservation Work at Great Wheal Seton, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve
Great Wheal Seton is a classic example of an old tin streaming site and is the home of the last breeding population of Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies along the Red River Valley. It also supports breeding colonies of the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly & Keeled Skimmer. In order to secure the future of these important insects, and a whole host of other wildlife that occupies the site we will be removing small areas of invasive gorse, willows & lesser reedmace, along with a small amount of unsightly rubbish. Please come along and lend a hand with this very worthwhile task, it will keep you fit while you have fun & enjoy a bit of constructive destruction!Just turn up!
Leaders:
Steve Jones & Jo PolandAssemble at the meeting point SW657418 at 11.00am
Great Wheal Seton is five minutes walk from the meeting place and is not clearly visible from where we will initially assemble so please be punctual as we will be moving off promptly at 11.00am.Directions to Great Wheal Seton, (Tolvaddon):
If you are travelling in a westerly direction along the A30 from Redruth take the first Camborne (Tolvaddon) exit, signposted “Pool, Camborne, Portreath A3047”. After entering the slip road take the right hand lane signposted “Portreath” & then bear right as you drop down to the traffic lights. At the traffic lights turn right on to the dual carriageway and pass under the A30. Immediately after passing under the A30 turn left on to the minor road. After 60 metres you will pass a pedestrian gate on your left leading to TuckingmillValley. Park sensibly anywhere along here, meeting outside of the old Cornwall Hydraulic Services factory 25 metres further along the road.If you are travelling in an easterly direction along the A30 from Hayle take the second Camborne exit, signposted "Camborne, Portreath A3047”. After entering the slip road take the left hand lane. Immediately after the traffic lights at the Portreath junction, move into the right hand lane and take the next right, (if you pass under the A30 you have gone too far). After 60 metres you will pass a pedestrian gate on your left leading to Tuckingmill Valley. Park sensibly anywhere along here, meeting outside of the old Cornwall Hydraulic Services factory 25 metres further along the road.
The land owners, Cornwall Council will be providing insurance for volunteers working on the site at these events as well as tools such as bowsaws & loppers, however if you have any suitable tools please bring them along. Please
bring gardening gloves, lunch & wellington boots which are essential as this is a wetland site.
For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.The valley is a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve, the whole area has huge untapped potential, but like so many areas, is badly in need of some conservation management. Come along and make a difference.
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Saturday 12th January 2012Bell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne (SW629422)
A day of Practical Conservation Work starting at 11am. During this session we hope to be pulling birch & willow saplings from the wetland, clearing up previously cut material, cutting out the remainder of the willow in the first section of the marsh and digging up gorse stumps from the drier areas. Please come along and help secure the future of the fantastic diversity of wildlife found at Bell Lake Marsh, it really is so worthwhile and surprisingly good fun.
Bell Lake Marsh is one of the best remaining dragonfly sites along the Red River Valley, supporting breeding colonies of the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly & Keeled Skimmer. In the last 10 years it has lost it's colony of the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly & during the last 30 years it has lost a Marsh Fritillary colony. Our aim is to reverse the decline of this important wetland habitat by removing invasive willow, gorse, birch saplings & lesser reedmace, opening up the site with a series of work parties over the autumn & winter. Please come along and lend a hand with this very worthwhile task, it will keep you fit while you have fun & enjoy a bit of constructive destruction!
The land owners, Cornwall Council will be providing insurance for volunteers working on the site at these events as well as tools such as bow saws & loppers, however if you have any suitable tools please bring them along.
Just turn up!
Bell Lake Marsh is ten minutes walk from the meeting place and is not visible from where we will initially assemble so please be punctual as we will be moving off promptly at 11.00am.
Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn right at the end of the slip road, cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Please bring gardening gloves, lunch & wellington boots which are essential as this is a wetland site. If the weather forecast suggest showers don't forget your raincoat! For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.
The valley is a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve, the whole area has huge untapped potential, but like so many areas, is badly in need of some conservation management. Come along and make a difference.
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Saturday 24th November 2012 11.00am until 3.00pmBell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne SW629422
During this session we hope to be pulling birch & willow saplings from the wetland, clearing up previously cut material, cutting out the remainder of the willow in the first section of the marsh and digging up gorse stumps from the drier areas.
Bell Lake Marsh is one of the best remaining dragonfly sites along the Red River Valley, supporting breeding colonies of the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly & Keeled Skimmer. In the last 10 years it has lost it's colony of the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly & during the last 30 years it has lost a Marsh Fritillary colony. Our aim is to reverse the decline of this important wetland habitat by removing invasive willow, gorse, birch saplings & lesser reedmace, opening up the site with a series of work parties over the autumn & winter. Please come along and lend a hand with this very worthwhile task, it will keep you fit while you have fun & enjoy a bit of constructive destruction!
The land owners, Cornwall Council will be providing insurance for volunteers working on the site at these events as well as tools such as bow saws & loppers, however if you have any suitable tools please bring them along.
Bell Lake Marsh is ten minutes walk from the meeting place and is not visible from where we will initially assemble so please be punctual as we will be moving off promptly at 11.00am.
For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.
The valley is a rich mosaic of wildlife habitats officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve, the whole area has huge untapped potential, but like so many areas, is badly in need of some conservation management.Please come along and help secure the future of the fantastic diversity of wildlife found at Bell Lake Marsh, it really is so worthwhile and surprisingly good fun.
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Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn right at the end of the slip road, cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge. Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Please bring gardening gloves, lunch & wellington boots which are essential as this is a wetland site. If the weather forecast suggest showers don't forget your raincoat!
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Saturday 27th October 2012University of Chester, Parkgate Rd., Chester
BDS Members Day
Dorothy Gennard dgennard@lincoln.ac.uk
0930-1630 at University of Chester, Parkgate Rd., Chester CH1 4BJ
The Trustees & Chief Executive look forward to welcoming members to our 29th Member’s Day & AGM, a key highlight in the BDS calendar, at the University of Chester. Non-members are also welcome, although we would encourage you to join and benefit from being a member of the BDS.
Member’s Day is an excellent opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones, learn more about these fascinating insects as well as meet the Society’s Trustees, staff and volunteers. Come and enjoy an exciting programme of talks including DNA analysis has been used to understand evolution of larval morphological defence in Leucorrhinia larvae.