During the summer, the Society meets every Tuesday from May through to the end of August. Meetings are on Tuesdays at 7.00p.m. unless otherwise stated. Stout footwear is generally advised for our outdoor meetings. Visitors are usually most welcome. Note that as many of the meeting places do not have postcodes, the closest is listed. Click on the grid reference to load a map showing the location of the site.
During the winter, the Society meets every Tuesday from September through to the end of April at:
Cruck BarnCity Discovery Centre
Bradwell Abbey
Alston Drive
Milton Keynes
MK13 9AP
Meetings open with refreshments at 7.30pm, for an 8pm start. Meeting are free for members. There is a charge of £2.00 for non-members.
You can download the current programme here in Word or PDF format.
Please note that clause 7 of the Society’s constitution reads: “The Society will exercise due care when arranging its meeting and activities for the benefit of members. Members taking part in any meeting or activity do so at their own risk”. Click this link to view the full Risk Assessment document.
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Tue06Jan2015
Welcome in the New Year with Martin Kincaid and one of our local places of growing interest! He has worked on the reserve from 1988 and has contacts who were there from the very beginning! -
Tue13Jan2015Kenny Cramer is a local bird ringer who has recently been ringing at the Hanson Centre. He will share his experiences, explain the training process and outline the scientific aims of the ringing scheme.
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Tue20Jan2015You can submit up to 10 unmounted prints of up to A4 size. This time you must submit these in advance – by January 13th. Full rules in The Magpie.
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Tue27Jan2015Stunning wildlife of the Atlantic Rain Forest and the world-famous Patanal plus a quick look at Rio too. Chris Ward has been travelling again and will share his experiences – and brilliant photographs – with us.
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Tue03Feb2015We welcome back Dr Jill Eyers, a professional geologist who has visited us several times previously. She will be looking at what causes ice ages before looking at the different environments created across the UK by the last Ice Age and how to recognise and interpret them.
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Tue10Feb2015A traditional Members’ Night. Offers of contributions of 10-15 minutes or so to Jean Cooke or Julie Lane in advance, please.
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Tue17Feb2015It’s that time again! Gordon Redford will lead us through the process of creating a Summer Programme when we can feel our fingers and toes!
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Tue24Feb2015Chief Executive of the Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust, Brian Eversham, visits us again – this time to give us his considered view on the impact of climate change on the wildlife we all love and value.
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Tue03Mar2015Jean Cooke will tell us about what she saw on a trip to the far east of Turkey. Plenty of plants, quite a lot of insects, just possibly a bird and mammal!
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Tue10Mar2015Our President, Roy Maycock, thanks those members who have given him ideas of their favourite plants – those who haven’t can share some of his own choices.
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Tue17Mar2015
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Tue24Mar2015Jane Bowley, Project Officer for the Lower Windrush Valley Project, tells us how the valley has been transformed by gravel extraction over the last 100 years from a green, pastoral landscape to one dominated by open water bodies. Some may rue the changes but others revel in the abundance of birds, fishing and variety of views.
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Tue31Mar2015Some will recall this panel game, others (younger) will not, but everyone should enjoy this evening while remembering Joan and how she relished earlier Society re-enactments of the game!
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Tue07Apr2015
No Meeting -
Sun12Apr2015Times to be advised
A Society visit to Kew Gardens is planned. Look out for full details at Meetings! Martin Kincaid is making the arrangements. -
Tue14Apr2015Alan Nelson, one-time Chairman of MKNHS, has agreed to come and share with us his latest information on the occurrence of damsel and dragonfly species in our area.
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Tue21Apr2015A look at the native amphibian species around Milton Keynes. Martin Kincaid will show us how to identify and sex newts, frogs and toads. Weather permitting we will look around the grounds at Bradwell Abbey to see what is about!
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Tue28Apr2015Recently retired Biology teacher, and far from retired tortoise enthusiast, Liz Carter will share her passion with us! She may even bring a few friends!
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Tue05May2015
Leader: Gordon Redford. One of the three ancient woodlands in MK, the location of conservation work by MKNHS 40+ years ago, and the venue for the Bernard Frewin Memorial event. Meet in car park opposite Westcroft Shopping Centre off Chaffron Way (H7) at MK4 3BG SP830344 -
Tue12May2015Leaders: Ann Biggins, Roy Maycock & Jenny Mercer . Two old meadows with a very rich flora. Of particular interest are the cowslips and green-winged orchids on the ridge and furrows. Insects and other animals may be seen – depending on the weather. Park on roadside, avoiding the dangerous corner, at MK17 0NX. SP750322
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Tue19May2015Leaders: Joe Clinch and Phil Sarre. BBOWT Reserve good for flowers and birds, and well-known for the successful Dormouse Project led by Society members. Car sharing recommended as parking is limited. Meet in the car park reached by the private road to Dairy Farm off Haversham-Gayhurst road, half a mile from the A526 at MK16 8LU SP834455
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Tue26May2015
Leader Martin Kincaid. A circular walk to look for plants, insects and, hopefully, nesting waders. Meet at the reserve car park off Queen Eleanor Street at MK11 1DB SP791409 -
Tue02Jun201518:30 to 20:30Leader: Michele Welborn. Meadows, reed beds, scrub, maturing woodland, pasture and lake – good for birds, invertebrates and flora. Arrive promptly at 6.30pm (gates are opening just for us). Follow signs from A421. Use Visitor Centre car park (£2.50 fee) at MK43 0PR. TL004418
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Tue09Jun2015Leader: Mike LeRoy. Wetland, ponds and paddock at Atterbury and banksides of Broughton Brook. Access the Coachway from Fen Street and park as far from the entrance as possible, close to where the A509 link from M1 J14 runs above the car park at MK16 0AA. SP892404
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Sat13Jun2015Leader: Martin Kincaid. I have been asked to show Parks Trust volunteers around Elfield Nature Park on Sat 13th June between 11am and 1pm. I am happy to stay on and give access to Society members between 2 and 5pm.
This is a site usually closed to the public and we have only had 2 previous society visits to it. A rare example of a brownfield site in Milton Keynes that is managed for wildlife. As it is undisturbed and consists of a variety of habitats it is very rich in invertebrates especially and is also good for birds and aquatic plants. We can include some pond dipping, bug hunting and even monitor the newly introduced slow worm population! There should be a variety of orchids and other flowers to enjoy. Access is off Watling Street (V4) via the main gate for the National Bowl. Please note that as the gate needs to be locked, visitors must arrive promptly for 2pm start. Click here for a map.
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Tue16Jun2015Leader: Paul Lund. Bring binoculars and telescopes for this visit to the hides, Meet at the car park off the Wolverton Road at MK14 5AH SP843428
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Tue23Jun2015Leader: Julie Lane. A relaxing walk along the meadows east of Olney Church watching out for wildlife, in particular birdlife, on and around the Great Ouse. Meet in the Market Square car park in Olney just off the A509 at MK46 4AU. SP890512
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Tue30Jun2015Leader: Diana Parsons. The Greensand Trust has been renovating the private lands recently acquired at Rushmere. The walk will include old woodland with areas part cleared to improve habitat and at least two different types of grassland. Meet in the car park (£2 fee) off Old Linslade Road at LU7 0EB. SP911284
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Sat04Jul201512pm - 3pmLeader: MKNHS. Note this event is on a Saturday and is from noon onwards. Come and join Society members who, along with the Parks Trust, have organised an event to which the public, particularly children, are invited in memory of Bernard Frewin. A founder member of MKNHS, Bernard so enjoyed sharing his love of nature with young people. Meet in car park opposite Westcroft Shopping Centre off Chaffron Way (H7) at MK4 3BG. SP830344
The Parks Trust have produced a poster for the event and have included this event on their website.
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Tue07Jul2015Leader: Steve Brady. A seeded wildflower meadow with some areas of exposed rock and recently created ponds. Good for insects, so nets and pots please. Meet at the Arts Workshops/Barn Theatre car park at the end of Parklands at MK14 5DZ. SP850422
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Tue14Jul2015Leader: Mike Killeby. Gentle walk around the Abbey site, along Loughton Brook to investigate earthworks and a ridge and furrow area and then back alongside the railway line. Meet in Bradwell Abbey upper car park (NOT by Cruck Barn) at MK13 9AP. SP827394
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Sat18Jul20158:00 pm
Leaders: MKNHS Mothers. An annual event in memory of George Higgs. A later start than normal to allow for some good mothing time, weather permitting. Fold up chairs, torch and a flask of something to drink have been helpful in the past. Meet in the roadside car park south of Nash at MK17 0EH. SP786328 -
Tue21Jul2015Leader: Colin Docketty. A popular place with varied habitats, a good selection of wildlife and the only Local Nature Reserve in MK. Refreshments available after the walk. Meet in the car park off Drayton Road, Bletchley at MK2 3LB. SP870325
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Tue28Jul20158:30 pm
Leaders: Piggotts and Redfords . A later start from 20:30 onwards for this Bats and Moths evening at the Society’s study site. An opportunity to learn how the record-collecting is progressing and to see how the bats and moths data are collected. Meet in the car park by Grange Farm roundabout off Dansteed Way (H4) at MK8 0PY. SP814369 -
Sat01Aug20156:00 pm
Leaders: MKNHS members. Note this is a Saturday event from 18:00 onwards. Please bring plenty of food and drink. If you can provide a barbecue let Martin Kincaid know. Plenty of picnic furniture available, and shelter if it rains. Mothing for those wishing to stay late. Meet in car park at MK14 5AH. SP843428 -
Tue04Aug2015Leader: Roy Maycock. A linear site along the canal tow path. Vegetation should be at its best, birds should be flying or on the water and insects may be felt! Park in the large car park by the road to Great Brickhill (NOT by the pub) at LU7 0DS SP893283
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Tue11Aug2015
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Tue18Aug2015Leader: Colin Docketty. A balancing lake very good for birds. We may be lucky and see Greenshank. Meet in the car park beyond the cricket pavilion off Portland Drive at MK15 9DL SP875412
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Sun23Aug201510:00 12:00 14:00Hazeley Wood
Leader Jean Cooke. Our 2015 Study of Hazeley Wood is well under way. By now much work has been done - but there are inevitable gaps in our coverage, in particular there are many invertebrate groups not being systematically covered.In order to make the most of the expertise which exists within the Society the coordinating group have arranged a bio-blitz-style day for Sunday August 23rd. In the event the weather that day is unsuitable, this will be changed to August 30th.
While the day is particularly aimed at increasing coverage of invertebrates, anyone is welcome to attend and look at whatever interests them particularly. Non-members who wish to contribute will be very welcome. A brief sheet outlining the recording system to be used will be provided to those who attend on the day.
In order to coordinate activity, it is suggested that people wishing to participate arrive at one of the following times: 10.00 am; 12 noon; 2.00 pm. Someone will be present in the car park by Grange Farm roundabout off Dansteed Way (H4) at MK8 0PY SP814369 at those times to meet them. Once there, participants can stay for as long or short a time as they wish.
N.B. The Archery Club does not use the wood on Sundays!!
For further information email jcookiejean@aol.com or phone 01525 261407 - but not on the day itself, please.
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Tue25Aug2015Leaders: Mike LeRoy & Gordon Redford. Veteran trees (Oaks & Ashes), an avenue of young Limes and several ponds. Park in Steinbeck Crescent accessed from Andersen Gate off Standing Way (H8) at MK4 4AE. SP828330
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Tue01Sep2015
Your chance to tell us what you have been up to – and what you have seen – this summer. Come ready to contribute. -
Tue08Sep2015
Postponed from last Spring – because of a small amount of snow! Dr Jill Eyers, a professional geologist, will be looking at what causes ice ages and then showing us the different environments created in the UK by the last Ice Age, and how to recognise and interpret them. -
Tue15Sep2015Book Reviews - Members tell us what they have read recently which has inspired them and which they think the rest of us would also enjoy
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Tue22Sep2015
Dr Derek Schafer, of Bucks Fungus Group, has agreed to help us identify the fungus we can find around MK in autumn. Bring specimens (with detail of where they were found), microscopes and additional lights to supplement the dim overhead lighting of Cruck Barn. -
Tue29Sep2015Dr Alan Birkett will help us to identify the bewildering range of trees found around us by using an online guide.
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Tue06Oct2015We are delighted to welcome Paul Waring – eminent lepidopterist and author of probably the most used field guide to macro-moths in the UK – to tell us of his continuing enthusiasm for them. This should be a treat!
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Tue13Oct2015Linda Murphy spent almost three weeks in Tasmania, and will show us much of the great variety of plants and wildlife she saw.
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Tue20Oct2015What do you know of eels in Milton Keynes or indeed of fish generally? Ian Hirst will tell us of the fisheries work and responsibilities of the Environment Agency in our area – including a project to encourage an eel population.
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Tue27Oct2015A traditional members’ evening. Offers of 10-15 minute contributions to Julie Lane, or Jean Cooke please.
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Tue03Nov2015Once again Jeff Blincow will dazzle us with his brilliant photographs, how he came to take them and a fascinating account of his trip. This time there will be plants as well as birds!
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Tue10Nov2015Bring your brains and have them challenged once again by the Struttons’ fiendish line in questions. They haven’t run out of ideas yet! Is this your year to shine?
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Wed11Nov201519:30 for 20:00Naidni Indian Restaurant, Stony Stratford
Well-recommended Indian food at the Naidni Indian Restaurant, Stony Stratford at the excellent price of £15 a head. Steve Brady is taking bookings – make sure of your place!Note: this event is on a Wednesday and starts at 19:30 for 20:00.
MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.
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Tue17Nov2015New member Andy Harding has been leader of Naturetrek trips to Romania, and will show us the birds and butterflies which predominate in this spectacular landscape – and also the odd bear!
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Tue24Nov2015Trustee of the MK based National Energy Foundation (and of the Parks Trust), Dr Chris Gossop will talk to us about how we might move from “business as usual” to a low carbon, low fossil fuel future.
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Tue01Dec2015Sarah Thomas (Education) and Nick Lindsay (Conservation) have very kindly agreed to come and tell us about the less obvious, but absolutely vital work of ZSL in which they are centrally involved.
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Tue08Dec2015Philip Wheeler has been doing work with students for 10 years on the fate of the brown hare. Why do we rarely see them now? What is going wrong for them? We shall hear the results of his research.
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Tue15Dec2015
Always enjoyable – bring your own drinks, and a plate of something for all to share.
