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!

Kenny 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.

You can submit up to 10 unmounted prints of up to A4 size. This time you must submit these in advance – by January 13^th. Full rules in The Magpie.

Stunning 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.

We 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.

A traditional Members’ Night. Offers of contributions of 10-15 minutes or so to Jean Cooke or Julie Lane in advance, please.

It’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!

Chief 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.

Jean 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!

Jane 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.

Some 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!

No Meeting

A 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!

Recently retired Biology teacher, and far from retired tortoise enthusiast, Liz Carter will share her passion with us! She may even bring a few friends!

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

Leaders: 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

Leaders: 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

Leader: 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

Leader: Martin Kincaid. I have been asked to show Parks Trust volunteers around Elfield Nature Park on Sat 13^th 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.

Leader: 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

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.