Things to do
Visit
The best way to see wildlife is to get out there and visit places.The more often that you go to a nature reserve or other wildlife site the more you will see and the more you will understand about how it works. Use the 'Places to Visit' page of this website.
Volunteer
One of the best ways to really understand our nature reserves is to join in with one of the regular volunteer management team events. Help to improve and look after the places that our biodiversity depends upon.
An active local work party
© Robert BartlettEssex Wildlife Trust runs events on its reserves throughout the year, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and some Sunday mornings, and they start at 9.30 a.m. and finish around lunchtime. You do not have to be a member of the Essex Wildlife Trust to come along to these events.
Here are some future dates and places NOTE; (see the 'Places to visit' page for details of the locations)
February 2012
Tuesday 14th - No Event
Thursday 16th - Rushy Mead TL 497197 - confirmed location
Tuesday 21st - West Wood TL 624332
Thursday 23rd - West Wood TL 624332
Tuesday 28th - Elsenham Spinney, Leigh Drive, Elsenham
Thursday 1st March - Elsenham Spinney, Leigh Drive, Elsenham
The above work parties may change as needed. To check any dates and venue ring 01799 550378.
Note that locations may change at short notice, check the website before you go, or phone 01799 550378. Details last updated on 16th February 2012.
New volunteers are always welcome, just bring yourself and something to drink and eat, and wear clothes and shoes that can afford to get muddy.
Further details from Michael Rowley 01799 550378 or Paul Salvidge 01279 814153
Shadwell Wood Work Party
A separate series of volunteer management events are run at the Essex
Wildlife Trust reserve at Shadwell Wood, Ashdon through the autumn and
winter. The full programme of dates are;
2012–
Jan 1st, 15th & 29th ;
Feb. 5th, 19th ;
March 4th, 18th ;
April 1st, 15th & 29th
For further information ring Tony Morton on 01799 523489
The National Trust at Hatfield Forest also runs volunteer events carrying out coppicing work through the winter half of the year. The events for Spring 2011 are now completed and the group will begin work again in October 2011.
The dates for the winter are;
14 and 28 Jan,
11 and 25 Feb,
10 and 24
March.
The group meets at 10-00 am at the main gate to the Forest and works
through until about 4-00pm, or until it gets to dusk. You are recommended to wear stout
gloves and old clothes, and Totectors or similar footwear are
required. Hard hats are provided by the Trust. You do not have to be a
member of the National Trust to join in with the work party.
Bring a packed lunch.
Contact Andy Sapsford on 01279 725017 for more information.
Saffron Walden Wild Flower Group
The Saffron Walden Wild Flower Group is a long established informal group of enthusiasts who arrange a programme (as set out below) of different monthly field walks from April to September, taking not more than two hours each. We enjoy exchanging views on the identification of the many species we find (rarities in particular!) which not only adds to our knowledge but the lists we make provide a detailed record of continuity, or change, and are welcomed by the Uttlesford District Council Saffron Walden Museum to add to its archive of our local environment.
We would very much welcome new members - anyone interested should please telephone the number below.
contact 01799 520042
Garden
You can create space for nature in your garden, no matter its size. From simply
putting out food and fresh water for birds, to more ambitious things
like making a pond, or planting native wild flowers, it all helps to
make a difference. There is plenty of advice on the internet, for
example try
Natural England at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/advice/wildlifegardening/
Or the the Wildlife Trusts at http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/?section=gardening
Cycle Rides and Walks
A good way to see local wildlife is to get out on foot or on a bicycle. You can travel quietly and the wildlife does not notice you coming. Try our Walks and Rides page.
Evening talks
The Uttlesford Branch of Essex Wildlife Trust holds a number of talks through the year on wildlife topics, which are held in Saffron Walden Town Hall, Market Square, at 8:00 p.m. for which a donation of £ 2.00 is requested.
Wednesday February 8th, 8:00 p.m. - "Wildflower grasslands and how to look after them" by Barry Kaufman-Wright.
Wednesday May 2nd, 8:p.m. - “The Scarlet Malachite Beetle and the work of Buglife” by Duncan Sivell from Buglife.
