Saturday 27th October - UTB Members' Day and AGM at St Peter's Church Hall, Earley, Berks (venue now confirmed)

FIELD MEETINGS - SPRING 2012

Sunday 1st April, 11am

Finemere Wood, Bucks
A search for the Orange Underwing species of day-flying moths.
Meet at the reserve entrance on the Edgcott to Quainton road (Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 165, grid reference SP721209).
Leader and Contact: Paul Bowyer 01628 526225

Sunday 6th May, 11am

Moor Copse Nature Reserve, Berks
Early spring butterflies.
Meet at the BBOWT reserve entrance on the A340 a quarter of a mile south of Tidmarsh, on the slip road just north of the M4 bridge (O/S Map 175, SU633738).
Leader and Contact: Paul Bowyer 01628 526225

Saturday 12th May, 11am

Ivinghoe Beacon, Bucks
A walk to see the Duke of Burgundy and hopefully several other species too. Steep slopes and rabbit holes.
Meet at the main car park (O/S Map 165, SP963160).
Leader and Contact: Robin Carr 01296 625734

SAVE OUR BUTTERFLIES WEEK 2012 runs from 19th to 27th May.
This year's theme is rare and threatened species. Find out more here.

Saturday 19th May, 11am

Aston Upthorpe Downs, Oxon
An open event for Save Our Butterflies Week. Spring Butterflies, including Skippers and Green Hairstreak.
Steep chalk banks. From the A417 a mile east of Blewbury, turn south along narrow lane opposite turning to Aston Upthorpe. Park at the grain drier half a mile along lane (O/S Map 174, SU550844).
Leader and Contact: Gerry Kendall 01865 245029

Sunday 20th May, 10.30am

Aston Rowant NNR (Beacon Hill), Bucks/Oxon border
An open event for Save Our Butterflies Week. Spring butterflies walk. Steep slopes and rabbit holes.
Meet in the NNR car park on the north side of the M40 (O/S Map 165, SU732965)
Leader and Contact: Paul Huckle 01491 414035

Tuesday 22nd May, 11am

Bradenham (National Trust), Bucks
An open event for Save Our Butterflies Week. Target species Duke of Burgundy.
Medium gradients on downland and in woodland.
Meet in the NT car park. Heading north along the A4010, at Saunderton turn right into Smalldean Lane and proceed for just under a mile, the NT car park being on the right (O/S Map 165, SU823989).
Leader and Contact: Paul Bowyer 01628 526225

Saturday 26th May, 10.30am

Lardon Chase (National Trust), Berks
An open event for Save Our Butterflies Week. Target species is Adonis Blue with our Species Champion Maureen Cross. Very steep grass slopes.
Meet in the NT car park off the A4009 at top of the hill from Streatley (O/S Map 174, SU583807).
Leader and Contact: Maureen Cross 01491 871239

Sunday 27th May, 10.30am

Greenham Common, Berks
An open event for Save Our Butterflies Week. Target species is Small Blue.
Meet at the car park by the old control tower, off Bury's Bank Road (O/S Map 174, SU501652).
Leader and Contact: David Redhead 01865 772520

BERKSHIRE MOTH GROUP

The Berkshire Moth Group meets every second Thursday in the month at 19:30 at Maiden Erleigh Local Nature Reserve Interpretation Centre, Instow Road, Earley, near Reading, SU 749 709 (OS175).

Contact : Grahame Hawker 01189 700144.

SAFETY CODE

As with any other activity, there are hazards in the countryside and everyone taking part in a Field Meeting, Work Party or other event has a responsibility (duty of care), for their own safety and that of others. We try hard to ensure that our events present no hazards but please note and act on the following:

1.      Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If there are unusual requirements, these are noted in the individual event details. Stout shoes are a minimum requirement.

2.      During the main summer season you may be exposed to strong sunshine for much or all of the walk. Take a hat, use sun cream or protection for exposed skin. Make sure that you have adequate food and liquid to drink with you. Equally, sunshine can easily turn to cold and rain during the day. Be prepared.

3.      Winter events may result in exposure to very cold conditions although events are cancelled in extreme conditions. Warm and waterproof clothing and footwear should always be worn. It is sensible to bring a warm drink.

4.      The leader will provide a briefing on the event before starting, with details of any known particular hazards, and will also give advice on what to do in an emergency.  Please listen carefully.

5.      At the briefing, please let the leader know if you have a mobile telephone and are willing to take it with you and/or you have First Aid qualifications.

6.      Joining the event is an indication of your interest in butterflies. By their nature butterflies do not remain conveniently by the main path and will offer many opportunities (temptations) for you to wander away.   Take particular care to look out for hazards – rabbit holes, fallen or hanging branches, barbed wire, boggy areas, etc. Beware of wet grass, particularly on sloping ground. Children are welcome at our events, but if under 16 must be accompanied by at least one adult for two children. It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s) to ensure that the event is within the children's ability.

7.      Dogs are normally welcome on walks but not at work parties. They must be kept under control. Any exceptions are shown in the individual event details.

8.      If you are uncertain about any details of the event, ring the leader/contact in advance. There is always a telephone number given with the event details.

9.      If you decide to leave the event early, tell the Leader.

10.   Take care at all times, but ENJOY YOURSELF.