Barrow's Wildside – new events November ’11 to March 2012

Talks - over the winter there are some interesting talks to tempt you out on the dark evenings. These inspiring talks are being held in the Studio at Forum 28 and cover a range of wildlife topics.

Thu 1 December 7.30pm-8.30pm 'Living seas'. Marine Conservation Officer for the Northwest, Cheryl Nicholson, talks about The Wildlife Trusts’ vision of how to make wildlife thrive from the depths of the ocean to the coastal shallows. Find out whatthere is and what should be protected in the Irish Sea.
No need to book but seats are allocated on a first come first-served basis.
Where; Forum 28, Duke Street, Barrow.

Tue 24 January 7.30pm-8.30pm 'Conservation grazing with native cattle'. Grazing animals are increasingly being used to manage nature reserves to improve habitats and promote bio-diversity. Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Field Officer, Ruth Dalton, talks about her first hand experiences of conservation grazing and her current work with the ‘Rare Breeds Survival Trust’. No need to book but seats are allocated on a first come
first-served basis.
Where; Forum 28, Duke Street, Barrow.

Walks - join a guided walk and learn something new about local wild places and the wildlife on your doorstep.

Wed 16 November 2.00pm-4.00pm 'Have a gander at the grey seals!'. Did you know there are seals at South Walney Nature Reserve? Join us for a wander down to the end of the reserve where, if we’re lucky, we can spot them larking about in the calm waters off the spit. The walk is approximately 3 miles along a rough track and footpaths. Dogs are not allowed on the nature reserve. Call Nikki Taylor on 01229 471066 to book or for further information. Booking not required but preferred.
Where; South Walney Nature Reserve, Walney. Grid
Ref: SD 215 621.

Thu 17 November 10.00am-3.00pm 'Litter pick along Rampside Green Way'. Bring your binoculars and a packed lunch and join us for the day to walk along Rampside Green Way. We will walk from Cavendish Dock towards Rampside, cutting back the overhanging vegetation and  picking up any litter we see on the way. Call Sue Thurley on 01229 471066 to book or for further information. Booking not required but preferred.
Where; Rampside Green Way. Meet at Cavendish Dock car park. Grid Ref: SD 209 678.

Volunteering - fancy doing something different? Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn about wildlife and help to make positive improvements for wildlife. No previous experience is necessary, and tools and training are provided.

Wed 23 November 10.00am-3.00pm 'Making it wild at North Walney'. We will be installing a special nesting box for shellducks on one of the islands at North Walney Nature Reserve, to help protect these ground nesting birds from predators. If there’s time we will also be clearing low growing dwarf willow to maintain the open dune grassland habitat. Call Sue Thurley on 01229 471066 to book or for further information. Booking not required but preferred.
Where; North Walney Nature Reserve, Barrow. Meet at 9.30am outside The Ferry Pub, The Promenade, Walney. Grid Ref: SD 187 688.

Sat 26 November 10.00am-3.00pmMaking it wild at Sandscale HawsWe will be cutting trees and shrubs (mainly hawthorn and willow species) with hand tools. This is essential work to preserve the rare coastal grassland habitats and the wealth of plant species that they support on the nature reserve. If conditions are good we may also have a bonfire to burn the brash material. Bring a packed lunch and drink. Wear old clothes, stout boots or wellies and bring waterproofs if needed. Call Neil Forbes on 01229 462855 for further information.
Where; The National Trust’s Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve. Meet at The National Trust car park, Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead. Grid Ref: SD 200 75.