Wakering & District Natural History Society
Events
Saturday 17th January 2009 - Osier Cutting - Our working party of nine met on the Common to cut back the osiers. You can see from the photograph, taken by Tamsin Butler, that it turned out to be a glorious morning yet an hour before our arrival it was pouring with rain. At the end of the job, we were treated to a welcome cup of coffee and Kit Kat by Gill. We all went home quite pleased with our efforts since we had completed the work in record time of one hour.
4th to 23rd October 2008 - Brent Geese Watch - The local RSPB South Essex team are holding their annual Brent Goose Watch on the seafront at old town Leigh-on-Sea from 4th to 23rd October 2008. Telescopes have been set up and focused on the Thames Estuary where literally thousands of Brent Geese have returned from Siberia, some 2500 miles, for the winter months. The public are encouraged to come along to this free event at Victoria Wharf near Leigh beach (close to toilets and small car park) and talk to the RPSB team who will be on hand between the hours of 10am and 4pm to answer any questions.
Friday 25th July 2008 - Butterfly Exhibition - Gill & John, Helen & Barry, Beryl & Richard were invited on Friday 25th July 2008 to the opening by Professor Ted Benton of a Butterfly Exhibition at Southend Central Museum. Professor Benton from the University of Essex is a Natural History author and photographer. We were all agreed that this was one of the most professional exhibitions that we have seen recently and much praise has to go to John Skinner, the Museums & Galleries Manager and Roger Payne, Assistant Keeper and a member of our society. These most beautiful and colourful insects have fascinated mankind for centuries and this major exhibition introduces you to their biology and their ecology, including the fascinating story of how some species are showing dramatic changes in distribution, perhaps related to climate change. The exhibition is illustrated by specimens, photographs, video, live exhibits and even a 'Create A Butterfly Design' program on the computer for the youngsters. The exhibition is open from Saturday 26th July 2008 and should run for several months and should interest anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world. The Museum's telephone number is 01702 434449 and if you wish to look at what else the Museum has to offer, please visit this link: Southend Central Museum.