Timings:
Saturday, 27th June 9.30pm – Bat Walk at Millennium Green Bridge (on the green side)
Sunday, 28th June 10:00am- 5:00pm (timetable below)
Location: Cobthorn Reserve
Description:
Join us for the Cobthorn Paddocks BioBlitz – a special open day celebrating nature and the wildlife at our reserve and helping launch an exciting long-term nature monitoring project. This first BioBlitz will create a benchmark for recording insects, plants and other wildlife across the reserve, helping us track and protect biodiversity for years to come.
We’re delighted to welcome the public to explore Cobthorn Paddocks and enjoy a range of nature-inspired activities and events throughout the day. Come and discover nature around us, learn more about the reserve and be part of the beginning of this important ongoing journey.
Activities include:
- Moth trap examination
- Wildlife surveys led by experts
- Insect displays
- YACWAG presentation
- Creature treasure hunt on our nature trail
- Games and crafts for all ages
Bring the whole family and discover the wildlife that makes our reserves so special!
Timetable:
11:00am Mapping Project
Over the last year, YACWAG has been using a mobile app to map everything it owns, in the area, and to record the results of monitoring inspections. This will help us with management and reporting across the reserves, and with sharing information on wildlife activities. So far we have logged 14 bird boxes, 44 bat boxes, and 106 trees, and the project is ongoing. We will be able to demonstrate the website with the map, and the app we are using to collect the data.
12:00 noon Orchard Walk
Join us for a gentle orchard walk and discover a growing collection of fruit trees, including heritage apples, set within a beautiful nature reserve created for wildlife and learn how orchards can support both people and nature.
2:00pm Bee Walk
A short guided walk around the reserve to identify bees and learn more about the year-round habitat at Cobthorn that there is for bees whilst doing a survey as you walk.
3:00pm Bat Talk
Come along for a short talk on bats including a demonstration on YACWAG’s state of the art equipment used for bat monitoring at Cobthorn and our expert with answer any questions you may have.
4:00pm The Secret World of Dormice
Discover the secret world of Dormice through an interactive display featuring real survey equipment used by our local wildlife surveyors. Learn how our licensed volunteers monitor this protected species using nest boxes, nest tubes and footprint tunnels and hear about ongoing Dormouse survey work in our reserves. This is a fascinating opportunity for all ages to explore small mammal ecology, conservation techniques and the challenges of finding some of Britain’s most elusive wildlife.
Further updates to follow …..
Important Information:
Please note, this event is weather permitting and will involve walking through fields with long grass so please be tick aware. Wear protective clothing, use repellent and check for ticks during and after your walk. Our blog Embracing Our Beautiful Countryside Safely: Enjoy Nature, Stay Tick Aware will provide helpful information.
Parking is very limited in this area. We are encouraging people to walk or cycle if possible.
No dogs are permitted.