A variety of events is organised by DaNES throughout the year, and some by individual members – fieldwork, educational workshops, exhibitions, talks, trips etc. Do come and join in. They will be advertised here on the website alongside those run by other organisations which may be of interest - check Events list for updates.
Please note: Events may be subject to alteration or cancellation, particularly in the case of unsuitable weather or the organiser becoming unavailable. Potential attendees are advised to contact the organiser (where details are given), or Phil Gilbert on pgilb10221@aol.com or DaNES Facebook messaging for updated information. Some events may have restrictions on numbers attending, whilst others may not be suitable for children or dogs, so please check to avoid disappointment. Events not organised by DaNES may be subject to admission or car parking charges.
20th Apr - SPRING BEE SURVEY AT CALKE ABBEY
A search for bees (e.g. Andrena spp) and other invertebrates. To focus on the lawns and deer park. Meet 11:00 at the Car Park.
Contact Alison Thornhill 07983 897137 or trowhill203@gmail.com
ALLESTREE PARK INVERTEBRATE SURVEY
Event planned for 28th April postponed due to inclement weather – to be rescheduled.
Continuing the invertebrate surveys DaNES has been conducting for the golf course rewilding project. On this early-season visit we will look for solitary bees and their kleptoparasites around the sandy bunkers; also beetles, including evidence of dung beetles; and butterflies and hopefully plenty more. For further details contact Felicity Jackson 07730 168889 or felicity.jackson.art@gmail.com
17th May - ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE. Event subject to confirmation.
DaNES is hoping to run one or two moth traps in the late evening to extend our understanding of the species present on this site.
Contact: Neil Ward 07714 153424 or neilward4754@gmail.com
19th May - PLEASLEY PIT COUNTRY PARK - WILDLIFE DAY.
DaNES will be present at this event run by Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group.
For details see: Diary Dates – Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group
26th May - NEWSTEAD & ANNESLEY COUNTRY PARK.
The Friends of N&ACP are conducting a 24 hour “bioblitz” and DaNES will be recording insects as part of this event. Meet at 11:00 am at the car park
June - CRESSWELL CRAGS Date and details to follow.
DaNES is planning to run a moth trap in the late evening
8th Jun - COOMBS DALE BUTTERFLY WALK
Meet 11am at Stoney Middleton football field car park, next to A632 at SK235750.
Walk of ca 3 miles with mild gradients, hoping to see local specialities - Dingy Skipper / Green Hairstreak / Dark-green Fritillary.
Contact - Phil Gilbert 07988 148316
23rd Jun - SHERWOOD FOREST
For Coleoptera - a joint event with the Coleopterists Society.
We might even see Purple Emperor if we are lucky!
Contact - Alison Thornhill 07983 897137 or trowhill203@gmail.com
26th Jul - ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE NIGHTWATCH
7-11.30pm at Rosliston Forestry Centre, Burton Rd, Rosliston, Swadlincote DE12 8JX.
Annual Forestry Centre event with talks, walks, information and displays about various nightlife, including moths. Also activities looking at stars. Suitable for both adults and children 7+. Entry £5.
DaNES will be running one or two moth traps in the late evening
Booking essential - email: Rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk
4th Aug - DaNES ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW
10.30am-4.30pm at Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre (Green Room), Slack Lane, Heanor, Derbys DE75 7GX.
Small exhibition with live exhibits, and insect hunt in nearby meadow. Café. Free entry.
For further details contact Phil Gilbert 07988 148316
10th August - ALLESTREE PARK SURVEY
Continuing the invertebrate surveys DaNES has been conducting for the golf course rewilding project. Suitable for beginners. Looking in grassland and woodland edges, a variety of survey methods will be used including sweeping, beating and hand searching.
Meet 11:00 at Allestree Park main car park, signposted off the A6 Duffield Road, DE22 2EU. Grid ref SK348407. There are toilets at the Hall but no other facilities so bring refreshments as needed. There is sometimes an ice cream van!
For further details contact Felicity Jackson 07730 168889 or felicity.jackson.art@gmail.com
12th September - TALK: Bees and other insects
Idle Valley Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, North Road, Retford. DN22 8RQ. A Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust event featuring a talk by DaNES vice-president Kieron Huston (postponed from 8 February due to inclement weather). Starts at 19:15.
9th November - DaNES ANNUAL SHOW.
Details to follow.
More activities and events will be planned over the coming months.
Check here regularly for updates.
To add an event here contact Russell Nevin by email - russell.nevin@sky.com