EVENTS
DO COME ALONG ...
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.
Advice about Field Events
- Contact the organiser/leader beforehand - field events can be weather-dependent and subject to change.
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Remember to take things you may need - refreshments / sunblock / camera / notebook / torch for night events etc.
- DaNES usually takes its own equipment to field events, such as nets, moth traps, containers, field guides etc.
- All those taking part in a DaNES field event must read and follow the safety guidance in our risk assessment.
EVENTS 2024
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
8th Jun - COOMBS DALE BUTTERFLY WALK
Meet 11am at Stoney Middleton football field carpark, 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: pgilb10221@aol.com or DaNES Facebook messaging.
23rd Jun - SHERWOOD FOREST / BUDBY HEATH
10:30 - 16:00. 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
28th July - ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE - DRAGONFLY WALK
11:00 - 13:00. Admission free. Contact the centre direct for further information on 01283 535039 or 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
10th August - SORBY INVERTEBRATE GROUP
Hopper ID workshop at Wardlow Village Hall. Free to Sorby or DaNES members. Booking required: email Derek Whiteley
13 August 2024; Rosliston Forestry Centre – DRAGONFLY WALK.
11:00 to 13:00. Admission free. Contact the centre direct for further information on 01283 535039 or rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk
14 August - SORBY INVERTEBRATE GROUP
Introduction to mothing at Wardlow Village Hall. A moth trap will have been run the preceding night, and the day will start with identifying the catch. £15 charge to DaNES members. Booking required: email Jane Hewitt
27 August - ROSLISTON FORESTRY CENTRE – DRAGONFLY WALK.
11:00 to 13:00. Admission free. Contact the centre direct for further information on 01283 535039 or rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk
27 August - RUSHCLIFFE COUNTRY PARK
Moth trapping and possibly a bat walk. Meet at 9.00pm at the front of the Ranger's building near the newt bench by the lake. For more detailed information go to facebook.com/rushcliffecountrypark
28 August - RUSHCLIFFE COUNTRY PARK - WILDLIFE DAY.
Do your own survey or accompany various experts looking for birds, plants, dragonflies, insects, mini-beasts etc. Join walks at various times of the day starting from the wildlife site by the children's play area.
When you arrive, find out the times of the walks and talks and book in for them and collect your survey sheets
For more detailed information go to facebook.com/rushcliffecountrypark.
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.
NTU Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell
Further details to follow.
