Welcome to our Spring/Summer Programme
March 2026 to August 2026

All members are very welcome to join any Section meeting. If you wish to become a regular participant in any Section, please give your name and contact details to the Section Leader, who will inform you of any activities which do not appear in the published programme. In the event of bad weather, please check with the Section Leader before setting out. See overleaf for their names and contact details.

Visitors are welcome to attend 2 meetings in a year and requested to introduce themselves to the leader at the start of the meeting. We hope this will encourage them to join us. A few meetings may have to be restricted to members only, for various reasons. This will be indicated in the programme.

Health & Safety Advice: On outdoor activities, please wear stout waterproof footwear, and clothing that protects against scratches and bruises. Everyone who takes part in our activities does so at their own risk.

Society President: Dr Vivian Roberts, Tel 01983 865420 or Mob 07768 091370, email roberts.iwnhas@gmail.com
Membership Secretary: Mrs T Goodley, Tel 01983 652702 or Mob 07849 089924, email tonigoodley@gmail.com
Society Secretary: Colin Pope, email secretary@iwnhas.org
Society Treasurer: Nigel Locke, Tel 01983 407287, email nigel.jill.007@btinternet.com

SECTION LEADERS

Archaeology: Dave Staughton, Mob 07802 918416, email dave@staughton.me

Bats: Hazel Makepeace, Mob 07884 247361, email hazelmakepeace@aol.co.uk

Botany:
Colin Pope, Tel 01983 611591, email colinrpope@gmail.com
Dave & Hazel Trevan, Tel 01983 853927 or Mob 07979 098760, email davidandhazel@hotmail.com
Nick Aston, email nickastonbsbi@gmail.com

Entomology: Selena Bone, Mob 07971 457624, email selena.iow@icloud.com

Fungi: Colin Pope, Tel 01983 611591, email colinrpope@gmail.com

General: Maggie Nelmes, Tel 01983 852274, email maggienelmes51@gmail.com

Geology: Steve Hutt, Tel 01983 840237 & Trevor Price, Mob 07593 811751, email trevorshorse@yahoo.co.uk

Looking at the Countryside: Mary Edmunds, Tel 01983 532055 or Mob 07791491562, email john.mary.edmunds@gmail.com

Marine & Freshwater: Roger Herbert, Tel 01983 521040 or Mob 07531094738, email roger.herbert59@btinternet.com

Microscopical: Paul Bingham, Tel 01983 526049, email iowpaulb@aol.com

Ornithology: Teresa Tearle, Mob 07795 078049, email teresa.tearle@btinternet.com

Visual Records Collection: We would welcome digital or printed photographs of meetings: flora and fauna, geology, archaeological artefacts – anything relevant to the interests and history of the Society – for our photo library. All originals will be returned. Please contact Society Headquarters.

Society Headquarters: 8-10 Dodnor Park, Newport, IW PO30 5XE, Tel 01983 282596, email iwnhas@btconnect.com

Society’s Website: http://www.iwnhas.org

Programme Secretary: Maggie Nelmes, Tel 01983 852274, email maggienelmes51@gmail.com

Venue for indoor meetings: Arreton Community Centre, Main Road, Arreton, near Newport SZ 536 865 (unless otherwise stated).

IMPORTANT NOTICE
COACH TRIP TO OXFORD
See General Meeting entry for Thursday 7 May and the enclosed Information & Booking Form.

Archaeology
Dave Staughton is our Archaeology Section Leader. We usually have regular weekly meetings on Wednesday mornings. These are mostly field activities, although occasionally we will have indoor talks and other events. Details of our meetings will be posted on the Society webpage and announced by email. If you wish to receive the email notifications, please contact Dave: dave@staughton.me

Geology
A review of the Isle of Wight’s Geodiversity.
In 2004/2005 I was involved in a number of summary audits of coastal sections, inland quarries, heritage sites and historical people who contributed to our knowledge of the geological variation (geodiversity). This formed part of the IW Local Geodiversity Action Plan carried out with the support of an IWLGAP Partnership, and the IWNHAS was one of the partners.

It seems a good time to review these early records, to update/ log/photograph any significant change. This could be a long-term ongoing project for the Society involving a mix of Section field trips and individual reviews. If anyone is interested in taking part, please contact me for further information. Trevor Price.

Please Note: Meetings will be led by the relevant Section Leader unless otherwise specified.

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FEBRUARY 2026

Geology

Saturday 7 February at 10:00 hrs

A Geology New Year’s Walk. Meet at Godshill car park for a beautiful 3-4 mile walk through millions of years of Cretaceous Rocks sculptured into downland and valleys. Some uphill walking. Led by Geology Section Leaders.

Botany

Saturday 7 February at 13:30 hrs

Botany Indoor Meeting. Our annual indoor meeting is at Arreton Community Centre. We will be reviewing last year’s finds and looking at plans for the coming year. There will be an illustrated talk on interesting plants. Please bring along any photographs or pressed specimens of interest for the exhibition during the tea break.

Botany

Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 February

Wood Calamint Working Party. The annual Wood Calamint working party at Rowridge Lane will take place on a weekend morning in mid-February. Please contact Mark Simmons for details Mob 07392 614256 nodewell@googlemail.com

General Meeting

Saturday 14 February at 14:00 hrs

Pimps, Faggots and Benders – and Other Things You May Find in the Woods, an illustrated talk on Isle of Wight coppicing by hurdle-maker Richard Knowles. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Looking at the Countryside

Tuesday 17 February at 10:00 hrs

Alvington. Meet at St. Mary’s Church, Carisbrooke SZ486882 for a winter walk with views. Leader details as 6 September.

Ornithology

Saturday 21 February at 09:30 hrs

Seaview and Hersey Reserve. Meet at the west end of Bluett Avenue, Seaview SZ626917. Divers, ducks, grebes and gulls. Led by Teresa Tearle, contact details as 18 October.

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MARCH 2026

Looking at the Countryside

Saturday 7 March at 10:00 hrs.

Kitbridge. Mark Earp will lead a circular walk around the Kitbridge area, explaining the history and natural history. Meet Parkhurst Forest car park, off Forest Road SZ480900. Could be muddy. Leaders: Michele Van Buren, Tel 0771587931 and Mary Edmunds.

General Meeting

Saturday 14 March at 14:00 hrs.

The Isle of Wight Sea Eagles. An illustrated talk by Imogen Lloyd of Forestry England on the progress of this amazing reintroduction of an iconic species to the Isle of Wight. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Ornithology

Saturday 21 March at 09:00 hrs.

Dunsbury. Monitoring the impact of arable reversion on bird populations. Meet at Hanover Point car park, Compton Bay SZ 37804E 84065N (what3words divorcing.gazed.pest) 3 miles, some ascents/descents. Car park charges apply for non-National Trust members. Contact the Section Leader in advance if you need a car park pass. Leader: Mark Larter.

Marine and Freshwater

Saturday 21 March at 15:30 hrs.

Shanklin. Meet at mini roundabout at the southern end of Shanklin esplanade SZ586812 for a walk along the beach to explore the rocky shore and pools at Horse Ledge. The ledges are wet and can be slippery and uneven. Low Water is 18:15, 0.4m.

THE IWNHAS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday 28 March 13:45 hrs for 14:00 hrs start.

All our members are invited to attend the AGM to hear about the Society’s activities and finances during the past year and to vote for our officers and committees. We look forward to meeting you and having a chat, and we will try to answer any questions.
Contributions of food items to share will be very welcome – such as sandwiches, cakes, biscuits, quiche, crisps, nuts, fruit and raw vegetable sticks. Venue: Arreton Community Centre.

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APRIL 2026

Ornithology

Saturday 11 April at 09:00 hrs.

Dodnor. Spring birds in the Medina valley. Meet at Stag Lane, at crossing with cycleway. Parking on Stag Lane – usually space between Biogas plant and cycleway. SZ 50357E 91643N (what3words offhand.bless.songbirds). 1½ miles with some soft, uneven ground, requiring footwear with ankle support. Leader: Keith Marston, Tel 01983 527857.

Botany

Saturday 18 April at 10:00 hrs.

Whippingham Crematorium. The Crematorium might seem an unusual site for a botany meeting but the wooded grounds bordering Palmers Brook have a delightful spring woodland flora. Park in the Crematorium car park.

Marine and Freshwater

Saturday 18 April at 15:30 hrs.

Freshwater Bay. Meet on the sea wall at west end of the Bay SZ346857. Exploration of the rocky shore, boulders and pools. Parking available at public car park. The boulders are wet and can be slippery and uneven. Low Water is 17:40, 0.6m. Leader: Theo Vickers, Mob 07972 835685.

Looking at the Countryside

Wednesday 22 April 10:30 hrs.

Wroxall and the Downs. Meet at Wroxall car park, St Martin’s Road, Wroxall SZ5516179850. A 4-mile circular walk, the first part is steep as we walk to the downs. We will be rewarded with panoramic views and bluebells. On our return, we will pass by the abandoned steam railway tunnel. Pub in Village for coffee optional. Leader Jill Poole, Tel 01983 853998.

General Meeting

Saturday 25 April at 11:00 hrs.

Godshill. Meet at the village car park SZ530817 for a 2-hour foraging walk, when we will learn to identify common edible plants and learn about their surprising ethnobotanical history and folklore. Bring a notebook. Leader: Joseph Thurbin from Fieldstudy.

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MAY 2026

Botany

Saturday 2 May at 14:00 hrs.

Nodes Point Meadow. We will walk the short distance along footpaths from the National Trust car park to a meadow with a rich flora. We hope to see, amongst other species, Adder’s-tongue Fern, Green-winged Orchid and some rare and distinctive Dandelions. Meet at the National Trust car park on St Helen’s Duver, SZ636891. Charges apply for non-National Trust members.

General Meeting

Thursday 7 May from 07:30 hrs. All day.

Coach Trip to Oxford. See the enclosed Booking Form for details. We have a choice of some exceptional museums, free of charge to enter – the Ashmolean Museum, with themed galleries devoted to Archaeology and Art; Museum of Natural History; Pitt Rivers Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology; and the History of Science Museum, with its unrivalled collection of early scientific instruments. We can also visit the Botanic Garden, established 400 years ago, and The Harcourt Arboretum, with many species of rare and endangered trees from around the world, a beautiful bluebell wood and wildflower meadow. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Coach and ferry fare: £25 per person.

General Meeting

Saturday 16 May at 10:30 hrs. All day.

The Chale Walk. A five-mile walk with John Margham exploring the medieval landscape of Chale, St Catherine’s Down and Downcourt, commencing at St Andrew’s Church, Chale, SZ483776, returning mid to late afternoon. Please bring a drink and packed lunch and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Entomology

Sunday 17 May at 14:00 hrs.

One Horse Field. A Gift to Nature reserve not visited since 2019. Park in the gravel car park halfway along Hurst Point View, SZ325873.

Looking at the Countryside

Wednesday 20 May at 10:30 hrs.

A Ramble with Ray. Meet at Simeon Monument, Carisbrooke Road, Newport, PO30 1DB, at the junction of Carisbrooke Road and Castle Road. Buses 6, 7, 12, 38 to Simeon Monument. A light-hearted stroll around the ‘New Village’ taking in local landmarks, parks and the history of Simeon and Little Gatcombe. Leader: Ray Harrington-Vail, Tel 01983 524219.

Geology

Saturday 23 May at 10:00 hrs.

Brook Bay. Meet at the Brook Chine National Trust car park (the gravel one) off the A3055 Military Road near Brookgreen SZ 3855 8362 (What3Words went.wing.honeybees). Bus route 12 Newport-Alum Bay, nearest bus stop near Brookgreen. Please wear footwear suitable for possible mud, slippery shore platform and pools of water. May involve a little scramble down a short muddy section at the end of the chine depending on what the sea has done to the path.

Botany

Saturday 23 May at 14:00 hrs.

Chessell Meadow. We have been requested by the owner, Zoe Croad, to survey a two-acre hay meadow at Chessell Farm. This is on private land so it is an opportunity to visit a site we would otherwise not have access to. The farmhouse is immediately north of Chessell Café and Pottery, just off the Middle Road but do not park in the café car park. We can park in a small field on the east side of the stream that crosses their land, accessible from Brook Road, as long as it isn’t too wet! The gate is opposite the last pair of red brick houses in Brook Road, just off the Middle Road (SZ396858, what three words: recoup.relatives.thud). They can also accommodate about 6 cars in their drive, SZ396857.

Marine and Freshwater

Saturday 30 May at 14:30 hrs.

Bembridge. Meet Bembridge Lifeboat Station car park SZ656881 for a walk along the shore to explore the ledges and rockpools. The ledges are wet and can be slippery and uneven. Low Water is 17:01, 1.3m.

Ornithology

Saturday 30 May at 20:30 hrs (if weather bad – alternative date Sunday 31 May).

Nightjars at Mottistone. Meet at Strawberry Lane car park, Strawberry Lane, Mottistone. SZ 41218E 83722N (what3words gown.voices.observers). 2 miles, gentle uphill, some uneven ground requiring footwear with ankle support. Return in darkness so torches essential. Leader: Teresa Tearle.

Botany

Sunday 31 May at 14:00 hrs.

Return to Wolverton Marsh, Shorwell. We visited this lovely wetland site in 2024 but many people were unable to attend so we are arranging a return visit, slightly earlier in the year. Meet at the start of footpath SW2 at the end of Russell Road/Fine Lane junction, SZ455826. Off road parking. Wellington boots advised but not essential.

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JUNE 2026

Looking at the Countryside

Saturday 13 June at 10:30 hrs.

Shorwell. Meet by the seat at the top of Fine Lane, opposite Paddock Close, SZ457828 for a circular walk to Sheards Copse, Bucks Farm and Dungewood. Park carefully round the village. Historic landscapes and place-names. 4½ miles. Steep at beginning. We will stop for a refreshment break, so you may want to bring a snack. Leader: Alan Phillips, Tel 01983 741375.

Entomology

Sunday 14 June at 14:00 hrs.

Shide Chalk Pit. A return visit after the weather failed a successful visit last year. Park in Shide or surrounding area. If travelling by bus, Southern Vectis routes 2 and 3 stop near the junction of Shide Road and St George’s Way. Meet at the entrance on Burnt House Lane, SZ506883.

Botany

Saturday 20 June at 14:00 hrs.

Hunt for the Wild Liquorice! We will meet in the National Trust Windy Gap car park Old Blackgang Road, Niton SZ494758. There is a clump of Wild Liquorice close to the car park which we can admire. However, there are believed to be up to three other patches in the area which have not been relocated recently. We will try to hunt them down. Although a large plant, it can be surprisingly tricky to spot. There are lots of other nice plants in the area to see.

Ornithology

Saturday 27 June at 09:00 hrs.

Western Yar & Rofford Marsh, for summer migrants. Meet at Off the Rails Café, Station Road, Yarmouth SZ 35773E 89383N (what3words addicted.broached.crabmeat). 2 miles, flat walking. Leader: Patricia Lockwood, Mob 07528 569422.

Entomology

Saturday 27 June at 14:00 hrs.

Northwood Cemetery, Cowes. Meet at the entrance off Newport Road, SZ494948.

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JULY 2026

Looking at the Countryside

Saturday 4 July at 10:00 hrs.

Meet at Wheelers Bay car park, Ventnor, SZ750775 for a two hour walk to Bonchurch and back along the revetment. Easy walking. Leader: Andy Butler, Tel 01983 054925.

Botany

Sunday 5 July at 14:00 hrs.

Ventnor pavement plants. An exploration of the rich and varied flora of urban native and non-native species. Meet at the main entrance to Ventnor Park (SZ556773). Some roadside parking is available along Park Avenue.

General Meeting

Wednesday 8 July at 19:45 hrs.

Newport Swift Walk. An evening walk to see screaming parties of Swifts and some nest sites on a route that will take us to Trevor Road, where a small colony of Swifts breed. If the weather is bad on the day, the walk will be rescheduled. Meet on Lugley Street at the entrance to the Lugley Street car park in central Newport. Leader: Caroline Dudley, Mob 07444 735806 / email caroline_dudley@btinternet.com

Marine and Freshwater

Saturday 11 July at 12:30 hrs.

Bembridge – Colonel’s Hard. Meet Bembridge Lifeboat Station car park SZ656881 for a walk along the shore towards Colonels Hard to explore the rocky shore and pools. The ledges are wet and can be slippery and uneven. Low Water is 14:30, 1.5m.

Entomology

Sunday 12 July at 14:00 hrs.

Yarmouth Cycle Track. Meet at the beginning of the track in Thorley Road, SZ363895.

Ornithology

Saturday 18 July at 09:00 hrs.

St Helens Duver, Bembridge Harbour/Lagoons. Waders, wildfowl and summer migrants. Meet at St Helens Duver National Trust car park SZ 63685E 89155N (what3words losing.jiggle.voters). Car park charges apply for non-National Trust members. 4 miles, mostly flat walking. Causeway uneven in places requiring footwear with ankle support. Option to just do Bembridge Harbour for anyone unable to complete full walk. Leaders: Teresa Tearle & Naomi Wright.

Botany

Sunday 26 July at 14:00 hrs.

Pig Leg Lane, Ryde. A walk into Swanmore Meadows, a Gift to Nature site with meadow, scrub and woodland flora. Park in Quarry Road or surrounding area. Meet at entrance SZ594916 by the allotments and railway line.

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AUGUST 2026

Entomology

Saturday 1 August at 14:00 hrs.

Mount Joy Cemetery, Carisbrooke. Park in the lay-by opposite Carisbrooke Priory, Nunnery Lane, SZ489875.

Looking at the Countryside

Wednesday 12 August at 10:30 hrs.

Chessell/Shalcombe Meet in the layby on the B3399 to the south of Chessell Pottery opposite the pumping station SZ396855. Check Summer Links bus to Chessell. A shady forest walk, stunning views, chalk grassland flora, a tragedy in the chalk pit. A figure of eight walk with optional break halfway or at the end for refreshments at Chessell Pottery.

Ornithology

Saturday 29 August at 09:00 hrs.

Brading Marsh for summer migrants. Meet at Laundry Lane, St Helens end near A & R Welding / cattle sheds SZ 62117E 88322N (what3words roofed.flamenco.blizzard). 2 miles, flat walking. Areas of marsh may be muddy following prolonged rain. Leader: Naomi Wright. (Any contact via Section Leader please).