Welcome to our Autumn/Winter Programme
September 2026 to February 2027

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: Hazel Makepeace, 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).

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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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).

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Looking at the Countryside

Tuesday 8 September at 10:00 hrs.

Firestone Copse. Meet at the main car park off Firestone Copse Road, Wootton, SZ557911. A walk around Firestone Copse to look at various tree species, both native and non-native and finding out about their characteristics and facts about them. We will look at the wider implications of woodland management and some of the ecology of the Copse. 2 miles. Leader: Tony Tutton, Mob: 07999158353.

Botany

Sunday 12 September at 14:00 hrs.

St Helen’s Duver. An early autumn visit to the Duver to look for later flowering coastal plants. Meet at the National Trust car park on St Helen’s Duver, SZ636891. Charges apply for non-National Trust members.

Geology

Saturday 19 September at 10:00 hrs.

Shanklin Fossiling. Meet by the ramp next to The Lazy Wave Cafe, Esplanade, Shanklin. (what3words registers.armrests.existence).

General Meeting

Sunday 20 September at 14:00 hrs.

Plant Species Endemic to Britain, an illustrated talk by James Harding-Morris of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. This is a rare opportunity for everyone: a book talk by the author, who is visiting the Island. James will share stories from his book ‘Endemic: Exploring the Wildlife Unique to Britain’. From the Channel coasts to the wild shores of Orkney, he has searched for some wonderful and threatened species. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Ornithology

Saturday 26 September at 09:00 hrs.

West High Down, for Autumn migrants. Meet at West High Down National Trust car park. (what3words jaunts.recording.rooster). 3 miles, ascents/descents. Led by David Fairlamb.

Marine and Freshwater

Sunday 27 September 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 17:20 hrs, Height of Low Water is 0.8m. Led by Roger Herbert, Mob: 07531094738.

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OCTOBER 2026

Fungi

Saturday 3 October at 10:00 hrs.

Martin’s Wood, Newchurch. A relatively recently planted wood which can be very good for fungi. Meet at the free car park opposite Newchurch School, SZ562854.

General Meeting

Saturday 3 October at 14:00 hrs.

The Wildlife of Mongolia, an illustrated talk by IWNHAS nature-enthusiast, Anthony Roberts, based on a recent trip to Mongolia to study and photograph its wildlife. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Ornithology

Saturday 10 October at 09:00 hrs.

Thorness Bay. Meet at the car park near beach. (what3words smooth.provoking.monitors).

Marine and Freshwater

Saturday 10 October 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 17:18 hrs, Height of Low water 0.9m. Led by Roger Herbert, Mob: 07531094738.

Geology

Saturday 17 October at 10:00 hrs.

Colwell Chine, fossils and geology. Meet in the Colwell Bay long stay car park, Colwell Chine Road near the beach. (what3words raft.intestine.chops).

Looking at the Countryside

Saturday 17 October at 10:30 hrs.

St Helens. Meet at car park on St Helens Green, SZ628890, for a walk via Attrill’s Lane and Park Farm, returning via the Priory and Duver. Landscape history, place-names, and history of the Priory. 4 miles, mildly undulating terrain. Leaders: Stella Peterson, Mob: 07460 937514 and Alan Phillips.

Fungi

Sunday 18 October at 10:30 hrs.

Osborne House grounds. The grounds of Osborne House have proved to be an excellent site for fungi. Park at the visitors’ car park at Osborne House where we will assemble at 10:00 hrs. We will need to go in as a single group. Note the slightly later starting time to accommodate English Heritage opening times.

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NOVEMBER 2026

Annual Recorders’ Conference

Saturday 7 November 13:30 hrs

Haseley Manor, Arreton

Our ever-popular Recorders’ Conference will be held at Haseley Manor, Arreton, SZ547857, accessed down Heasley Lane, courtesy of Anthony and Vivian Roberts. This new venue will allow us to accommodate more people and there is ample parking. There will be the usual variety of interesting presentations and an opportunity to catch up with fellow enthusiasts over tea and cake. Open to everyone with an interest in wildlife on the Island. Keep an eye on the Society website and email bulletin for details of the programme nearer the time.

Ornithology

Saturday 14 November at 09:00 hrs.

Dunsbury. Monitoring the impact of arable reversion on Winter bird populations. Meet at Hanover Point car park, Compton Bay, SZ 37804E 84065N (what3words divorcing.gazed.pest). 3 miles, some ascents/descents. Leader: Mark Larter.

Looking at the Countryside

Sunday 15 November at 10:30 hrs.

Permaculture Island. Meet at the entrance to Castlehaven Lane, Niton, SZ505758 (what3words shackles.baroness.mountains). Parking in St. Catherines Road or Undercliff Drive. We will see a food forest garden, animal husbandry in action, a renewable energy scheme and much more.

Fungi

Sunday 22 November at 10:00 hrs.

Northwood Cemetery, Cowes. This cemetery has proved to be a reliable site for grassland fungi late in the season, provided we have not had hard frosts. Meet at the entrance to Northwood Cemetery off Newport Road, Cowes, SZ494948. Park on roadside.

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DECEMBER 2026

Looking at the Countryside

Tuesday 1 December at 10:00 hrs.

Gatcombe. A 2½ mile circular walk starting at Saint Olave’s, heading up Rectory Lane, then cutting across to Garstons before returning via Snowdrop Lane and the village. One stretch could be muddy although most of the route is on metal roads. No stiles. Meet by roadside outside Saint Olave’s Church, SZ491851. Led by Richard Smout. Tel: 01983 527477.

Ornithology

Saturday 12 December at 10:00 hrs.

Western Yar & Rofford Marsh, for waterfowl, waders & winter thrushes. Meet at the Off the Rails Café, Station Road, Yarmouth SZ 35773E 89383N (what3words addicted.broached.crabmeat). 2 miles, flat walking. Led by Patricia Lockwood.

Geology

Wednesday 30th December at 10:00 hrs.

Christmas Fossiling at Yaverland. Meet in the Yaverland car park by the launch ramp near the Yaverland Sailing and Boat Club. (what3words something.events.crowns).

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JANUARY 2027

Botany

New Year Plant Hunt

We will be meeting in the morning at a venue and date yet to be decided around New Year’s Day to find how many wild plants we can find in flower. This is an annual event held by plant hunters across Britain and Ireland. Look for details on the Society website nearer the time. There will also be information on the BSBI website during December.

Ornithology

Saturday 9 January at 09:00 hrs.

Pennington/Keyhaven Marshes, Hampshire. Meet at the Wightlink ferry terminal (car share & ferries to be organised). 4 miles, flat walking followed by lunch at The Chequers Inn, Lymington (optional). Advanced booking essential – contact Sheena Bridger, Mob: 07756 573663.

General Meeting

Saturday 16 January 14:00 hrs.

Red Squirrels of the Isle of Wight, an illustrated talk by Jon and Linda from the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust, bringing us the latest news and research about our two red squirrel populations. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Looking at the Countryside

Wednesday 20 January at 10:00 hrs.

Brading Down and Knighton Waterworks. Meet in the layby on the Brading Downs Road, below Ashey Down, SZ 575873 (what3words continues.rudder.happen). A walk down a blind lane and a climb to the Downs with spectacular views across to Sandown Bay, and a ghost story on the way. This walk was cancelled last year due to pouring rain.

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FEBRUARY 2027

Botany

Saturday 6 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.

Looking at the Countryside

Wednesday 10 February at 10:00 hrs.

Cowes, Cascading Canopies Histree Trail. Meet at the entrance to the main Northwood House car park, off Park Road, by the circular rose garden, SZ493960. We will follow this tree trail that was devised for the Millennium, noting how many trees are still there. Has there been any new planting?

General Meeting

Saturday 13 February at 14:00 hrs.

The Common Space, an Isle of Wight organization dedicated to environmental, cultural and community regeneration within the UNESCO Biosphere. An illustrated talk by Ian Boyd. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are “learning places for sustainable development, promoting and working towards a positive future by connecting people and nature. They are places for learning and research, testing local solutions to global challenges, and generating experience and innovation for a sustainable future. A living laboratory.” Come and find out about the various practical projects The Common Space is inviting community groups to take part in. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Botany

Sunday 14 February at 10:00 hrs.

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, Email: nodewell@googlemail.com

Ornithology

Saturday 20 February at 09:00 hrs.

Seaview / Hersey Reserve for gulls, waders, divers & grebes. Meet at Bluett Avenue, Seaview (what3words sued.flow.lifeboats) 1 mile, flat walking.

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Advance Notice

General Meeting

Saturday 6 March at 14:00 hrs.

The Fossils from Fort Victoria: a Microcosm of the Palaeontology of the Late Eocene Solent Group, an illustrated talk by Dr Martin Munt, former curator of Dinosaur Isle Museum and head of palaeontology collections at the Natural History Museum in London. Martin is a Visiting Academic of the University of Portsmouth. The cliffs and foreshore west of Fort Victoria are very popular with fossil collectors, exposing the upper part of the Headon Hill Formation and the Bembridge Limestone Formation. Fossils found there include turtles, fish, plants, mammals, bivalves and gastropods. It is also the richest source of palaeogene land snails in the UK. Venue: Arreton Community Hall.

Looking at the Countryside

Wednesday 18 March at 10:00 hrs.

Porchfield Road, just east of London Farm, SZ432899 (what3words coil.roof.remain). (There is some parking.) A visit to a private Orchard, Meadow and Woodland, which is coppiced in rotation and is all native species. The owner will talk about and possibly demonstrate some of his work.

THE IWNHAS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday 20 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.