Category: Meetings

How modern science is revealing their story’ is the title of our next talk to be given by our guest speaker Professor John Reilly at Barnsley Town Hall on Wednesday 16 October at 7pm. 

When and where did the ancestors of modern birds evolve? What enabled them to survive the meteoric impact that wiped out the dinosaurs? How did these early birds spread across the globe and give rise to the 10,600-plus bird species we recognise around the world today.
John Reilly’s talk sets out to answer these fundamental questions on the evolution of birds. It is based on the latest scientific discoveries and enriched by his personal observations.

All of our talks are open to anyone with an interest in the topic. So please pass on the invitation to anyone with an interest in birds and their history on our planet.

John Reilly’s presentation on ‘The Ascent of Birds: how modern science is revealing their story’ is based on the latest scientific discoveries and enriched by personal observations.

When and where did the ancestors of modern birds evolve? What enabled them to survive the meteoric impact that wiped out the dinosaurs? How did these early birds spread across the globe and give rise to the 10,600-plus species we recognise today.

John Reilly’s talk sets out to answer these fundamental questions.

Open to all. Wednesday 16 October, 7pm, Barnsley Town Hall

This is the date for our next indoor meeting:
Wildlife and Management at Wharncliffe Heath LNR.
This will be a joint presentation by Dave Buttle, Albin Smith and Andrew Hill. Their combined knowledge will surely keep us entertained. Presentations about any of the Local Nature Reserves are normally multi-topical and this one will be no exception.

Yet again, for our last indoor meeting of our Spring/Summer programme, we had a fascinating presentation about the work that this trust is doing in the LNR. Thee trust are taking a softer slower approach to restoring the ecology; which is therefore allowing the natural species to, somewhat, lead the way. More details of their work can be obtained from their website at http://www.whtrust.org.uk .
This link will also can also be found on our Links page for easier access in the future.

Wings across the Ings – the Garganey Trust is creating new habitats on the farmland between Broomhill Flash and  Wombwell Ings. Some of this farmland is being converted into wet grassland, open water and reedbeds. They have now obtained the final planning consent and work started in February.
 
Jeff Lunn, chair of the Garganey Trust, is giving an illustrated talk on the “Wings across the Ings” project at this meeting of the Barnsley Nats.

There are bound to be lots of questions and discussion; as usual from our members and visitors.

Following Jeff’s talk and questions, we have the Barnsley Nats’ annual general meeting. 

We would like to know how you see the future of the Society, so please come full of ideas and suggestions.

All welcome

This proved to be a fascinating presentation, so many complex issues were covered by Jeff. Along with the nature and conservation, we were given an insight into the history of the Gargney Trust, historical land use of the Ings to securing funding.

Further information about the Trusts work can be found on their website. http://www.garganeytrust.org.uk
This link is also being posted on our Links page to enable easier access.

Our next indoor meeting takes place on Wednesday March 6th. With a presentation by Trevor Mayne. Trevor is Barnsley Council’s biodiversity officer and is back to give us further insight about how the planning process can protect wildlife and encourage developers to consider and perhaps even enhance biodiversity.

So no doubt lots of discussion and questions on this highly complex but interesting topic!

Our next indoor meeting will take place on Wednesday February 20. Featuring a presentation by John Bowers entitled 30 years of Garden Wildlife.

John has recorded the wildlife – birds, butterflies, moths, bees and much more – in his garden in Headingley Hill for well over thirty years. His article in the YNU’s ‘The Naturalist’ – based on his records – supports the idea of the importance and richness of suburban gardens for wildlife and biodiversity.

He is a long-standing member of both Leeds Naturalists’ Club & Scientific Association and Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union.

Barnsley Town Hall, 7pm, Wednesday 20 February – all welcome.

This next Wednesday, 6th February, at 7pm at Barnsley Town Hall, we have another evening in which different members give short presentations on any natural history topic they choose.

It can be anything – with images on the screen or just saying a little about something seen or heard about. It’s also an opportunity to bring something along to identify or provoke discussion.

Please come along and join in. Let us know what you would like to tell us about / show us – or let it be a surprise!

All welcome of course – with or without something to show! 

At our last indoor meeting we had a presentation by Alwyn Timms on the wild life of South West Australia. Many thanks for the fantastic images and telling us about the risks the animals face.

‘Wildlife of South West Australia’, a presentation by Alwyn Timms, is taking place on Wednesday 23 January at Barnsley Town Hall at 7pm. All welcome.