MNA Programme 2012

For information about previous trips see our blog, The Naturalists' Notebook

2012 Pocket Programme card (A5)    2012 Amplified Programme card (A4)  

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Saturday 25th February 2012, Annual General Meeting
Type: Indoor meeting, followed by video/DVD.
Where we are meeting: 2.00 Bootle Cricket Club. Bootle Cricket Club website
Directions to Bootle Cricket Club: By public transport 
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
Are toilets available? Yes
Other notes: Members only, please

Saturday 3rd March, Mere Sands Wood
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: 10.30 at Ormskirk Bus Station or 11.30 at Mere Sands Wood car park.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Woodland birds, wildfowl, possibly a Kingfisher.
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 2 – 3 miles / 4 kilometers
Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader David Bryant.
Are toilets available? Yes
Grid reference: SD 447157
Link to website:  Mere Sands Wood

Sunday 18th March 2012, Shropshire Meres
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
9.30 Rocket (on Queen's Drive outside Fireside World)
9.45 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
10.00 Woodside, coach pickup bay outside Shore Road Pumping Station (the Giant Grasshopper)
10.15 Bromborough village, outside Royal Oak
Cost: £20, payable on the coach.
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Wildfowl
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: optional
Guided or free to roam? Either, leader John Clegg.
Are toilets available? Yes. In addition, coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Link to website:  Shropshire Meres

Saturday 24th March 2012, Orrell Water Park
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: 10.20 at St Helens Bus Station or 11am at Orrell Water Park car park
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Woodland birds, wildfowl, possibly Waxwings, possibly Water Voles
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade:  Moderate: some ‘up and down’ walking likely; both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 2 – 3 miles / 4 kilometers
Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader John Clegg
Are toilets available? Yes (but they are not always open)
Link to website:  Orrell Water Park

Saturday 7th April 2012, "From Gravel to Grebes" by Sophie Leadsom of Brockholes
Type: Indoor meeting. Illustrated talk.
Where we are meeting: 2.00 Bootle Cricket Club. Bootle Cricket Club website
Directions to Bootle Cricket Club: By public transport
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
Are toilets available? Yes
Other notes: Visitors welcome.

Saturday 14th April 2012, Woolston Eyes
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: 11am at the gate to the bridge.
Car Share: Offers and requests to leader about a week before, please.
Suggested public transport route: Meet at Lime Street for the 9.27 train to Warrington Central, then no. 3 bus to Martinscroft, Weir Lane.  Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge to permit holders, otherwise £2
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Black-necked Grebes and possibly Grasshopper Warblers
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 1 mile / 2 kilometers
Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader Alexander Mansfield
Are toilets available? Yes
Other notes: Steps up to hides.
Link to website:  Woolston Eyes

Saturday 28th April 2012, Haweswater
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Haweswater Hotel car park at 10am.
Car Share: Offers and requests to leader about a week before, please.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Golden Eagle
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Strenuous, could include sections of rough terrain, stiff climbs; uneven (or no) footpaths.
Mileage: 5 miles / 8 kilometers
Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader Terry Williams
Are toilets available? No
Grid reference: NY469108
Link to website: Haweswater

Saturday 12th May 2012, Parbold and Fairy Glen
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Ring the leader, John Clegg, from the end of April for public transport details. 0151 523 7353
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, but see meeting details above
What do we expect to see? : Woodland and farmland birds
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Strenuous, could include sections of rough terrain, stiff climbs; uneven (or no) footpaths
Mileage: 5 miles / 8 kilometers
Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader John Clegg
Are toilets available? No
Other notes: Joint with Liverpool RSPB. Stiles and steep steps on the walk. May be muddy.
Link to website:  Parbold

Thursday 24th May 2012, Evening at Raven Meols / Cabin Hill
Type: Outdoor evening meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: 6.30pm Formby Station.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Passage migrants and the Northern Dune Tiger Beetle.
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 3 miles / 5 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader Dave Hardy
Are toilets available? No
Link to website:  Natural England - Cabin Hill

Sunday 27th May 2012, Brockholes and Worthington Lakes
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
9.00 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
9.15 Rocket, bus stop just before the start of the M62
Cost: £20, payable on the coach
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Wildfowl, possibly Whimbrel and occasional rarities.
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: Optional
Guided or free to roam?: Free to roam, leader Dave Hardy
Are toilets available? Yes. In addition, coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Link to website:  Brockholes

Sunday 10th June 2012, Hutton Roof
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
9.00 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
9.15 Rocket, bus stop just before the start of the M62
Cost: £20, payable on the coach
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Limestone pavement and its associated wildflowers.
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Moderate: some ‘up and down’ walking likely; both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 2 – 3 miles / 4 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader Dave Hardy
Are toilets available? No.  Coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Link to website:  Hutton Roof

Saturday 23rd June 2012, Cors Erddreiniog and Cemlyn Bay
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
8.30 Rocket, outside Fireside World
8.45 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
9.00 Woodside, coach pickup bay outside Shore Road Pumping Station (the Giant Grasshopper)
9.15 Bromborough, outside the Royal Oak
Cost: £20, payable on the coach
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Four species of nesting terns, Marsh Fritillary
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Moderate: some ‘up and down’ walking likely; both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 2 miles / 3 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader David Bryant
Are toilets available? No. Coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Grid reference: SH469820
Link to website:  Cors Erddreiniog

Saturday 7th July 2012, Potteric Carr, Doncaster
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
8.30 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
8.45 Rocket, bus stop just before the start of the M62
Cost: £20, payable on the coach. £3 admission (£2.50 for pensioners) unless a member of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Cetti's Warbler, waders, wildflowers, butterflies and dragonflies
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: optional
Guided or free to roam?: Either, leader David Bryant
Are toilets available? Yes. In addition, coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Link to website:  Potteric Carr

Saturday 14th July 2012, Wigan Flashes
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Wigan Pier at 11am or Lime Street Station for the 10am train. Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? :  Water birds
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Moderate: both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 5 miles / 8 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader David Bryant
Are toilets available? No
Link to website:  Wigan Flashes

Thursday 19th July 2012, Evening at Rivacre Valley
Type: Outdoor evening meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Lime Street station lower level for the 18.20 train or Overpool Station at 7pm
Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? :  Woodland birds
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade:  Moderate: some ‘up and down’ walking likely; both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 3-4 miles / 6 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader John Clegg
Are toilets available? No
Link to website:  Rivacre Valley

Saturday 21st July 2012, Long Mynd
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:.
8.30 Rocket, on Queen's Drive outside Fireside World
8.45 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
9.00 Woodside, coach pickup bay outside Shore Road Pumping Station (the Giant Grasshopper)
9.15 Bromborough, outside the Royal Oak
Cost: £20, payable on the coach
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Upland raptors and chats
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Strenuous, could include sections of rough terrain, stiff climbs; uneven (or no) footpaths.
Mileage: 3-4 miles / 6 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader David Bryant
Are toilets available? Yes. In addition, coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Maps:  Landranger 137, Explorer 217
Link to website:  Long Mynd

Saturday 11th August 2012, Haskayne
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Sir Thomas Street for the 300 bus at  9.51 or Halsall Parish Church at 11.00.
Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Corn Buntings, and canal and farmland birds
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 2 miles / 3 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader Howard Mills
Are toilets available? No
Other notes : Joint with Liverpool RSPB.

Thursday 23rd August 2012, Evening at Sefton Park
Type: Outdoor evening meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Lime Street bus stop for 82 bus at 19.29 or Sefton Park boat house café at 8pm.
Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Bats
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 1 mile / 2 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader Barbara Lee
Are toilets available? No
Other notes: Bring a bat detector if you have one
Link to website:  Sefton Park

Saturday 25th August 2012, Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB (formerly Inner Marsh Farm)
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: 11.30 at Visitors' Centre car park
Suggested public transport route: Sir Thomas Street for the 472 bus at 9.44 to Heswall Bus Station then bus 24 at 10.33 to Burton.
Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge to RSPB members, otherwise £4 admission
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Wildfowl and waders
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 2-3 miles / 4 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Either, leader Dave Hardy
Are toilets available? Yes
Other notes: Bring RSPB membership card: £4 admission for non-members
Grid reference: SJ319739
Link to website:  Burton Mere Wetlands

Saturday 1st September 2012, Blacktoft Sands RSPB
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
8.30 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Librar
8.45 Rocket, the bus stop just before the start of the M62
Cost: £20, payable on the coach
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Bearded Tits, Ruff, Marsh Harrier
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: optional
Guided or free to roam?: Free to roam, leader John Clegg
Are toilets available? Yes. In addition, coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Other notes: Bring RSPB membership card: £3 / £2 admission for non-members.
Grid reference: SE843232
Link to website:  Blacktoft Sands RSPB

Saturday 8th September 2012, Fungal Foray at Freshfield Dune Heath
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Freshfield Station at 11am
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 2-3 miles / 4 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader Sabena Blackbird
Are toilets available? No, (and none at Freshfield station)
Link to website:  Freshfield Dune Heath

Saturday 22nd September 2012, Pennington Flash
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting:. Lime Street Station for the 9.46 train to Newton-le-Willows or at the Pennington Flash car park at 11.00. (Pay and display car park). Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Waders, passage migrants and Bullfinches
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 2-3 miles / 4 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Either, leader Alexander Mansfield
Are toilets available? Yes
Link to website:  Pennington Flash

Saturday 6th October 2012, "Birds of Prey: Rescue and Rehabilitation" by Steve Davidson
Type: Indoor meeting. Illustrated talk (with live birds!)
Where we are meeting: 2.00 Bootle Cricket Club. Bootle Cricket Club
Directions to Bootle Cricket Club: By public transport
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
Are toilets available? Yes
Other notes: Visitors welcome.

Saturday 13th October 2012, Gilroy Pool and Langfields
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: 10am at Liverpool Central Station or 10.40 at Hoylake Station.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Waders and wildfowl
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Moderate: some ‘up and down’ walking likely; both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 4 miles / 6 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader John Clegg
Are toilets available? No
Other notes: Joint with Liverpool RSPB. Can be very muddy

Saturday 20th October 2012, Carr Mill Dam
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: St Helens Bus Station for the 352 bus at 10.25 or at the Waterside pub at 10.40
Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Various birds, including probable Kingfishers
Should I bring a telescope? No
Walking grade: Moderate: some ‘up and down’ walking likely; both terrain and footpaths more variable in quality; boots preferable.
Mileage: 3 miles / 5 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader John Clegg
Are toilets available? Yes
Other notes: Two stiles on the route
Link to website:  Carr Mill Dam

Saturday 3rd November 2012, Marshside
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: Lord Street Southport for the 44 bus at 10.18 or Marshside car park at 11.00
Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge
Do I need to book? No, just turn up
What do we expect to see? : Waders, raptors and owls
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: 1 mile / 2 kilometers
Guided or free to roam?: Guided, leader Dave Hardy
Are toilets available? Yes
Grid reference: SD353205
Link to website:  Marshside

Sunday 25th November 2012, Leighton Moss RSPB
Type: Coach trip
Where we are meeting:
10.00 William Brown Street, opposite the Central Library
10.15 Rocket, at the bus stop just before the start of the M62
Cost: £20, payable on the coach
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
What do we expect to see? : Bearded Tits, Water Rail, possibly a Bittern
Should I bring a telescope? Yes, if you have one.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.
Mileage: Optional
Guided or free to roam?: Free to roam, leader David Bryant
Are toilets available? Yes. In addition, coaches always stop at a service station on the way, and often on the way home.
Other notes: Bring RSPB membership card: £4 admission for non-members (£3.50 for pensioners).
Grid reference: SD478750
Link to website:  Leighton Moss RSPB

Saturday 15th December 2012, Melling for the Christmas meal
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there
Where we are meeting: The Bootle Arms, Melling at 12 noon or Maghull Station at 11.30 or take bus 133 from Kirkby or Waterloo.  Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. If you are intending to travel by public transport you should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Cost: Free of charge (but you must pay for your meal, of course)
Do I need to book? Yes, ring David Bryant on 0151 523 5240 by 8th December
Are toilets available? Yes
Should I bring a telescope? No
Link to website:  Bootle Arms

Note that the public transport details in this programme were correct at the end of 2011 but might have changed by the time of the trip. Members intending to travel by public transport should re-check the times and availabilities of all buses and trains before setting out.
Book seats on coach trips with David Bryant on 0151 523 5240
Coaches are to be paid for on the day, on the coach. Coach bookings must be paid for unless cancelled at least 7 days before meeting. Prices may be subject to change, based on numbers booking. This is rare, and may mean you get some money back if the coach is at full capacity.
Check transport arrangements carefully and don't be late!
Bring waterproofs, binoculars, a packed lunch, a flask, and a waterproof pad to sit on in case we have to eat lunch on the grass.
The coach usually gets back to Merseyside between 6pm and 8pm.
Visitors are welcome at all indoor and outdoor meetings. They are also welcome on coach trips, subject to there being room on the coach, and must be booked with a member.
Walking grades: "Easy", "Medium" and "Strenuous" are appropriate to the standard of MNA - a naturalists' group. They are not comparable to walking club classifications, being considerably easier. On most coach and all car trips, walks return to the starting point and therefore members can walk a shorter distance if they wish. However, if a trip is noted as a Linear Walk, members will need to complete the full walk from point A (leaving the coach) to point B (coach meeting point).