EVENTS

Field Outings, Outdoor Events and Mothing Mornings

There is no need to pre-book on to a Field Outing unless otherwise stated. Members, as always, attend events at their own risk.
The description for each outing gives information on the route and activity, including the type of terrain, any steep inclines or descents and any obstructions, such as stiles. Please read the outing details to see if it is suitable for you. If in doubt, consult the Field Outings Organiser by email at:- 
outings@chinats.org.uk
Children are welcome to attend if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dogs are not permitted on Field Outings, the exception being for assistance dogs.
Please bring any personal medication and any refreshments as appropriate. It's a good idea for attendees to carry their emergency contact details. 
Chi Nats always welcomes more volunteers to step forward to act as Leaders and suggest walks. You do not need to be an expert on wildlife, as there are always knowledgeable and helpful members in the group.


Mothing mornings - all at 10 am. We invite members to help unpack the Society moth trap at the locations below. We publish the relevant addresses in our monthly newsletter or email website@chinats.org.uk
Friday 22 May - Runcton
Thursday 4 June Chidham
Tuesday 14 July - Bosham
Tuesday 18 August - Chichester
Wednesday 2 September - Chidham 


Thursday 28th May
AMBERSHAM AND HEYSHOTT COMMONS - HEATHLAND BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE 
Leader : Stuart Malcolm 
Time : 9am please note the earlier start
Meet : Meet at the Ambersham Common car park (on the west side of New Road underneath the pylons). 
Grid Ref: SU 911 192. what3words : centuries.flocking.topped.
An interesting walk over the heathland, starting at 9am to catch the birdsong. Most of the birds are close to the car park so we can get them first and then look for other wildlife. Besides heathland birds, it is also a good spot for butterflies & other invertebrates and all six species of British reptile. It looks like there's lots there for the botanists as well:
https://www.sussexflora.org.uk/2020/01/heyshott-common/
This will probably be about a 3 hour walk (with one hill) so back at the car park for lunch. However, it won't be a problem if members want to leave earlier as we shall never be far from the car park. Stuart will start with Ambersham and then move on to Heyshott. Heyshott is up a little hill so if people want to avoid that it will be easy to just do the first half of the walk. Note that there are no facilities.

Friday 5th June
THE RIVER EMS - A GUIDED WALK HEARING ABOUT HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION PLANS
Leader : Sarah Hughes, Chalk stream resilience officer (Ems and Hambrook) for the Western Sussex Rivers Trust
Time : 10.00 - 12.15
Meet : In the Palmers car park, Emsworth (pay and display) next to the Brook Meadow information board at the SE end of car park. Postcode PO10 7DB   What3Words free.intent.clouds
June 5th is World Environment Day! Our meeting point is 7 minutes' walk from Emsworth Railway Station or 5 minutes' walk from the 600 bus stop at The Square, Emsworth
Our interesting walk, over generally flat terrain, will take in a chalk river (the Ems, a Flagship Stream supporting a wealth of biodiversity) , a chalk stream (the Lumley), Brook Meadow Local Nature Reserve and ancient water meadows. About 2 and a half miles in length it should take about 2 to 2 and a half hours including stops. There will be drinks and toilets available at ‘Our Back Garden’ at Mill Meadows Farm in Westbourne, part of the way round. Members can shorten their walk if they wish.
Note - There are also toilets at the South Street car park in Emsworth What3Words bride.turned.wake 

Thursday 25th June
WILDFLOWERS ON THE SHORE AT PAGHAM
Leader : Helen Dignum. 
Time : 10.00 start to finish by 14.00 or earlier 
Meet : in Pagham Beach car park at the junction of Sea Lane and Beach Road (Usually free but sometimes £3 in a bucket requested)
Grid Ref: SZ 890 973 Post code PO21 4NX   What3words: faded.nicely.nurtures
(A repeat of last year’s outing which was on a VERY HOT day which deterred some members from attending. It proved a very interesting morning with some interesting species seen. Come again or make it your first visit!)
A wildflower walk along the shingle shore at Pagham, returning along the coastal lanes. We can hope to see a good variety of shingle plants including the rare Childing Pink. Bring your wildflower books and a hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one. There will also be Chi Nats books and hand lenses to borrow.
Note - the car park is on rough ground and although the route is level there are uneven surfaces and we will be walking on shingle along an exposed coastline. There are toilets by the car park. Bring plenty of water and a packed lunch / snack. Pagham Beach Cafe also offers refreshments for afterwards. If members opt for a picnic before walking back to our cars we expect to be finished by 2pm, although they can leave earlier, if required.

Wednesday 29th July
LEVIN DOWN NATURE RESERVE - OUR FOCUS - BUTTERFLIES.
Leader : Rob Eadie, Volunteer Reserve warden
Time : 10:30 - 12:30 
Meet : in Charlton at the junction of Charlton Road and Knight's Hill 
Grid Reference: SU 888 130, WhatThreeWords : passing.magnets.daydream
Rob will show us round and explain how the Reserve is managed to promote the chalk grassland and scrub and its flora and fauna particularly focussing on butterflies.
Bring your own drink/snacks to enjoy while admiring the spectacular views from the viewpoint half way round.
Optional extra, lunch afterwards at the village pub, The Fox Goes Free (we suggest booking for 12.45/13.00). Please book your own table by telephoning 01243 811461. 
There are five parking bays in North Lane at the junction of Knight's Hill and Charlton Road and roadside parking along Knight's Hill. Those who have booked lunch please park in the Fox Goes Free car park.
Please note, it is an uphill walk onto Levin Down and there are a few steep sections of narrow path in the Reserve, but it is not muddy.

Thursday 6th August
EVENING BOTANY EVENT
Details will follow.


.