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2026
July 4th Moths and Brunch
Our annual event consisting of bacon and sausage sandwiches whilst perusing the traps that members and other interested parties have brought in was a particularly poignant one this year with the sad passing of Angela Davies who, with her husband, often hosted the event. It was fitting perhaps that this was the best attended moths and brunch we have had for a long time with around twenty people. Highlights, other than the sandwiches, were scarce silver lines and the huge privet hawkmoth. It was interesting to see how varied the catches were depending upon where trappng was done and pleasing to see how many non-moth-ers were inspired to maybe have a go.
April talk - Derek Crawley - Stoats and Weasels
Derek is a returning speaker to the society and a very welcome one with his expertise on all things mammalian. Tonight's subject was those hyperactive mustelids, weasels and stoats. Fearsome hunters and the villains of Wind in The Willows, it may be surprising that we still seem to love them so much and Derek made them even more appealing with his informative and interesting talk backed up by amazing photographs and video clips of these feisty predators. A great talk. well-appreciated as ever by all those who attended.
March - talk - Prof Tim Sexton - The Wonders of Willow.
Prof Tim Sexton is a renowned local naturalist with an encyclopaedic knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm for everything in the natural world. Tonight's topic drew in one of our biggest attendances for a long time with many visitors and they were not disappointed - a fantastic talk with some beautiful macro photography. everyone left with a new-found love of the humble willow and all that it offers to creatures and humans alike.
February outing - Thornton Reservoir.
Thornton Reservoir is a favourite with the group at any time of the year and it was no surprise to see a bigger turnout than usual. This local birding spot didn't disappoint with great views of many of the usual wildfowl but also a snipe, lurking in the reedbed and a few siskins in the alders surrounding it. Buzzards and a red kite made an appearance along with a nuthatch on the feeding areas. The big surprise was the White-cheeked pintail which had probably used the recent flooding to facilitate an escape from some wildfowl collection.
February 2026 - talk - Dave Robinson - Peru, Its Culture and Wildlife.
A fantastic view of an amazing country by our returning speaker, Dave Robinson. Dave's talk offered a tantalising glimpse of this South American birding hotspot as well as giving an informative and thought-provoking insight into its culture and history. With incredible photos of some spectacular wildlife and scenery, it was a real visual feast and tempted a lot of people into thumbing through a few more travel brochures.
January, 2026 - AGM, buffet and quiz.
It was really nice to get everyone back together for our annual AGM and social evening as we launch into the new year. The evening started with the business of the AGM before members' short talks on Bemptom and Flamborough, Beliza, woodlice and moths before enjoying the buffet and settling down for an evening's fun quizzing. As ever, the meeting was well-attended and everyone had fun. Looking forward to a great series of talks and outings in 2026.
2025
18th November - talk - Jack Perks - Britain's Rivers in Crisis
Jack is one of our returning speakers and well-known for his tv work such as Springwatch. He is an expert on river life, particularly fish and this talk was a timely reminder of the issues affecting our waterways across the country. The talk pulled no punches, looking at the political, industrial, agricultural and social causes of the problems facing us as regards our water system. Everyone was confronted with the changes we all need to make to improve the situation and left in a reflective mood.
8th November 2025 - outdoor event - urban walk in Leicester
This event is fast becoming one of favourite events and an annual fixture in the calendar. We started at Castle Park where a number of small birds plus numerous well-fed squirrels and a rat made the list. As we walked along the waterside a grey heron on the roof of one of the buildings caught our eye. Despite the shopping trolleys, numerous footballs and other rubbish in the river, it was alive with mallards, Canada geese and mute swans and we were even lucky enough to find a kingfisher. An unusual plant caught our eye growing in cracks on the walkway which we identified as shaggy soldier, a Southern American flower which is apparently finding suitable conditions in an urban setting here in the UK. On our return to the city centre, two peregrines were enjoying the sunshine on the steeple stonework.
14th October 2025 indoor meeting - Mull by David Aylesbrook
A fantastic talk about the wildlife of Mull by Society member and regular visitor to the island, David Aylesbrook. The talk covered all aspects of Mull's diverse and unusual wildlife and was beautifully illustrated by his own photos. Those who attended were treated to an interesting talk and all were inspired to visit or revisit Mull as soon as possible.
20th September 2025 Rutland Water
A small (but perfectly formed) group took the long trip to Rutland Water but were rewarded with great views of osprey (several times), peregrine falcon unsuccessfully trying to take out a curlew sandpiper; other raptors were red kite, buzzard, kestrel and a marsh harrier. Waders included a distant greenshank, black-tailed godwits and curlew. The best of the waterfowl were a few pintails but the best view of the day was a gorgeous water rail which paraded in front of us at close range. It was also a good chance to see the rare willow blister fungus discovered earlier this year.
16th September 2025 Rewilding your garden, Judith Boston
A fantastic talk from Judith, a member of the society, who talked about the development of her wonderful wildlife garden in Carlton. We heard about the incredible biodiversity of the garden and how it had grown from a bare patch of ground into the wildlife haven it is today. For those who are a little less 'green-fingered' Judith offered a great insight into the plants that make her garden home to so many creatures and told us what the plans were for the future. A really enjoyable talk.
12th July, 2025 Bagworth Heath
Today's trip was in search of butterflies and we weren't disappointed. Scorchingly hot, the insects were very active - we recorded one marbled white in the early stages which proved to be the only one of the day plus ringlet, meadow brown, gatekeeper, common blue, holly blue; large, small and green-veined whites, red admiral, peacock, small and Essex skippers, small tortoiseshell and comma. Purple hairstreak also made a brief appearance on an oak tree but purple emperor stubbornly refused to appear despite our patience. A late entry was a pristine painted lady as we left. Moths were also around - the best being the 'lured' 6 belted clearwings along with the burnet moths that were buzzing around. A passing hobby and various damselflies including the white-legged variety. Thanks to Dave Wright for leading.
