Talk by Stuart Edmunds: Hay Meadow Mammals, Pine Martens and Camera Traps

Friday 11^th March, 7.30 p.m.

Stuart is Communications Officer and Pine Marten Project Officer with Shropshire Wildlife Trust. He has a particular interest in mammals and this talk will focus on the mammals that benefit from hay meadows, such as brown hares, field voles and harvest mice. MMG members free, non-members £3.00.

Church Barn, Church Lane, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5FD

Scythe Peening Workshop

Sunday 3rd April, 10 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

Bring your scythe to learn the art of peening on National Peening Day!
Contact Simon Cooter to book your place (01743 792294 or simon.cooter@naturalengland.org.uk)
Natural England Office, Pennerley, SY5 0NE

Annual General Meeting with Guest Speaker

Tuesday 3rd May, 7.00 p.m.

MMG’s 2022 AGM will be followed by a talk by Pete Carty of the National Trust who will talk about the new meadows that NT are creating at Jinlye and Fir Tree Farm and other local initiatives.

Bishops Castle Town Hall

Visit to Meadows at Lower View, Sarn

Thursday 12th May, 12.30 p.m.

By kind invitation of Steve and Lisette Attwood-Wright, an opportunity to see their meadows and acid grassland habitats which feature several species of orchid, including Early Purple Orchid which should be in flower. Please note that parking is extremely limited; meet at Sarn Village Hall and lift-share or stroll up the lane.
Lower View, City Lane, Sarn, Powys SY16 4HH

Meadow Insects Identification

Wednesday 15th June, 10.00 a.m.

A chance to learn about the insects found in meadows by joining Keith Fowler and other entomologists from The Joy of Wildlife Group at Pennerley. They will show how to find and photograph the insects encountered.
Pennerley House, Pennerley, SY5 0NF

Moths and Meadows Morning

Saturday 2nd July, 9.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.

Celebrate National Meadows Day with a visit to David and Janet Poynton’s meadows with the chance to see the overnight catch of moths in a light trap. Bring your own breakfast!
Pennerley House, Pennerley, SY5 0NF

Visit to gardens and orchid rich meadows at Erddig Hall

Wednesday 13th July, 10.30 a.m.

The head gardener will show us around the gardens and meadows at Erddig Hall, which is near Wrexham. Normal National Trust parking and entry fees will apply, but car share with NT members to reduce cost!
Erddig Hall, Wrexham LL13 0YT

Introduction to Scything Course

Sunday 17th July, 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Learn the joy of scything at this one day course run by Natural England site manager Simon Cooter. The course will include how to set up, sharpen and use the scythe in different conditions. £50.00 MMG members, £60.00 for non-members. Contact Simon to book your place (01743 792294 or simon.cooter@naturalengland.org.uk)
Natural England Office, Pennerley, SY5 0NE

Introduction to Scything Course

Saturday 30th July, 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
An alternative date for Simon’s scything course. For details see above.

Seed Collection, Propagation and Planting Workshop

Early August 2.00 – 5.00 p.m.

This event may include a demonstration of MMG’s seed harvester. Park at The Bog car park and walk up the hill to Hill Cottage.
Hill Cottage, The Bog, SY5 0NL

Curry and chat at Paul & Pat Simon’s Hay Meadow

Late August (tbc) 2.00 – 6.00 p.m.

Social afternoon at Upper Gravenor, Norbury in the cut meadow of Paul and Pat Simon. Chatter with other MMG members and enjoy Paul and Pat’s curry in a beautiful location.

Upper Gravenor, Norbury, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5EG

Members’ Question & Answer Workshop

October (tbc)

Another chance to have your questions answered, particularly (but not exclusively) related to meadow creation on lawns and fields. Booking not required.
Venue tbc

Visits to species-rich meadows and other habitats will be held in conjunction with Community Wildlife Groups

Programme starts on 10th April (Ancient Trees of Rorrington). Meadow visits on 28th May (tbc), 12th June (White Grit), 16th June (Lower Aston Farm), 22nd June (Upper Alport)
Contact Rob Rowe (rob@robrowe.co.uk) or 01588 630648