Botany Club – Summer Visits 2018
Wed 14 March: George Greiff will take us on a walk on Ventnor Down looking at Downland Bryophites.
Meet at 2pm in the second car park, see instructions below.
George says: In March it will still be damp enough for everything to look good. I know some pockets near the car parks (the ones present just when you have driven over that metal grid at the top) so we wouldn’t have to walk far. Heathland mosses are mostly relatively big and showy and hand lenses are barely necessary (though again I’ll see if I can get them again as they always help).
For the best car park. Once you have reached the top of Down Lane you will drive over a grid and be on flat land. There is a small sandy car park on the right (not that one – it’s too small). If you continue along for a little while, a larger sandy car park will emerge on the right. That one is much better as it will be able to fit everybody.
£5 in the hat as usual for the Friends.
Wed 25 April: Visit to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
Conrad Williams, formally an apprentice at VBG is now working at the Gardens and would like to give us a tour in return for the encouragement that we gave him during his time at VBG. Several drivers have offered to take cars and there is space for some more, drivers or passengers. Cost £9 entrance fee plus the shared cost of ferry etc. .
Details to be confirmed but probably a tour at 11am followed by lunch and then time to wander in the Garden before heading home.
Wed 24 May: Dave Trevan – Walk at Alverston Mead Nature Reserve
Details to be confirmed
Wed 30 & Thur 31 May: James Halsey – Moth Collecting
The Moth Night will be at half term so children can come to see the moth traps at night and be able to come next morning to see what has been caught. £5 inclusive of two visits. Moth experts led by James Halsey and Iain Outlaw will bring their traps to put in various parts of the Garden.
Wed 18 July: Colin Pope – Wild Flower & Nature Walk
Colin Pope has agreed to take Botany Club on a wild flower and nature walk at Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater. More details later but please put the date in your diaries. If this day proves difficult for you we could change to 11th July if necessary but we must consider Colin’s diary too.
Wed 4 September: Laura Deigan – Isle of Wight Zoo
Ex VBG gardener Laura Deigan will tell you about the planting and grounds maintenance at this popular Island attraction.