Archive for category: News

Overview

We are delighted to let you know that following the temporary closure of Bracklesham Bay Post Office we will be re-opening the branch on 11 September 2019 at 09:00. This will be in a new location – Central Stores, Bracklesham Lane, Bracklesham Bay, PO20 8JA. 

Your new Post Office branch

Customers would access Post Office services at a low-screened, open-plan, modern serving point that’s part of the retail counter. Working with the postmaster, we’d adapt the current store layout, fixtures and fittings to accommodate the Post Office till if needed. The branch will offer a wide range of Post Office products and services over longer opening hours, so customers can access their Post Office when it’s convenient. Customer satisfaction with local style branches stands at 96 per cent, and nearly 20 per cent of local branch customers visit outside traditional opening hours.

 

The Post office are running an online survey which is available at https://www.postofficeviews.co.uk/national-consultation-team/bracklesham-bay-po20-8hp-184937/

 

Residents and community groups are invited to attend free events in Midhurst and Fishbourne to learn about community safety and the work of local crime prevention services.  The ‘Crime, Dine and Keeping Safe’ events will take place on Tuesday 25th June, 6.30-8pm at the South Downs National Park Memorial hall in Midhurst, and Thursday 4 July, 7-8.30 at Fishbourne Community Centre. Organised and funded by Chichester in Partnership and Natwest Bank, the event aims to help residents and community groups find out how they can keep themselves and their communities safe. The evening will include a talk from Sue Lambert, Community Banker for Natwest Bank, on scam prevention and a talk from West Sussex County council Community Safety and Wellbeing team on personal and community safety.  Guests will be offered a buffet dinner and the chance to speak to representatives from a range of services including Chichester District Council  Natwest Bank  West Sussex County Council  Trading Standards Sussex Police Crimestoppers Neighbourhood Watch West Sussex Fire and Rescue “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents and community groups to hear from local organisations about how they can keep themselves , their families, and their communities safe” says Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community services and culture at Chichester District Council. “Our local crime prevention services work hard to keep is all safe and these events are also a great opportunity to celebrate the work that they do” Residents and organisations who are interested in attending an event should email their confirmation to Jenny Jones at Jjones@chichester.gov.uk

Registered Charity No 259211

 

Chair:                Christian Hance, 389 Chichester Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 5BU

                                           (01243 825187)

Membership:       Heather Hart, The Hays, Bridle Lane, Slindon Common,

                Arundel, BN18 0NA         (01243 814497) 

Website:               www.chichesternaturalhistorysociety.org.uk    

 

FIELD OUTINGS 2019

 

MEDMERRY

2019 – 6th Year of Surveys at Medmerry
ALL surveys (approx. 2 hours in length) will start at 13:00 PROMPT, meeting at the RSPB Earnley Car Park at Grid Ref SZ 816 968, post code PO20 7JL, and then car sharing either to 1: Easton Lane for the 2 Plant Surveys (Fridays 7th & 14th June) and the Grasshopper Survey (Friday 2nd August) or 2: along the track to the pools for the Dragonfly Surveys (Fridays July 5th & September 6th). (Little walking required on any date.) See Main Events List for more information. Sessions are open to all, no matter what your level of expertise, as guidance will be provided. We shall use the Society’s equipment but hand magnifiers, binoculars and reference books will be useful. Any questions or if help required with transport then please contact Philippa Arnott on philippa.arnott@uwclub.net or phone 01243 575345.

 

These field outings, led by one of the expert members of the Society, enable participants to see different aspects of wildlife and nature in the field. No meeting will be cancelled because of the weather so please wear suitable clothing and footwear. These meetings are open to members and non-members, children over 8 are welcome but should be under parental control. These outings always start promptly so please arrive in plenty of time. Any questions about these events, or if help needed re transport, please contact Gill Hance (hanceatbognor@aol.com or 01243 825187). In addition, if members have any ideas for outings or can offer to lead one themselves, then please contact Gill.

In accordance with Health & Safety Requirements, Chichester Natural History Society hereby gives notice- “The Society is prepared to assist members in making arrangements to enable them to participate in activities arranged by the Society. It cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for any loss, injury or damage sustained by any person in consequence of their participation in any activity. Persons attending field outings do so on the understanding that they attend at their own risk”.

 

 LOOK OUT FOR NOTIFICATIONS OF VISITS TO MEMBERS’ GARDENS OVER THE SUMMER
How can we help/observe wildlife in our own backyards/gardens? Please contact Gill Hance (as above) if you would like to welcome members to your patch, whatever size. Perhaps you have ideas to share or are after some suggestions from other members?

Friday 7^th June 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley – FIRST MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Plant Survey 1 (a species list) – bring wildflower books

Friday 14^th June 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley – SECOND MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Plant Survey 2 (using quadrats for gathering more quantitative data) – bring wildflower books
 

Monday 17th June 10:00 start. IPING COMMON. 
Leader Helen Dignum
Grid Ref SU 852 220 Postcode GU29 0PB
A morning’s walk through this excellent example of lowland heath with its wealth of fauna and flora. Large car park on Elsted Road just off the A272, approx. 2 miles west of Midhurst.
See – https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/iping-stedham-commons
 

Tuesday 25^th June 10:00 start, finish by 14:00 BURPHAM
Leader David Hart
Grid Ref TQ 041 097
A chance to see farm-land birds as well as good numbers of raptors, hedgerow species and grey partridge which the Norfolk Estate is well known for breeding. As you are leaving Arundel, going east heading towards Worthing, go over railway bridge and turn immediately left and drive through Warningcamp and Wepham. As you approach Burpham, go down steep hill and as you go up the other side the main road branches left but members should head straight over. This is a dangerous bend, so slow down and follow David’s signs. Meet at the top of the next hill. Bring a picnic to enjoy, as we’re promised an excellent picnic spot. 

Friday 5^th July 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley – THIRD MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Dragonflies 1 (earlier-flying species) – bring binoculars and dragonfly books and/or iRecord Dragonflies app (free for Apple and Android devices) https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/irecord-dragonflies

 

Thursday 11^th July 10:30 LEVIN DOWN – BUTTERFLIES
Leaders Chris Furlepa and Dorothy Rodefeld
Meet at Grid Ref 879 114
A Butterfly focused walk through this Wildlife Trust Reserve, led by Chris Furlepa and Dorothy Rodefeld who have recently followed in Ann Griffiths’ footsteps in monitoring the butterflies here. Initial steep climb. Close focusing binoculars useful. Take a picnic lunch. Meet at the ‘Triangle’ car park on the north side of The Trundle at above Grid Reference for car share to the foot of Levin Down.

Friday 2^nd August 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley – FOURTH MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Grasshoppers and Bush Crickets (using bat detectors and the Society’s nets). Bring orthoptera books and/or iRecord Grasshoppers app (free for Apple and Android devices) 
http://naturelocator.org/irecord-grasshoppers.html

Wednesday 21^st August 19:00 start    CHICHESTER CANAL 
Grid Ref SU 865 023
An evening nature walk along the canal with the added chance of using the Society’s new Bat Equipment as dusk falls. Meet at the car park close to the canal ‘bend’ just north of Hunston. If you have bat detectors of your own and reference books then do bring them along, together with a small torch for personal safety.

Friday 6^th September 13:00 start RSPB car park at Earnley – FIFTH MEDMERRY SURVEY
Grid Ref SZ 816 968 Postcode PO20 7JL See above for detailed instructions.
Dragonflies 2 (Later-flying species) – bring binoculars and dragonfly books and/or iRecord Dragonflies app (free for Apple and Android devices) 
https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/irecord-dragonflies

Tuesday 24^th September 10:00 – 15:30 TITCHFIELD HAVEN NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Leader Tony Wootton
Grid Reference SU 536 024   Postcode PO14 3JT
An all day visit (or depart after the morning session if you wish) to a carefully managed Reserve in the Meon Valley, which gives a mosaic of natural habitats – river, fen, pool, reedbed and meadow
Check their website https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/titchfield for more info and directions, as well as sightings closer to the time.
Take a picnic lunch or eat at the Reserve’s cafe. Contact Gill Hance (01243 825187) if willing to offer lifts to other members or if you need a lift yourself (£5 contributions to petrol are kindly requested). Car park next to Hill Head Sailing Club or along the sea wall. Meet at ticket office at 10:00 and quote “Hance” to gain group entry rate of £3.75 per person.

Monday 14^th October 10:00 start  SNOW HILL AND ELLANORE
Leader – David Hart
Grid Reference SZ 765 984 
A half day walk looking for sea birds and waders, meeting at the far end of West Beach car park, West Wittering (parking fee payable). Optional – bring a packed lunch and drink and continue around East Head in the afternoon.

Friday 15^th November 10:00 start PULBOROUGH BROOKS RSPB RESERVE
Leaders – Tony Nevard and Sylvia Gill
Grid Reference – TQ 059 165   Postcode RH20 2EL
A wealth of birdlife. A half day walk around the Reserve (members may wish to  stay on into the afternoon). Much to see on the flood plains, marsh and farmland whatever the weather, as there are several excellent hides available. Entry fee is payable for non-RSPB members  
Optional – take a picnic or buy lunch in the restaurant.
Reserve is well sign-posted just off the A283 between Pulborough and Storrington. Meet in the main Reserve Car Park. 

Friday 13^th December 10:00 start  THORNHAM LANE and GREAT DEEP
Leader John Kelsall
Grid Reference SU 756049
A morning’s walk to observe seabirds, waders, divers and passerines as we pass by harbour shoreline, saltmarsh, mudflats and farmland. Turn left off the A259 Chichester to Emsworth road, just before entering Emsworth, onto an unclassified road signposted Thorney. Pass the entrance to Emsworth Marina on your right then, after approximately 100 metres, take turning off to the left into Thornham Lane. Park immediately on the verge on the left.

 

Chichester College is holding a festival of learning on 24th – 27th  June 2019 for more information please use this link