No captive owls are used at this event but Ian’s success rate for calling in wild owls is approximately 60% so the anticipation of seeing a wild one is always very great. We’re hoping that the tawny owls we saw last time on the edge of Wapley Common may put in an appearance once again.

Fri 20 October, meet 7 pm at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve. Please wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Work days are a fantastic way to make a contribution to the future of this important local nature reserve, and they are great fun. Suitable for all abilities. New volunteers always welcome, just turn up.

Meet 10.00 am at Melrose Close entrance to woods. (see map here)

A small band of enthusiasts – the Lilliput Conservation Group – is spending a couple of hours on the first Tuesday of each month, and also some Saturday mornings, tidying up the hedgerows and plantings in Lilliput Park.

The September work mornings will be on Tue 3 October and Sat 14 October. Please come along and help us improve this historic park. We shall be meeting at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear suitable footwear.

You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

We shall undertaking maintenance of this important amphibian site including the cutting back of vegetation. Please wear gloves and wellington boots.

Meet at the Scott Way entrance to Kingsgate Park, Scott Way, Yate, BS37 4NW, 10.00am (parking is available at the entrance of Shackleton Avenue).

A fascinating illustrated talk by local expert Ian McGuire, who shows what can be done in an ordinary suburban garden. There will also be displays from our local wildlife groups.

Fri 6 October, 7.30 pm at Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury
(Organised by Dodington Parish Council)

We had a busy work morning, with 8 volunteers. We did our annual task of clearing the seasonal stream through the wood, so that the winter rains won’t overflow and change the nature of the surrounding woodland. One tree had fallen across the stream – it wasn’t too big, so we cut it up and moved it away from the stream.

Cutting vegetation to clear the stream

Before – the stream’s in there somewhere!

After – the stream is now visible

We cut through almost as much ivy as wood

Translucent bracket fungus

We also cut back vegetation near the young fruit trees in the Lower Meadow, carried out a litter pick and trimmed back overgrowth on the approach from Sergeant’s Farm Bridge.

Here are some dates for your diary – details will appear on this blog a couple of weeks before each event:

• The Conservation of British Owls – illustrated talk – 7.30 pm Friday 22 September at Yate Library
• Talk about the Wild Owl TV Garden – A Wildlife Haven in Suburbia – 7.30 pm Fri 6 October at Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road
• Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve – 7 pm Fri 20 October
• Wapley Bushes work morning – woodland planting – 10 am Sat 18 November

There will be a General Meeting of the Friends of Yate Common at 7 pm on Tuesday 19 September in the Tesco community room at Yate Shopping Centre.

Think “Nature Ramble on wheels” – that’s what this event is about.

Discover local nature guided by expert Ian McGuire of Wild Owl TV.

Free event, family friendly, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.

Bicycle Safari sets off at 11.00 am from Riverside car park next to cinema BS37 4AY.

(Organised by the Joint Cycleway Group)

Come along and meet Dr Bike from 10.15 am to have your bike checked or find out more about safe cycling with family and friends (South Gloucestershire Council Bikeability Team)

We shall be carrying out general management works on the reserve including vegetation clearance at this local wildlife haven.

Meet at the Kennedy Way Pond, Link Road, Yate Shopping Centre, 10.00am (parking is available at the Yate overflow car park also on the eastern side of Link Road, BS37 4AY).

The Conservation of British Owls – an illustrated talk by local expert Ian McGuire of Wild Owl TV.

7.30 pm at Yate Library – free event.

(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group and sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)