L.O.S. Friday Night Presentation - 1st March 2024

' Walk in the Woods'

A talk by Dr. Kevin Briggs

Kevin’s presentation will focus on the nesting behaviour of four species; Pied Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Blue Tit and Great Tit. Based on many seasons of his in-the-field monitoring and shot through with over fifty years of the speaker’s ornithological nous, the talk will give us an intimate look at their breeding habits within a number of woodland study sites in our area.

Please meet in the Derby Room upstairs at Leigh Library at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.  
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Greenheart Landscape Recovery Scheme Workshop


Join us to share your thoughts about local green spaces, and learn more about the Wigan Greenheart Landscape Recovery Scheme ðŸ’š
 
Book your FREE place on a 'Your Greenheart Landscape' Community Workshop (hosted by Lancashire Wildlife Trust) here: 

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/your-greenheart-landscape-community-workshops-tickets-781335534617



L.O.S. Fieldtrip to Burton Mere Wetlands and Parkgate RSPB - Sunday 11th February 2024


Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB is a reserve on the Wirral and Dee Estuary. As there is a very high spring tide due on Sunday 11th February at around 11.50am, we will meet on the Old Baths car park at Parkgate first in the hope of seeing some birds of prey such as Hen Harriers and perhaps even Owls. 

Anyone who wishes to make their own way should meet us there at 9.00am. The car park is situated behind the The Boathouse public house at the end of the North Parade, CH64 6RL. It's likely to be busy so the earlier to arrive the better really. 

The high tide depends a lot on the weather, the wind being in the right direction and air pressure all being in our favour. After this we can move on the Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB. Warm waterproof clothing is recommended and stout footwear. A packed lunch and a flask is the norm, although there is a brand new cafe at Burton Mere.

Please leave any further questions in the comments below and I will gladly reply. Or even inbox me via Facebook. Looking forward to meeting you all this Sunday.

Thanks Paul (leighos.trips@gmail.com)

L.O.S. Friday Night Presentation - 5th January 2024

The Ken and Jean Gallimore Memorial Lecture

'The Isle of May'

 by Michael Pettifer

Friday 5th January 2024 in the Derby Room upstairs at Leigh Library

Meet at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start - Admission Free and Everyone is Welcome


The Isle of May is a small island in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. The location means that for hundreds of years it has been of great importance for shipping (to avoid), so has housed various lighthouses and foghorns. The island is also of great importance in a natural history context. 

The sea cliffs and freedom from mammal predators has resulted in very large numbers of breeding sea birds. In addition the isolation on the East Coast often provides a haven for migrating birds. Flora and other fauna also provide much interest, but this talk will focus mostly on the birds of the Isle of May.


Michael has a keen interest in natural history, mountain activities and photography, and takes great delight in visiting new places and trying to combine all three interests. He been visiting the Isle of May annually since 2015 and hopes to continue visiting for many more years. He has been an active member of the Altrincham and District Natural History Society for many years.

Society A.G.M

 The 52nd A.G.M. ran smoothly and all the officers were voted in for another year, thank you all for attending. The slide show which was made up of several members' best efforts showed what a talented bunch we are. We were also treated to a selection of Paul Richardson's pictures of his new birding patch since his move away for Leigh. The other contributors were:- Joan Disley, Jeff Hurst, Keith Williams, Peter Hodson, Lauren TaylorMartyn JonesLesley RobbPauline Mellor-Greenhalgh, George Pike, and David Shallcross. Three members were awarded Honorary Membership for more than 50 years of outstanding service to L.O.S. Dave Jones, Jeff Hurst, and Joe Doherty. It was noted that once again special thanks go to Eddie King (Recorder) and Joan Disley (Editor) for the quality of the 6 bi-monthly newsletters and annual report they produce.

Best wishes to everyone David Shallcross (Chairman)