Indoor meetings are held on the first Friday of each month from October to May in the Methodist Church, Witney. Please use the rear entrance from Woolgate (Waitrose) car park in Witan Way.
A printable version of the programme can be downloaded here. Please note that there are occasional ‘pop-up’ walks which are not in the printed programme. Details will be emailed to members and added to this page.
Talks and outdoor meetings are free to members and £3 for visitors. Please note that booking is required for some events where numbers are limited.
For more information on outdoor meetings, to indicate that you will be coming, or to book if required, please email julia_d_reid@yahoo.com or use the form on the Contact Us page.
| Friday 4th October 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| INDOOR MEETING Lesley Wright: ‘Otters in England’ |
| Sunday 13th October 10:30am |
| KINGSWOOD BRAKE Circular walk of about two miles through woods and open fields for fungi and other wildlife. From the T-junction from Finstock to Charlbury, (B4022), turn right onto B4437 for 3.2 miles towards Woodstock. There is a small lane on the left with a small green footpath sign on the right. Parking for 4-5 cars max so car sharing essential. |
| Map Ref SP408195 OX20 1HN Leader Julia Reid |
| Sunday 27th October 11am |
| THE GEOLOGY OF THE GOLDEN RIDGE, FARINGDON We will be examining the famous Corallian Limestone, which forms the Golden Ridge running west and east through Faringdon. Given a clear day we will also be able to observe how the underlying geology affects the wider landscape. An Oxford Geology Trust leaflet (£2) will be available for those who want to explore more than we have time for on this easy 2 hour walk. Private admission to climb the tower has been arranged (£3, in cash).There are 154 wide steps with resting places. Your efforts will be well worth it! Please bring a hand lens if you have one. Meet at the short stay car park in Faringdon in Southampton Street alongside the empty Bell Hotel. There is ample free parking (and toilets!). |
| Map Ref: SP289956 SN7 7AZ. Leader: John Baker. |
| Friday 1st November 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| INDOOR MEETING Nick Johnson: ‘The Flora and Fauna of Rwanda’ |
| Sunday 3rd November 11am |
| FUNGUS FORAY IN THE MALVERNS. A chance to see unusual fungi, especially wax cap varieties, not found in Oxfordshire. Meet at Hollybush Church car park area for a walk of about three hours. Terrain sloping in places and could be slippery/muddy. A good idea to bring a packed lunch. Car sharing is strongly advised, given the distance. |
| Map Ref: SO 769368 HR8 1ET. Leader: Peter Creed |
| Friday 6th December 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| INDOOR MEETING Andrew Lack: “Swifts” |
| Saturday 7th December 12.30 for 1pm |
| CHRISTMAS LUNCH, Shilton Village Hall £16 per person. Soft drinks supplied, please bring your own wine. Early booking essential, with Maggie Collins by November 23rd. Numbers limited to 40 |
| Sunday 15th December 10am |
| BLENHEIM WALK A safe bet whatever the weather. 2-3 miles, around the lakes where there should be a variety of water fowl. Park in Woodstock car park off Hensington Rd, OX20 1JQ. Walk back to the A44 and turn right. Continue walking slightly downhill and over a bridge until you see a green gate leading into Blenheim on the left. 93, The Causeway. We shall meet there at 10am. Easy walking on tarmac paths. Cafe and toilets available. |
| Map Ref: SP441171 OX20 1TL. Leader: Julia Reid |
| SUBSCRIPTIONS due by 31st January 2025 |
| The treasurer will circulate a reminder and payment details. |
| Sunday 12th January 11am |
| BIRDWATCHING AT FARMOOR RESERVOIR. A 2-3 hour walk around the reservoir which incorporates a variety of habitats. Adequate parking but car sharing is always recommended. There may be a parking charge. Snacks available at Cafe. |
| Map Ref: SP451067 Car Park: OX2 9NS Leader: David Rolfe |
| Friday 17th January 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| MEMBERS’ NIGHT Non-members equally welcome! Bring items/photographs for identification or general interest. If you wish to show any pictures or give short talk, please bring them on memory sticks and notify Sue Morton in advance. |
| Friday 7th February 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| INDOOR MEETING Bob Cowley: ‘Tracks and Signs’ |
| Thursday 13th February 1pm |
| VISIT TO THE ENTOMOLOGY DEPARTMENT in OXFORD. A 90 minute guided tour learning about fascinating species of insects. Cost will be £5 per person, cash on the day. Numbers capped at 15. Meet at the Natural History Museum, Parks Rd at 12.50. Park and Ride strongly advised. Further details nearer the time. |
| Sunday, 2nd March 10.30am |
| WALK AROUND SHERBORNE Approximately 2.5 miles. Easy walking on mostly gravelled paths. Hope to see early Spring flowers. Park at Ewe Pen Barn car park (Free to NT members, otherwise £2). |
| Map Ref: SP158145 GL54 3DT. Leader: Maggie Collins |
| Friday 7th March 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING followed by Neil Clennell: The reptiles of the Wychwood Forest and the wider British Isles |
| Friday 4th April 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| INDOOR MEETING Speaker to be confirmed |
| Sunday 6th April 7pm |
| DUSK WALK AT DEAN PIT Looking for great crested newts and other varieties of amphibian. Head to Spelsbury on the B4062 then turn left towards Chadlington. After approx a mile and before you get to the village, take the track (Grove Lane) on the left till you reach a small parking area. Meet at 7pm. Torches are essential. |
| Map Ref: SP341214 What3Words secrets.table.eyepieces Leader: Neil Clennell |
| Friday 2nd May 7:15 for 7:30pm |
| INDOOR MEETING and ANNUAL PLANT SALE Jessica Bouwer: ‘Hedgerows’ |
| Sunday 4th May 5am |
| DAWN CHORUS AT RUSHY COMMON Worth the early start to hear the birds wake up, hope to hear 40 to 50 species. Bring a torch, wear suitable footwear and warm clothing. |
| Map Ref: SP381073 OX29 5AN. Leader: Adrian State |
WEST OXFORDSHIRE FIELD CLUB 