By Phone
Call us on 0116 262 9968 and use your debit / credit card

By Post
Send a cheque (made payable to Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust) to Freepost RTGZ-LRTC-CJVE, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, The Old Mill, 9 Soar Lane, Leicester LE3 5DE

Join one of our 60th Anniversary Walks to experience and enjoy the fascinating flora and fauna at different Trust nature reserves and other sites. Places are limited so booking is essential. Book online using the links below – when you book remember to click View Details to see map of walk location and meeting point. Alternatively, contact the Trust office on 0116 262 9968.

Details of upcoming Anniversary Walks are as follows:

Wildflowers of Floodplain Meadows, Aylestone Meadows Saturday 2 July 1:30pm-3:30pm
A chance to visit this species-rich floodplain site and discover the plants that characterise this rare habitat and make it so special. Book online here

Dragonfly Walk, Mountsorrel Marshes & Meadows Friday 8 July 1pm-3:30pm 
Whether you are a complete beginner or wanting some tips to hone your identification skills, everyone is welcome to discover the summer species on the wing at these neighbouring nature reserves. Book online here

Bats & Glow-worms, Ketton Saturday 9 July 9pm-11pm 
An evening walk to search for different species of bats in the village and then enjoy the fascinating light display of female glow-worms at the old quarry. Book online here

Soar Valley Living Landscape, Cossington to Sileby Mill Thursday 11 August 7pm-9pm 
Stroll along the river Soar and learn about the Trust’s work reconnecting the habitats of the Soar valley nature reserves in order to enhance the flora & fauna of the floodplain. Book online here

Grasshopper Safari, Bradgate Park Friday 16 September 1pm-3:30pm 
Search for different species of grasshopper and learn about their special habitats in Bradgate Park. Book online here

The idea is simple; we sail to the parts of the reservoir where there is the best chance of seeing these magnificent fish eating hawks, and, with a bit of luck, are rewarded with breath-taking views. On many occasions we have enjoyed the spectacular sight of ospreys diving for fish very close to the boat, making it a trip to remember for those lucky enough to be on board. Even on those rare occasions when ospreys prove elusive, there is always a good range of the reservoir’s other wildlife on view.

See the Rutland Osprey Project website for more information and dates. Places sell out very quickly – so please book early to avoid disappointment!

With help from volunteers and Trust members, a wide variety of woolly wildlife animals have been knitted and crocheted – ranging from slugs and snails to blue tits, frogs and moles. These creatures have been placed all along a circular route on both nature reserves. The trails will be on the nature reserves from now until the beginning of September.  Please go and visit them and enjoy!

Please note that Dimminsdale Nature Reserve has numerous steps and areas of deep water, and that no dogs are allowed at the Holwell Nature Reserves.

If you have any questions, please contact Nathalie on 0116 248 7362 or e-mail ncossa@lrwt.org.uk

MUD
Wednesday 20th July @ Burbage Common, Hinckley
10.30am – 12.30pm
Thursday 4th August @ Attenborough Arboretum, Knighton, Leicester
10.00am – 12.00pm

WOOD
Wednesday 27th July @ Burbage Common, Hinckley
10.30am – 12.30pm
Thursday 11th August @ Attenborough Arboretum, Knighton, Leicester
10.00am – 12.00pm

WATER  
Wednesday 10th August @ Burbage Common, Hinckley
10.30am – 12.30pm

FAIRIES, GNOMES AND THEIR HOMES!
Thursday 18th August @ Attenborough Arboretum, Knighton, Leicester
10.00am – 12.00pm

FIRE   
Wednesday 24th August @ Burbage Common, Hinckley
10.30am – 12.30pm

Cost: £3.50 per child BOOKING ESSENTIAL – See www.lrwt.org.uk/news-events/events for more information and how to book.

NATURE DAY
Wednesday 3rd  August @ Belgrave Hall & Gardens, Leicester
Minibeast hunting, pond dipping, quiz trail, games, crafts. (Drop in, pay on day – £2.50 for activities).

NB Children’s holiday activities are suitable for 5 – 12 year olds. ALL children must be accompanied by an adult.

Described as the birdwatcher’s Glastonbury, Birdfair encompasses the whole spectrum of the birdwatching industry whilst at the same time supporting global bird conservation. Birdfair is the event of the year if you love birds and wildlife.

There are hundreds of stands promoting everything of interest for wildlife enthusiasts – from scopes to sculptures, binoculars to birdfood, eGuides to eco-holidays.

A full programme of events and lectures over six locations will feature Birdfair regulars Chris Packham, Simon King, Nick Baker, Mike Dilger, and many more.

You may even find time for some birdwatching!

Go to www.birdfair.org.uk for tickets and full information on this year’s Birdfair.

Last year the Birdfair raised a record sum of £320,000 for BirdLife International to protect vulnerable migratory birds in the Eastern Mediterranean. The 2016 Birdfair will raise money to save Important Bird Areas in Africa.

Volunteer at Birdfair 2016 and make a difference
We need as much help as possible!

As a volunteer, you will be an essential part of the Birdfair team and of this amazing event – a few of hours of your time will make all the difference to wildlife around the world.

There are a number of roles you can get involved with:

·        welcoming visitors

·        supervising lecture theatres and events

·        selling merchandise

·        site stewarding and security

·        helping run the Birdfair auction.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Proud, at volunteering@rutlandwater.org.uk or 01572 720049

This attractive 52-page full colour journal is dedicated to the recording of wildlife in the two counties.Published by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust on behalf of the County Recorders’ Network, it is edited by well-known local naturalist Steve Woodward. You can enjoy 23 articles on a wide range of species, plus photographs, from a number of wildlife experts.

The Trust believes that the recording of our counties’ wildlife by local naturalists is essential, so that we have the necessary information to carry out effective nature conservation work. This journal provides a place for naturalists to publish their findings so that others can make use of them.

Copies of the Recorder No.12 can be obtained from the Trust office for £5 (plus £1.50 p & p). Telephone 0116 262 9968 or email info@lrwt.org.uk. Copies are also on sale at the Trust office and from the shop within the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

From October 9th – 14th 2016, there will be a very special exhibition of their work ‘Revealed – The Secret Wild’ in The Guildhall, Leicester, located at the heart of the city centre next to the Cathedral. The exhibition will run from 11 am – 4.30pm on Sunday 9th to Thursday 13th October and from 11 am – 1pm on Friday 14th October. Admission is free both to the exhibition and to The Guildhall itself.

This will be a wonderful 60th anniversary event and one not to be missed by art and wildlife lovers. All the artwork will be for sale, with 25% commission going to Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust funds. Put the dates in your diary and tell all your family and friends.

We would also really appreciate the help of volunteers to welcome visitors to the exhibition and provide information and general assistance. If you can spare a few hours during that week then please contact Maggie Morland at maggiemorland53@gmail.com or phone 01509 8900077.