About the event

Our annual gathering for Members and Volunteers. Come join for all the latest conservation updates, chat and meet staff and celebrate the achievements of our dedicated volunteers.

Booking required

Location: Newbiggin Village Hall CA11 0HT

Accessibility: Please talk to us if you have any accessibility requirements. The hall has step-free access.

Parking: Free parking is available on site at the Village Hall – however it is first come first served so please consider car-sharing where available. If you require access to disability parking, please let us know when booking and we will confirm this with you.

Public Transit: Newbiggin Village is serviced by the 105 Stagecoach service from Penrith – please check with Stagecoach for up to date bus timetables.

10:30  Registration and refreshments.

11:00  Welcome Graham Jackson-Pit, Director of Nature Recovery

11.30 Choice of Breakout groups:

Red Squirrel Recovery Network Discussion In this interactive talk learn all about Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s role in the new large-scale red squirrel conservation project and have a chance to put your opinion forward about what the future holds for squirrels. Aimee Ellis, Red Squirrel Recovery Network Engagement Officer

Or

Restoring Cumbria’s Precious Peatlands This talk will explore peatland restoration work taking place across Cumbria and highlight the vital role our volunteers play in monitoring change and supporting landscape recovery. Grace Fuller, Peatland Officer

12.30   Buffet lunch

13:30 Badger’s Paw Awards Join us to celebrate the awards of the Golden Badger’s Paw to volunteers that have been recognised for their great contribution to wildlife conservation.

14:00 

Mini Birdsong Workshop A walk around the local area of Newbiggin to pick up hints and tips on how to identify birds by song and get ready for International Dawn Chorus Day.  Brings suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.  The planned route is around 1 mile long.  Inside if bad weather. Scott Petrek, Southern Reserves Officer

Or

Wilder Hadrian’s Wall Hadrian’s Wall is an iconic landmark surrounded by habitats which need our help; From coastal lowlands to upland peatbogs, the woodlands of the Tyne Valley, and nationally rare habitats of mires, loughs, blanket bog, Whin Sill and Calaminarian grasslands. Learn who is involved, what we’re aiming to do, and how we hope to achieve this. Emily Stewart-Rayner, Wilder Hadrians Wall Project Manager

15:00  Closing comments Gemma Jennings, Head of Land Recovery.