Previous programmes can be found on this page under their appropriate headings.
Winter Programme 2023-2024
November 11th 2023: Talk by Mark Wilson, MFS member – Birds (and other things) through the Camera.
Friday 1st December 2023: Christmas Lunch at Lakeside Golfcourse Restaurant, Garthmyl. MFS members only.
January 13th 2024: Alicia Loew-Dyk, Welsh Beaver Project Officer, will talk about Beavers with a Power Point presentation, including photographs and short video clips.
February 10th 2024: Dr. Peter Llewellyn, Chair of the Wild Flower Society, will give a talk with visuals on the Extraordinary Flora of Western Australia.
Summer Outings 2023
Saturday 22nd April: The Ciliau Farm Project (near Builth Wells) – organic farm in the Upper Wye Valley, with 4 SSSIs, including Rhos pasture, veteran trees and river meadows. Organisers – Julie Pearce, Jane Phillips, Helen Siddons, Lizzie Beare (by car) SO108429
Tuesday 23rd May: Cefn Goleu Wood, Meifod. A second chance to visit this ancient semi-natural woodland, at a different time of year. Spring bird migrants, flora and fauna. Organisers – Lizzie Beare, Fran Holland, Philippa Young and Judy Abbey. By car SJ158164
Monday 26th June: Dolydd Gobaith, Pen-y-Garnedd, nr. Llanfyllin. Orchid and wild flower meadows on a Community Nature Reserve. Organisers – Jane Hudson, Fran Holland. By car. SJ106230
Wednesday 12th July: Mynydd Waun Fawr – Llyn Hir, Llyn Newydd, Llyn y Grinwydden. Upland pasture, natural spring-fed lakes, boggy habitats. Remote, with wonderful views. Organisers – Jane Philips, Helen Siddons, Liz Wilson, Judy Abbey. By car. SJ023058
Friday 11th August: Upper Pool, Lymore, Montgomery. Field paths near Offa’s Dyke, parkland, pools, shore plants. Organisers – Philippa Young, Maureen Preen, Debbie Freeman. By car SO224962
Thursday 21st September: Snailbeach and The Hollies Nature Reserve, Lord’s Hill. Restored lead mine buildings (scheduled Ancient Monument), spoil heaps, woodland, ancient holly grove. Organisers – Sue & Steve Southam. By car. SO373023
Sunday 22nd October: Pontrobert – Fungus Foray. Churchyard rich in fungi, riverside and woodland walks. Organsiers – Sue & Steve Southam, Jane Phillips, Les Hughes (mycologist). By car. SJ107127
Winter Programme 2022-2023
November 12th 2022. The Wonderful World of Minerals. Illustrated talk with specimens by Bill (Red) Bagley.
December 2nd (Friday) 12 noon for 12.30, annual Christmas Lunch at Lakeside Golf Course Restaurant, Garthmyl. MFS members only.
January 14th 2023 – ‘The Concept of Wilderness’ a talk with slides from seven continents, by Simon Boyes, County Bird Recorder.
February 11th 2023 – The World of Dragonflies, an illustrated talk by Steve Butler, a long-time enthusiast of Dragonflies and Butterflies.
March 4th 2023 – MFS AGM at the Methodist Hall, Welshpool, followed by photos from the 75th Anniversary celebration event with Iolo Williams and member’s slides from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
Summer Outings Programme 2022
Wednesday 20th April: Coed Caeaugwynedd, near Llanfyllin (SJ116187) Royal Forestry Society’s Excellence in Forstry Award winner. 33 different species of conifer and broadleaved trees. “Grown in Britain” certified forest. Organiser – Jane Hudson. By car.
Monday 23rd May: Wood Lane Nature Reserve, Ellesmere (SJ425329) Disused sand and gravel workings, a haven for birds – over 180 species recorded here. Organisers – Helen Siddons, Jane Phillips, Don Milborrow. By car.
Thursday June 30th: Prees Heath Common Reserve, nr Whitchurch (SJ557363) The only remaining sanctuary of the Silver Studded Blue butterfly in the Midlands. Many other species of butterfly, moths, other invertebrates, birds, plants, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and a fascinating history. Organisers – Sue & Steve Southam. By car.
Tuesday 12th July: Minera Quarry Nature Reserve, nr Wrexham. (SJ258519) Former industrial site with huge variety of rare flora and fauna, including Frog Orchid and other orchid species, lizards, slow worms, brown hares, birds and butterflies. Organisers – Lizzie Beare, Sue Southam, with help from Ruth Dawes and Liz Wilson. By car.
Saturday 6th August: Whixall Moss and Fenns Meadow (SJ505366) A memorial walk to remember John Bosson who died in 2021 and is buried in Fenns Meadow. Lanes, bridleways, towpaths and footpaths, taking in part of the Whixall Moss History Trail. Organiser – Sue Bosson. By car.
Sunday 11th September: ‘Beneath the Fridd’ Montgomery (SJ224962) Field paths, quiet lanes, lovely views, chance to visit Montgomery Castle. Organisers – Maureen Preen, Debbie Freeman. By car.
Friday 7th October: Fungus Foray – Cefn Goleu Wood, Meifod (SJ158164) A fifteen-acre semi-natural woodland, criss-crossed by gently sloping tracks. Organisers – Fran Holland, Jane Hudson, Les Hughes (mycologist). By car.
Summer Programme 2021
TO ALL MFS MEMBERS – REGRETTABLY, DUE TO UNCERTAINTY OVER CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS, THIS PROGRAMME (MOSTLY POSTPONED OUTINGS FROM 2020) HAS TO BE VERY PROVISIONAL AND MAY PROVE IMPOSSIBLE TO IMPLEMENT. THERE WILL BE NO APRIL OUTING, INSTEAD THERE IS AN EXTRA JUNE OUTING PLANNED. PRIOR TO EACH OUTING, MEMBERS WILL BE ADVISED AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THE OUTING CAN GO AHEAD, IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE – AND EVEN THEN ONLY IF IT’S FELT THAT MEMBERS’ SAFETY WILL NOT BE COMPROMISED.
Tuesday 11th May – THIS OUTING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Friday 11th June – Coed Mitchen, nr Llanerfyl. Ancient woodland (worked using a horse), birds, plants. Organisers – Fran Holland & Jane Hudson. By car (SJ048075)
Wednesday 23rd June – Blaen y Cwm, Llangynog. Traditional meadows, chance to explore moorland. Organiser – Sue Bosson By car. (SJ018268)
Thursday 15th July – Breidden, nr Llandrinio. Rare plants, hill walk or Landrover ride to top of Criggion Quarry. Organiser – Sue Southam. By car (SJ295145)
Monday 2nd August – Llys Coppice, Bwlchyddar. Mixed broadleaf woodland, interesting pond, birds, butterflies, dragonflies. Organisers- Jane Hudson, Fran Holland, Maureen Preen. By car (SJ171222)
Friday 3rd September – Penybontfawr. Walks to suit all abilities. Quiet, flower-lined lanes with fine views of the Tanat & Hirnant valleys. Organisers Sue Bosson, Lizzie Beare, Debbie Freeman, Sheila Turner. By Car (SJ087246)
Tuesday 5th October – Fungus Foray;Gregynog Hall National Nature Reserve. Ancient trees with a variety of flora, fauna and fungi.Organisers – Jane Phillips, Helen Siddons, Les Hughes (mycologist) By car (SJ085975)
Excursions Committee: Sue Southam (Excursion Secretary), Steve Attwood-Wright, Lizzie Beare, Sue Bosson, Debbie Freeman, Fran Holland, Jane Hudson, Jane Phillips, Maureen Preen, Helen Siddons.
Summer Programme 2020
All outings were cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
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Winter Programme 2019/2020
Saturdays at 2.30pm in the School Room of the Methodist Church, High St. Welshpool. Non-members are welcome, £3 on the door.
January 11th 2020 – Raptors: brilliant bird photography and entertaining commentary from Allan Heath
February 8th 2020 – John Tuer is a tree specialist and will present slides focusing on trees as well as giving interesting facts on various species
March 14th 2020 – AGM followed by a talk – members’ slides or other entertainment to be arranged. The 2020 AGM is for members only.
Summer Programme 2019
Monday 15th April- Trelystan. Organisers- Helen Siddons, Jane Phillips and Maureen Preen.
Tuesday 14th May- Cwm Lladron, nr. Kerry Ridgeway. Organisers- Lizzie Beare and Steve Attwood-Wright.
Thursday 6th June- Cors Goch Nature Reserve, Anglesey. This National Nature Reserve, owned and managed by the N. Wales Wildlife Trust, is renowned for its acidic heathland and calcareous fenland. It is home to many rare and threatened plants, e.g. ten species of orchid, as well as a wide range of birds and insects. The visit will include a guided tour. By coach. (SH504816) Organisers- Jane Hudson, Fran Holland and Lizzie Beare.
Wednesday 26th June- Training day: Dragonfly and damselfly life-cycle and natural history, Sue Rees Evans at Four Crosses.
Saturday 6th July- Training day: Plant family botany. Barbara Brown, Welsh Officer BSBI, Oakdene, Ardleen.
Monday and Tuesday 15-16 July- Training days: Meadow bugs, Phil Ward, Lower View, City, Sarn.
Thursday 11th July- Hirnant. Organisers Sue Southam and Sue Bosson (this will include one of the under-recorded “squares” in the county).
Friday 16th August- Will’s Woodlands. Organiser- Sue Bosson.
Wednesday 11th September- Llandanwg, near Harlech. Organisers- Sue Southam and Sue Bosson.
Tuesday 8th October- Guilsfield sites (Gaer Fawr, Granllyn Pool, cemetery, churchyard, Trawscoed Woods + fungus foray. Organisers- Maureen Preen and Pam Blair.
Friday 6th December- MFS Christmas lunch at the Lakeside Golf Club Restaurant, Bryllwyn Lane, Garthmyl SY15 6RU. 12 noon for 12.30, it will be the tenth MFS Christmas lunch!
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Summer Programme 2018
Wednesday 25th April
Pensychnant Conservation and Nature Reserve – diverse wildlife in wood and heathlands. Organiser Sheila Turner
Monday 14th May
Ynys Hir and RSPB Ynyslas – reedbed, bog, woodland and saltmarsh, estuary dunes, flora & fauna. Organisers Lizzie Beare & Sue Southam
Thursday 28th June
Hurdley Hall and Roundton Hill – flower-rich meadows, woodland, wildlife-rich hillfort SSSI. Organiser Sue Southam
Wednesday 18th July
Kerry Ridgeway, Turbury Short Ditch Nature Reserve – circular walk, drovers road & ancient hilltop trackway on Montgomery/Shropshire border. Organiser Steve Attwood-Right
Thursday 16th August
Dyfnant Forest NE of Llangadfan – trails, tracks & lanes, farmland. Organisers Sue Bosson, Jane Hudson and Jane Firth-Emmerson
Monday 3rd September
Blaen y Cwm, nr Llangynog, peaceful valley of Pennant Melangell, shrine church, open moorland, waterfalls. Organiser Sue Bosson
Tuesday 2nd October
Llanfechain – lanes and bridleways, variety of flora, fauna and fungi. Organisers Jane Hudson and Maureen Preen
Winter Programme 2018-2019
November 10th 2018
A talk with slides on Wildflower Meadows by Dr Wolfgang Schaefer
December 7th 2018
Annual Christmas lunch at Lakeside Golf-course restaurant, Garthmyl
January 12th 2019
Mistletoe: Fact, Myth and Legend – a talk with slides by Mike Jones
February 9th 2019
Orchids of Wales, a talk with slides by Sue Parker of First-Nature
March 9th 2019
AGM, followed by a talk, Member’s slides or other entertainment to be arranged.
Summer Programme 2017
Tuesday 15th April Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth – new quarry trail
Organiser – Maureen Preen. By car.(SH755045)
Saturday 29th April – extra event
‘Nearly Dawn Chorus walk’, Moel-y-Golfa, Middletown
With Simon Boyes – 6am start (SJ297130)
Thursday 18th May
Foel, near Llangadfan – unimproved pasture, drovers’ routes, river valley. Organisers – Sue Southam & Lizzie Beare. Walk leader – Alwyn Hughes. By car.(SH993115)
Monday 12th June
Pantmaenog, Llanidloes – flower-rich meadows, woodland, restored hedgerows. Organisers- Sheila Turner & Steve Attwood-Wright. By car.
Wednesday 12th July
Great Orme, Llandudno – limestone flora, silver-studded blue butterflies, beach. Organiser – Sue Bosson. By coach(SH768833)
Thursday 17th August
Deerfold Forest, nr Wigmore, Herefordshire, – all-ability walks in the footsteps of the Woolhope Naturalists, unusual flora, castle. Organiser – Sue Southam. Walk leader – Mark Lawley. By car.(SO415690)
Saturday 9th September Llanfihangel -yng- ngwynfa –
‘ 3 Peaks Challenge’/ less demanding walks. Organisers – Jane Firth Emmerson & Lizzie Beare. By car.(SJ080167)
Friday 6th October
Allt-y-Main, Meifod -, woodland, fungi, hill & lane walks. Organisers – Jane Firth-Emmerson & Sylvia Backhouse. By car. (SJ153133)
Winter Programme 2017-2018
November 11th 2017
A talk with slides on Moths, monitoring, surveying, trapping and identifying, by James Shaw
January 13th 2018
A talk with slides on the work done by The Deer Initiative to deliver a healthy, sustainable wild deer population in Wales, by Steve Griffiths of the Deer Initiative.
February 10th 2018
A talk with slides on the management of Offa’s Dyke Trail, by Rob Dingle, Offa’s Dyke Trail Officer.
Summer Programme 2016
Wednesday 13th April Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston, Lancs – pools, reedbeds, marsh, woodland. Organiser – Sue Bosson. By coach.
Tuesday 10th May Llandyssil, nr Montgomery – ancient churchyard, lanes, woodland.Organisers – Sheila Turner, Sue Bosson & Steve Attwood-Wright. By car.(SO196953)
Thursday 9th June Whixall Moss, Shropshire – raised bog, wet woodland, heathlandOrganiser – Maureen Preen. By car. (SJ505366)
Monday 4th July Cwm Mawr, Hyssington, Churchstoke – SSSI, wetland, meadows, rich flora
Organiser – Lizzie Beare. By car. (SO302944)
Monday 8th August Hafren Forest, nr Llanidloes – all-ability walks, rivers, cascades, woodlandOrganiser – Sheila Turner. Walk leaders – Gill & Peter Foulkes. By car. (SN857869)
Friday 9th September (Note, this is a change from the previous programme)
Tan-y-Foel Quarry, Cefn Coch, near Llanfair Caereinion. Our thanks go to Hayden and Mark Bowen, who own the quarry, and who have kindly agreed to show us some of its special geological features often visited by groups of university undergraduates and postgraduates as well as researchers from Cambridge University because of its geological importance.
The lanes and footpaths adjacent to the quarry are rich in plant and birdlife, and so there should be something for everyone!
Organisers – Sue and Steve Southam. By car. (SJ013014)
Monday 3rd October Pont Llogel – riverside walks, exposed rocks, woodlandsOrganiser – Sue Southam. By car. (SJ032154)
Sue Southam (Excursion Secretary) sue@kingfisher4.plus.com 01938 590269 Oakdene, Pool Quay, Welshpool, Powys SY21 9LL
Winter Programme November 2015 to March 2016
All indoor meetings held The Methodist Schoolroom, 13 High Street, Welshpool, SY21 7JP. Meetings start at 2.30pm. Refreshments after the meeting.
November 14th 2015
Mark Lawley, Bryologist and naturalist. He has recently self-published a very beautiful book called The Wildlife of the Marches. It is full of excellent photos and plenty of informative text in a very accessible style. Would make a perfect Christmas present. He will be showing slides and talking generally about Natural History.
January 9th 2016
Powys Species Habitat Protection Group
John Sloan and Jan Jones who work with Barn Owl Protection will show how the group create custom-built nesting boxes for barn owls and use cameras to record their findings.
February 13th 2016
Mike Green of Natural Resources Wales (formerly CCW). Talk and slides about his work for NRW, a good deal of which is preserving SSSIs.
His preservation work covers all sorts of plants, trees, birds and insects. One of his projects is improving habitat for the rare Red Wood Ant at Cae Heulen near Aberhosan which we visited on our September field trip.
March 14th
AGM
Auction of Colin Small’s extensive library of nature books and art works kindly donated by Colin and Pat Small’s family for the benefit of the society.
Talk to be arranged.
Summer Programme 2015
Tuesday 14th April Hidden Valley, Guilsfield. Walks, lake, woods.
Organiser – MaureenPreen, by car.
Tuesday 19th May Above Friog, Fairbourne. Hill, flat or short walks.
Organisers – Sylvia and Michael Backhouse, by coach.
Thursday 11th June Golfa, Welshpool. Golf course and surroundings. Organiser – Sue Southam, by car.
Tuesday 7th July Dyffryn Ardudwy to Tal-y-Bont via Afon Yscethy. Organisers – Sheila Turner and Sue Bosson, by coach.
Tuesday 18th August Montgomery Castle and surrounding walks. Organiser – Lizzie Beare, by car.
Wednesday 16th September Cae Heulen, Aberhosan. Wood walks. Organiser – Lizzie Beare, by car.
Tuesday 6th October Llangynog walks, varried terrain.Organiser – Sue Bosson, by car.
Winter 2014 to 2015 Indoor meetings held at
Methodist Schoolroom, 13 High Street, Welshpool SY21 7JP on Saturdays at 2.30pm to 5.pm
Visitors always welcome
November 15th 2014 Dewi Davies, Snowdonia Ranger. ‘Special Features of Snowdonia and the work done to conserve them’
Thursday December 4th Christmas Lunch at Lakeside Golf Course.12 for 12.30pm Contact Sue Bosson 01691 860712
January 17th 2015 Lizzie Croose, Vincent Wildlife Trust. ‘Polecats and how we might help with recording’
February 14th 2015 Simon Boyes, Ornithologist and Wildlife Guide ‘Antartica’
March 14th 2015 AGM plus slide show of last year’s summer excursions or other talk to be arranged
Summer Outings 2014 See reports page
April 24th Thursday – Dolanog-Riverside, woodland & hill walks
May 20th Tuesday – Cors Dyfi and Borth Yn Las – Osprey observatory, bog, flora & beach
June 23rd Monday -Rhoslan, Brithdir, Llanfyllin – 8 acre smallholding, rich pastures, orchids, butterflies etc
July 17th Thursday – Fronhaul, Cefn Coch – 9.5 actes of orchard, woods & meadows
August 11th Monday – National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne. Coach Trip
September 15th Monday – Ganllwyd, Dolmelynllyn – Flat or hill walks, rivers & streams, wildlife & plants. Coach Trip
October 16th Thursday – Leighton Wood – Fungi Foray