This page shows past events. For our calendar of upcoming events, click 'what's on' on the menu above.
Past events by Friends of Therfield Heath
Landscape Painting Group - May to September 2021
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A group of amateur artists met monthly from May to September in 2021 to enjoy plein-air painting sessions on Therfield Heath, attempting to capture its colour and beauty on canvas and paper. In sun, wind and (sometimes) drizzle, up to seven of us produced panoramic landscapes, studies of trees, buildings and passing walkers; sketching with pencils, pens or charcoal, painting with watercolours, acrylics & inks, and even using an iPad app. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being out in the open air and having a go. A small fee is charged for each session and all money raised goes towards helping to maintain the Heath. Sessions are organised by FOTH member Joan Munden, who intends to reconvene the group next year. If you would like to join us, look out for information on our What's On page.
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Friday 10th September - Bat Walk
On this lovely Friday evening we ran a sold out event with Chantal from the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Bat Group. Chantal started with a short talk about bats, she talked about some of the species and dispelled some myths about bats.
Unfortunately, populations of many bat species have decreased greatly over the last 60 years. One species recently became extinct in Britain and others are now seriously endangered. The Herts and Middx Bat Group are working to further bat conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex, and it was interesting to discover that if you find an ill or injured bat, you can call the national Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228.
After the talk, Chantal gave us a demonstration on how to use the bat detectors that she brought with her, each group got their own, then we set off up the valley. At the top of the valley, it was amazing to discover just how many common pipistrelle bats there are flying over your head by the tree-line, if you weren’t looking up you would simply not be aware of them, but the longer we stood (and with the help of the detectors), the more we discovered! After a while we were also joined by soprano pipistrelles and once we made our way down through the trees, we also picked up some Noctules who echolocate at a different frequency.
On this lovely Friday evening we ran a sold out event with Chantal from the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Bat Group. Chantal started with a short talk about bats, she talked about some of the species and dispelled some myths about bats.
Unfortunately, populations of many bat species have decreased greatly over the last 60 years. One species recently became extinct in Britain and others are now seriously endangered. The Herts and Middx Bat Group are working to further bat conservation in Hertfordshire and Middlesex, and it was interesting to discover that if you find an ill or injured bat, you can call the national Bat Helpline on 0345 1300 228.
After the talk, Chantal gave us a demonstration on how to use the bat detectors that she brought with her, each group got their own, then we set off up the valley. At the top of the valley, it was amazing to discover just how many common pipistrelle bats there are flying over your head by the tree-line, if you weren’t looking up you would simply not be aware of them, but the longer we stood (and with the help of the detectors), the more we discovered! After a while we were also joined by soprano pipistrelles and once we made our way down through the trees, we also picked up some Noctules who echolocate at a different frequency.
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All in all it was a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable evening, thank you very much to everyone who attended and to Chantal for her time. We will shortly be donating half of the income from this event to the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Bat Group.
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Sat 3rd July 2021 - Flowers of Grass Chalkland identification walk
It was the afternoon of Saturday 3rd July and the weather forecast promised thunder and lightning, but still an intrepid group of 13 met on Sun Hill Common to join a flower identification walk on Therfield Heath led by expert Claire Beale. Soon, though, outer garments were being discarded as the sun broke out, banishing any chance of rain and raising the temperature. The flowers thus opened up for inspection and under Claire‘s expert tutelage around 30 different species were identified, including two orchids, the Spotted and Pyramidal. The target was to identify flowers that are characteristic of lower calcareous grassland, of which Therfield Heath is a good example. All were beautiful, although the Knapweed Broomrape maybe only to its mother, and all important to insects and butterflies, especially the Horseshoe Vetch which is the only food source for the rare Chalkhill Blue Butterfly but also attracts others. The unexpectedly good weather meant that in addition to the flowers there was an abundance of butterflies on the wing, especially the beautiful Marbled White which so earnestly lives up to its name. Many thanks to Claire for leading the walk which everybody agreed was both very informative and very enjoyable.
Thank you to Ray Munden for the below photos.
It was the afternoon of Saturday 3rd July and the weather forecast promised thunder and lightning, but still an intrepid group of 13 met on Sun Hill Common to join a flower identification walk on Therfield Heath led by expert Claire Beale. Soon, though, outer garments were being discarded as the sun broke out, banishing any chance of rain and raising the temperature. The flowers thus opened up for inspection and under Claire‘s expert tutelage around 30 different species were identified, including two orchids, the Spotted and Pyramidal. The target was to identify flowers that are characteristic of lower calcareous grassland, of which Therfield Heath is a good example. All were beautiful, although the Knapweed Broomrape maybe only to its mother, and all important to insects and butterflies, especially the Horseshoe Vetch which is the only food source for the rare Chalkhill Blue Butterfly but also attracts others. The unexpectedly good weather meant that in addition to the flowers there was an abundance of butterflies on the wing, especially the beautiful Marbled White which so earnestly lives up to its name. Many thanks to Claire for leading the walk which everybody agreed was both very informative and very enjoyable.
Thank you to Ray Munden for the below photos.
26th June 2021 - visit from the Vice Lord-Lieutenant
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Richard Beazley MBE visited Therfield Heath & Greens on Saturday to be welcomed by Janet Rossignol-Bubbins, Chair of the Friends of Therfield Heath & Greens, and Clare Swarbrick, Chair of the Conservators. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant was accompanied by his wife Violet and Deputy Lieutenant Dr Richard Woolfson.
Clare had the pleasure of introducing Mr Beazley & his wife to Therfield Heath’s new Head of Conservation & Development, Cheryll Whaley-Wilson. The group enjoyed a walk to Church Hill where many visitors find a fantastic display of pasqueflowers every year. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant chose to visit Church Hill as the site has been the Coronation Meadow for Hertfordshire since 2013. The meadow’s rich biodiversity and environmental value means is it one of only a handful of meadows nationwide to receive this status. As Cheryll commented “Church Hill is a site of special scientific interest and home to a particularly significant population of pasqueflowers along with other chalk download flowers such as cowslips and kidney vetch”.
Having enjoyed a visit to Church Hill the Vice Lord-Lieutenant discussed Therfield Heath & Greens with representatives from the Conservators and Friends of Therfield Heath & Greens over lunch at the Heath café. Janet Rossignol-Bubbins presented the visitors with 12 months Honorary Membership of the Friends of Therfield Heath & Greens to encourage them to visit again soon.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Richard Beazley MBE visited Therfield Heath & Greens on Saturday to be welcomed by Janet Rossignol-Bubbins, Chair of the Friends of Therfield Heath & Greens, and Clare Swarbrick, Chair of the Conservators. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant was accompanied by his wife Violet and Deputy Lieutenant Dr Richard Woolfson.
Clare had the pleasure of introducing Mr Beazley & his wife to Therfield Heath’s new Head of Conservation & Development, Cheryll Whaley-Wilson. The group enjoyed a walk to Church Hill where many visitors find a fantastic display of pasqueflowers every year. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant chose to visit Church Hill as the site has been the Coronation Meadow for Hertfordshire since 2013. The meadow’s rich biodiversity and environmental value means is it one of only a handful of meadows nationwide to receive this status. As Cheryll commented “Church Hill is a site of special scientific interest and home to a particularly significant population of pasqueflowers along with other chalk download flowers such as cowslips and kidney vetch”.
Having enjoyed a visit to Church Hill the Vice Lord-Lieutenant discussed Therfield Heath & Greens with representatives from the Conservators and Friends of Therfield Heath & Greens over lunch at the Heath café. Janet Rossignol-Bubbins presented the visitors with 12 months Honorary Membership of the Friends of Therfield Heath & Greens to encourage them to visit again soon.
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19th May 2021 - Landscape Painting
Seven brave souls set out on Wednesday morning, missing the early rain, and setting up our painting stations either on the edge of the field in the sun, or amongst the trees where it was chillier. We produced panoramic landscapes, studies of trees or vistas through the woods, sketching with pencils, pens or charcoal, painting with watercolours, inks and even an iPad app. Most of us hadn't done much painting for a while so thoroughly enjoyed picking up our brushes again. As we packed up our equipment the wind had picked up and huge black clouds loomed over Therfield Heath. We'll be back another day. Joan |
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18th May 2021 - Introduction to bird identification and song
Nelly and I had a wonderful time at the "Introduction to bird identification and song" this morning. We were able to experience the Heath at a slower pace and look deeper to find the treasures hidden in plain sight. We saw and heard Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Skylarks, Meadow pipits, blackcaps, blue tits, whitethroats, linnets, robins, wrens, a lapwing, a stock dove, yellowhammers and a red kite. In addition to the birds we saw yellow meadow ants, a rabbit, a hare and a muntjac deer.
Big thank you to Doug, Ray and all Friends of the Therfield Heath, who made us feel very welcome.
Delyan
Thank you to Delyan Ivanov for the gorgeous photos below from the day.
Nelly and I had a wonderful time at the "Introduction to bird identification and song" this morning. We were able to experience the Heath at a slower pace and look deeper to find the treasures hidden in plain sight. We saw and heard Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Skylarks, Meadow pipits, blackcaps, blue tits, whitethroats, linnets, robins, wrens, a lapwing, a stock dove, yellowhammers and a red kite. In addition to the birds we saw yellow meadow ants, a rabbit, a hare and a muntjac deer.
Big thank you to Doug, Ray and all Friends of the Therfield Heath, who made us feel very welcome.
Delyan
Thank you to Delyan Ivanov for the gorgeous photos below from the day.
Easter 2021 - Easter Egg Trail
As we're still in lockdown, the committee set up an easter trail on the heath for individual families to enjoy. We received some lovely comments of thanks on Social media.
As restrictions had lifted enough for families to take part within their household groups, an unmanned Easter egg trail was set up on the Heath by the FOTH committee. It ran from Good Friday to Easter Monday, with members of the committee giving their time every day to check it hadn’t been blown away by the wind. For the little ones there were pictures of decorated eggs, while the older ones could test their bird identification knowledge. We were delighted with all the positive comments on the content. We will see what next year brings
As we're still in lockdown, the committee set up an easter trail on the heath for individual families to enjoy. We received some lovely comments of thanks on Social media.
As restrictions had lifted enough for families to take part within their household groups, an unmanned Easter egg trail was set up on the Heath by the FOTH committee. It ran from Good Friday to Easter Monday, with members of the committee giving their time every day to check it hadn’t been blown away by the wind. For the little ones there were pictures of decorated eggs, while the older ones could test their bird identification knowledge. We were delighted with all the positive comments on the content. We will see what next year brings
27th Jan 2021 - Quiz
Nearly thirty people joined the annual quiz via zoom. Again it was questions that tested your local knowledge,but you needed a good general knowledge too. Many thanks to Peter Baker for photos used in the quiz. It was an enjoyable couple of hours but no outright winner was declared because of the difference in size of the groups taking part and also self-marking. We hope to be back in The Heath Cafe next January. Keep your wits sharpened!
Nearly thirty people joined the annual quiz via zoom. Again it was questions that tested your local knowledge,but you needed a good general knowledge too. Many thanks to Peter Baker for photos used in the quiz. It was an enjoyable couple of hours but no outright winner was declared because of the difference in size of the groups taking part and also self-marking. We hope to be back in The Heath Cafe next January. Keep your wits sharpened!
4th October 2020 - Bear Hunt
Those that took part in the Bear Hunt said they enjoyed themselves despite the awful weather. Twenty families took part appreciating the Bear Facts and being able to take photos with Therfield the bear at the end.
We always welcome new ideas on what we should have next, so if you have any thoughts, please let us know.
Those that took part in the Bear Hunt said they enjoyed themselves despite the awful weather. Twenty families took part appreciating the Bear Facts and being able to take photos with Therfield the bear at the end.
We always welcome new ideas on what we should have next, so if you have any thoughts, please let us know.
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Monday 7th September 2020 - Bat walk
The Friends of Therfield Heath organised a 'bat walk' with Chantal Helm from the Herts and Middlesex Bat Group and 15 attendees and it was a great success, we raised £40 for the Bat group and another £40 for FOTH. Chantal had previously done some bat surveying around Royston before but not on the heath itself so we all had our fingers crossed to be able to find some bats and they didn't let us down. |
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We started with a fascinating talk from Chantal, where we discovered that there are over 1,400 species of bat worldwide, with around 18 species that can be found in the UK. We discovered how all of the UK bat species are insect eaters and it's very rare for them to get caught in people's hair due to their amazing echolocation skills.
After a 20 minute talk jam packed with interesting information, Chantal handed out bat detectors (one to each household group) and taught us how to use them. We practised by using them to locate Chantal's electronic bat sound machine. We learned how to change the frequency depending on which species we were trying to locate.
We then set off to find some bats. The first patch of woodland had the very occasional sound and a glimpse of a bat, but then we rounded the corner and were treated to a 10 minute arial display by at least two bats. We saw them flying along the tree line and listened to them using the detectors. Chantal explained how we could tell when they were catching flies based on the sound they made and we were amazed to hear them catching flies sometimes every second or two. It's no wonder an individual bat can eat up to 3,000 insects per night.
We eventually moved on and found two other species of bat along our travels, eventually heading back to the car park when it was getting too dark to see any more. In total we found both Common and Soprano Pipistrelles and also Noctule bats.
We all stayed very 'covid safe' with our initial talk outside, wiping down the bat detectors before and after use and staying 2m apart from other households.
We very much hope Chantal will be happy to join us again for another talk next year, when we can hopefully allow full numbers of attendees again.
After a 20 minute talk jam packed with interesting information, Chantal handed out bat detectors (one to each household group) and taught us how to use them. We practised by using them to locate Chantal's electronic bat sound machine. We learned how to change the frequency depending on which species we were trying to locate.
We then set off to find some bats. The first patch of woodland had the very occasional sound and a glimpse of a bat, but then we rounded the corner and were treated to a 10 minute arial display by at least two bats. We saw them flying along the tree line and listened to them using the detectors. Chantal explained how we could tell when they were catching flies based on the sound they made and we were amazed to hear them catching flies sometimes every second or two. It's no wonder an individual bat can eat up to 3,000 insects per night.
We eventually moved on and found two other species of bat along our travels, eventually heading back to the car park when it was getting too dark to see any more. In total we found both Common and Soprano Pipistrelles and also Noctule bats.
We all stayed very 'covid safe' with our initial talk outside, wiping down the bat detectors before and after use and staying 2m apart from other households.
We very much hope Chantal will be happy to join us again for another talk next year, when we can hopefully allow full numbers of attendees again.
Saturday 11th April 2020 - Virtual Easter Egg hunt
Due to Coronavirus we were unable to run our Easter Egg hunt on the heath. So instead we created a virtual easter egg hunt. The question was - how many of each colour eggs can you find, and how many animals? We had over 2,500 views on the video, so we hope many children enjoyed watching and finding!
Due to Coronavirus we were unable to run our Easter Egg hunt on the heath. So instead we created a virtual easter egg hunt. The question was - how many of each colour eggs can you find, and how many animals? We had over 2,500 views on the video, so we hope many children enjoyed watching and finding!
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Results:
The animals were: 1. Ray 2. Frog 3. Killer whale 4. Otter 5. Hedgehog 6. Zebra 7. Fox 8. Gorilla |
9. Dog 10. Pig 11. Panda 12. Tiger 13. Elephant 14. Whale 15. Polar bear 16. Shark 17. Rhino |
The eggs were: 4 yellow 4 green 4 red Total = 12 eggs |
Friday 24 January 2020 at The Heath Cafe - Quiz
We had an amazing response to our quiz - we were full to capacity!
The winners were the team called “Follow the Leader”, the final scores being very close together. Well done to all the teams and many thanks for supporting us, so helping make it such a successful evening.
We raised over £600, which will go towards future projects, such as a new sign for Church Hill.
We have had a lot of very positive comments, saying how much everyone enjoyed the evening, particularly the local knowledge, flora and fauna rounds. The Committee members who helped organise the evening had an enjoyable time, we hope you did too.
A big thank you to Toby and the Heath Cafe team for great nibbles, bar service, and providing the PA system, also to all those who provided such great raffle prizes.
Thanks again for your support, and the committee thank Janet for all of her hard work getting it together and running it on the night.
We had an amazing response to our quiz - we were full to capacity!
The winners were the team called “Follow the Leader”, the final scores being very close together. Well done to all the teams and many thanks for supporting us, so helping make it such a successful evening.
We raised over £600, which will go towards future projects, such as a new sign for Church Hill.
We have had a lot of very positive comments, saying how much everyone enjoyed the evening, particularly the local knowledge, flora and fauna rounds. The Committee members who helped organise the evening had an enjoyable time, we hope you did too.
A big thank you to Toby and the Heath Cafe team for great nibbles, bar service, and providing the PA system, also to all those who provided such great raffle prizes.
Thanks again for your support, and the committee thank Janet for all of her hard work getting it together and running it on the night.
A very full room
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The winning team
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Saturday 10th October 2019 - Litter pick
Despite the rain, some of us got together on this dreary day to rid the heath of some of the litter that the less considerate users of the heath leave behind. We collected a few good bags full, and the little ones enjoyed using the litter picking sticks!
Despite the rain, some of us got together on this dreary day to rid the heath of some of the litter that the less considerate users of the heath leave behind. We collected a few good bags full, and the little ones enjoyed using the litter picking sticks!
Wednesday 12th June 2019 - Photography
Our photography workshop on the heath on Wednesday night was a big success, unfortunately the weather put some people off, but those who did come along wrapped up warm and we all had a fantastic time, despite a little bit of drizzle.
Keith and Peter from Melbourn & District Photographic Club (http://melbournphotoclub.com/) split us into 2 groups, one group learning about iPhone photography (rule of thirds, photo editing within the camera app, micro photography, panorama tricks, finding good subjects, ‘human interest’ etc) and the other learning about general photography (getting off auto, exposure – aperture / shutter speed / ISO and the when / where and how to use these settings). Both groups said they learned a lot and really enjoyed the session.
Thank you so much Keith and Peter for your time and expertise :)
Below are some of the photos from the iPhone group, I hope to add some from the other group
Our photography workshop on the heath on Wednesday night was a big success, unfortunately the weather put some people off, but those who did come along wrapped up warm and we all had a fantastic time, despite a little bit of drizzle.
Keith and Peter from Melbourn & District Photographic Club (http://melbournphotoclub.com/) split us into 2 groups, one group learning about iPhone photography (rule of thirds, photo editing within the camera app, micro photography, panorama tricks, finding good subjects, ‘human interest’ etc) and the other learning about general photography (getting off auto, exposure – aperture / shutter speed / ISO and the when / where and how to use these settings). Both groups said they learned a lot and really enjoyed the session.
Thank you so much Keith and Peter for your time and expertise :)
Below are some of the photos from the iPhone group, I hope to add some from the other group
Sunday 12th May 2019 - Bird ringing demonstration
8am on this fine Sunday morning we gathered at a farm near to Therfield Heath to find out all about the whys, wheres and hows of bird ringing. The team showed us how they put up the nets with a demonstration (most of us didn't visit the actual nets so that we didn't cause extra stress to the birds) and they brought back a number of blackbirds, whitethroats and other species too, to show us how they health check and put rings on their legs so that the birds can be tracked each time they are caught, or if they are found deceased. The information they are gathering is invaluable to furthering our knowledge of the lives of these birds.
8am on this fine Sunday morning we gathered at a farm near to Therfield Heath to find out all about the whys, wheres and hows of bird ringing. The team showed us how they put up the nets with a demonstration (most of us didn't visit the actual nets so that we didn't cause extra stress to the birds) and they brought back a number of blackbirds, whitethroats and other species too, to show us how they health check and put rings on their legs so that the birds can be tracked each time they are caught, or if they are found deceased. The information they are gathering is invaluable to furthering our knowledge of the lives of these birds.
Wednesday 8th May 2019 - Guided Walk
On a fairly gloomy May evening 16 walkers, comprising Friends of Therfield Heath and Royston Ramblers, met at the Heath Café to partake in a walk of around 3 miles under the guidance of expert trekker David Allard. We set off up to one of the highest points on the Heath with its wonderful views over Royston and as far as Ely on a clear day. Today the view included our poor Parish Church which, covered in all its bandages, was standing out more than ever.
We carried on around the Heath and David pointed out various barrows, burial mounds possibly from around 4500 years ago. Mind you, when you consider that the Great Pyramids were built around the same time our efforts do look a bit puny. But then we invented the industrial revolution so maybe it’s a 1 all draw.
On a fairly gloomy May evening 16 walkers, comprising Friends of Therfield Heath and Royston Ramblers, met at the Heath Café to partake in a walk of around 3 miles under the guidance of expert trekker David Allard. We set off up to one of the highest points on the Heath with its wonderful views over Royston and as far as Ely on a clear day. Today the view included our poor Parish Church which, covered in all its bandages, was standing out more than ever.
We carried on around the Heath and David pointed out various barrows, burial mounds possibly from around 4500 years ago. Mind you, when you consider that the Great Pyramids were built around the same time our efforts do look a bit puny. But then we invented the industrial revolution so maybe it’s a 1 all draw.
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We carried on to Church Hill, where the remains of what had been a really good show of Pasque flowers were evident, before walking through the woods and then back across to the Heath Café This had unfortunately closed for the night, thereby disappointing those who were looking forward to some coffee, or maybe something stronger.
There will be another, longer walk later this year so keep any eye on the What's On page. |
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Sunday 14th April 2019
We had a great afternoon searching for Easter rocks which could be swapped for an egg prize. We ended up having a massive 130 kids attending, which was a wonderful surprise, and certainly kept us worrying about whether or not we had enough chocolate! A huge thank you to Montessori Sun Hill nursery for painting our egg rocks so beautifully, Tesco and Bury Lane farm for their chocolate donations, and finally to Lily at Suppawt Dog Training for helping us with the poo and litter pick prior to the event. |
Sat 16th March 2019 - Bird and bat box building
A number of members attended to help put together 20 bird and bat boxes for putting up around the heath. It was a really enjoyable event, learning why the different boxes are built in the different ways.
A number of members attended to help put together 20 bird and bat boxes for putting up around the heath. It was a really enjoyable event, learning why the different boxes are built in the different ways.
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