Thu, 16 Apr 2009
Summer Excursions 2009
Enjoy our Fascinating Programme of Excursions this Spring and Summer 2009 - and learn more about the Natural History and Antiquities of the Isle of Man
Saturday 18th April - Faults, Fractures and Fossils
Leader: Dr Dave Burnett
Kallow Point, Port St Mary
Examining the 480 million year geological development of the Isle of Man as shown in the Kallow Point area.
Faults, fractures and fossils: from deep oceans to tropical seas. A short stroll around Kallow Point in Port St Mary shows some of the great variety of Manx geology and forms an important part in the story of how the Island developed over 480 million years. The early start is due to the incoming tide and we will be scrabbling about in the slippery rocks.
Clothing: Warm waterproofs and protective footwear essential.
Meet: 1.30pm at Kallow Point Carpark. Grid Ref: 212672
Saturday 9th May - New Flora of the Isle of Man
Leader: Kate Hawkins
Cregneash
An introduction to the flora of Cregneash: a chance to have a go at identification and recording of plants with Kate Hawkins. This will take place on a walk around Cregneash Village.
During this walk Kate will introduce members to the technicalities of the forthcoming “Flora in the Isle of Man” survey project, for which volunteer recorders are sought. Identification guide books and hand lenses would be useful if you have them.
For further information contact Kate Hawkins (tel. 629246/342336).
Clothing: Waterproofs and sensible footwear recommended.
Meet: 2.30pm at Cregneash Quarry Carpark. Grid Ref: 190675
Saturday 27th June - The Braaid, Keeill Ingan, St Patrick’s Chair
Leader: Andrew Johnson
An examination of these unique sites, starting with the Celtic and Viking period Farmstead at The Braaid.
The landlocked parish of Marown possesses the Island’s largest Norse farmstead, one of the most picturesque and complete Keeills, and the unique St Patrick’s Chair. Andrew will try to make a little sense of these sometimes enigmatic monuments.
We shall be travelling between sites by car, and will leave as many cars parked at Chibbanagh as possible. The aim is to share vehicles.
Clothing: Waterproofs and as rough walking is involved, please wear protective footwear. We will use shared cars to move around the sites.
Meet: 2.30pm at Braaid lay-by or the Chibbanagh plantation carpark; Grid ref: 324763
Saturday 18th July - Rushen Mines
Leader: Frank Cowin
Frank Cowin will lead the group around the top part of Glen Rushen looking at what remains of the mining industry and examining the evidence around Cross Vein, Beckwiths Vein and Ballacottier Farm.
Clothing: There will be some rough walking so protective shoes and waterproof clothing are essential. Transport will be available to get down and then back up the steep valley.
Meet: 2.30pm at The Cross Vein Mine chimney at the top of Glen Rushen; Grid Ref: 262780
Saturday 5th September - Calf of Man
Leader: Kate Hawkins
A day trip to the Calf of Man, in the Bird Observatory’s 50th anniversary year, to admire the flora, fauna and birdlife, and hopefully meet the resident bird wardens. We will be able to see birds on autumn migration and, if the weather is calm, the possibility of spotting whales or dolphins offshore.
Bring wet weather gear, stout footwear, packed lunch and drinks. Please note that there are no toilet facilities for day visitors to the Calf.
Clothing: waterproofs and protective footwear are essential. Places are limited so must be booked in advance with Barbara Doyle, tel: 482127/844020.
Meet: 9-00a.m at Port Erin jetty. Grid Ref: 190690
If the weather is unsuitable, the alternative date is Saturday 12th September
Further details about all excursions can be found in the newsletter.
Members are reminded that dogs cannot accompany them on excursions.
Please see the Newsletter for more detailed descriptions and, for Annual members, subscription rates – payment was due on 1st March.