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British Naturalists Association Annual Conference, Epping Forest on 10th May 2008
TV Naturalist Presenter and wildlife cameraman, Simon King, will be this year’s recipient of the BNA’s prestigious Peter Scott Memorial Award The Award presentation will take place at the BNA’s Annual Conference in May when British Naturalists from across the UK will enjoy Specialised Field Workshops and Talks by eminent Natural Historians. Among this year’s Speakers are York University’s Prof. Alastair Fitter and Dr. Jeremy Dagley, Conservation Manager of Epping Forest. The Event will be Chaired by Professor David Bellamy. "I am greatly honoured that the British Naturalists' Association should have decided to present me with the Peter Scott Award. I look at the list of previous recipients and think too of Peter for whom I had such affection and respect - and realise very well what a real honour this is" Sir David Attenborough [last year’s Award recipient]
The Forest School will host the Conference again this year in Epping Forest, Snaresbrook on 10th May 2008
See http://www.bna-naturalists.org/ 
link for more details and ticket availability
Also download BNA leaflet, BNA Conference 2008 leaflet and BNA 2008 Conference programme
Parndon Wood Nature Reserve Wildlife & Country Crafts Fair to be held on Sunday 4th May 2008.
This year Harlow Council aims to bring together a range of exhibitors and guests along the theme of woodland crafts. A number of visitor-friendly activities are planned, including spinning and weaving, woodland crafts, a Hawks and Owls display.
If you have not visited the Parndon Wood Nature Reserve before, it comprises a predominantly Oak and Hornbeam coppiced woodland. The stalls and pitches will be located throughout the Reserve, following our Nature Trail and also some located in and around the Conservation Centre.
Pardon Wood Nature Reserve
Two Tree Island Nature Reserve Wildlife Discovery Day
This year the event is on Sunday 18th May and will run from 10.30am -
4.30pm. Apart from the displays there are guided walks around the
Reserve and refreshments, the aim being to showcase both the Reserve
and the various conservation groups in the area.
Dipterists Forum In 2008 the Dipterists Forum will be running an introductory course on the Identification of Fly Families - ‘Beginning with Diptera’ Friday 7th - Sunday 9th March 2008, to assist people interested in recording flies to get over the daunting stage of starting with a new group.
Prepublication offer for The Moths of Hertfordshire, the history, status, distribution and phenology of Micro and macro moths in the county, by Colin W Plant to be published by Hertfordshire Natural History Society in spring 2008. Pre-publication offer only £26 (inc P&P) see Herts Moth Group for more details and an order form.
The Dragonflies of Essex by Ted Benton and John Dobson is a hardback volume of 240 pages published in May 2007 by the Essex Field Club in association with Lopinga Books. It is available for £20 incl. p&p (in UK only) from John Dobson. Please contact him on or 07913 348691 (mobile). It is printed in colour throughout. The book includes accounts and distribution maps of all resident and migrant species with colour photographs of all species resident in the county. Also included are chapters on the biology of dragonflies, a review of ‘hot spots’ in the county for observing the different species and details of historical recording from the Victorian era.
Ted Benton has recently discovered that Chester museum has lantern slides made by Hugh Main, a key figure in the Essex Field Club during the 20s, 30s and 40s of the last century. He is trying to find out more about his life-story, and of associates, especially E.E.Syms. Can anyone help with information about surviving relatives or acquaintances? Ted is particularly intrigued by the connection with Chester. Please email Ted at
The Herpetological Conservation Trust, Add an Adder Please add your records. The older you are, the more work you will need to do since they are looking for historical records and even memories!!!