Keep Nethercote Rural #handsoffourhamlet

10/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HWtWAiw9t/

Do you ever go looking for mushrooms at this time of year? 🍄

Save our wildlife guide to brush up on your fungi facts, or send this post to a fun guy (or anyone) you’d love to go mushroom spotting with! 🔍

10/15/2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-involved-citizen-science-with-the-mammal-society-webinar-tickets-1988478849768?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

Find out about three hands-on ways you can contribute to UK mammal conservation.

10/15/2026

A series of free learning webinars around different species groups

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/learning-through-volunteering-4836282/?fbclid=IwY2xjawU9YgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4LaGZqIcA3KML2CUQwBKAjWHjJaHxqMDcuYNrhH-6PocY-PAwVrhDWpU_Q5A_aem_YYwP5DUDDA91qZ5r9LIlbQ

Free online talks and workshops for conservation volunteers. Connect with others, explore the bigger picture, and develop your skills. Brought to you by Plantlife, The Mammal Society, Butterfly Conservation, BTO and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.

10/15/2026

There was so much to share from this year’s TVERC Autumn Recorders’ Conference, so over the coming week we’ll be sharing some of the highlights from the day.

First up is our always-popular speed-update session, where speakers have just five minutes to share what they’ve been working on, and they always manage to pack in an impressive amount!

Professor Debbie Bartlett shared news from volunteer toad patrols and the first glow-worm surveys near Letcombe Regis, showing how local recording can reveal changes and prompt new questions.

Neil Bucknell introduced plans for the third Berkshire Bird Atlas, running from 2027 to 2032, and invited birdwatchers of all experience levels to help map Berkshire’s birds.

Sue from Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) reminded us that TOE is a great place to start if you are looking for funding, or advice on funding, for wildlife recording, nature recovery or other nature-related projects.

Joe Boyle gave us an insight into the University of Oxford’s Reversing the Gaze on Nature Recovery project, which is exploring how evidence from local action can inform national reporting on progress towards 30x30.

Marcus from CAG Oxfordshire shared an engaging way of looking at how geology, land use and different species’ perspectives can help us imagine and shape future landscapes.

Julian Parfitt gave us a quick update on Wild Wantage’s continuing community-led work to support wildlife, create space for nature and help local people connect with their surrounding environment.

Ivan Wright from Shotover Wildlife showed why putting the right trees in the right place matters, with encouraging signs that ground flora is returning as clearings are restored at Shotover.

Brian Clews rounded off the updates with news from WildCookham, including bird surveys, wildlife-friendly gardens, a new bat group and growing community involvement in recording and habitat improvement.

Thank you to all our speakers for giving us such an energetic snapshot of the recording, research and community action taking place across Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1aZQskqKXz/

It’s tomorrow!🍄

Autumn is a brilliant time to spot fungi. As the temperature drops and the air becomes more humid, mushrooms emerge in all their fascinating forms.

But what we see above ground is only part of the fungus. Much of it can be hidden away in soil or wood as a network of tiny thread-like structures called mycelium. Fungi also play a vital role in our ecosystems, helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.

Last month, Chloe came across this impressive Giant Puffball. Have you spotted any fungi lately? 🍄

Don’t forget to send us your records and let us know what you’ve found!

10/14/2026

https://youtu.be/bFcjNseHGfw?si=aSABUPlJAdyHQJny

What could the next El Niño mean for the UK, and how prepared are w...

10/11/2026

Citizen science is simply ordinary people paying attention to the nature around them — and turning that attention into valuable data that scientists, conservationists, and planners can use to protect and enhance wildlife and green spaces.

Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre hold and maintain biological records for Oxfordshire and have recently put out some information on areas that are not well recorded and need your help, full details including the full map can be found here https://www.tverc.org/recorders/help-us-fill-species-gaps

If you are new to biodiversity recording then you can submit your observations on iNaturalist and join Community Action Groups - CAG Oxfordshire project aimed at supporting every day people being able to make a difference to nature in their areas https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/community-action-groups-cag-oxfordshire

10/10/2026

Applications are currently being accepted for tree planting projects in England:

About the project We are helping National Highways plant hundreds of thousands of trees by 2030, working with communities across England. The initiative demonstrates how low carbon initiatives can benefit both nature and communities. The trees are being grown at Greenwood Plants, West Sussex,