Helford VMCA events 2009
Since the late 1980s the independent Helford
Marine Conservation Group has been running public events
every year. These highlight aspects of particular interest on
the River and its sensitive marine wildlife.
This programme of events has been produced to help people to learn, understand and enjoy this very special place.
There is something for all ages, abilities and interests and everyone is welcome.
Saturday 21st February 2009
Birds of the Helford
Cheer up a February evening by sharing some superb images of Helford birdlife taken by leading Cornish wildlife photographer Adrian Langdon.
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 p.m.
Venue:Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref:SW 709 266
Contact: Martin 01326 561952 or Martine 01326 378028
Saturday 28th March 2009
Helford Fishing & AGM
From years of experience, local fisherman Chris Bean gives us an in-depth account of Helford fishing – the vessels, gear, catch, marketing, social impact and future prospects.
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 p.m.
Venue:Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref:SW 709 266
Contact: David 01326 341181 or Margaret 01326 221632
Sunday 19th April 2009
Dawn Chorus beside Polwheveral Creek
Bring your binoculars for a bird “watching and listening” walk to hear the early morning spring song with local birdwatcher Martin Rule at Goongillings Farm. Bring your own snacks, hot drinks available. Weatherproof clothing and robust footwear advised.
Cost:Free
Time:6.00 a.m.
Meet:Goongillings Farm, 1 km S of Constantine, near Trengilly Wartha Inn, TR11 5RP
OS Ref:SW 735 283
Contact: Martin 01326 561952 or Charles 01326 340630
Sunday 10th May 2009
Springtime Flowers
Join expert botanist Keith Spurgin to discover the wealth of flowers in a stroll along the South West Coast Path from Mawnan to Rosemullion. Robust footwear and weatherproof clothing advised. Parts of the path are steep.
Cost:Free
Time:2.30 – 4.30 p.m.
Meet: Meet at Mawnan Church TR11 5HY at the end of Old Church Road. Park by church or on roadside.
OS Ref: SW 788 272
Contact: Martin 01326 561952 or Margaret 01326 221632
Sunday 21st June 2009
Helford Conservation Cruise
Enjoy the Helford wildlife scene on a boat trip upriver from the mouth of the estuary with local experts, displays, children’s activities and live tanks. Bring weatherproof clothing. Binoculars could be useful.
Cost:Adults £8 and Under-18s £4
Time:3.00 – 5.30 p.m.
Depart from: The Ferryboat Inn jetty, Helford Passage on the NORTH shore, TR11 5LB
OS Ref:SW 764 269
Contact: Paul 013326 341030 or Keith 01326 340547
Advance booking essential – include SAE for tickets. Please make cheques payable to “Helford MC Group” and send to Dr P Garrard, 4 Valley View, Bowling Green, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5AP.
Saturday 25th July 2009
Seashore Safari
Join Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Marine Conservation Officer Ruth Williams in a sea search at the edge of the Helford river as the tide falls and find crabs, sea-anemones, seaquirts and other mysterious creatures. Wear non-slip rock-scrambling shoes that you are prepared to get wet! Helford Passage on the north shore.
Cost:Free
Time:2.00 – 4.00 p.m.
Meet:In front of the Ferryboat Inn, Helford Passage, TR11 5LB
OS Ref:SW 764 269
Contact: Prue 01326 281230 or Ruth 07967 251278
Sunday 23rd August 2009
Explore the Shore
Investigate the fascinating and colourful rock pools at Prisk Cove, south of Rosemullion Head, and discover the hidden world of crabs, fish, sea-anemones and strange shellfish with marine expert Ruth Williams. Wear non-slip rock-scrambling shoes that you are prepared to get wet! Bring small nets and plastic buckets if you wish.
Cost:Free
Time:1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
Meet: Meet at Mawnan Church TR11 5HY at the end of Old Church Road or join us on the shore.
OS Ref: Mawnan Church SW 788 272, Prisk Cove SW 795 277
Contact: Rhiannon 07710 956734 or Ruth 07967 251278
Sunday 6th September 2009
Bats near the Helford River
“Hear and see” the local Helford bats with Dr Carol Williams using bat detectors and night vision glasses. An evening talk at Mawgan and a walk (weather permitting) at a bat site on the south side of the Helford River. Warm clothing advisable. Bring torches, binoculars and a hot drink, if required. Booking essential (max. 40).
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 – 9.30pm
Venue: Mawgan Recreational Hall, TR12 6AX, Mawgan-in-Meneage, near the War Memorial roundabout
OS Ref:SW 702 244
Contact: Martin 01326 561952
Saturday 17th October 2009
The Private Life of Cornish Seals
Sue Sayer of the Cornwall Seal Group uses a multimedia illustrated talk to give an enthralling behind-the-scenes look at the private life of Cornish seals throughout the season.
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 p.m.
Venue:Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref:SW 709 266
Contact: Paul 01326 341030 or Martine 01326 378028
Saturday 14th November 2009
Diving Bahamas and Helford
Local diver and underwater photographer Tony Sutton will bring to us through his captivating photographs the beautiful underwater worlds of the Bahamas and the Helford River, and their intriguing marine creatures.
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 p.m.
Venue: Mawgan Recreational Hall, TR12 6AX, Mawgan-in-Meneage, near the War Memorial roundabout
OS Ref:SW 702 244
Contact: Rhiannon 07710 956734 or Keith 01326 340547
Saturday 5th December 2009
Wreck and Torpedoes to Coastwatch
– the extraordinary history of Nare Point
Paul Phillips and Jack Sechler recount the fascinating story of Nare Point, from the wreck of the Bay of Panama in the Great Storm of 1891 though its vital role during WWII to its current important activities as a Coastwatch station. This will be a slightly extended meeting.
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 p.m.
Venue:Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref:SW 709 266
Contact: Paul 01326 341030 or David 01326 341181
Saturday 23rd January 2010
Cornish Dolphins – an update
Dolphin sightings always arouse interest and pleasure. Dr Nick Tregenza will tell us about the current state of research and issues involving dolphins, porpoises and whales in Cornish waters.
Cost:£2. Group members and children free.
Time:7.30 p.m.
Venue:Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref:SW 709 266
Contact: Margaret 01326 221632 or Paul 01326 341 030