Helford VMCA events 2010
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. Visit our information leaflets page for a downloadable full colour leaflet of our events.
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
Saturday 20th February 2010
The National Lobster Hatchery - the future
The National Lobster Hatchery represents a local pioneering programme to enhance shellfish stocks through the release of juvenile lobsters. Dominic Boothroyd will place its work in a global and local context, discussing some of the issues facing fisheries today and some possible solutions.
Cost: £2. Group members & children free.
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref: SW 709 266
Contact: Rhiannon 07710956734 or David 01326 340686
Saturday 20th March 2010
Message in the Waves and AGM
The intensely moving documentary ‘Message in the Waves’ triggered the plastic bag- free movement in the UK. Although it focuses on the effects of marine pollution on the people and wildlife of Hawaii, it is a global film, and Jolyon Sharpe, Senior Beach Ranger, will give the local perspective on Cornwall's marine litter and how we can all help.
Cost: £2. Group members & children free.
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref: SW 709 266
Contact: Rhiannon 07710956734 or Paul 01326 341030
Thursday 1st April 2010
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! Bring small nets and plastic buckets if you wish.
Cost: Free
Time: 1.00 – 3.00 p.m.
Meet: In front of the Ferryboat Inn, Helford Passage, TR11 5LB
OS Ref: SW 764 269
Contact: Rhiannon 07710956734 or Ruth 07967 251278
Sunday 18th April 2010
Heron and Egret Survey
Join local bird watcher Martin Rule for a morning survey of the wonderful Heron and Egret populations of the Helford River. Binoculars, weatherproof clothing, and robust footwear advised. Booking required. Max 25.
Cost: Free
Time: 09:30 – 12:00 am.
Meet: Entrance to Calamansack road, between Port Navas and Constantine.
OS Ref: SW 746 281
Contact: Martin 01326 561952 or 07854 123 877
Sunday 16th May 2010
Wild Foods Walk
A guided wild food walk with expert Caroline Davey to identify edible Spring plants found in the hedgerows and woodland around Treath and Bosahan on the south shore of the Helford. Learn about the culinary and medicinal uses for these plants, historical facts and how to forage sustainably, legally and safely.
Cost: Free
Time: 2.00 – 4.00pm
Meet: Helford Village carpark
OS Ref: SW 759 261
Contact: Rhiannon 07710956734 or Ruth 07967 251278
Sunday 20th June 2010
Farming through the Ages
Gear Farm on the southern side of the Helford has been a focus of human activity since farming began in Britain. BBC’s Time Team excavated part of the site a few years’ ago. Hear James Gossip, Cornwall Council archaeologist, and Mary Combe from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group describe how the land has been used through time. Booking required. Max.40.
Cost: Free
Time: 12.00 – 4.00pm
Meet: Entrance to Gear Farm, between Mawgan and St Martin
OS Ref: SW 723 249
Contact: Martin 01326 561952 or 07854 123 877
Sunday 11th July 2010
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: 4.00 – 6.30 p.m.
Depart from: The Ferryboat Inn jetty, Helford Passage on the NORTH shore, TR11 5LB
OS Ref: SW 764 269
Contact: Paul 01326 341030
Advance booking essential – include SAE for tickets. Please make cheques payable to “Helford MC Group” and send to Paul Garrard, 4 Valley View, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5AP.
Saturday 14th August 2010
Rockpool Ramble
Investigate the fascinating 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: 2.00 – 4.00 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
Saturday 5th September 2010
Goongillings Picnic and Exploration
Bring your own picnic and join local experts as they explore the botany, entomology, biology, bird life, geology and mining history at Goongillings Farm and Scotts Quay. Weatherproof clothing and robust footwear advised.
Cost: Free
Time: 2.00 - 5.00pm
Meet: Goongillings Farm, 1km S of Constantine, near Trengilly Wartha Inn TR11 5RP
OS Ref: SW 735 283
Contact: Paul 01326 341030 or Pamela 01209 842316
Saturday 16th October 2010
The National Trust around the Helford
From archaeology and barn owls to ancient woodland and eco-tourism, Justin Whitehouse tells of the pleasures and problems of managing properties around the Helford.
Cost: £2. Group members & 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 340686
Saturday 13th November 2010
Plankton on Parade
The amazing diversity of microscopic plants and animals drifting in our seas and coastal waters and their importance to the marine ecosystem is revealed by Dr Tegwyn Harris, the well-known marine broadcaster and lecturer, in his inimitable style – not to be missed.
Cost: £2. Group members & children free.
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref: SW 709 266
Contact: Pamela 01209 842316 or David 01326 340686
Saturday 11th December 2010
Tales of a Wildlife Photographer
This illustrated talk by David Chapman on local wildlife and landscapes combines some serious conservation stories from Cornwall with a more light-hearted look at the methods employed by a professional wildlife photographer. David has written many books about wildlife in Cornwall that will be available for sale (and signing!)
Cost: £2. Group members & children free.
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref: SW 709 266
Contact: Rhiannon 07710 956734 or Ian 01872 863171
Saturday 15th January 2011
The Fal-Helford marine Special Area of Conservation
Virtually the whole of the Helford VMCA lies within a site of European nature conservation importance: The Fal-Helford Special Area of Conservation. This offers huge protection but also many challenges to ensure businesses and livelihoods can continue. Kevan Cook, from Natural England, explains how this balance is struck – it lies at the heart of the ethos of HMCG – to enable community, commerce and conservation to co-exist.
Cost: £2. Group members & children free.
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Venue: Gweek Village Hall, beside the National Seal Sanctuary, TR12 6UG
OS Ref: SW 709 266
Contact: Rhiannon 07710 956734 or Martin 01326 561952