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Waxcap Watch: Grassland ID Training and Survey Day, Scotland (Strathblane)

Join Plantlife’s Senior Ecological Advisor Sarah Robinson and Nev Kilkenny, a mycological expert, for a day out to get ready for our annual Waxcap Watch. This workshop will equip group leaders with the confidence to teach others how to take part in Plantlife’s Waxcap Watch in 2026.

A waxcap mushroom growing in the grass, with mountains in the background

Come and join us to learn about beautiful, colourful and sometimes rare grassland fungi in Strathblane. Nev is a very experienced mycologist and he will be leading the session, teaching how to recognise these fungi on what will hopefully be a varied and rich CHEGD (waxcap grassland) site.

This will be an opportunity for people to learn more about the species, about the Waxcap Watch campaign, and how you can host your own Waxcap Watch surveys this autumn.

We will use the opportunity to learn how to use the new and improved version of the Waxcap Watch survey app. This app allows anyone to go out and survey a site for rare grassland fungi, and then feedback the data to us and relevant fungi recording groups. Hopefully you’ll feel confident enough to do some of your own surveys after this session.

The sites we’re surveying have not been fully surveyed before. We wanted to use the opportunity to engage with new landowners at sites we’ve noted as high potential, so you’ll be helping us to find new populations on the day, and we’re not exactly sure what we’ll see.

Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on site.

Refreshments: Volunteers are asked to bring a packed lunch and water on the day.

What You Need to Know

Waxcap Watch FAQs

  • What happens with the results from my survey?

    By taking a part in our survey you will help us to:

    • Discover previously unknown waxcap grassland sites across the UK
    • Get an indication of habitat condition at each site to aid more informed conversations with landowners and land managers
    • Make the case to policy makers for better protection for waxcaps
    • In Wales, we will look to share new findings with Natural Resources Wales, Fungus groups and other experts to investigate further
    • In Scotland, results from the survey will inform conversations with landowners on how best to restore and protect local waxcap grasslands in key project areas such as the Cairngorms National Park

    Much of this app is based on the work by Gareth Griffith, John Bratton and Gary Easton. Original publication: Griffith, G.W., Bratton, J.H. & Easton, G. (2004) Charismatic megafungi; the conservation of waxcap grasslands. British Wildlife. October 2004, pp 31-43.

  • How do I stay safe during a survey?

    You are responsible for your own health and safety; Plantlife do not accept any liability or responsibility for the wellbeing of surveyors. Similarly, they do not accept any liability or responsibility for damage to, or loss of, personal property.

    We always recommend visiting sites and undertaking surveys with someone else and taking the following precautions:

    – Check the forecast and make appropriate arrangements. If the weather changes you may need to rethink your plans.
    – Take care on uneven or slippery ground and keep to footpaths where necessary.
    – Take a mobile phone and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
    –  Most fungi are non-toxic; even toxic ones are safe to hold. However, always wash your hands after handling fungi.

  • What are my access rights?

    England and Wales

    Grassland fungi can be found across a variety of different sites, many of which are publicly accessible, such as playing fields, parks or cemeteries. Where there is no open access, keep to public rights of way (footpaths and bridleways). If you plan to carry out a survey on private land, please make sure you obtain the landowner’s permission to access the site.

    Scotland

    Make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when carrying out this activity.

  • What if I don’t have a smart phone/tablet?

    Where possible, we would highly recommend using the Survey123 app to complete the survey. It is much more convenient to use, especially when filling in the survey outdoors. The Survey123 app allows you to view and/or edit surveys you’ve already submitted, submit surveys while offline, and save answers to avoid re-entering the same information.
    However, if using the app is not feasible, you can alternatively follow this link and then select ‘Open in browser’ to launch the survey in a web browser on your computer. If you choose this option, we recommend looking over the survey form first to see what information you will need to record when carrying out your survey.

  • What if there is no mobile data signal?

    You can still access and fill out the survey without mobile data but you must download the Survey123 app in order to do this.
    When connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, download the Survey123 app, as well as the Waxcap Watch survey. You can then begin capturing survey information without a data connection. Upon completing
    the survey, you will be given the option to ‘Save in Outbox’, please select this option (see below). In doing so, all your survey results will be stored locally on your device.

    When you are able to reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, you will need to submit your survey that has been saved in your Outbox. To do this, navigate to the survey summary page where you will see an ‘Outbox’
    folder. By clicking on this folder, you will be able to see the survey you filled out and can submit it by clicking ‘Send’ in the bottom right corner of the screen

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Join our Creative Fellow, poet Ayesha Chouglay, for an evening of poetry, place, and nature.

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Member Talk: Reawakening the Garden of a Famous Plantsman

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Join us to hear from Benton End’s Head Gardener James Horner who has led the renewal of this historic garden, once home to a collection of rare and unusual plants.

Past events

UK National Meadows Day
A hay meadow in Pembrokeshire with a blue sky

UK National Meadows Day

Sat, 1 Jul 2023

Take part in Plantlife’s National Meadows Day on Saturday 1 July 2023. This year we celebrate the value of our local species-rich grasslands, including meadows.

Cairngorms Mountain top ID Training Day
Free – Booking Required

Cairngorms Mountain top ID Training Day

Sat, 19 Aug 2023

Come and learn about rare mountain top plants and fungi in habitat over in altitude 1000m with expert botanists.

Live from the Cairngorms: 3rd Year Project Anniversary
A small twinflower plant growing on a lush green woodland floor
Virtual

Live from the Cairngorms: 3rd Year Project Anniversary

Thu, 31 Aug 2023
11:00 – 12:00
Online | free

Join us live on Instagram, where Project Manager Sam Jones will show you rare plants, and answer questions about the Cairngorms project.

Waxcap Watch: Grassland ID Training and Survey Day, Cairngorms, Scotland (Glen Tanar)

Join Plantlife’s Senior Ecological Advisor Sam Jones and mycologist Liz Holden for a day out to get ready for our annual Waxcap Watch. This workshop will equip group leaders with the confidence to teach others how to take part in Plantlife’s Waxcap Watch in 2026.

Blackening Waxcap at Glen Clova, Cairngorms.

Come and join us to learn about beautiful, colourful and sometimes rare grassland fungi in the Cairngorms. Liz is a very experienced mycologist and he will be leading the session, teaching how to recognise these fungi on what will hopefully be a varied and rich CHEGD (waxcap grassland) site.

This will be an opportunity for people to learn more about the species, about the Waxcap Watch campaign, and how you can host your own Waxcap Watch surveys this autumn.

We will use the opportunity to learn how to use the new and improved version of the Waxcap Watch survey app. This app allows anyone to go out and survey a site for rare grassland fungi, and then feedback the data to us and relevant fungi recording groups. Hopefully you’ll feel confident enough to do some of your own surveys after this session.

The sites we’re surveying have not been fully surveyed before. We wanted to use the opportunity to engage with new landowners at sites we’ve noted as high potential, so you’ll be helping us to find new populations on the day, and we’re not exactly sure what we’ll see.

Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on site.

Refreshments: Volunteers are asked to bring a packed lunch and water on the day.

What You Need to Know

Waxcap Watch FAQs

  • What happens with the results from my survey?

    By taking a part in our survey you will help us to:

    • Discover previously unknown waxcap grassland sites across the UK
    • Get an indication of habitat condition at each site to aid more informed conversations with landowners and land managers
    • Make the case to policy makers for better protection for waxcaps
    • In Wales, we will look to share new findings with Natural Resources Wales, Fungus groups and other experts to investigate further
    • In Scotland, results from the survey will inform conversations with landowners on how best to restore and protect local waxcap grasslands in key project areas such as the Cairngorms National Park

    Much of this app is based on the work by Gareth Griffith, John Bratton and Gary Easton. Original publication: Griffith, G.W., Bratton, J.H. & Easton, G. (2004) Charismatic megafungi; the conservation of waxcap grasslands. British Wildlife. October 2004, pp 31-43.

  • How do I stay safe during a survey?

    You are responsible for your own health and safety; Plantlife do not accept any liability or responsibility for the wellbeing of surveyors. Similarly, they do not accept any liability or responsibility for damage to, or loss of, personal property.

    We always recommend visiting sites and undertaking surveys with someone else and taking the following precautions:

    – Check the forecast and make appropriate arrangements. If the weather changes you may need to rethink your plans.
    – Take care on uneven or slippery ground and keep to footpaths where necessary.
    – Take a mobile phone and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
    –  Most fungi are non-toxic; even toxic ones are safe to hold. However, always wash your hands after handling fungi.

  • What are my access rights?

    England and Wales

    Grassland fungi can be found across a variety of different sites, many of which are publicly accessible, such as playing fields, parks or cemeteries. Where there is no open access, keep to public rights of way (footpaths and bridleways). If you plan to carry out a survey on private land, please make sure you obtain the landowner’s permission to access the site.

    Scotland

    Make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when carrying out this activity.

  • What if I don’t have a smart phone/tablet?

    Where possible, we would highly recommend using the Survey123 app to complete the survey. It is much more convenient to use, especially when filling in the survey outdoors. The Survey123 app allows you to view and/or edit surveys you’ve already submitted, submit surveys while offline, and save answers to avoid re-entering the same information.
    However, if using the app is not feasible, you can alternatively follow this link and then select ‘Open in browser’ to launch the survey in a web browser on your computer. If you choose this option, we recommend looking over the survey form first to see what information you will need to record when carrying out your survey.

  • What if there is no mobile data signal?

    You can still access and fill out the survey without mobile data but you must download the Survey123 app in order to do this.
    When connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, download the Survey123 app, as well as the Waxcap Watch survey. You can then begin capturing survey information without a data connection. Upon completing
    the survey, you will be given the option to ‘Save in Outbox’, please select this option (see below). In doing so, all your survey results will be stored locally on your device.

    When you are able to reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, you will need to submit your survey that has been saved in your Outbox. To do this, navigate to the survey summary page where you will see an ‘Outbox’
    folder. By clicking on this folder, you will be able to see the survey you filled out and can submit it by clicking ‘Send’ in the bottom right corner of the screen

More events

Member Talk: Making Nature Accessible for Everyone
Photograph shows a wildflower meadow with hedge borders and rolling hills in the distance.

Member Talk: Making Nature Accessible for Everyone

Tue, 17 Nov 2026
19:00
Online | free

Join us to hear from award-winning author Bethany Handley as she calls for us to rethink how we live alongside nature.

Local Word, Wild Places: A Nature Open Mic
A meadow

Local Word, Wild Places: A Nature Open Mic

Fri, 13 Nov 2026
19:00 – 21:00
Chatham | free

Join our Creative Fellow, poet Ayesha Chouglay, for an evening of poetry, place, and nature.

Member Talk: Reawakening the Garden of a Famous Plantsman
Photograph shows the house and garden of garden of artist and plantsman Cedric Morris. The house is partially visible through trees, and many plants are seen in front of it.

Member Talk: Reawakening the Garden of a Famous Plantsman

Thu, 29 Oct 2026
19:00
Online | free

Join us to hear from Benton End’s Head Gardener James Horner who has led the renewal of this historic garden, once home to a collection of rare and unusual plants.

Past events

UK National Meadows Day
A hay meadow in Pembrokeshire with a blue sky

UK National Meadows Day

Sat, 1 Jul 2023

Take part in Plantlife’s National Meadows Day on Saturday 1 July 2023. This year we celebrate the value of our local species-rich grasslands, including meadows.

Cairngorms Mountain top ID Training Day
Free – Booking Required

Cairngorms Mountain top ID Training Day

Sat, 19 Aug 2023

Come and learn about rare mountain top plants and fungi in habitat over in altitude 1000m with expert botanists.

Live from the Cairngorms: 3rd Year Project Anniversary
A small twinflower plant growing on a lush green woodland floor
Virtual

Live from the Cairngorms: 3rd Year Project Anniversary

Thu, 31 Aug 2023
11:00 – 12:00
Online | free

Join us live on Instagram, where Project Manager Sam Jones will show you rare plants, and answer questions about the Cairngorms project.

Waxcap Watch: Grassland ID Training and Survey Day, Cairngorms, Scotland (Nethy Bridge)

Join Plantlife’s Senior Ecological Advisor Sam Jones and Nev Kilkenny, a mycological expert, for a day out to get ready for our annual Waxcap Watch. This workshop will equip group leaders with the confidence to teach others how to take part in Plantlife’s Waxcap Watch in 2026.

A red coloured waxcap mushroom among grass

Come and join us to learn about beautiful, colourful and sometimes rare grassland fungi in the Cairngorms. Nev is a very experienced mycologist and he will be leading the session, teaching how to recognise these fungi on what will hopefully be a varied and rich CHEGD (waxcap grassland) site.

This will be an opportunity for people to learn more about the species, about the Waxcap Watch campaign, and how you can host your own Waxcap Watch surveys this autumn.

We will use the opportunity to learn how to use the new and improved version of the Waxcap Watch survey app. This app allows anyone to go out and survey a site for rare grassland fungi, and then feedback the data to us and relevant fungi recording groups. Hopefully you’ll feel confident enough to do some of your own surveys after this session.

The sites we’re surveying have not been fully surveyed before. We wanted to use the opportunity to engage with new landowners at sites we’ve noted as high potential, so you’ll be helping us to find new populations on the day, and we’re not exactly sure what we’ll see.

Facilities: There are no toilet facilities on site.

Refreshments: Volunteers are asked to bring a packed lunch and water on the day.

What You Need to Know

Waxcap Watch FAQs

  • What happens with the results from my survey?

    By taking a part in our survey you will help us to:

    • Discover previously unknown waxcap grassland sites across the UK
    • Get an indication of habitat condition at each site to aid more informed conversations with landowners and land managers
    • Make the case to policy makers for better protection for waxcaps
    • In Wales, we will look to share new findings with Natural Resources Wales, Fungus groups and other experts to investigate further
    • In Scotland, results from the survey will inform conversations with landowners on how best to restore and protect local waxcap grasslands in key project areas such as the Cairngorms National Park

    Much of this app is based on the work by Gareth Griffith, John Bratton and Gary Easton. Original publication: Griffith, G.W., Bratton, J.H. & Easton, G. (2004) Charismatic megafungi; the conservation of waxcap grasslands. British Wildlife. October 2004, pp 31-43.

  • How do I stay safe during a survey?

    You are responsible for your own health and safety; Plantlife do not accept any liability or responsibility for the wellbeing of surveyors. Similarly, they do not accept any liability or responsibility for damage to, or loss of, personal property.

    We always recommend visiting sites and undertaking surveys with someone else and taking the following precautions:

    – Check the forecast and make appropriate arrangements. If the weather changes you may need to rethink your plans.
    – Take care on uneven or slippery ground and keep to footpaths where necessary.
    – Take a mobile phone and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
    –  Most fungi are non-toxic; even toxic ones are safe to hold. However, always wash your hands after handling fungi.

  • What are my access rights?

    England and Wales

    Grassland fungi can be found across a variety of different sites, many of which are publicly accessible, such as playing fields, parks or cemeteries. Where there is no open access, keep to public rights of way (footpaths and bridleways). If you plan to carry out a survey on private land, please make sure you obtain the landowner’s permission to access the site.

    Scotland

    Make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when carrying out this activity.

  • What if I don’t have a smart phone/tablet?

    Where possible, we would highly recommend using the Survey123 app to complete the survey. It is much more convenient to use, especially when filling in the survey outdoors. The Survey123 app allows you to view and/or edit surveys you’ve already submitted, submit surveys while offline, and save answers to avoid re-entering the same information.
    However, if using the app is not feasible, you can alternatively follow this link and then select ‘Open in browser’ to launch the survey in a web browser on your computer. If you choose this option, we recommend looking over the survey form first to see what information you will need to record when carrying out your survey.

  • What if there is no mobile data signal?

    You can still access and fill out the survey without mobile data but you must download the Survey123 app in order to do this.
    When connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, download the Survey123 app, as well as the Waxcap Watch survey. You can then begin capturing survey information without a data connection. Upon completing
    the survey, you will be given the option to ‘Save in Outbox’, please select this option (see below). In doing so, all your survey results will be stored locally on your device.

    When you are able to reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, you will need to submit your survey that has been saved in your Outbox. To do this, navigate to the survey summary page where you will see an ‘Outbox’
    folder. By clicking on this folder, you will be able to see the survey you filled out and can submit it by clicking ‘Send’ in the bottom right corner of the screen

More events

Member Talk: Making Nature Accessible for Everyone
Photograph shows a wildflower meadow with hedge borders and rolling hills in the distance.

Member Talk: Making Nature Accessible for Everyone

Tue, 17 Nov 2026
19:00
Online | free

Join us to hear from award-winning author Bethany Handley as she calls for us to rethink how we live alongside nature.

Local Word, Wild Places: A Nature Open Mic
A meadow

Local Word, Wild Places: A Nature Open Mic

Fri, 13 Nov 2026
19:00 – 21:00
Chatham | free

Join our Creative Fellow, poet Ayesha Chouglay, for an evening of poetry, place, and nature.

Member Talk: Reawakening the Garden of a Famous Plantsman
Photograph shows the house and garden of garden of artist and plantsman Cedric Morris. The house is partially visible through trees, and many plants are seen in front of it.

Member Talk: Reawakening the Garden of a Famous Plantsman

Thu, 29 Oct 2026
19:00
Online | free

Join us to hear from Benton End’s Head Gardener James Horner who has led the renewal of this historic garden, once home to a collection of rare and unusual plants.

Past events

UK National Meadows Day
A hay meadow in Pembrokeshire with a blue sky

UK National Meadows Day

Sat, 1 Jul 2023

Take part in Plantlife’s National Meadows Day on Saturday 1 July 2023. This year we celebrate the value of our local species-rich grasslands, including meadows.

Cairngorms Mountain top ID Training Day
Free – Booking Required

Cairngorms Mountain top ID Training Day

Sat, 19 Aug 2023

Come and learn about rare mountain top plants and fungi in habitat over in altitude 1000m with expert botanists.

Live from the Cairngorms: 3rd Year Project Anniversary
A small twinflower plant growing on a lush green woodland floor
Virtual

Live from the Cairngorms: 3rd Year Project Anniversary

Thu, 31 Aug 2023
11:00 – 12:00
Online | free

Join us live on Instagram, where Project Manager Sam Jones will show you rare plants, and answer questions about the Cairngorms project.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social

Join us for a relaxed, supportive morning run as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

A small footpath trail winds across the Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

Join us for this relaxed, supportive morning designed to bring women together through movement, fresh air, and community. This isn’t about pace.
It’s not about distance.
And it’s definitely not about being ‘fit enough’. It’s about feeling safe, supported, and confident outdoors. All experience levels welcome. 

What is the Plan 

  • 8am Meet & Greet: We will be meeting in the events area car park. A friendly welcome, quick introductions, and a chance to settle in.
  • 8.15am Walk / Run (approx. 45 min/60 mins):
We’ll head out together as a group.
Walk, jog, run… whatever feels right for you. No one gets left behind. Ever.
    Optional Canicross Demo:
If temperatures allow, we’ll have a demo dog showing how canicross works—kit, basics, and how to get started safely.
  • 9.30am Wrap Up:
Back together, quick chat, questions, and (most importantly) that “I’m glad I came” feeling.

Please email SkellyWAGS here, to express your interest in this event and they will send a booking form. 

This event is part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve. It is part of the Ranscombe Connect: Community Participation for Wild Plants and Fungi project which has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to Lottery Players we have been able to create more opportunities for local people to get involved with Ranscombe Farm Reserve. If you are interested in volunteering at Ranscombe Farm you can contact us here. 

There are currently no upcoming events

Past events

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social
A small footpath trail winds across the Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social

Sat, 6 Jun 2026
08:00 – 10:00
Kent | free

Join us for a relaxed, supportive morning run as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust
Photograph shows a woman kneeling on the ground to take a photograph of purple wildflowers in a meadow

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
10:00 – 12:00
Kent | free

Join us and for a gentle guided walk through beautiful surroundings, using just your phone to capture nature in new ways. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 
Photo showing a gorgeous bright pink Man Orchid at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve with other Man Orchids in the background amongst the grass

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
09:15 – 13:00
Kent | free

Join us to help find and count some of Ranscombe's rare plants as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust
A teenager and a woman looking closely at a wildflower whilst crouching low in a wildflower field on a sunny day

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
13:00 – 15:00
Kent | free

Join us for this fun outdoor family session combining a nature scavenger hunt, creative mobile making, and exciting bug hunting. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust
Photograph shows an ancient tree with woodland in the background

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
09:45 – 13:00
Cobham | free

Join us to see one of the UK's best collections of ancient and veteran trees at Cobham Wood. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki
Photograph shows a woman crouching on the floor, she is pouring tea from a flask into two cups resting on a wooden stump.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
18:00 – 19:30
Kent | £5 returnable deposit

Join us for this guided forest bathing experience as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Medway Dark Skies: Evening Bat and ‘Reveal’ Walk

Join us at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve to listen for bats using detectors and then, using UV torches, look out for hidden biofluorescence and celebrate our dark skies. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Farm Landscape

Join us for an in-person adventure under the stars with the Kent Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE Kent) and Plantlife as we launch the new Medway Dark Skies project!

Explore the mysterious world of bats using bat detectors, then, don’t miss the special ‘Reveal’ segment where biofluorescent secrets are revealed.

Perfect for nature lovers and night owls alike – grab your friends and get ready for a memorable evening, celebrating the CPRE Kent Dark Skies project launch and Plantlife’s Ranscombe Farm Reserve.

What Do You Need to Know?

  • The event will take around 2 hours
  • All persons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • There is free parking
  • We will meet at 7.45pm to get started at 8pm

This event is part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve. It is part of the Ranscombe Connect: Community Participation for Wild Plants and Fungi project which has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to Lottery Players we have been able to create more opportunities for local people to get involved with Ranscombe Farm Reserve. If you are interested in volunteering at Ranscombe Farm contact us here.

There are currently no upcoming events

Past events

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social
A small footpath trail winds across the Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social

Sat, 6 Jun 2026
08:00 – 10:00
Kent | free

Join us for a relaxed, supportive morning run as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust
Photograph shows a woman kneeling on the ground to take a photograph of purple wildflowers in a meadow

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
10:00 – 12:00
Kent | free

Join us and for a gentle guided walk through beautiful surroundings, using just your phone to capture nature in new ways. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 
Photo showing a gorgeous bright pink Man Orchid at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve with other Man Orchids in the background amongst the grass

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
09:15 – 13:00
Kent | free

Join us to help find and count some of Ranscombe's rare plants as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust
A teenager and a woman looking closely at a wildflower whilst crouching low in a wildflower field on a sunny day

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
13:00 – 15:00
Kent | free

Join us for this fun outdoor family session combining a nature scavenger hunt, creative mobile making, and exciting bug hunting. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust
Photograph shows an ancient tree with woodland in the background

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
09:45 – 13:00
Cobham | free

Join us to see one of the UK's best collections of ancient and veteran trees at Cobham Wood. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki
Photograph shows a woman crouching on the floor, she is pouring tea from a flask into two cups resting on a wooden stump.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
18:00 – 19:30
Kent | £5 returnable deposit

Join us for this guided forest bathing experience as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust

Join us and for a gentle guided walk through beautiful surroundings, using just your phone to capture nature in new ways. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Photograph shows a woman kneeling on the ground to take a photograph of purple wildflowers in a meadow

Step away from the rush and enjoy a gentle guided walk through beautiful surroundings, using just your phone to capture nature in new ways. Learn simple techniques to notice colours, textures, light and patterns, and take more meaningful photos.

This event is part of Plantlife’s 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve. This event is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Ranscombe Connect: Community Participation for Wild Plants and Fungi project.

Led by Kent Wildlife Trust’s Wellbeing Team. Just bring your phone, wear suitable clothing for being outside, and enjoy slowing down in nature.

There are currently no upcoming events

Past events

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social
A small footpath trail winds across the Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social

Sat, 6 Jun 2026
08:00 – 10:00
Kent | free

Join us for a relaxed, supportive morning run as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust
Photograph shows a woman kneeling on the ground to take a photograph of purple wildflowers in a meadow

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
10:00 – 12:00
Kent | free

Join us and for a gentle guided walk through beautiful surroundings, using just your phone to capture nature in new ways. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 
Photo showing a gorgeous bright pink Man Orchid at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve with other Man Orchids in the background amongst the grass

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
09:15 – 13:00
Kent | free

Join us to help find and count some of Ranscombe's rare plants as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust
A teenager and a woman looking closely at a wildflower whilst crouching low in a wildflower field on a sunny day

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
13:00 – 15:00
Kent | free

Join us for this fun outdoor family session combining a nature scavenger hunt, creative mobile making, and exciting bug hunting. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust
Photograph shows an ancient tree with woodland in the background

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
09:45 – 13:00
Cobham | free

Join us to see one of the UK's best collections of ancient and veteran trees at Cobham Wood. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki
Photograph shows a woman crouching on the floor, she is pouring tea from a flask into two cups resting on a wooden stump.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
18:00 – 19:30
Kent | £5 returnable deposit

Join us for this guided forest bathing experience as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 

Join us to help find and count some of Ranscombe’s rare plants as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Photo showing a gorgeous bright pink Man Orchid at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve with other Man Orchids in the background amongst the grass

Join us at this free event to celebrate Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve’s 20th anniversary!

Ranscombe is home to at least 11 species of orchid, 4 of these are rare species and their populations are surveyed every year.

Join our Reserve Manager Ben Sweeney to take part in surveying the endangered Man Orchid, a true speciality of the North Downs.

Depending on weather conditions between now and the day, plans may be required to change, and other rare or threatened plant species may be surveyed instead.

What Do You Need to Know?

  • All ages welcome – under 18s must be accompanied and fully supervised by a responsible adult
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs
  • Could be up to 2 miles walking as part of survey
  • Some steep hills
  • Please come dressed for the weather and the terrain for example: Walking boots or sturdy shoes, waterproofs if needed, a hat and sun cream in warmer weather and extra water

We will be meeting at the events area car park. To get closer to the area to be surveyed, we will be asking participants to drive in convoy further into the reserve along surfaced farm tracks, sharing cars if possible.

This event is part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve. It is part of the Ranscombe Connect: Community Participation for Wild Plants and Fungi project which has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to Lottery Players we have been able to create more opportunities for local people to get involved with Ranscombe Farm Reserve. If you are interested in volunteering at Ranscombe Farm contact volunteering@plantlife.org.uk

There are currently no upcoming events

Past events

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social
A small footpath trail winds across the Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – SkellyWAGS Women’s Run and Social

Sat, 6 Jun 2026
08:00 – 10:00
Kent | free

Join us for a relaxed, supportive morning run as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust
Photograph shows a woman kneeling on the ground to take a photograph of purple wildflowers in a meadow

Sold Out – Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Mindful Photography Walk for Adults with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
10:00 – 12:00
Kent | free

Join us and for a gentle guided walk through beautiful surroundings, using just your phone to capture nature in new ways. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 
Photo showing a gorgeous bright pink Man Orchid at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve with other Man Orchids in the background amongst the grass

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Ranscombe Farm Rare Orchid Count 

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
09:15 – 13:00
Kent | free

Join us to help find and count some of Ranscombe's rare plants as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust
A teenager and a woman looking closely at a wildflower whilst crouching low in a wildflower field on a sunny day

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Family Fun, Explore, Create and Discover with Kent Wildlife Trust

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
13:00 – 15:00
Kent | free

Join us for this fun outdoor family session combining a nature scavenger hunt, creative mobile making, and exciting bug hunting. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust
Photograph shows an ancient tree with woodland in the background

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – Veteran Trees and Plants Guided Walk with Plantlife and National Trust

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
09:45 – 13:00
Cobham | free

Join us to see one of the UK's best collections of ancient and veteran trees at Cobham Wood. This event is being held as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki
Photograph shows a woman crouching on the floor, she is pouring tea from a flask into two cups resting on a wooden stump.

Ranscombe Anniversary Celebrations – A Forest Bathing Experience with Hinoki

Mon, 8 Jun 2026
18:00 – 19:30
Kent | £5 returnable deposit

Join us for this guided forest bathing experience as part of our 20th anniversary celebration week at Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve.

Plant Anatomy and Wildflower Identification with the National Plant Monitoring Scheme

Join the National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) for this easy-to-follow plant anatomy session.

A meadow full of Birds foot Trefoil

Want to get more familiar with wildflowers and how to identify some of them?

This popular live webinar, with experienced trainer Sarah, will help by breaking down barriers for learning with an easy-to-follow plant anatomy session. When the terminology of plant parts is fully understood, it opens doors for a whole path of learning about all the different wildflowers we have in the UK.

Find out how to put your new skills to practise by taking part in a citizen science project – the National Plant Monitoring Scheme and hear how your help is needed. about.

Natur am Byth! Surveying for Ancient Trees and Invertebrates (Afternoon Session)

Join us for this afternoon session to learn about Gilfach’s ancient trees and how they support a myriad of species such as insects, lichens, and bats.

An old oak tree in a woodlands

Come and learn about Gilfach’s ancient trees and how they support a myriad of species such as insects, lichens, and bats.

Gilfach Nature Reserve has some of the best ancient and veteran trees in Powys. Join Natur am Byth and Liam Olds from Glo i Natur CIC for a session of finding, identifying, and recording ancient trees, lichens, and invertebrates. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced naturalist, this event offers a great opportunity to share knowledge, build confidence in biological recording, and refine your identification skills.

What Will the Day Involve?

  • A guided walk of Gilfach’s trees and how to spot, record, and protect ancient and veteran trees.
  • Hands-on experience using different methods to collect and record a variety of invertebrates.
  • Guidance on identifying invertebrates in the field and understanding which specimens require further examination under a microscope.
  • A chance to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in entomology and wildlife recording.

What Do I Need to Know in Advance?

  • This event is suitable for both adults and children. Please note any one 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
  • Invertebrate recorders of all abilities are welcome.
  • We’ll be outside for the whole of the session so please bring suitable clothing for the weather.
  • Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge. You are more than welcome to bring lunch to eat in the visitors center after the session.

Gilfach Nature Reserve

For centuries Gilfach was a working hill farm, now it’s a spectacular nature reserve tucked away in the Marteg Valley in the heart of rural Mid Wales. Still grazed at certain times of the year by livestock to conserve its wildlife richness.