Naturewatch is the u3a group for any member who is interested in any aspect of natural history. Our programme is planned each year by our members and some of our members lead our field visits. So the topics chosen are the ones that our members choose! Recently we have looked at flowers, trees, birds, butterflies, moths, rock pools, geology and landscape. Visiting a variety of locations throughout the year helps us to understand the interdependence of all the plants and animals within their different habitats.

We all enjoy swapping stories about wildlife experiences and information and meeting reports are circulated amongst our Naturewatch members.

Naturewatch is open to all and we currently have more than 50 members, although individual field visits attract between 8 and 20 people.

We meet on the second Monday of each month, usually at 10.30am with additional meetings April to October on the last Friday of the month as well. Visits usually last 3 to 6 hours and we take packed lunches for the longer meetings. We try to car share and usually meet in the car park opposite The East in Prudhoe.

No prior expertise is required – just interest and enthusiasm! At the end of each meeting we go home with new knowledge and the enjoyment that we have shared the visit in our wonderful countryside with like-minded friends.

Here are some photos which illustrate some of our activities.

Report from November Meeting:

Monday's meeting was a fascinating illustrated talk by geologist Brian Young who told us about local minerals, particularly about those associated with the lead mines.  

Nineteen of us learned that the rocks and minerals are part of natural history and often associated with specialised metal tolerant plants.

In the past local rocks have been fractured and infilled with minerals, some of which are unique to this area and/or first found here (in the world) and named after local places and people.  Many are spectacular and are found in museums all over the world.  Minerals are still being mined for collections and research and some of them have led to the understanding of the formation of ore deposits worldwide.

Our meeting was held at Kathy's house and ended with coffee kindly provided by her and a welcome get together for a chat!

Our next meeting is our annual programme meeting, also at Kathy's house, on 9th December at 10.30am.  This is an important meeting where we review the year's field trips and indoor meetings and discuss our options for 2025.  Our programme is decided by our members and everybody is welcome to contribute if you have any topics or venues that you would like to be included. [Jane Young, Convenor of Naturewatch Group]