About Us
Wells & District Wildlife Group (WDWG) is an independent local wildlife group actively involved in promoting awareness of wildlife in our environment, its conservation and enjoyment.
WDWG has come into being from the closure of the Somerset Wildlife Trust's local area group in Wells. Therefore, the group's area is centred on the city of Wells but also encompasses surrounding areas of the Mendip Hills and Somerset levels.
WDWG is not (yet) a registered charity but operates on a 'not for profit' basis, with any surplus funds being donated to such local or national wildlife charities as may be appropriate at the time.
Each year we hold a series of informational talks about the wildlife both within our area and further afield and conduct a number of nature walks and other activities in the area to experience our natural environment first hand.
We send out messages about our upcoming events and those of other organisations that we associate with. We use email for this and also to notify members of changes or additions to our programme. Please consider joining us. We welcome any news of wildlife sightings, comments and queries.
This new website is still under development - please be patient with us.
Activities
A Nature walk on the Mendip Hills
At the RSPB Nagshead reserve
Wildflower walk at Ubley Warren
Coach outing to Lorton Meadows
Looking at Adders
Going to Nagshead by steam train
Outings & Activities
During the summer months we arrange a programme of nature walks around our area. Some of these are aimed at spotting specific species, such as adders, or butterflies but often they are just to see what's about and enjoy our environment.
Pre-Covid we also arranged an annual coach outing for our members, usually to reserves or sites of interest a little further away. We are hoping to be able to re-instate them when there is sufficient interest again.
Throughout the winter months we put on wildlife related talks at the Wells Museum. Suggestions for topics and speakers are always welcome.
What's On
We have a full programme of quality events for 2024. These are the ones that we have organised so far. Check back here regularly for updates. Click the links for more details.
Autumn/winter talks: In view of the distance that some of our speakers have to travel and the fact that many of our members aren't keen to venture out on dark winter nights, we are moving our January & February talks to afternoon slots at 2.30pm.
Summer walks: The dates for our summer walks are only provisional. Much will depend on the weather. Please be aware that these dates may have to be adjusted nearer the time.
Many of our walks take place on Mendip nature reserves. Please be aware that the terrain is likely to be uneven and may be steep in places. You should ensure that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear for these conditions. If in doubt as to whether an activity is suitable for you - please contact the organizers.
Advance booking is required for all our walks. Please click the button below to read full terms and conditions.
- Payment for walks is required by bank transfer at the time of booking. Such bookings will be regarded as provisional until payment is confirmed.
- Walks will take place as scheduled unless weather conditions are so bad that it would be hazardous to proceed, or the chance of seeing the target species becomes negligible. The decision of the walk leader is final. If appropriate, attempts may be made to re-schedule a walk, with refunds provided for those unable to make the revised date.
- No refunds can be given unless a walk is cancelled by WDWG.
- Our walk leaders are experienced in locating the target species and will employ their best endeavours to do so, but sightings of wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
- No dogs are allowed on any walks.
Secret World: Back to the Wild
Tue, Oct 29th, 2024
A talk by Charlotte Wroe
Secret World give their orphaned casualties a soft release back to the wild, this includes a temporary enclosure, support feeding and lots of monitoring, allowing them to adjust to life on their own. This talk includes this process, through getting each species ready for release back in the wild, some stories and cute videos of animals that have recently been helped.
WELLS MUSEUM (enter via side entrance) off Cathedral Green, Wells BA5 2UE
Full Disabled Access 7.30pm start. No need to book. Admission £5 payable on the door (under 16's free)
Tea / Coffee and biscuits served in the interval
Heal Rewilding
Tue, Nov 26th, 2024
What is rewilding?
Join us for an engaging and comprehensive session about a wonderful local rewilding site, Heal Somerset, with Jan Stannard, co-founder and acting CEO.
Jan launched the rewilding charity Heal in March 2020 to raise money to buy land in England for nature recovery, climate change action and wellbeing. The charity’s goal is to create a new site in every English county and Heal acquired its first site, Heal Somerset near Bruton, in December 2022, which is open to the public with free access all year round.
Rewilding is essentially about nature-led recovery on the land. Heal follows Rewilding Britain’s definition of rewilding, which is ‘the reinstatement of natural processes and, where appropriate, missing species, allowing them to shape the landscape and the habitats within, leading to the restoration of fully functioning ecosystems’. Heal believes that rewilding is essential in supporting nature recovery in the UK, with England being one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. Rewilding heals the land from the ground up and Heal is creating safe spaces where wildlife can thrive and vulnerable species can recover. Rewilding promotes healthy ecosystems, which are essential in the fight against climate change and in mitigating its impact and, through time spent immersed in nature, are good for us as individuals and communities.
Jan will talk about the rewilding principles that Heal follows and attendees will get an insight into some of the plans for the land at Heal Somerset, including ‘kept-wild’ livestock introductions. She will also talk about some of the exciting changes seen on the site already, including the very welcome appearance of wild-living beavers.
WELLS MUSEUM (enter via side entrance) off Cathedral Green, Wells BA5 2UE
Full Disabled Access 7.30pm start. No need to book. Admission £5 payable on the door (under 16's free)
Tea / Coffee and biscuits served in the interval
Wildlife in our Churchyards
Tue, Jan 28th, 2025
Chris Billinghurst and Rev Mary Bide will speak about the joint initiative “Wilder Churches” between Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Dioceseof Bath and Wells, describing their own involvement with the management
of St Laurence, East Harptree and Wells Cathedral churchyards for wildlife
over more than six years
WELLS MUSEUM (enter via side entrance) off Cathedral Green, Wells BA5 2UE
Full Disabled Access 2.30pm start Admission £5 payable on the door(under 16's free)
Refreshments served in the interval
Contact Us
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