What we’re about
This group is for anyone who would like to learn more about or to share their existing knowledge of the wild things and places around us. Our meetups will have a nature based theme which is will often be a seasonal event of some kind. We’ll be mostly, but not exclusively, taking walks in green places with the intention of learning something from it and each other whilst we're there. No need to bring writing apparatus, it won't be formal.
For example, we might do some wild flower ID walks in spring or visit a forest in the early hours to listen to the dawn chorus. We may go on a late night glow-worm hunt in June or go snorkeling to look for sea horses in July. alternatively we could hunt for adders and sand lizards on a sunny bank or do a mushroom foray in the Autumn. More than likely we will find a pub or two along the way.
In starting this group I hoped that it would give others an opportunity to see and appreciate a few of the natural wonders our small island has to offer. My name is Simon, I am a lifelong naturalist with an enduring love of wild places. I have no formal qualifications but I have worked outside in rural settings all my life and have gathered a wide variety of useful knowledge along the way. I have a good deal of practical insight to do wild things that I would be very happy to share and no doubt a great deal more to learn from those who may share our wild wanders.
Regarding the £2 fee for meetups. It is not my intention to make any profit from running this group. It cost about £150 per year for the group site and I estimate about another £150 for fuel costs incurred doing reccies for events. I plan to do one walk each month with 12 or so participants. This should just about cover my costs.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Tour de Drake's Trail on bikesCoypool Park & Ride, Plymouth£2.00
Difficulty level: very easy
It’s time to dig out your Lycra and cycling helmet and get back into the saddle. Come and join the Wild Wanders on a ride along one of Devon’s iconic cycle routes. Starting at the Plymouth Bike Hire shop at the Coypool Park & Ride (PL7 4TB) we will cycle along the Drakes Trail, a converted railway line, and follow the spectacular Plym Valley and onwards via Yelverton and then to Tavistock where we will rest for lunch before beginning the return trip. The total distance is about 30 km there and back and apart from one tiny incline, the rest is pretty flat.
The route is suitable for road and off road bikes but if you don’t own one, then you can hire one at the Plymouth Bike Hire shop (https://www.plymouthbikehire.co.uk) I would advise booking a bike in advance to avoid disappointment.
There are two early stop-off points in Clearbrook and Yelverton for those that don’t want to ride all the way to Tavistock.
You will need a reasonable level of fitness to complete this but it is not the Tour de France and it’s all about enjoying the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Admin Notes
There is a small fee of £2 per person for each event (paid in cash on the day) to cover costs of running the group site on Meetup (£360 pa) and some minor expenses incurred when reconnoitring walks/rides, mostly fuel and a pint.This is a not for profit group intended as a social event for people who share an interest in the natural world. You are responsible for your own safety and welfare so please come appropriately dressed for a long rural walk or ride taking account of the prevailing weather conditions. Should you participate in any foraging events, it is your own responsibility to identify, to your own satisfaction, anything you plan to eat. Some walks/rides may involve an additional degree of physical challenge. If so, this will be clearly stated in the description. If you then choose to participate in these activities you do so at your risk.
