Nottinghamshire Environmental Association (NEA) was originally formed over 85 years ago by teachers in all areas of Nottinghamshire, and for many years was highly successful. Unfortunately, over the years, the four Branches of the Association (Western, Southern, Eastern and Northern) have gradually been reduced by lack of membership in their area until there is now only one Branch – Northern Branch. This is based in Retford.
At the Annual General Meeting, held on 18th June, being the only remaining Branch the Membership voted to remove the Northern Branch suffix leaving just the name at the top of this article.
After two years of Covid, the NEA is restarting activities and has a programme of activities planned up to December.
In the late spring and summer months the activities all involve visits to points of interest and of environmental significance. Past visits have included The Veolia Recycling Centre near Mansfield, Titchwell RSPB Bird Reserve in Norfolk, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre and Renishaw House. This is just a small selection from an eclectic mix.
The winter months involve indoor slide presentations and talks, ranging from ‘Fungi’ to ‘Sicily’ – with a tasting of Sicilian food – and from ‘Changes to the Wildlife of Nottinghamshire’ to ‘The Seals of the British Isles’.
The programme for the rest of the year includes a visit to Norwood Hall and (possibly) Belton House, whilst the indoor talks are planned as ‘The Honey Bee’ and ‘Neighbourhood Plan – a Pasture and an Owl’, with the December meeting being an environmental quiz followed by Christmas nibbles and drinks.
The group is friendly and welcoming. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to turn up. Membership fees are £10.00 for the year with an additional £2.00 for each of the indoor talks, which includes a cup of tea (or coffee) and a biscuit. For non-members the talk fee is £3.00 per talk. Outdoor visits are at the cost set by the organisation being visited plus any travel costs.
For further information please contact adrian.blackburn@sky.com or paul@paulwillcock.com.