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The Maidstone Local RSPB Group have indoor meetings throughout the autumn, winter and spring months, by local and well known speakers. All meetings starting at 7:30pm in the Grove Green Community Hall, Penhurst Close, Grove Green, Maidstone, Kent. ME14 5BT - Map ref: TQ785560. Limited free car parking is available next to the hall, with further ample free parking in the adjoining Tesco car park.

Members and non-members are welcome, please see Membership for admission charges.

Calendar of events:

• 15^th September 2011 - The Urban Birder - David Lindo

David Lindo 'The Urban Birder'- writer, broadcaster, speaker and bird guide. Always amazed by the variety of birdlife to be found in our cities it is his mission to tell you about it. When not traversing the world studying urban wildlife he can be found looking for birds in west London, including his beloved local patch, Wormwood Scrubs.

• 20^th October 2011 - The American Project - David Boag

This lecture is the result of a commission David undertook, but he also took the opportunity to explore some of the more remote corners, including Alaska, Florida Everglades, Grand Canyon, to mention a few! His photography captures not only the scenery but also the wildlife he encountered on the project.
The interest in this lecture is enhanced by the challenge of discovering how David works in locations so far away from home and with unfamiliar animals and plants.
He has achieved some amazing pictures of enthralling prairie dogs and chipmunks - of cold-blooded alligators and rattlesnakes; of vibrant flowers and dramatic birds.
Not to be missed.

• Saturday 29^nd October 2011 - Wine and Wisdom - Group social and fund raising event

Please come along to this annual social event and support your local group by helping to raise funds for the RSPB. Let's see if we can beat last years sum of £500 raised for the Society.

• 17^th November 2011 - The Shetland Islands - Bill Coster

Shetland is one of the UKs most spectacular locations for wildlife and this illustrated talk is the result of a month spent on the islands photographing the birds and other wildlife, as well as the landscape of this most northern part of Britain. It features many of the familiar British waders and seabirds in incredible action as they go about their business of rearing young throughout a British summer.

• 15^th December 2011 - Members evening

A special Christmas social event. Please bring along your images, slide or digital and share with like-minded people your wildlife experiences. Always-great food and lots of fun.

• 19^th January 2012 - The Changing Face of Samphire Hoe - Paul Holt

Samphire Hoe was created from the soil dug up during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. It initially transformed open sea into an industrial worksite and is now one of the most exciting areas of coastal habitat in the county, winning the coveted Green Flag Award for the fifth year running. Paul, the Ranger and Senior Project Officer, will tell us about the diverse flora and fauna to be found at this man made nature reserve.

• 16^th February 2012 - Birds of Cadiz Province - John Cantelo

Cadiz province is one of Spain's premier birding locations with a diverse range of habitats supporting many rare breeding birds along with an unrivalled passage of raptors during the spring and autumn. John, who is very well known birder in Kent and editor of the KOS News, has a house in this area and will share with us his extensive knowledge of this part of southern Spain that he regularly visits.

• 15^th March 2012 - The Secret Life of Garden Birds - Dominic Couzens

Dominic is a British-based author, freelance writer TV personality and lecturer. His talk is about a year in the life of the garden, explaining what our common birds get up to at certain times of the year. It includes lots of tips on attracting and feeding birds and is for everyone who enjoys watching birds in their garden.

• 19^th April 2012 - AGM plus Work of the Loose Valley Conservation Society - Bryn Cornwall

The AGM which starts the night is always concluded promptly leaving plenty of time for our speaker, so please do not be put off attending this annual formality. Following a very popular field trip along the Loose Valley, we welcome Bryn Cornwall from the Loose Valley Conservation Society to tell us about their work in protecting and managing this special oasis close to Maidstone and urban development.

• 17^th May 2012 - Cyprus in Spring - Don Wilks

Our speaker, who lives in Ramsgate, is a retired customs officer with a strong interest in natural history and photography. His portrait of this lovely island includes photographs of the wildlife, flowers and birds plus a little bit about the local culture. Don's photographs are of the highest quality and his humorous style will make this a very enjoyable evening.