A relaxed, monthly volunteer gathering to support nature restoration. Rooted in a spirit of community and curiosity. Join us to learn new skills, spend time in nature, and connect with like-minded folk.

Come and spend a few hours in nature doing something that matters. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to get stuck in and try something new.

42 Acres has been a rewilding nature reserve for over a decade and is species-rich. Join us to connect with the natural world through hands-on activities from wildlife surveying, to tending habitats, and slowing down with nature photography.

Sessions run on the last Sunday of the month 10am-2pm (except in May when we are meeting at 8pm for bats and beavers!). There will be time to connect, wander, and simply be outside. If you’re up for it, you’re welcome to join in for a wild swim too. At 1pm we’ll stop and share a simple lunch together, provided by 42 Acres.

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Sun 31 May: Bats and Beavers

Part of the Great Somerset Wildlife Count, with guest expert Keith Ball (Somerset Bat Group). Please note: this is an evening session, running 8–10pm, as we head out for some gentle nocturnal exploration.

Sun 28 June: Hazel Dormice & Reading Nature

Join us to create footprint tunnels for hazel dormice to discover whether this protected species (that have been spotted on neighbouring land!) exist at 42. We'll also take a relaxed walk around the 11-acre lake, recording observations and contributing to global biodiversity databases. We’ll look for signs of beaver activity, tracks, and birdlife, and finish at the white stork enclosure, part of our species reintroduction work. Guided by Lynne Sewell (Sustainable Witham), Robyn Caple (@nestandnettleecology), and Lisa Hawes (42 Acres).

Sun 26 July: Butterflies, Dragonflies + Pond Dipping

Part of the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, one of the longest-running insect surveys in the world. With guest expert Fred Giles, we’ll explore the world of butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects, with a chance to get closer through pond dipping and observation.

Sun 30 Aug: Reptiles and Botanics
Join us to check reptile refuges across the site, helping us understand which species are present (and which are likely absent). Or take a creative route, help us start making a handmade herbarium for the site while learning how to “key out”, a step by step process used to identify unknown plant species.

Sun 27 Sep: Trees
Discover the stories of Britain’s ancient and veteran trees, and learn how to identify and photograph them in their late-summer form.

Sun 25 Oct: Harvet Mice and Native Fungi
Help us ascertain whether harvest mice are present on the land at 42, we'll search together for their tiny nests. We’ll also explore the world of fungi, discovering what’s emerging across the site at this time of year.

Please Note:

Gloves and wellies/boots are necessary.
If you have issues with mobility please let us know before signing up, we will do our best to accommodate.
Please book only if you’re committed to attending and staying for the entire session.
If you become unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone else.
If rain stops play, we have a Plan B and will aim to move inside to create bee bricks and/or a herbarium together.
Please speak with your licensed medical health professional if you have any health conditions or are pregnant.
As much as we love our four-legged friends, we can not allow dogs on this experience.

Location & Arrival:

Please arrive 10 minutes before we begin. Meeting at The Hermitage car park. Full directions are on our website: www.42acres.com/getting-here

Terms & Conditions:

https://www.42acres.com/terms-and-conditions-workshops-and-experiences

Wild Guardians at 42 Acres