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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260510
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20260504T060331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T061751Z
UID:3335-1777766400-1778371199@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:Hedgehog Awareness Week
DESCRIPTION:Hedgehog Awareness Week is running 3rd – 9th May 2026 – and this year\, you’re invited to take The Hedgehog Pledge ! \nFay Vass\, Chief Executive for BHPS\, said: “Hedgehog Week highlights the problems hedgehogs face in the UK – so we’ve created The Hedgehog Pledge with seven practical options to inspire everyone to act with hedgehogs in mind. \nPledge to:\n\nAdd more Hedgehog Highways!\n\n13cm x 13cm square gaps in boundary walls and fences ensure hedgehogs can access to vital habitat! Create more – talk to neighbours first! Once made\, log them at www.bighedgehogmap.org \n\nCreate\, improve or protect a wild space\n\nLog piles\, leaf heaps and wild edges attract natural food and offer shelter for hedgehogs. \n\nAlways check for hedgehogs before strimming\, mowing or hedge cutting\n\nMany hedgehogs are harmed or killed by garden machinery every year – simple checks before you start can save lives. \n\nGo totally organic in the garden or allotment\n\nPesticides and chemicals can harm wildlife and destroy the food chain. Embrace the wild instead! \n\nBe net savvy\n\nNetting can become tangled in hedgehog spines: make sure sports nets are put away and garden netting is raised 30cm off the ground so hedgehogs can safely pass underneath. \n\nProvide water for wildlife all year round!\n\nMake it part of your routine to check\, clean & refill water sources for hedgehogs in your garden or outside your workplace. Add a few pebbles so bees and butterflies can perch and safely drink too. \n\nBecome an NHMP volunteer spotter!\n\nIn partnership with People’s Trust for Endangered Species\, BHPS leads the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme\, surveying hedgehogs across the UK. Help classify images taken on specialist trail cameras from the comfort of home! Become a ‘spotter’! \n  \nFind out more here… https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/take-the-hedgehog-pledge-this-spring-sign-up-form/
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/hedgehog-awareness-week/
CATEGORIES:Activity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hedgehog-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260503
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260504
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20260504T055535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055539Z
UID:3325-1777766400-1777852799@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:International Dawn Chorus Day
DESCRIPTION:International Dawn Chorus Day is Sunday 3 May. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing – the dawn chorus is already happening around you\, whether you’re in a city or the countryside\, asleep or wide awake. \nAcross the world\, people are setting their alarms a little earlier to wake up to the dawn chorus through a cracked bedroom window\, catching it on the dog walk before the school run\, or stepping outside after a late night to find the birds already in full voice. \nThis year\, the RSPB challenging the nation to get up a little earlier on Sunday 3 May and share what they hear. Here’s how to get involved: \n\nSet your alarm to 30 minutes before dawn\, then step outside or open your window to let the birdsong soar over you.\nFilm it\, record it\, or simply take a moment to soak it in.\n\n\nShare what you hear on social media or with your friends and family and encourage someone else to do the same.\n\n\nUse the hashtag #DawnChorusClub\n\nAnd \n\nIf you want to hear it echoing through the trees at first light\, join one of our guided dawn chorus walks at a local RSPB reserve. Our friendly guides can help you put names to the voices filling the air around you\, helping you recognise a Chiffchaff’s call from a Willow Warbler’s song.\n\nTake time to just hear it\, feel it\, share it!  \n  \nTo find out more.. https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/the-dawn-chorus-all-you-need-to-know-about-natures-big-show
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/international-dawn-chorus-day/
CATEGORIES:Activity
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260417
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260418
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20251117T201806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T102404Z
UID:3242-1776384000-1776470399@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:International Bat Appreciation Day
DESCRIPTION:Each year on April 17th\, International Bat Appreciation Day reminds us of the roles bats play in our daily lives. \nApril is also the best time of the year to observe bats\, as they are now beginning to emerge from hibernation. \nThe observance is an excellent time to learn about the role bats play in nature. \nSince bats are considered “insectivorous” creatures\, they rid our world of many annoying insects. \nIn one hour\, a bat can eat up to 1\,000 mosquitoes.
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/international-bat-appreciation-day/
CATEGORIES:Activity
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260222
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20250126T155802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T203432Z
UID:3160-1771027200-1771718399@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:National Nest Box Week
DESCRIPTION:National Nest Box Week\, celebrated from 14th February each year\, is an initiative designed to encourage people to help provide homes for birds by putting up nest boxes in gardens\, parks\, and open spaces. \nPlease have a look at their website for all you need to know.
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/national-nest-box-week-2026/
CATEGORIES:Activity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nest_Box.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260123
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260126
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20250126T155026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T203447Z
UID:3153-1769126400-1769385599@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:Big Garden Bird Count
DESCRIPTION:Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. \nIn 2025\, over 590\,000 people took part – and you could be with them. \nYou will need to register on the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch page in December. \nOn the day of the Big Garden Birdwatch itself\, taking part couldn’t be simpler! \nYou just spend an hour watching the birds in your garden\, from your balcony or in your local park\, and tell them what you’ve seen. If you see very few birds or none at all\, that’s also really useful information for us\, so please let us know. \n  \n 
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/big-garden-bird-count/
CATEGORIES:Activity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hedge_Sparrow-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250714
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250807
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20250126T155351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250126T155441Z
UID:3156-1752451200-1754524799@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:Big Butterfly Count 2025
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/big-butterfly-count-2025/
CATEGORIES:Activity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Peacock_Butterfly.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260303
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260304
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20250126T160126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T203439Z
UID:3164-1772496000-1772496000@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:World Wildlife Day 2026
DESCRIPTION:World Wildlife Day happens on March 3 every year… \n…and celebrates the diversity of life on this planet\, from the enormous blue whale to the delicate monarch butterfly. For over 60 years\, WWF has sought solutions to protect wildlife by applying the best science available and working closely with local communities and Indigenous peoples. \nUnfortunately\, we’re losing biodiversity—the rich variety of life on Earth—at an alarming rate. We’ve seen a 69% average decline in the number of birds\, amphibians\, mammals\, fish\, and reptiles since 1970\, according to the 2022 Living Planet Report. This loss affects our health and well-being—and the future of the planet. \nBut there is good news. WWF has been part of successful wildlife recovery stories ranging from southern Africa’s black rhino to black-footed ferrets in the Northern Great Plains. And this\, in turn\, is helping to protect rich and varied ecosystems while ensuring people continue to benefit from nature. World Wildlife Day gives us an opportunity to focus on solutions and see the importance of saving our planet’s incredible wildlife.
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/world-wildlife-day-2026/
CATEGORIES:Activity
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240712
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240805
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20240214T101326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T102310Z
UID:2211-1720742400-1722815999@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:Big Butterfly Count
DESCRIPTION:This year’s butterfly count will take place between Friday July 12th and Sunday August 4th. Its marked on our calendar and you can easily set a reminder from there. \n  \nIt only takes 30 minutes of your time on any of the dates. \n  \nThe most common species in the 2023 count was the Red Admiral\, 248\,077 were recorded\, an increase from 2022 of 338%! \n  \nThe Gatekeeper was next with 222\,896 sightings. \n  \nTry to grow some butterfly friendly plants in the garden such as buddleia\, red valerian\, sedum\, hebe\, lavender\, wild marjoram and there are plenty of other varieties as well. \n  \nHappy butterfly spotting! \n  \nThe Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see. \nBig Butterfly Count website can be found\, here.
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/big-butterfly-count/
CATEGORIES:Activity
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/owl-butterfly.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240531
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240607
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20240214T100834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T204355Z
UID:2207-1717113600-1717718399@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:Garden Wildlife Week
DESCRIPTION:The Spring Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday in May. It’s also known as the late May bank holiday\, Pentecost or Whitsun. This makes it the perfect time to kick off National Garden Wildlife Week\, as most schools and work places are closed\, allowing more of us to get outside and enjoy our gardens. The week serves as a reminder that gardens are not only spaces for human enjoyment\, but also crucial habitats for a variety of creatures. \n  \nDuring National Garden Wildlife Week\, conservation organisations\, community groups\, schools\, local authorities and voluntary groups are encouraged to organise various activities. Events include creating wildlife-friendly habitats\, planting native trees and wildflowers\, and building bird nest boxes\, bee hotels\, bat boxes\, and ponds. Gardeners are encouraged to offer open days\, guided walks\, talks\, and hands-on sessions that provide practical tips and ideas for transforming their outdoor spaces into havens for wildlife. \n  \nOne of the central themes of National Garden Wildlife Week is biodiversity. In a world dominated by mono-culture agricultural practices\, gardens offer a much needed refuge. Parks and gardens can provide opportunities to plant different and diverse plants. These support wider eco-systems\, attracting more wildlife. They offer food and habitat for a multitude of mini beast\, birds\, hedgehogs and other animals. We have lost over 90% of natural wild meadows in the UK and birds and animals are all in steep decline. By choosing a diverse range of plants that flower over many months\, we start improving the environment and help nature recover. \n  \n  \nTop 10 idea for the week ; \n\nMake a wildlife garden quiz. Here’s some ideas to get you started:\na) How many different birds can you hear?\nb) Collect as many different leaves as you can.\nc) Can you find a tree with flowers?\nd) Try and identify as many flowers in the garden as you can.\ne) Can you find an ants nest?\nTake sheets of paper and crayons outside and take as many bark rubbings as you can.\nWith an adult’s help design and build your very own bird nest box.\nMake home made bird food. Try different ingredients and watch and learn which birds like which type of food. Some eat seeds\, others fruit and even more eat insects and fat.\nCreate a water feature for wildlife. It can be as small as a bowl or as large as a pond. Make sure there is a shallow end (for birds to bathe\, animals to escape and mini beasts to come and go). It will need plants and native British water plants are best. Choose plants that grow under water (oxygenators)\, plants that grow on the surface\, like water lilies and plants that like roots in the water but grow out and upward. These are called marginal plants.\nCreate a bug house or mini beast habitat. Collect lots of sticks\, logs\, stones\, bricks and other items. Broken short lengths of bamboo shoots (and other hollow stemmed plants) are ideal. These can be made into a simple heap in a quiet spot\, or bundled together and hung from trees. Many people make a stack of pallets and insert all the assembled goodies in the gaps. Try to have one side facing south in full sun\, and the other facing north in shade. Notice the different animals attracted to the different habitats.\nMake a gap for hedgehogs. Modern gardens often have strong impenetrable fences and hedgehogs need lots of gardens for their habitat. By creating a ‘gap’ (about 13cm x 13cm is ideal) in your fence and encouraging neighbours to do the same\, helps hedgehogs travel and flourish.\nPlant a tree. There is something wonderful about planting a small seed\, such as an acorn and watching it grow throughout your life. Try collecting different seeds and nuts and see what grows. Plant an acorn in a pot and grow it until it is 60cm tall and then plant it in a place where it can grow to 30m or more!\nGo for a night walk. These days we tend to retreat indoors or live under artificial lights. Look for a place\, like a wood\, and go out after dark. No torches! You’ll be amazed at how well your eyes adjust and your hearing becomes even more attuned to all the night creatures roaming. Please do not go alone and children should always be accompanied by an adult during night walks.\nNature is proven to be beneficial for our mental\, emotional and physical health. Simply get outdoors and do as much as you are able or happy to do. Stand\, sit or lay quietly and simply absorb all the wonder of the natural world we all share.
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/garden-wildlife-week/
CATEGORIES:Activity
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240303
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240304
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20240214T101151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T103150Z
UID:2209-1709424000-1709510399@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:World Wildlife Day
DESCRIPTION:United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year\, we recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. \nThe WWD 2024 Theme is ‘Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.’ \n  \nYou can find more information here.
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/world-wildlife-day/
CATEGORIES:Activity
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240222
DTSTAMP:20260515T104243
CREATED:20240216T160653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240220T103137Z
UID:2408-1707868800-1708559999@ongarwildlifesociety.com
SUMMARY:National Nest Box Week
DESCRIPTION:As the days start to lengthen and the breeding season approaches\, it’s time to think about how we can provide a safe home for our favourite garden visitors. \nEach year\, Valentine’s Day marks the start of National Nest Box Week. Mid February is when many birds will start to pair up and seek out territories for the breeding season ahead so now is a great time to put up new nest boxes\, says the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). \nLoss of suitable habitat\, changes in land-use and other factors have impacted negatively on many of the UK’s breeding bird species\, resulting in many well-known species\, such as House Sparrow and Starling\, being placed on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. As a consequence\, gardens and public green spaces are ever more vital for declining birds. It is increasingly important that these feathered neighbours find a safe place to raise their broods. By providing nest boxes near our homes\, we can help many of our garden visitors thrive. \nThere is a staggeringly wide variety of boxes\, each designed to suit different species. Some birds are secretive and like to nest away from others while others choose to form small colonies. Also\, access to the box will determine which birds may use it. Robins\, Wrens and Spotted Flycatchers for example\, prefer open-fronted boxes while sparrows and tits will use ones with holes. Whether you build your nest box or buy one ready-made\, consider which birds you hope to attract. The box should be located where the entrance is sheltered from prevailing wind\, rain and strong sunlight. \nA bird that also takes readily to artificial nesting sites is the Swift. These astonishing aerial acrobats have suffered major population declines in recent decades and many homeowners are now providing special boxes for these dynamic travellers\, whose distinctive screaming calls were once a familiar summer sound in our cities and towns. With a fondness for nesting on tall buildings and under house eaves\, Swifts have suffered as a result of widespread home improvements and the restoration and repurposing of old industrial buildings. These incredible birds spend most of their lives on the wing\, only landing when they come to nest with us. Now\, thanks to the popularity of Swift nest boxes\, people all around the UK are creating new homes for these birds with considerable success. \nThe BTO website has a dedicated nest box page providing information and advice on the building\, buying and positioning of nest boxes and the different birds that can be attracted.\nFor details visit: bto.org/how-you-can-help/providing-birds/putting-nest-boxes-birds \nAs well as providing an invaluable home for our garden birds\, nest boxes can also help supply important data. The BTO’s nest monitoring schemes offer a way for people to monitor the health of our nesting bird populations by sending in their records\, contributing vital information to the understanding of birds’ breeding success. To find out more\, go to: bto.org/how-you-can-help/providing-birds/putting-nest-boxes-birds/monitoring-nests \nThe BTO’s Nesting Neighbours survey organiser Hazel McCambridge\, said “It really benefits our garden birds to put up boxes to provide them spaces to nest\, particularly in urban and suburban areas where nest sites are very limited; by collecting information on nesting attempts we are able to keep track of how successful bird breeding is each year and how this is affecting populations. This provides an important puzzle piece in understanding how habitat and climate change is impacting Britain’s birds.”
URL:https://ongarwildlifesociety.com/event/national-nest-box-week/
CATEGORIES:Activity
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