NATURE
VISITING LAKELAND HOUSES AND GARDENS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomJoin expert horticulturalist Louise for special guided tours of some inspiring Spring gardens in the Lake District. Get to know the plants, growing conditions and particular challenges that gardeners and garden designers faced as part of the history of landscape gardening in this special corner of the world. Louise Stoddart (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/louise-stoddart) Residential: £430 Non-residential:
FULLY BOOKED: BIRD SONGS AND CALLS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomThe vocalisations of birds are invaluable aids to help us in their identification but the process of learning them all may seem daunting and never-ending. Fortunately, most species have a repertoire which is unique, enabling confident identification, even in the absence of a view. Such calls and songs can also draw our attention to the
GEOLOGY OF THE LAKES: AN INTRODUCTION
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomHave you ever wondered why the topography and geology of the Lake District and wider Cumbria area varies so much? Find out why when you travel through 500 million years of geological history on this course. There will be stories of ancient oceans, volcanoes, Himalayan-scale mountain ranges, tropical seas and swamps, deserts and ice ages.
BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS AND THE COUNTRYSIDE OF NORTH WEST CUMBRIA
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomFor lovers of natural history and the countryside, and an eye opener for anyone wishing to improve awareness of the natural world. Walk contrasting Cumbrian sites where conservation management has helped the habitats of rare butterflies including the Marsh Fritillary, Mountain Ringlet, Small Blue and The Forester. Lecture presentations in the evening will consider wider
FULLY BOOKED: LAKELAND BIRDS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomMagnificent scree-covered slopes, tranquil lakes, hanging oak woodlands and dramatic sea cliffs are just a few of Cumbria's habitats which we will be exploring on this 5-day course. There will be short local trips to sample the best of Cumbria's summer birdlife including Wheatears, Ring Ouzels, Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers Wood Warblers and Ospreys to name
‘ABSTRACTIONS BASED ON CIRCLES’ BRITISH ROCK ART IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomThe landscapes of northern Britain are decorated with an array of symbols carved into stone surfaces over 5000 years ago. In this course we will explore what these intriguing symbols can tell us about the people who made them – what their world was like, and what mattered to them. These abstract marks are found
SUNDAY LECTURE: THE HIDDEN MAJORITY IN SOIL: WHY SOIL LIFE MATTERS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomIt has been estimated that 59% of all species on earth live in soil. This talk will explore the vast diversity of soil life: how it is distributed, what it does, and what threats it is under. The talk will also explore what can be done to protect and promote soil life and the critical
SECRET SOLWAY (SHORT WALKS)
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomTake a journey through time exploring the lesser-known inner Solway estuary coast of both Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Special Area of Conservation with internationally important salt marshes, sand dunes and wetlands; it is also rich in history, local culture and stories. It is renowned for
IDENTIFYING TREES AND UNDERSTANDING WOODLANDS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomGain a better understanding of different tree species and their ecosystems, their relationships with fungi, soil and other trees, and how we depend on them; learn about the differences between native, exotic and naturalised trees and where they might be found. This course will involve some gentle guided walks (on the level) through local woodlands
FULLY BOOKED: VISITING LAKELAND GARDENS
Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United KingdomJoin expert horticulturalist Louise on an intimate tour of Lake District gardens, including some not normally open to the public. Meet the gardeners, discover new plants and garden design inspiration behind the gates, walls and clipped hedges of some hidden horticultural gems of the Lake District. The same course is repeated in September. Louise Stoddart