Wildlife Watch Groups
Wildlife Watch Groups are a fantastic way for primary-aged children and their families to connect with nature and learn about the amazing wildlife in their local area. These groups offer exciting opportunities for young people to explore the outdoors, participate in fun activities, and discover the wonders of the natural world.
With nine groups located throughout Wiltshire, there's sure to be one near you! Activities vary from pond dipping and bug hunting to building bird feeders and creating nature-inspired art. It's a great way to make new friends, learn new skills, and develop a lifelong love of wildlife. Wildlife Watch is the junior wing of the Wildlife Trusts, and all of our groups are run by volunteers; find out more about each specific group below.
We're excited to announce that we're hoping to launch new Watch Groups in Bay Meadows, Devizes and Melksham in 2025! Keep an eye on our social media and this webpage for updates. If you are interested in volunteering with any of these groups, do get in touch with us via the email below!
Practical Information
Booking is required, with a small suggested donation of £2.50 per child, accompanying adults are free.
Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times during the sessions.
Interested in running your own Watch group?
We are always looking to set up more Watch Groups and recruit more volunteers. If you enjoy working with children, have a passion for wildlife and can spare a few hours a month please get in touch by emailing wildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Calne Watch Group (River Warriors)
This is a community-run group in Calne called ‘River Warriors’, which takes place at ad hoc times, and was set up with the support of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in 2018 to help improve Calne’s waterways. Check out the River Warriors Facebook page for information of future events and activities.
If you are interested in attending or volunteering with River Warriors then please get in touch at wildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Chippenham Wildlife Watch Group (Early Earth Protectors)
This is a community group run by Lisa and Jenny who, inspired by their children, set up Early Earth Protectors in order to make a difference to their community. It meets on the third Sunday of every month from 2.00 to 4.00, in various locations.
Activities have included everything from making dens, spiders webs, bird feeders and hedgehog homes, to creating posters and litter picking. Have a look at the Early Earth Protectors Bluesky page for more information, how to join the next event, or to send them a message.
For more info, contact: wildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Green Lane Wood Watch Group, near Trowbridge
This group meets on the third Saturday of every month. It is led by Kiley, Duncan, Liz, Char, Marie, Abi and Jayne and some of the activities that they are planning for the rest of the year are:
Den building, a Bat Walk, Beetle mania, Autumnal Crafts and All about Skulls!
To book contact: glwwildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Langford Lakes Wildlife Watch Group
Langford Lakes is one of Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts flagship reserves. This group meets on the fourth Sunday of every month, from 10am to 12noon, and is led by Jabeen, Mike and Rhian.
They get up to all sorts of fun activities, including birdwatching, making seed bombs, pond dipping, and so much more.
More information about the group can be found by emailing langfordlakeswildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Lower Moor Watch Group, near Malmesbury
This group meets on the first Saturday of every month at Lower Moor nature reserve.
This group has two sets of leaders, Nic and Rosie will be running the sessions in January, March, May, July, September and November. Lisa and Lianne will be running the sessions in February, April, June, August, October and December.
For more information and to book your spot, contact the team on: lmfwatchgroup@gmail.com
Pewsey Wildlife Watch Group
This group meets on the second Saturday of every month.
It is led by Iain and Ben Gutteridge and some of the activities that they are planning for the rest of the year are:
Beautiful Butterflies, a Bat Walk, River dipping and Mini Beasts, Fabulous Fungi and Marvellous Mammals!
To book contact: pewseywildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org or find out more on our Pewsey Wildlife Watch Group Facebook page.
Salisbury Watch Group
This group meets on the second Saturday of every month, 10am to 12noon.
It has been running since April 2015 and is led by the enthusiastic Penny, Lulu and Sarah, who are passionate about getting young people outside and engaging with the natural world. The group loves exploring the beautiful countryside around Salisbury: making dens in the woods, pond and river dipping, bug hunts, toasting marshmallows over a fire, plus lots of craft activities. They also visit local farms to learn about the animals and watch newborn lambs in the spring!
The group meet at various locations around Salisbury including River Bourne Community Farm, Old Sarum hill fort, and our Coombe Bissett and Devenish nature reserves. They have also been a bit further afield to Langford Lakes and Parsonage Down national nature reserve.
To book, contact salisburywatchgroup@gmail.com
Swindon Wildlife Watch Group
Swindon Wildlife Watch meet on the third Saturday of every month, starting at 10am and finishing at 12noon. Currently the group are meeting at Coate Water.
It is led by Michelle, Ruth and Vicki, who have lots of exciting ideas for activities.
For more information please email: swindonwildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Trowbridge Wildlife Watch
The Trowbridge group is currently on a break, and will return 2nd March. They will meet on the first Sunday of each month in Southwick Country Park, from 10am to 12noon.
Previous sessions have included topics from bugs and minibeasts to hibernation! Families built bug hotels and hedgehog houses, searched for minibeasts, and created beautiful seasonal crafts. And lots more fun activities are planned for the coming year!
For more information, please contact trowbridgewildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org
Wildlife Watch group in Wiltshire.