Wildlife Watch Groups

Wildlife Watch Groups, run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, are a fantastic way for 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 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. You can find out more about specific groups below.

Wildlife Watch is the junior wing of the Wildlife Trusts and we currently have nine Wildlife Watch groups in the county: Calne, Lower Moor Farm near Malmesbury, Swindon, Pewsey (Jones’s Mill Reserve), Green Lane Woods, Salisbury, Langford Lakes, Studley Green (Trowbridge) and Chippenham. See below for the contact details of each group.

We're excited to announce that we're hoping to launch new Wildlife Watch Groups in Bay Meadows, Devizes and Melksham in 2025! Keep an eye on our social media and this webpage for updates on these new groups.

Booking is required and there is a small suggested donation of £2.50 per child (£1 for Studley Green).

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, at all times, during the sessions.

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, inspired by their children who set up Early Earth Protectors in order to make a difference. It meets on the second Sunday of every month from 2.00 to 4.00. It meets 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 Facebook page for more information and how to join the next event.

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 is led by Jabeen, Mike and Rhian.

It will be meeting on the fourth Saturday of every month from 1000 to 1200. 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.

Contact details for all leaders is: 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.

Studley Green

The Studley Green group meets on the first Saturday of the month at the Studley Green Community Centre, Lambrok Road, from 10am to 12 noon.

The first two sessions were all about bugs and minibeasts, and hibernation! Families built bug hotels and hedgehog houses, searched for minibeasts, and created beautiful seasonal crafts.

For more information, please contact wildlifewatch@wiltshirewildlife.org

Salisbury Watch Group

This group meets on the second Saturday of every month, 10-12.

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. We love 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. We 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, our Coombe Bissett and Devenish nature reserves. We 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 12 noon. 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