Edinburgh Natural History Society logo

EDINBURGH NATURAL
HISTORY SOCIETY

Sample A Field Trip

[24/03/2018]

a photoGroup of people pond dipping in the rain

Our field trips are free and open to everyone. However, if you like what we do and attend more than one, we’d like you to become a member.

In the programme we will give an indication of the themes of a trip, based on the site and the expertise of the leader. However, the group has a very broad interest in all aspects of natural history and will stop and look at both the unusual and the commonplace. If we don’t know what something is, we will try to find out.

We want our field trips to be enjoyable but, above all, safe. Here are our guidelines on safety during the trip.

You attend at your own risk. We will have visited the sites in advance and taken likely risks into account when planning the trip. Be aware of your surroundings - don't take risks. We are insured.

Information will be provided in advance and on the day of the ease of walking and the distance. This should allow you to make an informed decision about whether the trip is within your capabilities. Let the leader know if you have any condition which may affect how you participate. Most trips are under 5 miles or 8km, often half that, but we do leave the main paths to explore. The leader and the back marker are responsible for keeping the group together. You should be in touch with at least one of them. If at any time during the trip you feel uncomfortable with the route or unwell or need to leave the group, let the leader know.

You should come ready for a day in the field with outdoor clothing and suitable footwear. Sunscreen and insect repellent are sometimes required.

You should bring your own food and cold and hot drinks. For trips starting at or before 12 noon, we will stop for lunch. For other trips, you might like to arrive early to have something to eat or snack on the go.

We encourage people to car share. The Field Trip Committee can help with arranging lifts, if necessary. Some trips are arranged to be accessible by bus or train.

Check the programme for the start time, arrive promptly, ready to set off at the time given. Full day trips generally finish about 15:30. The leader will advise on likely end times for other trips. We often go for tea and cakes after a trip if there is a suitable cafe nearby.

Changes to the published programme, will be made by 18:00 the day before and we will update the website. Members of the Field Trip Committee will also have the latest information.

Related Articles: