The Beasts of Bedfordshire - a one day conference

There will be a one day conference on the - Beasts of Bedfordshire - on October the 18th 2008 at Parkside Hall, Ampthill. The conference is being held jointly by the BNHS, the Bedfordshire Badger Network, Bedfordshire Bat Group and Bedfordshire Dormouse Group and will feature a key note presentation on deer by Dr Arnold Cooke, an independent wildlife researcher and national expert on Muntjac and their effect on woodlands.

A wide range of other presentations, given by some notable Bedfordshire naturalists, will include "Otter: the return of the Native" and "Dormice: The Sleeper Awakes". There will be features on other small mammals and that scourge of the river bank the introduced American Mink and its affect on Water Voles. The badgers incredible spread through the county since the 1970’s will be recounted along with information on how the county's Bats are faring, the remaining species in the county will be picked up at the beginning with a brief overview by the new county recorder, Richard Lawrence.

There will be displays on some of the work being undertaken on Mammals in the county. Chairman of the Conference, David Anderson said "this is a wonderful opportunity to find out about some of the more secretive creatures in our countryside and how they have been doing in the county in the past, present and future."

The conference is by ticket in advance only; these are available from Peter Glenister for £5 and include a buffet lunch.