Are you often pressed for time? Never have enough of it, but wish you could do something to help the wildlife in Calderdale, or find out more about a natural science subject which interest you? The Halifax Scientific Society runs walks and talks every month throughout the year, covering a wide range of places and subjects. Talks are held on the second Tuesday of every month in Halifax Central Library at 7.15pm and details of walks can be found on the HSS blog: Calderdale-wildlife.blogspot.com (Members and non-members are welcome, £3 non-members, £1 for members).

Do spiders give you the creeps?  Or are you fascinated by them? Whatever your feelings, Julian Birkhead will be talking about UK spiders and giving an introduction to field study on Tuesday 11^th July at the Halifax Central Library at 7.15pm.

If butterflies are more your cup of tea, then join Steve Blacksmith at Cromwell Bottom car park on Saturday 15^th July at 10.30am for the Annual Big Butterfly Count (bring a picnic – butterflies are hungry work!) The records of butterflies seen are very important – help will be at hand with identification of these beautiful insects. Until 3pm.

On Sunday 23^rd July, there’s a visit to the Halifax and District Beekeepers Association Apiary at Southowram – we’ll be able to visit the honey bees, see the flowers they forage on and have a short talk about the honey bee (plus there’s a cup of tea!) This is from 1–4.30pm and advanced booking is essential (so we can make sure there are enough protective bee suits to wear). Contact: charlotte@charlottew.co.uk

On Tuesday 8^th August we will be given a fascinating talk at 7.15pm by Philip Marshall on trees and their history. This talk will be at the Halifax central Library.

Our outdoor event exploring Norland Moor is on Wednesday 23^rd August, led by Robin Dalton of the Calderdale Countryside Service. Meet at Norland Moor Recreation Ground Car Park 10.30 to 1.30pm.

Calderdale is home to many rare plants and on 2^nd September we will be searching for them (with your help!) in Copley (meet at Hollas Lane): 10.30am  – 12.30pm and 1 –3pm. Come to one or both sessions, led by the experienced botanist Peachysteve.

If you fancy some practical conservation work, the HSS have been invited to join the National Trust in Balsam Bashing. Come for as long or as short a time as you like, it’s very informal – dates are: 6^th, 14^th and 19^th July at 6–8pm. There will be signposts from Midgehole car park directing you to where the balsam bashing is taking place that evening. Please note, car parking charges for non NT members may apply.

The HSS has something for everyone – come along to any of the events and talks this summer and see for yourself!

Contact Charlotte on Charlotte@charlottew.co.uk, Christine  christine.halifaxss@gmail.com or Steve Blacksmith on 07715 005379 (by text only please).