CORNWALL Wildlife Trust’s Bude Group held its monthly meeting on Monday last week, but it was a rather special occasion as it gave them the opportunity to say thank you and farewell to Tim and Sandy Dingle, who are leaving the area.

Tim started the RSPB group many years ago and this later became the local Cornwall Wildlife Trust group. It was fitting that there was a large audience to show appreciation for all that they have done over the years for the group and to wish them well.

The speaker was Dave Groves, chair of the Cornwall Mammal Group, who gave a fascinating insight into Cornish mammals, from the last Ice Age until now. He talked about mammals, such as black rats that arrived initially by shipping; about those brought to be farmed, such as rabbits and deer; and about the re-introduction of beavers.

The mammal group records mammal populations, which seem to be influenced by weather and by man, through activities such as agriculture, hunting and pest control on large estates. He is enthusiastic about recording wildlife sightings and encouraged everyone to do so at www.orks.org.uk (Online wildlife Recording for Kernow and Scilly).

The next event is on Monday, November 16, when Robert Durrant will give an illustrated talk entitled ‘Seashores’.