Area Society: Oxfordshire

'One of the UK's leading organisations for people interested in insects ... The Website lists upcoming events and activities. These listings include events organised by the AES as well as those organised by other groups and societies. In general the events are limited to those related to invertebrates but occasionally events related to more general natural history may be listed.'

'Committed to the conservation of native amphibians and reptiles and their natural environment by supporting the development of a network of independent volunteer amphibian and reptile groups ... Each Group works with the species in its locality, and these provide the "grass roots" of native herpetofauna conservation in the UK; undertaking survey and monitoring, practical conservation tasks, public events and outreach and liaising with stakeholders including local planning authorities, land owners, other conservation bodies, and the wider public.'

'Exists to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats. We are the leading voice for badgers in England and Wales, with a network of around 60 local voluntary badger groups, and supported by thousands of supporters and followers ... They are a great way to get involved, meet other badger enthusiasts and make a difference to your local badgers.'

'Supports local bat groups across the UK and over 6000 members. We work with volunteers, scientists, industry and government both locally and nationally on a range of projects ... Whether you are a bat-beginner or an expert you are sure to find an event to interest you ... Year round the Bat Conservation Trust, local bat groups as well as conservation and community organisations arrange bat events across the UK from training courses to bat walks for families.'

At BCS, we’re on a mission to ensure everyone’s experience with technology is positive. It’s something we’ve been committed to since 1957 ... We're over 60,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers all committed to our mission ... Whichever your area of interest, our wide-ranging specialist and regional groups offer you a professional and friendly platform to share knowledge and experiences, debate ideas, grow your network and raise your profile.' Apart from the significant number of Events 'open to all' organized by the various BCS Groups, there are also the annual Karen Spärck Jones Lecture, Lovelace Lecture, Roger Needham Lecture, and Turing Talk.

'The BSBI is for everyone who cares about the wild plants of Britain and Ireland. Since 1836, we've been promoting the study, understanding and enjoyment of British and Irish botany ... BSBI depends on a dedicated network of volunteer County Recorders who co-ordinate botanical survey work and organise local events ... Unless otherwise stated, our non-residential meetings are free to attend and you don't usually need to be a BSBI member, although if there are more applicants than spaces available, we reserve the right to prioritise our members.'

'Horology courses for clock and watch making are our passion. Since 1858, the British Horological Institute has been training horologists in clock and watch repair and creation, and supporting the horological industry. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for an initial taster day or a professional seeking accreditation and further development, we have the clock or watch making course for you ... BHI Branches are entirely autonomous. They are set up "by the members for the members", invariably rely for their existence on the energy and commitment of a few committed volunteers. If you are lucky enough to live within travelling distance of a vibrant BHI branch you should try sampling one of their events. You will always find a warm welcome.'

'The Society was founded in 1982 when cottage garden plants were becoming "unfashionable". Those starting the Society wanted to protect this vanishing planting style. They were concerned that, in the move to easily maintained gardens, hard landscaping was becoming more important than the plants ... The Society has around 35 regional groups, some with as few as seven members and some with over 200. Most groups meet monthly and have talks in winter and visits to gardens and plant sales in spring and summer.'

'A multi-regional umbrella organisation established to support county-based geoconservation groups across England.'

ALERT The Website does not seem to have been updated for several years - and its Content has in many respects been superceded by that on the GeoConservation UK Site.

'We love hardy perennials for their variety, colours, shapes, sizes and longevity. We help each other to grow them better, to try different species and we exchange and spread information about them ... Local Group membership is open to all members of the national HPS. Most groups charge a small additional subscription. Groups welcome new members and visitors; they are a great way for those of all ages and levels of experience to share their enthusiasm for plants and gardening ... Most Groups offer ... talks by experts with the opportunity to ask questions and talk to them.'

'We are the charity that campaigns to protect and restore the country's 7,000 miles of inland waterways ... We campaign locally and nationally for the waterways – supporting restorations, lobbying parliament, championing regeneration and raising waterways users concerns ... Our members and volunteers are waterways-lovers from all walks of life who want to preserve and improve the network for future generations.'

'We are the IET and we inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world. As a diverse home across engineering and technology, we share knowledge that helps make better sense of the world in order to solve the challenges that matter. It’s why we are uniquely placed to champion engineering ... Local Networks are groups of members that come together to deliver a series of activities designed to promote the importance of science, engineering and technology to the general public, encourage young people to enter the profession and provide opportunities for engineers to share and develop knowledge and network with each other.''

A Record created to provide access to the Entries in Open Lectures and Talks for Area and Regional Federations of Local History Societies. Each Federation is given an Entry in the relevant BROWSE by LOCALITY Category on this Website. Click on the appropriate Tag to discover the Entry of interest.

'One in four of our native mammals is threatened with extinction, and many others are in decline. With Britain now recognised as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, urgent action is needed. We are working to give our wildlife a better future ... Local mammal Groups bring together people with a shared enthusiasm for the local environment and the mammals within it. They work to share knowledge and raise awareness, survey and monitor local mammals, provide local expertise and training in field skills, hold talks and events, and support the work of the Mammal Society.'

'We are the only national charity to ensure the cultivated plants we grow now will be available to future generations for cultural, medical, culinary and aesthetic use. We do this through the National Plant Collection scheme, our Plant Guardians and our local group network ... Plant Heritage has Local Groups who run activities and events for members across the country.'

'The Royal Society of Biology is a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting our members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences. The Society represents a diverse membership of individuals, learned societies and other organisations. Individual members include practising scientists, students at all levels, professionals in academia, industry and education, and non-professionals with an interest in biology ... The RSB has a vibrant network of regional activity. Our branch committee arrange local events which are a great way to develop professional contacts and to share interests.'

'The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) believes old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Through our unique training schemes, courses, advice and research we help people put our expertise into practice ... Held every spring and autumn, the SPAB's popular lecture series offers three or four informal talks linked to an engaging historic building or conservation theme ... One of the benefits of being a member of the SPAB is access to our Regional Groups, who arrange visits, events, and meetings across the country.'

'The Wildlife Trusts is a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, on a mission to restore a third of the UK's land and seas for nature by 2030. We believe everyone, everywhere, should have access to nature and the joy and health benefits it brings. No matter where you are in the UK, there is a Wildlife Trust inspiring people about nature and standing up for wildlife and wild places. Each Wildlife Trust is an independent charity formed by people getting together to make a positive difference to wildlife, climate and future generations. Together we have more than 850,000 members, over 42,500 volunteers, 2,000 staff and 600 trustees.'

'Formed in 1980 to maintain interest in the period 1914-1918, to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of those on all sides who served their countries in France and Flanders and their own countries during the Great War. It does not seek to glorify war and is non-political ... Belonging to The Western Front Association provides you with the opportunity of meeting like-minded people to learn, share, explore and exchange information and knowledge in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.'