Events

Tophill Low Events programme 2020

All events are strictly book in advance only unless otherwise stated. Ring the reserve on 01377 270690 to book. All events are free with standard admission unless stated otherwise. Children should be accompanied by an adult.



Unfortunately we have had to suspend all events due to covid19 - we hope to restart as soon as possible 

April

Wildlife Photography exhibition 
Saturday 4th April 2020 - Sunday 19th April 2020 (delayed from December's flood closure) A celebration of wildlife at Tophill Low over 2019   View some of the best images loaned by Tophill Low's community of wildlife photographers taken at the Reserve last season. Class winners for various birds, animals and plants - a chance to see the incredible wildlife of East Yorkshire that anyone can experience with a bit of patience. 
The exhibition is free with standard admission to the reserve no booking necessary.  Open 10am to 4pm daily. 


Exhibitor rules - please ignore dates from postponed 2019 exhibition.  Final deadline for entries 5pm 2nd of April 2020;

 

Springtime arrives at Tophill Low – Family event

Wednesday 8^th April Take a chance to get familiar with our fantastic reserve and observe the many signs of spring; from spring flowers to birds getting ready to start nesting. Play spring bingo as you go on your spring adventure along the nature trail. 10am – 12 noon Free with standard admission.

All about eggs! – Family event 

Wednesday 15^th April Easter is linked so closely with eggs and what better way to get involved than to find out about how birds get ready to look after their eggs and their young by building nests. Take on the nest building challenge and then look inside an egg to find out some fascinating facts about bird biology. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission

May

Dawn chorus walk

Sunday 3^rd May An early start but as the sunrises join our guides to hear the height of the year’s bird song. We will be able to help you identify common and summer migrants as they join together for the spectacular dawn chorus. 04.30am start, free with standard admission, no booking necessary

Birds for beginners

Tuesday 12^th May There are so many birds at Tophill it’s hard to know where to begin. Take the opportunity to learn from our education guide all about the birds on the reserve, starting with the common woodland birds seen on the reception hide feeders to the more elusive warblers in the woodland. No experience necessary and binoculars will be provided. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission.

Otter watch

Saturday 16th May Learn about the elusive river Hull otter. An illustrated talk before a stake out for the animal itself until the light goes. Otter sightings are never guaranteed but we are sure to spot something. 6.30pm till late. Please book in advance by calling 01377 270690. 

Pond dipping – Family event

Wednesday 27^th May Find out what hides in the depths of the reception pond. Use nets and trays alongside identification charts to name all the pond creatures you find, adding to our database to create our very own pond story. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission

June

Open day

Sunday 14^th June Join us to see the best of the reserve with an array of wildlife themed exhibits, guided walks, pond dipping and children’s crafts.10am – 4pm

Grass snakes at Tophill

Tuesday 30^th June Join our education guide to find our resident grass snakes around the reserve, hopefully basking in the warm sun! We have several snake refugias around the reserve but also have placed metal sheets to attract grass snakes in our meadow where they often rest before going off to feed in the marsh. 9am – 11am, free with standard admission.

July

Flower power & Butterfly bonanza – Family event

Wednesday 29^th July With the wild flower meadow now in all its glory increase your knowledge of wildflowers on the reserve. Not only are the wildflowers stunning themselves but they provide essential food for the butterflies. On a hot sunny day what could be better than soaking up the sun in a beautiful setting with flowers and butterflies galore. 10am – 12noon, free with standard entry

August

Marvellous minibeasts – Family event 

Wednesday 5^th August Is your favourite minibeast a snail, a slug, a bug or a beetle? Delve into our bug hotels and boxes to find what lurks in the dark and damp crevices. Collect them with pooters and pots and head back to the classroom to look at them under a microscope. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission.

Pond dipping - Family event

Wednesday 12^th August Find out what hides in the depths of the reception pond. Use nets and trays alongside identification charts to name all the pond creatures you find, adding to our database to create our very own pond story. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission

Nature Detectives – Family event 

Wednesday 19^th August Tophill Low is a great nature reserve and is home to hundreds of animals, big and small. But they are not always seen. Join us to track them down and pick up some key tracking skills along the way. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission.

Wild art & Craft - Family event 

Wednesday 26^th August Using all the fabulous natural materials here at Tophill Low create your very own piece of artwork. Get inspiration from the colours and textures that are a part of our woodland to produce a collage to remind you of your visit. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission.

National moth night  – Family event 

Friday 28^th August Join our experts as they attract a wide variety of moth species to the moth traps near the centre. You will be amazed at the array of colours and patterns these insects of the night have, hardly a dull brown one amongst them! 7 -9pm, free with standard admission.

September

October

Spooky roost walk – Family event

Wednesday 28^th October As the dark nights draw in the reserve takes on another element under the cover of darkness. Join our education guide on a walk through the reserve to watch first the gulls and then the starlings come in to roost and hope for a glimpse of the marsh harrier. Then its back along the paths in the dark listening to the sounds of the night. Start from the reception hide at 4pm – 6pm, free with standard admission.

December

Mammal safari – Family event

Sunday 6^th December The shorter days mean that the mammals on the reserve are often feeding during daylight hours and there is more chance of them being see. On this walk we would hope to spot roe deer and red fox but if not we can learn about how we use trail cameras to watch their movements. 10am – 12 noon, free with standard admission.

Wildlife Photography exhibition
Sunday 21st December - Sunday 3rd January 2021 A celebration of wildlife at Tophill Low over 2019 View some of the best images loaned by Tophill Low's community of wildlife photographers taken at the Reserve over the last 12 months. Class winners for various birds, animals and plants - a chance to see the incredible wildlife of East Yorkshire that anyone can experience with a bit of patience.
The exhibition is free with standard admission to the reserve no booking necessary. Open 10am to 4pm daily.

January

Year Listing Day
Wednesday 1st January - Two guided walks starting 10am and 13:30pm - to try and score as many bird species on the first of the first as possible; Whether you're a serious year lister or just fancy some fresh air after the holidays. In 2019 we recorded a recorded 81 species, and in 2018 80, so we have our work cut out.