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Blue Sky, Blue Lake and A Flock Of LapwingsThis was a superb day out in sunny but windy conditions enjoyed by 13 members of our group. Birds, flowers, dragonflies and butterflies were observed. Margaret outlined the plan for the day which would initially involve looking over Phase 2 of the reserve's development including the ridge and furrow fields and the new hide overlooking a disused gravel pit (now with a lake). Considerable progress had taken place since her last visit in April however it was somewhat disappointing to discover that the waders had not yet arrived. Cormorant StretchSand martins were observed around the large viewing hide (very similar to the one recently constructed at Staveley) which will be used for school groups. The hedgerows were looking very attractive aesthetically and hopefully to our avian friends for their supply of winter fuel. The planting was mixed with hawthorn, apple, alder and other species. A subsequent caculation was made. This was Bees sixth visit since our first visit on 9 Nov 2004 (a diversion from Top Hill Low reservoir which is not available to the public on a Tuesday). The spring flora and birdlife is superb with several species including avocets choosing to breed here. The reserve has attracted some rare and notable species ie black- necked grebe. On this occasion there was a great gathering of geese; canada and greylag, together with flocks of lapwing and feral pigeons. Also a large flock of goldfinch was seen moving through the hedgerow. 23 bird species were noted. Of particular interest were shoveler, snipe, pochard, pied wagtail (a flock of siskin were heard but not seen on alder by the side of the northern lake). Migrant HawkerOur lepidopterists would not have been disappointed (they deserve a good outing at last!). Dragonflies were abundant in the more sheltered areas of the reserve including common darter, black darter, migrant hawkers in good numbers and common blue damselfly. The butterflies seen included red admiral, speckled wood, small white, small tortoiseshell and female common blue. Joan was kept busy scribbling down her list of plant species (107 plants in flower and more in seed). Notable flower species included common fiddleneck, musk mallow, common fleabane, common storksbill, smooth hawksbeard and hemlock. Love Yorkshire, Love North Cave.

Margaret

WeirToday’s outing was led by Joan and Julia to Kirkstall Valley, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve only two miles from the centre of Leeds.The group of sixteen was welcomed by YWT warden Don Vine who told us something of the history of this former power station site before leading us on a tour of the 9.7 hectare (24 acres) reserve showing us the different habitats. Lying on the banks of the river Aire, management activity includes the provision of otter holts and whilst none have yet been used otters have been seen on the reserve. Although lying alongside the Aire Valley railway line and on the flight path to Leeds/Bradford airport, the reserve is otherwise surprisingly peaceful and we explored the different habitats; riverside, meadowland, tree and scrub areas, the ponds and the orchard. Over 180 plants species have been recorded on the site and Joan logged a good proportion on the day, Totem Polethe highlights of which were probably Goat's Rue, Lesser Bullrush and Broad-Leaved Helleborine - still in flower to the amazement of our orchid expert, John, (and where did that Sea Buckthorn come from?). Don was able to point out the location of a native Black Poplar which is quite a rarity in this part of the world. Bird activity was low but we did see and hear Jays and admired a group of house martins hawking over the river where a pair of mallard provided the only sighting actually on the river. Dragonflies were buzzing about all day with Brown and Southern Hawker prominant. The warm, sunny weather attracted butterflies from their slumbers and we saw lots of Speckled Woods together with Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Green-Veined White and Holly Blue. Small TortoiseshellOne of the objects of the trip was to identify and collect apples for the BEES Apple Day next month and our guest co-leader (and the day's driver), Julia, engaged some of the group in pursuit of this end, whilst the fruit themselves (together with the plentiful brambles) provided the sweet course for most people's lunch. After the recent disappointing weather this was a lovely late-summer's day out - the sun shone, the trees abounded with haws, hips, sloes and other fruit and berries and all was well with the world again. It's always nice when the BEES staff can join us on our outings so thanks to Julia for organising and driving and to Joan, as always, for her organisation and leadership.

Stuart

Nostell PrioryWe had a full complement of people for our first visit to Nostell Priory. We were led by Janet and Philip. At our venue we were joined by Alan and Peter. Weather conditions were favourable - warm and cloudy. However the journey was more complex than anticipated, an alternative route was taken to avoid the congested conditions on the motorway. The day was spent exploring the parkland with woodland, lakes and meadow; visiting the gardens and enjoying refreshments in the courtyard. A variety of flowers, fungi, birds and butterflies was seen. Lunch was spent near the obelisk where Alan entertained us with a tale of his gold bullion purchase in Blackpool (ssh - highly confidential not to be passed around!!) Flowers totalled 96 species in flower and seed. Approaching The ObeliskMost admired were the beautiful white and fringed water lilies. Fungi species included dryad's saddle, grey smoky polypore, fairies' bonnets and pleated inkcap. Bird species were limited to 13, greenshank being the highlight species. The butterflies included meadow brown, gatekeeper, green-veined white and peacock. Moth species included agriphella tristella and China marks. The dragonflies included brown hawker, common and ruddy darter and common blue damselfly. All in all it was a pleasant and sociable day out in the South Yorkshire landscape. Thanks to Janet and Philp.

Margaret

The Railway Children greet the Scarborough Spa Express!!A number of people had dropped out of today's trip leaving a group of only 8. A stop off to use facilities in Tadcaster yielded a view of several swifts on the wing. Our morning destination was Bolton Percy Station, a small Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve of grassland and scrub lying adjacent to a railway line. The original plan was to explore this reserve and then go and have lunch in Bolton Percy Village. However, we met a couple of trainspotters from Nottingham who were eager to chat and share their knowledge about trains and wildlife. When they told us that a steam train, the Scarborough Spa Express, was passing through at 12.30 we decided to stay on the reserve for lunch. Yellowhammers were heard but not seen and a buzzard soared overhead. Blue FleabaneThe now defunct railway platform was covered in vegetation. Botanical highlights included blue fleabane, marjoram, musk mallow, cut-leaved cranesbill, dovesfoot cranesbill and some very tall spikes of great mullein. 98 plants were recorded. Lots of gatekeeper butterflies were seen. A single peacock and some small whites were also recorded. Several moth species were noted, the most abundant being the shaded broad bar. Also seen were riband wave, udea lutealis and small fan footed wave. At midday we settled for lunch so that we would be ready for the train at 12.30. We lined the fence with cameras at the ready or preparing to wave as the train sped through. It was like a scene from the Railway Children! Shaded Broad BarWe then travelled a few miles to another YWT reserve, Askham Bog. The morning had been dry with some sunny spells but light rain was now falling, Fortunately it was short-lived. Once the rain stopped the dragonflies appeared. Common darters happily posed for photos, ruddy darters were less co-operative and the emperor never landed. Numerous common blue damselflies and a southern hawker were also evident. Bird numbers for the day were low at 17. Botanical highlights at Askham Bog included purple and yellow loosestrife, skullcap, fine-leaved water dropwort, narrow buckler fern and a very large specimen of royal fern. As we headed back to the bus a male and female blackcap were spotted. A little light rain was falling once more but it hadn't spoiled our day. Many thanks to Eric for organising this lovely day out.

Sue

View of the MillWork commitments, holidays and illness reduced our numbers this week so it was a group of eleven that headed to South Yorkshire on quiet holiday roads for BEES’ inaugural visit to Worsbrough Mill Country Park near Barnsley. The inclement weather which probably put off the non-takers on the waiting list prevailed for most of the day but it was a light drizzle rather than heavy rain and this did eventually clear after lunch. Our destination was well chosen for a poor weather day as a 17th-century working water mill museum, shop and toilets all offered some diversion and shelter. Marsh WoundwortA fishing reservoir forms the focal point for three walks of varying lengths and most of the party opted for the longest one of 5 km. The site had been chosen for the chance to see the yellow Touch-me-not Balsam (Impatiens noli-tangere) but regrettably this plant remained the See-me-not Balsam as far as we were concerned. However, 150 other plant species were recorded in the day by Joan of which Marsh Woundwort and Giant Bellflower were the highlights. It was late in the day before the weather tempted any butterfiles onto the wing but we did eventually manage to record Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell and Small Skipper before we left. The rain also kept the bird count down and only twenty species were recorded with the score being completed by a group of swifts heading south to South Africa and sun – these could well prove to the BEES’ last swifts of the year.

Wheel Above The MillstoneLunch was taken either in the draughty bird hide or at a nearby farm cafe and we rounded off the day with visits to the mill museum, where we saw the grinding wheels being water driven, and to the museum shop where several of our group bought flour that had been ground in the mill.

The consensus was that it had been one of those days when we would have otherwise been looking out of our windows bemoaning the poor weather and so we were pleased that we had made the effort and enjoyed a new destination within easy reach which allowed us to have a normal day’s activity and be back in Bradford for 4.30 without any of the usual M62 delays.

Many thanks to Lorna and Andrew for organising and to Lorna for leading the day.

Stuart

Heading For The Plush HideStaveley YWT nature reserve is a wetland reserve located near Boroughbridge NE of Harrogate. The reserve is in a worked-out gravel pit part of a much larger area known as Staveley Carrs which was famed during the nineteenth century for its rare marsh plants. The YWT has recently added to the reserve through the purchase of adjacent land and a worked-out gravel pit. Considerable work has been undertaken to make the reserve accessible to the public including the construction of a gravel path around the reserve and lakes. What to wear?! This was the dilemma facing us as we prepared for our visit. We had experienced continuous rain although a warm and dry day was predicted. Carl Watts, the Community Outreach Officer whom we met in the new car park, gave us some guidance and an introduction to the reserve. Carl proved to be a man of great knowledge, enthusiasm and energy. Tawny OwlHe would be with us for the morning only so was anxious to show us the hot spots of the reserve. We began our tour in the field adjacent to the car park where a thriving community orchard had been planted - a flock of Hebridean sheep were quietly grazing while a newly-built pond was attracting several dragonflies. We "raced"along the path with views of the marsh and lake into the woodland. We were delighted with the sighting of a female tawny owl sitting on a branch high up in a tree. Carl explained that the white-letter hairstreak butterfly had been seen in the canopy on elm. In the shade on ground level several broad-leaved helleborines were spotted. We were led (on the proviso that we took great care as to where we put our feet ) into the wet meadow bordering the lake where we were delighted to see fragrant orchid as well as common spotted, bee and pyramidal orchids. Moths, butterflies and dragonflies were flying around. The next hot spot visited was a grassy bank bordering a small copse with several fruit trees to look for the brown argus butterfly associated with cut-leaved cranesbill. The flower was seen but not the butterfly. Garden Tiger MothWe looked over an area of disturbed ground (the White Horse of Kilburn was seen in the distance) which was to be made into a hay meadow. Lunch was taken in the superb newly-opened octagonal straw bale hide overlooking the reedbeds and lake. Carl said adieu and was thanked by the group. After lunch we went our separate ways in small groups to explore the reserve further. Some went to view the marsh helleborine and dragonfly ponds while others took a circular tour of the lake side. At the present time it is somewhat lacking in interesting floral species but there were lots of dragonflies and butterflies feeding off the balsam. Numerous birds were seen in the reeds and on the lake. Over 30 bird species were recorded . As well as the tawny owl the following were recorded by the group; Marsh Helleborinebuzzard, greylag goose, canada goose, common tern, reed bunting, sedge warbler, goldfinch, whitethroat and heron. Dragonfly species were numerous.and included common darter, black-tailed skimmer, brown hawker, broad-bodied chaser and southern hawker. The damsel flies seen were common blue, blue tailed and emerald. Butterfly species (not a good year for butterflies) were small skipper, ringlet, meadow brown, green-veined white and tortoiseshell. Floral species included marsh helleborine, black horehound, great lettuce, fragrant orchid, pyramidal orchid, bee orchid, common spotted orchid, broad-leaved helleborine, brookweed, cut-leaved cranesbill, slender St John's wort, marsh woundwort, and field scabious. On our return to the mini bus we were somewhat surprised that a small number of our party had deserted to a local hostelrie and would be awaiting the arrival of the minibus. 14 of us enjoyed an excellent day out. Summer has arrived at last!

Margaret

Exploring The Sand DunesA full minibus plus Annie came on this week's trip to Birkdale Green Beach. On arrival we were met by Pat Lockwood and Dr Phil Smith. We were very grateful that they had given their time to lead this walk. Their enthusiasm and expertise proved invaluable in gleaning the most from this very unique habitat. Before we ventured onto the dunes we looked at a piece of land near the beach, where we saw large flowered evening primrose, blue fleabane and knotted pearlwort.Pyramidal Orchid Meadow pipits were flitting in and out of the sea buckthorn, a plant which is becoming quite invasive and would dominate the landscape here if not kept in check. We then headed for the sand dunes - a beautiful specimen of pyramidal orchid was seen and Maddy spotted a rat run through the vegetation. We saw many unusual plants, some of which are nationally scarce and plants that we have previously seen in small numbers grew in profusion here. Especially notable was the abundance of grass of parnassus, round leaved wintergreen and marsh helleborine. This years unseasonally wet weather has made this habitat much wetter than usual and wellies would have made walking around a little easier. Dune HelleborineWe had lunch on the sand dunes and in the afternoon we moved onto the green beach. Unfortunately we did not see natterjack toads but we did see 3 good sized common frogs and a short winged conehead which is associated with the sea club rush that grows here. Linnets were seen on the alder and a large flock of knot formed a veritable cloud as they flew in. Sandwich terns were also spotted. These were among only 18 birds recorded today. The weather had been good to us for most of the day but was now changing. 154 plants were recorded, 136 of them in flower. Orchids seen - pyramidal, early marsh (incarnata and coccinea), southern marsh, pyramidal, dune helleborine and marsh helleborine. Other plants of note include slender spikerush, tubular water dropwort, seaside centaury (seen growing alongside common centaury), Flock of Knotsea rocket, strawberry clover, rough clover and lesser water plantain. 5 species of butterfly were recorded - meadow brown, common blue, gatekeeper, small skipper and ringlet. Several moths were seen including yellow shell and small blood vein. With the rain getting heavier we headed back to the bus along the beach but it did not spoil the day. This is a botanist's paradise and John said this had been his most favourite BEES trip ever. Many thanks to Joan for organising the day.

Sue

Haybridge Nature Reserve Study centreOur extended visit today was to the Hay Bridge nature reserve situated in the Rusland Valley south of the Grizedale Forest in Cumbria. 15 people had booked for the trip and meal. Unfortunately Joan was not able to join us and Lorna took her place. We were aware that the weather would be better than in West Yorkshire. It was cloudy throughout the day with occasional light showers. The visitor centre provided shelter and all the facilities that were needed. There was a museum and study centre to explore. We were given an introduction to the reserve by Keith Luxham, the resident warden, who had lived and worked in the area over a considerable number of years. The reserve is a mixture of woodland, some of which is coppiced, glades, lakes, ponds, grassland and moss.The reserve was originally established as a sanctuary for the red deer that roam the fells. The red deer were seen on the edge of the moss.Beech Fern Keith described the gathering as a "maternity ward". Roe deer are also present. Our walk took us to a variety of habitats. We were introduced to a charcoal burner's hut - a wooden structure with a covering of moss, most cosy. A variety of species were seen and recorded. Alice produced a list of 102 flowers and 8 ferns. Of special note were fragrant orchid, heath spotted orchid, sundew, bog asphodel, water lilies (white and yellow) and fool's watercress. A fern stood out as "something different" and was later identified by Margaret as beech fern, a rarity. Bird species were limited and included treecreeper, spotted flycatcher, siskin, goldfinch and house martin. Pied flycatcher and spotted flycatcher breed on the reserve. The butterfly and moth count was disappointingly low. It included straw dot, common carpet, pearl-band grass veneer, chimney sweeper (on reflection the conditions were probably just right for the collection of moths in a trap). Grass SnakeButterfly species seen were gatekeeper, meadow brown, small tortoiseshell and green-veined white. Following our guided walk the group were free to roam, read or examine specimens. Several members of the group were shown a bevy of grassnakes and a slow worm which were lying dormant in a mound of hay. The group appeared to enjoy the visit inspite of the less favourable weather conditions. A meal was enjoyed by the group at the Gilpin Bridge Hotel on our way home. A big "thank you" to the drivers, Brian and Stuart, and also Margaret for organising our trip.

Margaret

Orchid HuntA long but interesting drive via Settle, Ribblehead and Hawes with a toilet break at Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The weather remained mild all day; plenty of brooding dark clouds interspersed with warm sunny spells and not a spot of rain, which given the year we've had was rather surprising. Lunch for the 13 attendees was taken outside of the minibus which was parked for the day alongside Marsett Beck. Orchids were the main focus of the visit and we were not disappointed. The ridge or hill lies immediately behind the small chapel. We began by walking the uppermost track, keeping well away from the cattle which are vital to this site. Well, that is apart from Maddy who seemed prepared to risk life and limb! the grazing regime helps make this one of Yorkshire's gems. Common Spotted Orchids abounded in their various guises including white ones. Also large numbers of the magenta coloured Northern Marsh Orchids and the pale pink delicate Heath Fragrant Orchids. Some of the more agile members of the group were able to get down low enough to enjoy the heady fragrance of this particular plant. Common Twayblades were plentiful but there was no sign of the rare Small White Orchid which is known to be present. A few Early Purple Orchids were still around but past their best but only two Early Marsh Orchids were found and just a solitary Frog Orchid not in its best condition. "Is that it?" was the most publishable quote. Unfortunately not all members got to see this as they had wandered off ahead or wisely decided to stick to the higher part of the ridge. Alice's plant count for the day was c120 and included Globe Flower, Birds Eye Primrose, Butterwort, Yellow Rattle, Ragged Robin, Marsh Hawksbeard, Common Milkwort and Lousewort. Large numbers of moths were disturbed by the group; species identified were Silver-ground carpet, grass moths, Chimney sweeper moths and many plume moths (Stenoptilia pterodactyla). An unusual but attractive micro moth was also seen & photographed. This was subsequently identified by the County Recorder as either Aethes pierci or hartmanniana. He would have needed to see the actual insect to have been certain which of the two it was! Only 20 species of bird were seen and butterflies were few and far between but included a few Small Heaths, a Common Blue and late in the day a Small White. Those of us who descended the very steep slope and went back via the beck path probably regretted doing so as it was extremely uneven and muddy plus we were all being assailed by the indigenous wildlife in the form of a minute black midge which was far worse at the bottom of the hillside. Many of us including yours truly finished the day with hands dotted with red spots. As we spent some 2.5 hours exploring this orchid wonderland this left too little time to walk to Semerwater. Instead most of the group strolled part of the way towards the lake where we were able to enjoy the flora of the watermeadows. A brief stop at the northern end of Semerwater ended a rather splendid day and once again a dry Tuesday.

John Gavaghan