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WFV, Hardcastle Crags, 6th May 2014

Gibson MillWe were blessed with really beautiful weather for this week's trip to Hardcastle Crags. There was a slightly delayed start due to some minibus issues but Stuart kindly stepped in to drive the old bus at short notice and a badly signposted diversion en route to Hardcastle Crags led us down some interesting and challenging roads where we passed a couple of llamas. A couple of cars were waiting for us on our arrival. We divided into 2 groups. Donald led one on the riverside path and Joan led the other taking the easier estate road.

Pink PurslaneA roe deer was sighted by a couple in the group but the deer then came further out into the open and we were all able to see it. There were good displays of bluebells and in places these intermingled with swathes of pink purslane. There was much bird activity. On the river we saw a dipper and a mallard with 11 ducklings. Both mistle and song thrush were seen in or under the trees along with goldcrest,nuthatch and treecreeper. At Gibson Mill we stopped for lunch. After lunch Donald's group continued beyond Gibson Mill crossing 3 bridges before climbing up to the estate road to walk back. Close to the bridge at Gibson Mill I heard some scurrying in the vegetation. I stepped back and waited and was delighted to see a mouse make a brief appearance from a hole near the ground.

Tawny OwlHeron and grey wagtail were seen on the river. In total 30 birds were recorded. A green woodpecker was heard. 74 plants in flower/ferns were noted, the highlights being fairy foxglove on the bridge, hairy woodrush, 3 nerved sandwort and wood speedwell. Fungi included turkeytail, dryad's saddle and lumpy bracket. On the estate road back to the car park we came across a toad which was safely placed in vegetation on the side of the path. Further on I noticed a large hole in a tree from which I saw the head of a baby tawny owl. It quickly drew back into the hole and only a small part of its light grey downy plumage could be seen. I waited to see if it might emerge once more. Unfortunately it did not, but a commotion in a nearby tree drew my attention to an adult tawny owl seeing off another bird and it then sat quietly in the tree and was still there when I had to leave to get back to the car park. Many thanks to Donald and Joan for leading this splendid day out.

Sue

Getting Started at Culture Fusion

We sowed our first seeds in the raised beds at Culture Fusion on 30th April.

These included carrot, Red Elephant; turnip; kale; beetroot; and peas.

As well as these seeds we planted a few potato tubers.

In addition to these seeds planted directly into the raised beds, some seeds have been planted in pots inside to give them some protection until the weather is warmer. Tomatoes and pepper were sown earlier in April (later than ideal, and they took ages to germinate so are rather behind schedule). On 7th May we sowed beans, squashes and cucumbers.

WFV, Skipton Woods, 29th April 2014

Hairy BittercressThirteen bodies on the minibus were met in Skipton by three more to undertake a stroll through Skipton Castle Woods. We were led by Joan Dobson (whom we welcomed back after injury caused her to miss last week's trip) and Margaret Rees. Spring has truly sprung and the sun shone which made for for a delightful day. As more and more plants are now appearing, the pace of the walk was back to the usual BEES investigative meader as we slowly made our way along the old canal and into the woods. Wild garlic gave off its distinctive aroma and was one of 70 plants in flower (including ferns) recorded by Joan with herb Paris, toothwort, moschatel and goldilocks buttercup being the most prized sightings.

Grey WagtailBirds were busy with nesting and 28 species were recorded - the highlights being dipper, goldcrest, blackcap, nuthatch and tree creeper but missing from the list was heron which we had expected to see nesting in the woods. Only three species of butterfly were recorded - orange tip, peacock and small tortoiseshell. We had hoped that we might see the year's first damselfly but that will have to wait for another week.

Herb Paris Flower Exhorbitant parking charges meant that we had to return to the minibus by 2.30pm in order to minimise the cost and so we had an hour at the end of the walk to explore Skipton and whilst some enjoyed ice creams in the sunshine, others headed for the tea rooms to round of a most enjoyable day. Thanks to Margaret and Joan for organising the day and to Robert (fortified by a bag of chips) for his driving.

Stuart

P.S. Those of you who look at Sue's super photos on the gallery will note that she has now posted 2001 images on this website. Although there are a few photos that have been taken by lesser beings, 99% of them are Sue's own work and they give a real insight into the activities of the group. Well done Sue, we are most grateful for your efforts.

Wheelbarrow planting

On the 23rd April 2014 as part of the Tea Hut project, BEES were invited to Forresters bistro to set up a seed planting stalls and to get the public motivated to grow vegetables. We also took along an old wheelbarrow to make a portable garden to be filled with a smorgasbord of vegetables, fruit and herbs. As well as other activities for everyone to enjoy Amanda and Toby, headed off to the event ready to round up budding gardeners and food growers.

With the sun shining they both got set up and began drawing over the public, to start with a young girl came running over and began to make paper pots. Before long the inspiring young gardener had made a tray of paper pots and was making a start on planting strawberries in the wheelbarrow. As the day went on more and more people joined in making paper pots and planting seeds to take home and help plant in the wheelbarrow we were joined by the performers of Studio Y who before and after there performance had a go at making some paper pots and planted herbs such as Chives.

By 3 o'clock the event was over and the barrow was full, so we packed up and headed back to Culture Fusion

WFV, Hetchell Wood YWT Reserve 22nd April 2014

Early Purple OrchidDespite cloudy conditions and some rainfall the Bees party of twelve enjoyed a productive short day out in this species-rich YWT woodland on the outskirts of Leeds. We were well led by Eric who has visited this woodland on many occasions. The bird list was a relatively short one -14 species, notable sightings were Blackcap and Marsh Tit (seen only by John). However it was the spring flora that we delighted in seeing, the count being 42. ( I wonder whether we will exceed this figure on our next visit to Skipton Woods). The woodland contains a mixture of alkaline and acid soils producing an interesting variety of flora. Extensive coppicing of Hazel and other trees has taken place, hence the high numbers of habitat and log piles, creating a more extensive area for woodland flora to generate. This experiment did appear to be bearing fruit or should I say flora. ToothwortThe flora seen can be identified as :- The yellows - Celandine, Marsh Marigold, Primroses, Cowslips, Golden Saxifrage and Yellow Archangel. The blues and purples- Bluebells, Violets Dog and Hairy, Green Alkanet, Early Purple Orchid. The whites - Wood Anemone, Wood Sorrel, Wild Garlic, Dogs Mercury, Jack by the Hedge. The greens - Lords and Ladies, Twayblade (in leaf). The grasses and sedges - Wood melic, Woodrush, Spring Sedge, also a parasite on elm Toothwort. Finally, the fungus species seen was King Alfreds Cakes and the butterfly species seen was Speckled Wood. Regretfully several of our members were missing. We felt our identification skills were gently being rekindled following a period of inactiviity during the winter months. We look forward to our next woodland visit to the Woodland Trust reserve at Skipton Woods. Thanks to Eric for a good day out.

Margaret

WFV, Cusworth Park, nr Doncaster 15th April 2014

Cusworth Hall

This was a change to the programme as we had intended to visit Hooton Pagnell in order to see the wild daffodils. The walk leader was unfortunately, however, unable to attend. The decision, therefore, was taken to postpone this visit to next year.

The weather during the day was splendid; blue sky throughout and only a gentle breeze. We invariably have good weather but this was the best day of the year so far. Four of the group had to cancel at short notice so only 11 members were able to enjoy the lovely day.

The warm conditions brought out the butterflies in numbers and we were fortunate to see 8 different species in all; Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Comma and a couple of Holly Blues. No damselflys were spotted.

A total of 59 plants in flower were recorded by Alice including Yellow Archangel. Birds seen included Mistle Thrush, Wren, Dabchicks, Chiff Chaff and Blackcap. ChiffchaffA small cluster of St. George's mushrooms was the only fungi recorded.

The site isn't large and we were able to cover it quite quickly so plenty of opportunities to spend time in the very popular cafe. Being Easter holidays it was pretty busy with many families enjoying the park.

Gillian and Dania opted for a more cultural day by visiting the Hall.

The driving was shared by Sue and Robert

John Gavaghan

WFV, Wheldrake Ings, 1st April, 2014

Rusty Wind TurbineWe had planned to visit Wheldrake Ings last autumn but the trip had to be postponed as a dry spell had left the reserve with very little standing water. One of the wettest winters on record meant there was no such problem this time. Stuart was our leader for the day and was also driving the full minibus which parked up at Bank Island, part of the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve. A moth trap had been running overnight and John in particular took considerable interest in trying to identify the moths that lingered on the eggboxes. As we made our way down to the 2 hides sited on this reserve, a herd of cows started charging at us. Fortunately it was only a short-lived stampede and the cows came to a halt. The second hide was the better of the two. Birds seen included shelduck and gadwall. On the riverbank close to the hide both male and female goat willow were growing. Whilst heading back to the car park to use the picnic tables we spotted a treecreeper and possibly a bullfinch. After lunch we walked on to Wheldrake Ings where there were several hides.

Small TortoiseshellThe morning had been overcast but the afternoon was much brighter and this brought out the butterflies, small tortoiseshell, peacock and brimstone. Most of the birds were quite distant but two telescopes were available and whooper swans were spotted. Waders were lacking. Three buzzards were seen in flight and a marsh tit was noted. 48 birds were recorded. Donald reported that someone had seen a pintail but no-one I spoke to said they had seen it! 14 plants in flower were recorded, the most notable being hogweed which is flowering very early. Robert spotted a stoat and I was pleased to also catch a glimpse of it when it popped its head up for a second time from the end of a boardwalk. The paths were very muddy in places and Robert gallantly cleaned Marilyn's boots for her before boarding the bus for our return journey. Sue

WFV, Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, 18th March 2014

From Piper Marsh Hide

A party of 14 led by Donald set off for YWT's flagship reserve. This large site lies 2 miles south of Doncaster, alongside the M18 at DN4 8DB. It has 13 hides and is bissected by a main railway line, so not the quietest place in the world. The Sedum House entrance is opposite B and Q. There is ample car parking and various toilet facilities.

The weather wasn't as good as it usually is on our outings as we suffered several short light showers and it was breezy throughout. However, had we stayed in Bradford we would have had rain for most of the day! We were luckier, as for most of the afternoon we had sunshine; albeit accompanied by a cold wind. Unsurprisingly no butterflies or moths.

Female Reed BuntingDonald recorded 38 species of birds which included: Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Wren, Gadwall, Pochard, Shoveler, Dabchick and Marsh Harrier. There were large numbers of Black-headed Gulls and a few Lesser-black backs so yet more layers of noise! Towards the end of the afternoon, Martin, Marilyn and myself found ourselves in the Piper Marsh hide where we were treated to the sight of a nesting Kingfisher. This had been spotted by Marilyn, despite not having brought her binoculars. Whilst we were observing this bird she noticed a large bird flying above the reedbed. Marilyn had hit the jackpot as it was the site's star attraction; a Bittern!

If only Annie had arrived 30 seconds earlier she would have seen it too. Mind you, the Kingfisher was still there! On the way back we heard our first Chiff Chaffs of the year.

Joan recorded 17 plants and 3 ferns including Early Dog Violets and Celandines. Willow TitOnly fungi seen were Turkeytail, Bich and Blushing Brackets. There was also plenty of evidence of leaf mining on brambles by the micro moth 'Stigmella aurella'.

Janet was distressed when she realised she had left her rucksack in the previous hide; fortunately, it was still there. The tearoom was well attended by the group, some of us making 2 visits!

The driving was shared by Robert and Sue.

John Gavaghan

WFV, Golden Acre Park and Paul's Pond, 4th March 2014

Scarlet Elf CupThis week's trip to Golden Acre Park was a popular one with a nearly full minibus meeting up with 4 cars. We started the day by walking to Paul's pond. Some of the group had not been here for many years and were pleasantly surprised at how it had been developed. Our leader Marilyn set an unusually fast pace for BEES and some of us were lagging behind looking at fungi. Our first and best fungi of the day was the scarlet elf cup. We also noted turkeytail, lumpy bracket and dead man's fingers. On our return leg from the pond there was a shower but it wasn't heavy or prolonged and it didn't spoil the day and once this passed we did get some sunny spells.

Snowdrops Most of the group then made their way to Adel Dam Nature Reserve where we tarried in the first hide for lunch. We saw a good range of birds including mandarin, nuthatch and greater spotted woodpecker. A lone rat also put in an appearance under the bird feeders. The path to the second hide was very muddy and only the most intrepid chose to brave the conditions.

Mandarins In the afternoon the group dispersed - some wandered around the park and spent time in the cafe, some sat and chatted in the sun and others went on a bird hunt. A red kite and a buzzard were sighted. There were numerous tufted duck on the lake as well as greylags and mallards. Redwing were seen on the periphery of the park along with goldfinch and mistle thrush. A jay was also spotted. The first celandine of the year was noted and there were beautiful displays of snowdrops. A lovely early Spring day out.

Sue

WFV, Indoor Meeting, 18th February 2014

A fascinating afternoon enjoyed by 18 of us when we roamed from the northern wilderness of the Taiga forest of Finland to the sandy beaches and coral reefs of Mauritius with the soft grassy downs of Hampshire sandwiched in between . We enjoyed the evocative scenery of Finland to the strands of Sibelius's 2nd symphony; the butterflies and orchids of the Hampshire Downs and Isle of Wight and especially those colourful fish of Maurtius's coral reefs. Presentations by Margaret, John and Martin made up a very varied programme and were very much appreciated by the group. In addition we had the treat of cake provided by Alice and Janet. Thanks to Nick and Julia for supporting the meeting.