WFV, Scargill House, 4th June 2013
Margaret
Margaret
June was the co-ordinator for our visit to Rodley Nature Reserve, a place that we have been to several times but our previous 2 visits were in the autumn. A lot of people had chosen to come by car and joined the few that travelled on the minibus. Graham, a volunteer at Rodley, joined June in welcoming us and informing us about recent developments at the reserve whilst providing us with hot drinks and cake in the visitor centre. Such luxury! The reserve is undertaking a project to introduce harvest mice - these tiny little creatures could be observed in a glass tank in the visitor centre. Graham then led us out beyond the butterfly bank and through the John Ackroyd meadow where we were shown kestrel boxes in which kestrels have successfully reared chicks in previous years. It is hoped that chicks will be seen again this year. We also saw wooden platforms where 2 pairs of swallows are believed to be nesting. We were then led to an area that is not accessible to the public down by the river where Yorkshire Water has constructed a fish pass that will enable several species of fish including grayling and trout to negotiate the weir. This will aid them in their migration, improve fish populations and should even benefit otters that feed on these fish. As we stood near the fish pass we saw reed bunting in the reed beds and heard the call of a water rail. We think we also heard a grashopper warbler but it did not make an appearance. We were shown a new construction, a swift tower, where swift call is periodically played to encourage them to come and nest as swifts are known to be reluctant to use new nesting sites.
At this point we were then let loose to explore the reserve as we wished. Birders headed for the hides and botanists for the meadows and fields. 50 birds were seen including reed warbler, sedge warbler, buzzard and whitethroat. A swan with 3 cygnets was seen on the duck marsh and an oystercatcher and chick on the lagoon. Over 70 plants in flower were recorded. The highlights were crowfoots, yellow water lily, bogbean and corn salad. The day had started overcast with a little light drizzle at times. The weather did brighten up and it got quite warm but we did not see any damselflies. Our butterfly man was a little out of sorts today and left early but we noted at least three species including orange tip. Our lunch was the second sitting in the visitor centre to avoid clashing with the school party that was spending the day on the reserve. All went smoothly thanks to the organisation of June and Graham.
Sue
Margaret
As is usual for these outings the weather was good. Actually it was splendid, hardly a cloud in sight all day. We began from The Malt Shovel and then headed up Goitstock Lane. This led us towards the delightful, undulating, unimproved grassland hillside, where we sat down for a very early drinks break. Joan informed us that this is the second best such site in the entire district.
We also stopped to read the informative notice board about the mill and its owners that had once occupied part of this site.
During the day we came across 45 plants in flower plus 6 ferns. Notables included Moschatel, Greater Stitchwort, Ladies Smock and Wood Sorrel. Joan also pointed out the leaves of Wolfsbane, a plant that flowers in July. Carpets of Celandines and Anemones were a delight. Bluebells however, were only just beginning to make a showing.
Butterflies were in short supply, given the warm conditions and we only sighted Orange Tip and Peacock.
There was a great amount of birdsong that included Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Song Thrush. Sightings were made of the first three and also of Dippers, Grey Wagtail, Jay and a Buzzard.
Lunch was taken near a row of cottages. Although much of the walk was easy there were some tricky patches; a boggy field and later a path by the beck crisscrossed by tree roots. One particular handrail proved a challenge but Phillip fortunately had both hands on the rail when his feet left the ground. Stuart and I were also there as supports so there was no real risk of any injury. We then passed by the waterfall which must be the finest in the district.
A rather splendid Summer Oyster Mushroom aka Branching Oyster (Pleurotus cornucopiae) was spotted on a dead Birch. A swarm of tiny moths were also seen, two of which were captured and later identified as Dyseriocrania subpurpurella. They were both later released unharmed although probably a bit stressed!
We finished up at Stephen Smiths Garden Centre where half of the remaining party treated themselves to drinks and cakes. The cafephobics however went off home for a cheaper cup of tea! Sue also bought herself a watering can.
John Gavaghan
Stuart
Sue
Margaret
Sue
What a brilliant day! Paul Hudson's weather predictions had turned out to be accurate. Fog and mist in the morning to be replaced by sunshine from midday onwards. On arriving at the Studley Roger car park we divided into two groups - those who planned to walk around the grounds of Fountains Abbey NT property and those who planned to complete the circular seven bridges walk in the environs. Six of us choose the walk which took us initially down the main drive with its avenue of lime trees. Unfortunately the mist shrouded Ripon Cathedral in the distance. At the bottom of the drive we took the farm track to the right passing a bank of snowdrops lining a field edge. A solitary curlew was spotted in the middle of the field. We walked through woodland to follow the banks of the River Skell and crossed over seven bridges. A grey wagtail was seen bathing in the fast flowing river. Alice took considerable interest in the lichens on the stone walls and trees. We admired the avenue of sweet chestnut trees with their contorted trunks and incised bark.The party emerged at the large ornamental lake where golden eye, tufted duck, greylag and canada geese were seen. It was an uplifting walk. At last we'd got it right and choosen a lovely day to be out and about.
Margaret
Our group chose to enter the Abbey grounds via the Studley Royal entrance. This proved to be wise as we were greeted by a National Trust guide who gave us an excellent introduction to the history of the site. None of us had realised that the World Heritage designation had been awarded not for the Abbey ruins but for the almost unique water features.
We headed alongside the foot of the lake towards the Abbey and soon took a steep but short uphill path that led us past various features such as the Octagonal Tower and Ann Boleyn’s Viewpoint. By this time any lingering mist had dissipated to leave stunning views of the water gardens and abbey. Because there was no breeze, the water acted in its intended way as a mirror for the evergreen vegetation. These gardens had been designed to be green the whole year round.
Akram who had rejoined the group after an absence of over 3 years, due to health reasons, stayed on the lower path and we soon met up with him when we made our descent. Another attendee was Virginia, a young volunteer BEES worker from Spain who was making her second field-visit with the group.
Birds seen included a Buzzard, Nuthatch and Little Grebe. On the lake were Gulls, Mallards, Swans, Coots and Tufted Ducks. A solitary Primrose was spotted by Janet. Much evidence of ongoing work was observed such as removal of some of the Yew trees and the creation of Bosquets.
After a visit to the Abbey Tearooms we made our way back via the ruins where we investigated several of the rooms including the Documents room.
John Gavaghan