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WFV Sizergh Castle & Environs 26th June 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 27th Jun 2012, 10:15am
CastleCastleThere were eighteen of us for today's trip. We divided into three groups, one chose to complete a tour of the garden and/or house and/or meadow: another did the Northern loop walk in search of butterfly orchid: the third climbed Scout Scar from Heslington church for views and butterflies. There was a spot of rain but in the main we kept dry. We were united for a drink at the excellent National Trust visitor centre at the end of the walk. There was a lot to delight the six of us in the gardens group. We saw numerous scarecrows dotted around the garden in amusing poses. The main garden had been built on limestone rock and contains interesting ferns such as Royal fern also skunk cabbage, primulas, acers and water lilies. There was a vegetable/herb garden and an orchard with a border of interesting ornamental ferns. The extensive lake and hay meadows complemented the grey stone of the house. Janet proved to be our knowledgeable garden guide. It was my plan to visit the meadow on the South loop walk. I found it was covered with an assemblage of traditional hay meadow plants; salad burnet, birdsfoot trefoil, fairy flax, speedwell and thyme but my search for orchid species was in vain. I saw two common blue butterflies dancing together. I took an alternative path back to the castle which soon petered out however I walked carefully around the edge of the hay field and climbed a wall and a gate which led me to the homeward path. Farmers were busy in the fields cutting the hay and feeding the sheep. A buzzard was seen in the distance and swallows circled overhead. The mist prohibited really good views of the Lakes and Morecambe Bay. It was great to be in such a lovely part of Northern England.

Margaret

Small Pearl Bordered FritillarySmall Pearl Bordered FritillaryFive opted for the walk to Scout Scar. We parked at Heslington church and walked down into the Lyth valley, once renowned for damsons but now seemingly almost bereft of them, before we made the short but steep ascent of Scout Scar. The overcast grey weather made any long-distance views non-existant and seemed to discourage many of the birds too, although we did see and hear stonechat and saw a buzzard but only recorded 22 species all day. Botanical highlights were dropwort, greater butterfly orchid and the usual delights of Scout Scar – lovely limestone plants and the Scout Scar specialities: heather on limestone, juniper and Lancastrian whitebeam. The grey weather did not encourage many butterflies onto the wing, but in the brighter intervals we did manage to find dark green and small pearl-bordered fritillaries as well as small tortoiseshell. A very pleasant walk thanks to Donald’s leadership.

Stuart

Jelly EarJelly EarEight of the group chose the steady walk up to Heslington Church with the main interest being botanical. Along the way plants encountered included hairy st john's wort, smooth hawksbeard and pale lady's mantle. Only one butterfly, a speckled wood, was seen and a rather attractive hoverfly as well as a few day flying moths. On the woodland path a superb example of jelly ear fungus was spotted. It was hoped that butterfly orchids would be found in the churchyard as they had been seen there a few years earlier. The search revealed only a few twayblades until Joan donned her x-ray specs and discovered a solitary unspectacular greater butterfly orchid. The return journey provided nothing further. The wildflower meadow in the grounds of Sizergh did however contain many twayblades and also greater butterfly orchids plus common blue damselflies and once again it failed to rain.

John

WFV, Local Wildlife Sites, 19th June, 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Fri, 22nd Jun 2012, 9:08am
By The PondBy The PondJulia led this weeks trip to three local wildlife sites. Our group of thirteen spent the morning at Railway Terrace nature reserve. This site was formerly a railway station and is now mainly lowland heath with a wildflower meadow and pond. There was an abundance of grass moths in the meadow and we also spotted a northern spinach moth. A few speckled wood butterflies were seen. In the lowland heath we saw numerous blue lacewings. By the pond large red damselflies were seen but we were most surprised to see a terrapin near vegetation in the water! Orange Tip, Toadholes BeckOrange Tip, Toadholes BeckA large swathe of greater spearwort gave a lovely splash of colour. We walked on to Toadholes Beck where we saw a longhorned beetle and had lovely views of a male orange tip butterfly. A jay was seen flying over the pond. Other birds recorded included chiff chaff, goldfinch, willow warbler and blackcap. Most of the group went back to the BEES base at Culture Fusion for lunch. Two of us stayed at Railway Terrace and we were rewarded with excellent views of a whitethroat. The afternoon started with a walk through Boars Well urban nature reserve. NewtNewtSpeckled wood and green veined white butterflies and common blue damselfies were seen. A kestrel hovered overhead. Later in afternoon we moved on to the BEES urban nature reserve. - a small reserve on university land on Laisteridge Lane. A few damselflies fluttered around the pond and many newts were seen swimming. Julia told us about the management of the reserve and did some pond dipping. Catch included caddis fly larvae, midge larvae and an adult newt. This was a pleasant day out and when the sun made an appearance it felt quite warm. At least it didn't rain!

Sue

WFV, Thixendale, 12 June 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 13th Jun 2012, 10:18am
ThixendaleThixendaleThe Yorkshire Wolds - clear blue skies, brooding clouds, steep dry valleys to climb and descend, flat tops, fields of rape corn and barley, sheep grazing - these were some of the features of this quintessentially English chalk landscape. This landscape has been made famous by Bradford's internationally-renowned artist - David Hockney. Our group had the treat of completing a 4.5 mile walk up hill and down dale, in part following the Wolds Way with the tiny village of Thixendale as our base. We were a party of 20 ably led by Alice and Ann who had completed several recces in advance.The weather kept fine with clouds and some sunshine but no rain. Common BlueCommon Blue ButterflyThe flora had a different feel - arable plants combining with grassland species and wayside plants. They included common poppy, cut-leaved cranesbill, chickory, hairy rockcress, musk thistle, rock rose, pignut and dame's violet. Over 100 species were recorded. Swallows, swifts and house martins were seen swooping over the village houses. Skylarks, linnet, yellow hammer and goldfinch were heard and seen in the fields. A kestrel was observed crossing the landscape circling above and a curlew bathed in a pond. The butterflies seen were orange tip, common blue, small heath and green-veined white. Some group members caught sight of a hare bounding across a field. A tired, almost semi-exhausted but well-satisfied group completed the walk at 4.30pm ready to travel by minibus and car back to Bradford. An excellent day out.

Margaret

WFV, Leighton Moss RSPB and Surprise Sites, 29 May 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Sun, 3rd Jun 2012, 10:12am
Hide ViewHide ViewAn almost empty mini bus left Bradford but it was full by the time we left our last pick-up point in Bingley on the familiar route to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve. We were of course too late in the day to see the bearded tits, and the elusive bitterns remained so, but the day did yield 48 other species of birds as we enjoyed the different habitats of the hides around the vistor centre and the remote Eric Morecambe and Allen hides. AvocetAvocetHighlights were two male marsh harriers hunting over the reed beds - the females were hopefully on their nests, lots of avocets with young seen from the Allen hide and a tawny owl spotted by those who ventured to the Griesdale hide. There is so much to see at Leighton Moss that we could well have spent the whole day there, but Joan had a treat in store for us as the birders tore themselves reluctantly away to visit two local nature reserves. Lady's Slipper OrchidLady's Slipper OrchidAlthough one irregular member of the group was convinced that we were on the wrong track, Joan pointed out that we were indeed in the exact spot for the highlight of the trip - the Lady's Slipper Orchid. A first sighting for most of the group and indeed a treat to be able to see this extremely rare plant in flower. Fly OrchidFly OrchidWe then made our way to the old quarry site of Trowbarrow local nature reserve to see another rare plant - the fly orchid, and then, despite extending the time of our departure as there was so much else to see, we had to make our way home before we had fully explored this site. We did have time to get good views of both male and female broad-bodied chasers which numbered amongst the 6 species of dragons and damels that we saw together with 5 species of butterfly which included a dingy skipper. So a happy group made their late way back to Bradford having enjoyed good weather and an excellent day's outing.

Stuart.

WFV, Flamborough and Bempton, 22nd May 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Fri, 25th May 2012, 7:44am

Flamborough with Alexanders in the ForegroundFlamborough with Alexanders in the ForegroundWhat a contrast to last week! As a full minibus set off on our extended day out to Flamborough and Bempton it was very warm and sunny with cloudless blue skies. As we stopped off en route to use the facilities it did feel cooler but still very pleasant and on arrival at our first stop at South Landing, although the skies were still cloudless we were glad we had brought out coats as there was a very strong sea breeze. Margaret and Brian were our leaders for the day and we had a detailed printed itinerary to facilitate the packed programme. At South Landing with its RNLI station we took a walk down to the beach to look out for migratory birds. GannetsGannetsOnce again our "proper" birders were absent so the "would-be" birders did their best. Our best sighting here was yellowhammers. We then piled back in the bus and headed for our second stop at Flamborough with its chalk cliffs and lighthouse. Some headed down the steep paths to the beach whilst others remained on top. Many of the paths were edged by alexanders. Another short bus ride took us to our lunch stop at North Landing where the path down to the beach passed weathered cobles and several caves could be seen. Kittiwakes were nesting on the cliffs and a pied wagtail was scavenging on the sand and a gannet formation did a fly past. BeachcombingBeachcombingThe afternoon was spent at the RSPB reserve at Bempton cliffs, renowned for its seabird colonies including puffins. It was disappointing to find a dearth of puffins but there were plenty of kittiwakes, razorbills, gannets and guillemots. Skylarks were displaying in the fields and linnets and tree sparrows were feeding near the visitor centre. Our bird count for the day was 26. 60 flowering plants were seen including alexanders and kidney vetch and at Bempton the coastal paths were lined with vast swathes of red campion. A caterpillar was found and this has been identified by John as a drinker moth. From Bempton we drove to the Black Bull at Escrick where we enjoyed a lovely meal. We arrived back in Bradford at about 9.15.

Sue

WFV, Sunnydale, 15th May 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 16th May 2012, 8:46am
Sunnydale - The Safe Way Back To The BusThe Safe Way Back To The Buswhat a surprising place!

Some of the quotes from our group:

"It puts a new dimension on Tuesdays" - Joan

"It's muddy" - Lorna

"Lorna's leap" - John

"If we can do that we can do anything" - Janet

"A day full of twists and turns" - Margaret

"All's well that ends well" - Joan

St George's MushroomSt George's MushroomWhat have we been upto? We walked in the delightful valley of Sunnydale near East Morton on a cold day in May. The countryside was superb with over 42 flower species identified as well as 32 birds (considering our regular bird recorders weren't present this was an excellent result). However there were one or two obstacles to overcome. The water level was high and produced scenic waterfalls. It also made beck crossing treacherous and difficult. Lorna had the unfortunate experience of slipping on a stone when crossing a beck and getting a soaking which she bravely dismissed. Pink BluebellsPink BluebellsOur return to the minibus was thwarted when we encountered a swollen beck. Martin "the new boy" led us back having found an alternative route. The cattle had also left us the challenge of very muddy paths to negotiate. There was a further twist to the tale when on arriving at East Riddlesden Hall, Maddy announced that she thought she had left her bag containing her most important wordly possessions on our path. (She later remembered that she had transferred these items into her pockets!). Thankfully the day ended with a cuppa in the tea room of East Riddlesden Hall, where we had spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring the gardens, including herb garden, house and riverside walk. 13 peope enjoyed our trip today. There was a wealth of plants to be seen en route. Violets were still in flower as well as woodland species such as wood sorrel. Marsh marigold shone through the wetland area. The patches of giant and field horsetail were extensive.The variety of bird life was impressive ranging from the little wren (seen on the grass at E Riddlesden Hall) to the red kite seen gliding over the moors. Species seen included several mistle thrush, dipper and bullfinch. East Riddlesden HallEast Riddlesden HallChiffchaff and willow warbler had arrived from Africa and were heard as were the distinctive calls of oystercatcher and curlew which were returning to the moors from our estuaries. A toad was seen grabbling with the muddy conditions. An insight into the industrial archaeology of the area was offered by Veronica. This was an enjoyable day out in all respects. It was great to think we could see such varied wildlife a short distance from "home". Thanks go to Joan and Janet.

Margaret

WFV, Hackfall Woods, 8th May 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Thu, 10th May 2012, 6:05pm
The FollyThe FollyDonald and myself led the group of 8 which would have been 9 if Margaret hadn't got her dates confused! Three group members who had booked to go had to withdraw owing to illness. Despite the poor weather throughout most of the past month we were once again lucky with our lot and we saw plenty of sunshine during the day although it remained too cold for any butterflies or day-flying moths. One high-flying large red damselfly was however spotted. The group were repeating a visit made in May last year but this time varied it by taking in more of the riverside, omitting the path to the fountain but including The Ruin and Lover's Leap. Conditions were muddy underfoot and walking sticks were particularly useful. During our riparian lunch (sandwiches on the beach) we enjoyed seeing up to 3 sandpipers flying up and down the river and displaying on the rocks. A grey wagtail was also present.Lunch On The BeachLunch On The Beach Altogether up to 18 birds were seen and on the path from the car park we heard blackcaps, chiff chaff and song thrush. The woodland plants were of course a delight with carpets of bluebells, anemones and stitchwort. Memorable plants included woodruff, sanicle and hairy st johns wortWood SorrelWood Sorrel (none of which were yet in flower), alternate-leaved golden saxifrage marsh marigold, moschatel and toothwort to which I have given the award of plant of the day; well I had never seen it before! This small patch was superbly spotted by Joan as most of the stems were obscured behind a tree. The woodland had also a rich variety of ferns, which several members of the group were able to identify. The day however was not too cold for a tiny species of pesky fly, which abounded in the car park, a good number of which took it upon themselves to travel back with us in the minibus!

John Gavaghan

WFV, Plumpton Rocks, 1st May 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Thu, 3rd May 2012, 3:36pm
Lakeside RocksLakeside Rocks8 people travelling by minibus met 3 car travellers for this weeks trip to Plumpton Rocks. Most of us were clad in waterproofs as there had been heavy rain en route and we were prepared for a soaking. Fortunately it was dry when we arrived but it was very cold and blustery. The morning was spent exploring Plumpton Rocks, originally a man made lake but very beautiful being skirted on one side by woodland with a fantastic display of bluebells and on the other side by dramatic rocks. One of the conifers had numerous flies clinging to the lower trunk. A treecreeper was seen on a tree in the car park. On the lake canada geese were nesting and a mandarin duck flew in and disappeared out of view. Three buzzards soared high above the lake. Other birding highlights included the first swift of the year, green woodpecker, black cap, red kite and grey wagtail. The total bird count was 41. It was amazing to see large trees growing on the rocks, some of them with large exposed tangled roots. After lunching at Plumpton Rocks we regrouped in the car park and following a brief trip out for a toilet break we set off on our 3 mile walk on field paths. We saw lots of pigs of various sizes. The little ones were very lively. The largest one gave some cause for concern as it seemed to be stuck in the mud and unable to stand on its back legs but on the return path we were relieved to see the same pig safely tucked up in his shelter. Botanical highlights included the bluebells, yellow pimpernel,Inkcaps?Inkcaps?Female Orange TipFemale Orange Tipyellow archangel and sandwort. There was quite a swathe of yellow archangel and it looked so pretty where it intermingled with the bluebells. 85 plants in flower were recorded. A solitary butterfly, a female orange tip was seen. A few fungi were seen including jelly ear, and possibly some type of inkcap. Just as we were on the home stretch light rain started and as we drove back the rain became heavy once again. We felt that we had been so lucky with the weather. It was a lovely day out and we were grateful to Brian and Marilyn for leading the trip.

Sue

WFV, Ripon Sanctuary Walk, Tuesday 24th April 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Fri, 27th Apr 2012, 8:06am
CathedralCathedralToday's walk was of historical interest. We walked a path that in medieval times delineated the area within which people were immune from civil law but could be subject to a much harsher ecclesiastical law. From the Cathedral steps we followed a path alongside the River Skell which joined the River Ure. Spring has arrived and was evidenced by the flowers and birds seen on our route. Joan and Alice and their followers recorded a total of 100 species in flower and 3 ferns. Notable species seen included few-flowered leek, corn salad, rue-leaved saxifrage, toothwort, greater stitchwort, marsh marigold, wintercress, bush and common vetch and hogweed. The bird list of 32 species included recent arrivals, chiffchaff, blackcap, willow warbler, linnet as well as resident dipper, grey wagtail, song thrush and skylark.The birds were carrying nesting material. Some mallard chicks were seen. 4 butterfly species including orange tip, small tortoiseshell and green-veined white were recorded. Few Flowered LeekFew Flowered Leek Lunch was taken near Hewick Bridge where the first sanctuary marker was located. Our path ran alongside fields and then down a green lane where the flowers, which included woodland species dog's mercury and lords and ladies (the sweet violets were lovely to see earlier), were thriving, enjoying a relatively sheltered position. Views of Ripon Cathedral were enjoyed before reaching Sharrow Cross the only original sanctuary cross where a short breather was taken before hitting the homeward track under the by-pass, past the clock tower and back to the Cathedral car park. 17 people enjoyed the 4.5 mile walk in cloudy but fine conditions.

Margaret

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