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WFV, Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve, 4th September 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Tue, 4th Sep 2012, 6:12pm
WeirWeirToday’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 PoleTotem 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 TortoiseshellSmall 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

WFV, Nostell Priory Parkland, 21st August 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 22nd Aug 2012, 7:03am
Nostell PrioryNostell 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 ObeliskApproaching 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

WFV, Bolton Percy Station and Askham Bog, 7th August 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Sat, 11th Aug 2012, 10:45pm
The Railway Children greet the Scarborough Spa Express!!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 FleabaneBlue 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 BarShaded 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

WFV, Worsbrough Country Park, 31st July 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Tue, 31st Jul 2012, 11:22pm
View of the MillView 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 WoundwortMarsh 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 MillstoneWheel 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

WFV, Staveley Nature Reserve, 24th July 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 25th Jul 2012, 3:12pm
Heading For The Plush HideHeading 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 OwlTawny 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 MothGarden 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 HelleborineMarsh 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

WFV, Birkdale Green Beach and Sand Dunes, 17th July 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Fri, 20th Jul 2012, 9:17am
Exploring The Sand DunesExploring 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 OrchidPyramidal 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 HelleborineDune 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 KnotFlock 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

WFV, Hay Bridge Nature Reserve, Cumbria, 10th July 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 11th Jul 2012, 11:50am
Haybridge Nature Reserve Study centreHaybridge 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 FernBeech 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 SnakeGrass 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

WFV, Marsett Hill and Semerwater, 3rd July 2012

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 4th Jul 2012, 8:36pm
Orchid HuntOrchid 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

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