Previous Field Trips

A requested return to this rich grassland site on the Yorkshire Wolds. Three species of orchid and the rare Thistle Broomrape are among the wealth of plants supporting insect life. Buzzards, linnets and yellow hammers are often seen. Although flat, stout footwear is recommended. No shelter, be prepared!
We will complete the day at nearby Thixendale at the gallery of local naturalist and artist Robert Fuller.
Toilets on route.

Leaders: Alice Gingell and Madeleine Massey
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £10 

The walk today is a circular of 3 miles on manageable terrain. The flora, including hoary rockrose and possibly horseshoe vetch, support a variety of butterflies.  Stonechats and skylarks should be around. We will stop in Settle for fish and chips on our return journey.

Leaders; Donald Lightowler and Julia Pearson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £11    Pick ups along The Branch – Keighley route
    

This lies to the east of the village of Strensall which is just a few miles north of York. We last visited on 20th Aug 2013 when we surveyed the section to the west of the railway track. This time we intend covering the north-easterly portion where it is hoped we may catch sight of the extremely rare Dark-bordered Beauty moth at its only English location.
Birds on site in June include Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Tree Pipit and Woodlark. There is botanical, butterfly and dragonfly interest on this large area of SSSI lowland heathland.

We made a brief visit to this YWT site in Ribblesdale last summer. We are returning today with more time to explore both the main pasture and upland hay meadow and the recently acquired adjacent fields. A range of orchids grow amongst other grassland species. There aren’t any paths around the reserve so we need to tread carefully to avoid the flowering plants. Some areas can be damp.  If we wish to visit another site, Brae Pasture is not far away. 
Toilets stops on route.  

This trip was cancelled due to severe weather warnings.

This trip was cancelled due to problems with the minibus.

The acid soil here has a variety of habitats supporting a wide range of organisms. Not only is there a wealth of invertebrates but also adders, lizards and palmate newts. Birds include woodlark, woodpeckers and woodcock. With a volunteer guide we may see the nationally rare May Lily. 
A short visit to nearby Calley Heath to look for Shepherd’s Cress, a Yorkshire rarity, may be possible. 

On route we shall pay a short visit to a small grassland and shrub reserve beside the station at nearby Bolton Percy. Askham Bog, Yorkshire’s oldest nature reserve, on the outskirts of York has base-rich soil with a great diversity of plants, birds and insects, and never disappoints. Let’s visit again before there are adverse effects from the proposed development in the area. 

Leader: Alice Gingell and Sue Norvill 
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £9
 

Bradford Cemetery Company went out of business in 1975 and the cemetery reverted to a more natural state.  Today it is a mixture of maintained areas and sections that have been left as wildlife habitats providing a vital haven for both flora and fauna.  Walking will be on good paths with some exploration of the more overgrown areas.  Distance no more than 2 miles.

Leaders: Sally Tetlow
No minibus transport; Cost £3.  Meet at The Lodge on Undercliffe Lane at 10.15 am. 645 bus from Market Street. 

We will enjoy this pleasant walk down a country lane and across fields leading to a bluebell woodland situated on the site of an Anglo –Saxon castle. Our starting point will be the car park of Weeton church (Map ref SE 284 465). Plants to look out for are false oxlip, primrose, toothwort, leopardsbane, wood stitchwort and fiddleneck. Birds to spot are red kite and yellowhammer.  An easy walk of approx. 3 miles. Toilet and cafe facilities available. 

Leaders: Margaret Rees and Marilyn Barber 
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £7

Today’s walk will cross fields, woodland and riverside. There are some short sections where the paths are a little steep and sections could be muddy. The walk will be no longer than 3 miles. We will see spring flowers and summer migrant birds. 

Leaders; Eric Beety and John Gavaghan
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £8