Previous Field Trips

Wensleydale is famous for its waterfalls which should be in full spate at the time of our visit.

Starting from the National Park Visitor Centre (information and toilet facilities) we walk to view Middle and Lower Falls through Freeholders Wood, a coppiced hazel woodland supporting early spring flowers and the site chosen for a dormouse introduction project. We plan a walk of 1.5 miles in the surrounding area affording views of Wensleydale and Castle Bolton. There will be birding as well as floral interest. Be aware of potentially slippery surfaces near the Falls.

Meeting Place: The at Norman Arch, Frizinghall   Note Meet at 10.30am 
Emm Lane may have parking spaces available due to the university vacation. There are several bus routes stopping by the park.  

This is a site last visited in 2017, it is notable for a wide variety of bird life particularly waders and wildfowl.

Bring binoculars and telescopes. There is also botanical interest alongside the main path. 

Leader: John Gavaghan and Margaret Rees
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £9
 

The meeting begins at 10am and will last until early afternoon.

You may wish to bring lunch with you. The kettle will be to hand. 
 

In the Lower Derwent Valley, this Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve attracts a wide range of birds in the autumn and winter with interesting migrants passing through also.

Birds of prey are regularly seen.

There are 4 viewing hides and level walking, but the area is subject to flooding, so please bring wellingtons. There is the possibility of visiting an adjacent site along the Derwent.
 

Leader: John Gavaghan and Alice Gingell
Minibus transport, depart, Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £10

It is a couple of years since we visited Old Moor, a premier bird watching site in Yorkshire.

We will see a variety of waders, ducks and gulls. There is a good bird feeding area for smaller birds. There are plenty of hides, level walking, a visitor centre with a café, toilets and shop. Don’t forget binoculars, telescopes and cameras.

There will be a charge for non-RSPB members. 

Leaders: Julia Pearson and Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £9
 

The Elizabethan hall designed by Robert Smythson and with Bradford connections to the Cunliffe – Listers is set amid 40 acres of award winning gardens with carpets of snowdrops heralding the spring – we hope.

Refreshments, toilets and shop available. A long journey, take sufficient food. Admission payable on the day: Gardens only £7/ £6.50

If we have to cancel due to poor weather this trip will take place on Tuesday 26th February – please indicate if you can come on this day

The plan today is to travel to a starling murmuration.

We cannot be specific about the details of the day until nearer the time as we will assess the best option in the week leading up to the trip.

Update your skills in using the blog on the new website.  
10.30-12.30 at Culture Fusion 

We will gather at the Unitarian Church to share a review of 2018 and plan for trips in 2019.

This is an opportunity to share your ideas for trips in the summer.

Please bring food to share and get your thinking caps on for the quiz.
Coordinators:  Alice Gingell and Sally Tetlow        Cost £3