Previous Visits

BEES hosts a Wildlife Field Visit Programme throughout the year. The programme aims to explore a range of habitats to study their natural history and management issues relating to their upkeep. The programme is organised and delivered by a committed and knowledgeable group of volunteers.

The list below shows information about past visits. For reports and photos about these visits please visit:
* Blog
* Photos

TUESDAY 15th MAY; SUNNYDALE EAST MORTON and EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL

Submitted by Montse on Tue, 2012-05-15 22:00

Our morning visit will be to the delightful little valley of Sunnydale above East Morton. The distance involved is about 2miles with fairly easy gradients, but it is likely to be muddy in places and there are two stream crossings, so a stick would be useful. Because of the lack of parking areas, only minibus transport will be permitted.

There are toilets in E.Morton village.

In the afternoon we will visit is to this 17th century Manor House owned by the National Trust. Entrance to the house and the enclosed gardens are free to N.T. members, otherwise the cost is £5.70. However, we can access the gardens near the entrance, the picnic area, toilets, shop and café free of charge and there is a new one mile walk down by the River Aire.

There is ample parking.

Leaders: Joan Dobson, Janet Mawson.
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £5

TUESDAY 8th MAY; HACKFALL WOODS AREA

Submitted by Montse on Tue, 2012-05-08 22:00

Following our enjoyable previous visit to the woods, we are again walking in the area.

Parking will be at the main car park just beyond Grewelthorpe village, where we have parked previously. The distance covered will be about 2 to 2 ½ miles, but please note there is a fairly long, steep ascent and descent. The ground could be muddy underfoot.

Spring flowers and migrant birds should be in evidence.

Leaders: Donald Lightowler, John Gavaghan.
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £8

TUESDAY 1st MAY; PLUMPTON ROCKS

Submitted by Montse on Tue, 2012-05-01 22:00

This is a private small enclave situated just off the A661 between Wetherby and Harrogate (grid ref.SE35553Y). The site encompasses a lake, dramatic rocks and woodland with bluebells and rhododendrons. A stick would be useful for the terrain.

There will be a small entrance free, about £2.00 per person. There are no facilities on site.

In the afternoon we have a short circular walk, of approximately 1 ½ hours (3 miles), from Plumpton Rocks. Upmost care must be taken a fast road has to be crossed twice.

Leaders: Brian Ellis, Marilyn Barber.
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £7

TUESDAY 24th APRIL; RIPON SANCTUARY WALK

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-04-24 23:15

This is a walk of approx 4.5 miles following the boundary which afforded protection to those under threat of persecution within the diocese of Ripon. As well as the historical interest we would hope to enjoy some spring flowers on our path. The walk will be on the flat.

There are toilet facilities in the car park at Ripon. A visit can be paid to the lovely Ripon Cathedral at the end of the walk.

Leaders: Margaret Rees & Marilyn Barber
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £8

TUESDAY 17th APRIL; QUEENSBURY CIRCULAR

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-04-17 23:15

A walk of approximately 5 miles around part of the Queensbury boundary, passing through various urban, industrial woodland and meadows. There are 3 or 4 stiles some hilly areas and mud. We should see woodland birds and spring flowers.

Cars can be parked on the left hand side of the Queensbury Golf Club car park, Grid ref: SE107296

Coordinators: Brian Ellis and Eric Betty
There is no minibus transport. Meet golf club car park 10am. Cost £2.00

TUESDAY 10th APRIL PLANNING MEETING 10.00am YMCA THORNTON ROAD

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-04-10 23:15
Planning for the summer trips. 10am

TUESDAY 3rd APRIL; COLDSTONE QUARRY AND GOUTHWAITE RESERVOIR, NIDDERDALE

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-04-03 23:15

We plan to visit the Greenhow area to look at the spectacular sculpture created by international artist Andrew Sabin affording views of the working limestone quarry and Nidderdale landscape. We will walk 0.5 miles up a gradient to the sculpture. There is the Toft gate lime kiln to look at.

We will move onto Gouthwaite reservoir in Nidderdale to look out for birds.

Toilets are available in Pately Bridge.

Leaders: Margaret Rees & Donald Lightowler
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £8

TUESDAY 20th MARCH; PERSPECTIVES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-03-20 23:04

Venue: Unitarian Church, Russell Street 1 30pm-3 30pm

June and Julia will show their photographs and digital images of their visits to Namibia and South Africa. There will be a break for refreshments.

Coordinator: Margaret Rees Cost £2 which includes car parking.

TUESDAY 6th MARCH; FAR INGS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE, HUMBER BRIDGE

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-03-06 23:19

Bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit and waders are some of the birds we would hope to see in the reed beds, salt marsh and mudflats of this reserve. Previously an area of clay pits and tile yards the area has been developed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust into an SSI and National Nature Reserve.

Toilet facilities are available on the reserve. There will be the option of a visit to the visitor centre-information only (£1 donation to the Trust). Warm clothing is essential.

Coordinator: Margaret Rees
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £10

TUESDAY 21st FEBRUARY; YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK

Submitted by julia on Tue, 2012-02-21 10:17

On this date in February we are hoping to see the snowdrops flowering in the woods and the herons nesting. Opportunities for walking are good, either short or longer distance round the park and lake.If you haven’t seen the sculptures they are amazing!

There are toilets and a café. A car parking charge will apply.

Leader: Joan Dobson
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30am Cost £8