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Boar's Well Urban Wildlife Reserve

Clearing the spring at Boar's Well
BEES have been involved in the management of the Reserve since the year 2000

Boars Well pond clearance in Oct 2005Boars Well pond clearance in Oct 2005Boars Well Urban Wildlife Reserve sits on the hillside above Canal Road. It is council land and the responsibility of the Countryside and Rights of Way team. . Our key tasks involve keeping the pathways accessible. BEES have been involved in the management of the Reserve for the past 8 years, controlling the spread of Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam, management of the wildflower meadow and the pond.

The Reserve is on a south facing slope and is a popular site for butterflies and birds. Kestrels nest on or near the site each year and can often be seen hunting over the hillside.

Geolocation

53.807309, -1.752372

Conservation Work

Friday 2nd November 2012: Boar’s Well Urban Wildlife Reserve, King’s Road, Bradford, BD2.

Our task today was to prepare the hedge line that we will lay later in the season. This meant that we cut the lower branches of the hawthorn and removed the dog rose.  Also we started to prepare the coppice area of Hazel close to the hedge.  By doing this we open up the pathway to light, allow other vegetation to develop as well as create a different habitat on the site. After this preparation it was noticeable how much more light was entering the area. We also used the scythes to cut back the nettles along the pathway which will help us for when we mow the edges next year.

Today we worked with 6 volunteers and it felt like winter had joined us.

Click here to see other photos of the day.

 

Friday 19th July 2013 Boars Well Urban Wildlife Reserve, Kings Road, BD2

Our work at the site continued today, and we soon got organised with the tasks. The edges of the path were mowed and branches cut back, this improves the access to the site. Some areas of himalayan balsam were pulled up, but it is noticeable how this year there is less about on the site than other years. Litter was cleared and taken to the entrance where the Council’s Clean Team came and removed it. The area adjacent to Spink’s Well was cut and by doing this it opens the area up and gives other plants a chance to establish, currently the meadowsweet is developing well. The meadow area is looking different to other years with hogweed the dominant plant, but there is also yellow rattle and knapweed present, which are good sources of nectar. It was also pleasing to see that the hedge we cut and layed in December is growing well and there is a photo of it.

Today we worked with  7 volunteers.

Click here to see other photos of the day.