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WFV, Worsbrough Country Park, 31st July 2012

View 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 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 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

Heading 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 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 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 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

Exploring 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 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 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 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

Haybridge 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 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 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

Orchid 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

CastleThere 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 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 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

By 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 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. Newt

NewtSpeckled 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

WFV, Thixendale, 12 June 2012

ThixendaleThe Yorkshire Wolds - clear blue skies, brooding clouds, steep dry valleys to climb and descend, flat tops, fields of rape corn and barley, sheep grazing - these were some of the features of this quintessentially English chalk landscape. This landscape has been made famous by Bradford's internationally-renowned artist - David Hockney. Our group had the treat of completing a 4.5 mile walk up hill and down dale, in part following the Wolds Way with the tiny village of Thixendale as our base. We were a party of 20 ably led by Alice and Ann who had completed several recces in advance.The weather kept fine with clouds and some sunshine but no rain.

Common Blue ButterflyThe flora had a different feel - arable plants combining with grassland species and wayside plants. They included common poppy, cut-leaved cranesbill, chickory, hairy rockcress, musk thistle, rock rose, pignut and dame's violet. Over 100 species were recorded. Swallows, swifts and house martins were seen swooping over the village houses. Skylarks, linnet, yellow hammer and goldfinch were heard and seen in the fields. A kestrel was observed crossing the landscape circling above and a curlew bathed in a pond. The butterflies seen were orange tip, common blue, small heath and green-veined white. Some group members caught sight of a hare bounding across a field. A tired, almost semi-exhausted but well-satisfied group completed the walk at 4.30pm ready to travel by minibus and car back to Bradford. An excellent day out.

Margaret

WFV, Leighton Moss RSPB and Surprise Sites, 29 May 2012

Hide ViewAn almost empty mini bus left Bradford but it was full by the time we left our last pick-up point in Bingley on the familiar route to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve. We were of course too late in the day to see the bearded tits, and the elusive bitterns remained so, but the day did yield 48 other species of birds as we enjoyed the different habitats of the hides around the vistor centre and the remote Eric Morecambe and Allen hides. Avocet

AvocetHighlights were two male marsh harriers hunting over the reed beds - the females were hopefully on their nests, lots of avocets with young seen from the Allen hide and a tawny owl spotted by those who ventured to the Griesdale hide. There is so much to see at Leighton Moss that we could well have spent the whole day there, but Joan had a treat in store for us as the birders tore themselves reluctantly away to visit two local nature reserves.

Lady's Slipper OrchidAlthough one irregular member of the group was convinced that we were on the wrong track, Joan pointed out that we were indeed in the exact spot for the highlight of the trip - the Lady's Slipper Orchid. A first sighting for most of the group and indeed a treat to be able to see this extremely rare plant in flower.

Fly OrchidWe then made our way to the old quarry site of Trowbarrow local nature reserve to see another rare plant - the fly orchid, and then, despite extending the time of our departure as there was so much else to see, we had to make our way home before we had fully explored this site. We did have time to get good views of both male and female broad-bodied chasers which numbered amongst the 6 species of dragons and damels that we saw together with 5 species of butterfly which included a dingy skipper. So a happy group made their late way back to Bradford having enjoyed good weather and an excellent day's outing.

Stuart.

WFV, Flamborough and Bempton, 22nd May 2012

Flamborough with Alexanders in the ForegroundWhat a contrast to last week! As a full minibus set off on our extended day out to Flamborough and Bempton it was very warm and sunny with cloudless blue skies. As we stopped off en route to use the facilities it did feel cooler but still very pleasant and on arrival at our first stop at South Landing, although the skies were still cloudless we were glad we had brought out coats as there was a very strong sea breeze. Margaret and Brian were our leaders for the day and we had a detailed printed itinerary to facilitate the packed programme. At South Landing with its RNLI station we took a walk down to the beach to look out for migratory birds. Gannets GannetsOnce again our "proper" birders were absent so the "would-be" birders did their best. Our best sighting here was yellowhammers. We then piled back in the bus and headed for our second stop at Flamborough with its chalk cliffs and lighthouse. Some headed down the steep paths to the beach whilst others remained on top. Many of the paths were edged by alexanders. Another short bus ride took us to our lunch stop at North Landing where the path down to the beach passed weathered cobles and several caves could be seen. Kittiwakes were nesting on the cliffs and a pied wagtail was scavenging on the sand and a gannet formation did a fly past. BeachcombingThe afternoon was spent at the RSPB reserve at Bempton cliffs, renowned for its seabird colonies including puffins. It was disappointing to find a dearth of puffins but there were plenty of kittiwakes, razorbills, gannets and guillemots. Skylarks were displaying in the fields and linnets and tree sparrows were feeding near the visitor centre. Our bird count for the day was 26. 60 flowering plants were seen including alexanders and kidney vetch and at Bempton the coastal paths were lined with vast swathes of red campion. A caterpillar was found and this has been identified by John as a drinker moth. From Bempton we drove to the Black Bull at Escrick where we enjoyed a lovely meal. We arrived back in Bradford at about 9.15.

Sue

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WFV, Worsbrough Country Park, 31st July 2012

WFV, Staveley Nature Reserve, 24th July 2012

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

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

WFV, Marsett Hill and Semerwater, 3rd July 2012

WFV Sizergh Castle & Environs 26th June 2012

WFV, Local Wildlife Sites, 19th June, 2012

WFV, Thixendale, 12 June 2012

WFV, Leighton Moss RSPB and Surprise Sites, 29 May 2012

WFV, Flamborough and Bempton, 22nd May 2012

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