WFV, Wharram Percy and Wharram Quarry, 21st June 2011
Sue
Sue
Stuart
Stuart
Margaret
13 of us; 11 travelling in the mini bus and 2 independently (Annie and Dania) enjoyed a superb day out in Hackfall woods, an historic ancient woodland and SSI situated in a 350 feet gorge alongside the River Ure Nr Masham in North Yorkshire. The woodland has a mix of native trees which have grown to a considerable height dominated by oak with beech, lime, elm and silver birch. There is a rich understory of plants including ferns. Hackfall was a place of pilgramage for those on the Grand Tour and visited and painted by Turner and other notable artists. Hackfall consists of a natural woodland and garden with folly features by William Aislabie (who designed the Studley Royal gardens). We were greeted by Paul Mosley, warden employed by the Woodland Trust, who own the reserve - purchasing it in 1989 as a result of the efforts of local residents who formed the Hackfall Trust and were fearful of it falling into unsympathetic hands. The vistas of Masham church, Mowbray Castle, Forty Foot Fall from the Grotto, Fountains Pond and Fountain, the Ruin, Fisher's Hall plus many other waterfall features and cascades were enjoyed. The trees and plants were magnificent; 130 plant species were recorded, 70 in flower. Noteworthy species were yellow pimpernel, sanicle, woodruff, common twayblade, greater horsetail, water and wood avens plus hybrids. The woodland floor was carpeted with dogs mercury, ramsons and ferns (10 species). Birds in evidence were blackcap, chiffchaff, wood warbler and buzzard. Butterflies were in present in the glades (4 species peacock, green-veined white, orange tip, speckled wood plus one interesting moth identified by John as Clouded Magpie were seen). The ponds yielded newts and tadpoles. Although cloudy it was dry and warm. Hackfall is a very special place.
Margaret
Sue
Stuart
A nearly full minibus met up with several car travellers to form a group of sixteen. Our starting point was the very pretty village of Downham, which lies just east of Clitheroe. A little stream with a beautiful stone bridge was lined by quaint little cottages with immaculate, colourful gardens. It was surprisingly cold and blustery, and the sunshine was interrupted by light showers throughout the morning. We soon left the road to follow undulating paths through fields including an old Roman road, and alongside streams. The loud song of our first willow warbler of the year alerted us to its location. There were numerous stiles to negotiate, but this was a lovely route affording stunning views of the Ribble Valley. 29 birds were recorded including buzzard, kestrel and pied wagtail and our first swallow of 2011 was spotted as we sat having lunch. We were delighted by the spring flowers. Patches of primroses gave lovely splashes of yellow, and there was a resplendent bank of purple, mostly dog violets but with a smattering of sweet violets. An impressive clump of toothwort was seen. Wild garlic was prolific, but was not yet in full flower. 50 flowering plants and 3 ferns were recorded. Towards the end of the walk we dropped down onto a country lane that headed back into the village past a lime kiln. On this lane we saw lots of goldilocks buttercups, garlic mustard and rue-leaved saxifrage. The afternoon remained dry, and we had all enjoyed the splendid display of spring flowers and the stunning landscape. Before returning to Bradford, we enjoyed refreshments in the local tea room.
Sue
The day started brightly when Sue distributed birthday flapjack to the 14 participants of today's local walk organised by Lorna and Brian. We were pleased to welcome Geoff and Mary Twentyman, local historians and conservationists well known to quite a few of our members, for their first BEES outing. The threatened rain did not appear but we were buffeted by winds on the high ground of Clayton before we dropped down to a more sheltered valley bottom and the Queensbury Triangle - the site of the unique three-sided railway station that was closed 55 years ago and which now forms part of the Great Northern Trail where we stopped for lunch. Fine views were obtained in the sunny spells that we enjoyed throughout the walk. The prize offered for the sighting of the first swallow of the year remained unclaimed (although one was spotted later in the day in Cleckheaton) but 20 species of birds were recorded, including a yaffling green woodpecker (in the same spot that we had recorded this bird two years ago). 24 plants were in flower, including what Lorna reckons is Clayton's last cowslip, and recorder Alice (deputising for an ill Joan) was pleased to be able to find dog lichen as well as different mosses and other 'miscellaneous' flora. Mud on one stretch and the high winds meant that we reduced the length of the walk somewhat and after lunching at 11.15, Clayton church clock was just striking 1.00pm as we concluded a short but very pleasant walk.
Stuart