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Amethyst DeceiverToday's trip got off to an unusual start when one of our number got left behind when the minibus departed from the Italian Centre!  Having retrieved the stray, 14 people arrived in good spirits at Anglers Country Park, Wintersett, which is 4 miles south of Wakefield.  The Park is a former opencast mine which was reclaimed 25 years ago and forms part of a larger area of interest joined by the 10 mile Waterton Trail, named after Charles Waterton, creator of the world's first nature reserve at nearby Walton Hall almost 200 years ago.

We spent the morning walking round the lake at Anglers and through the woodland walk where we enjoyed the autumn colours and saw many interesting species of fungi including the unusual verdigris toadstool and lots of fairies' bonnets.  By the time we reached the main bird hide the sun was breaking through and we watched lapwings wheeling and wigeon, pochard, great crested grebe, gadwall and tufted ducks swimming.  Robert's scope gave us good close-up views of these birds together with a linnet having a late morning bath.  We saw some nice examples of fungi near the Pol hide together with a broad-leaved heleborine in fruit.

Flowers of Tan (A slime mould, also known as the "Dog Vomit Slime Mould"!)After an alfresco lunch (the cafe was closed for renovation) we split into two groups, one to investigate the delights of Haw Park Wood, the other to see what birds we could see on the other two nearby reservoirs, Wintersett and Cold Hiendley, built 150 years ago to supply the Barnsley Canal which ran nearby. The wood party added quite a number of different species to the fungi list (two illustrated here and many more, beautifully photographed by Sue, in the gallery, and all expertly identified by Joan) and the birders managed to find a female scaup (with the aid of a more knowledgeable local birder) and seven common scoters.  The ferruginous duck and the cetti's warblers that had been in residence for the previous few days eluded us.

The weather stayed sunny for the rest of our stay and we were able to record 35 bird species and a speckled wood butterfly which together with a few dragonflies was enjoying a late fly round in the afternoon sun.

Another pleasant BEES day out.

Stuart 

Woodland PathIt was a misty start for today's trip to Harewood led by Joan. Although this did improve through the day as we walked the 5 mile circuit around the Harewood estate, it did remain gloomy and overcast but stayed dry. Although gloomy, it was mild as our group of 13 followed paths through fields grazed by sheep and cows, and through woodland. We saw a number of fallow and red deer early on in the walk. There were only fleeting sightings of red kites, on a day when only 19 bird sightings were made. Shaggy ParasolThis included coal tit, nuthatch and a kestrel which was spotted perched at the top of a hawthorn tree. A highlight of the walk was seeing a large flock of several hundred geese flying over in formation. Numerous fungi were seen including fly agaric and fairies bonnets, but the shaggy parasols were most impressive. This was a very pleasant autumn walk. 

Sue 

Near Dragonfly MarshAlthough we normally move to fortnightly outings once September arrives, we inserted this extra trip as Rodley is not open to the public on Tuesdays and this was the only day in September on which they could accomodate us.  We had visited this impressive 100 acre reserve only last August and noted several improvements that had been made in the past year.  New steel hides were in place to replace those vandalised and burnt down, the riverside path had been extended and much thinning of reeds had taken place to allow better sightings from the hides.

The day was coordinated by June Ackroyd, a member both of BEES and Rodley and we were welcomed by Peter & Barbara Murphy who gave us an introductory talk and then led us on a tour of the reserve before before allowing us to explore at will during the afternoon.  Peter was pleased to note 5 wigeon on the lagoon, the first sightings of the season and an early record.  At the same time we were treated to a fly round by 5 gadwall, later joined by another 4 to make a lovely sight against a clear sky.  A group of teal, a couple of mute swans and three cormorants also took to the air whilst swallows and house martins hawked and as dragonflies and butterflies were continually on the wing at lower levels and planes came and went from Yeadon we enjoyed an impressive aerial display throughout the day.

Southern Hawker FemaleJoan & Alice recorded 177 species of plants (with 92% in flower according to Alice's calculations!), including 20 species of grasses, sedges and ferns. Highlights from the botanists were spiked water milfoil, narrow-leaved water plantain, marsh cudweed, common fiddleneck, celery-leaved buttercup and marsh mallow. Although many summer migrants had departed for warmer climes, Donald nevertheless recorded 33 species of birds, 7 butterflies, a pink-barred sallow moth and a frog.

The weather forecast didn't promise a good day, but in fact the sun shone throughout our stay which was enjoyed by all 14 of our party.  Rodley depends entirely on volunteers to run the reserve and the work that they do is most impressive.  It's an extremely well run and managed reserve, only 4 miles from the centre of Leeds, and is well worth a visit anytime (open to the public 10am-4pm on Wednesdays and weekends only).

In the absence of our regular photographer, Sue, who had deserted us for a week in Derbyshire, Barbara very kindly agreed to deputise and let us have a few photos of the day.  You'll find these here and on the gallery (all the best ones are Barbara's!).

Stuart

WheatearFor today's trip to Thruscross reservoir, 9 travelled in the minibus, meeting up with 2 who had travelled by car. The minibus journey was rather eventful, the first problem being a late departure due to a delay in getting the keys for the bus. A stop off at Swinsty reservoir to use the facilities proved problematic when the minibus got wedged under the car park entry gate. It's so easy to forget about the roof rack on top! Having extricated the bus, the journey resumed but was delayed again when it was unable to pass a vehicle on a narrow road, and it had to reverse a considerable distance before it could proceed. Eventually, it arrived at Thruscross reservoir and spirits were not dampened. Buoyed up by the glorious sunshine, we set off  on a 4 and a half mile walk around the reservoir. First we followed the path through woodland and then an uphill stretch on the road, before we turned off onto field paths continuing to climb to the northernmost tip of the reservoir. Here we stopped for lunch enjoying the wonderful views. We then continued on a steep downhill path, and crossed a little stream via a footbridge. Another steep climb took us to Roundell's allotment, where the path then descended back to the reservoir, and we followed the shore path back to the car park. Heron20 birds were recorded, the highlight being wheatear and the 3 birds of prey - buzzard, red kite and kestrel. 8 butterflies were recorded including small heath. 125 plants were recorded, the highlights being New Zealand willowherb, climbing corydalis, lemon scented fern, common hemp nettle and sneezewort. Several fungi were noted included stinkhorn, sulphur tuft, boletus and shaggy ink cap. It was a beautiful walk in perfect weather conditions.

Sue 

View From The PepperpotOur expectations were somewhat low when as a party of 14 we set off from the Bradford area dressed in suitable wet weather attire. However they rose as we approached our destination. First blue sky was seen and then Warton Crag bathed in sunshine. We set off from Silverdale beach in sunny but windy conditions. After some initial disappointment (Eric had described a sea of autumn ladies tresses on the Lots) there was delight when Donald was the first to spot the spikes of several of these orchids growing on the top of a hummock. Autumn Ladies TressesThey were seen again on other hummocks and also next to the path traversing the field. This particular field which is managed by the National Trust is a national treasure in terms of botanical interest throughout the year. Although late in the season we were able to enjoy rockrose, thyme and ladies bedstraw in flower. Our lunch was taken in the shelter of a dry stone wall.

The walk proceeded around the cliff edge and then onto the cove, through Emslack where sow thistle, whitebeam, and alpacas were admired. Our ascent through Eaves Wood, a typical ash/hazel/yew woodland on limestone pavement, was gradual. Blue SowthistleNo-one was brave enough to commit to identifying the endemic Lancastrian whitebeam, however the ferns -six in number - included male, scaly male and polypody. We were able to enjoy stupendous views of Morecambe Bay, the Forest of Bowland, Grange over Sands and the Lake District fells from the Pepperpot, a stone monument in the shape of a pepperpot created to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee year. Some interesting plants; cotoneaster, heather - ling and cross leaved heath, were seen on the summit (acid soils exist on top of the limestone). On our descent in a woodland clearing common dog violet was seen in flower. We called in at Leighton Moss for a "cuppa" on our way home. 122 plant species were recorded by Joan and Alice, 22 bird species and 5 butterflies by Donald.

It was a satisfying and memorable day out to one of our favourite parts of Northern England. Thanks go to our leaders and driver for the day - Donald, Margaret and Stuart.

Margaret  

Ranger Sarah Shares Her EnthusiasmToday's trip was to South Humber/North Lincolnshire to visit Waters' Edge Country Park which is situated on the South bank of the River Humber - on the other side of the Humber Bridge.  An almost full minibus of 14 members left Bradford in the hope that the amended weather forecast would be correct and that we would enjoy a dry day as opposed to the wet day that had originally been feared.  We were lucky and the sporadic bright intervals of the morning gave way to much longer spells of sunshine as the day progressed.

Waters' Edge was created about 10 years ago from the site of an old ICI chemical works and involved the removal of an incredible 400,000 tons of contaminated soil.  Our Ranger guide, Sarah, had been involved almost from the start of the project and her enthusiasm for the site was abundently evident as she showed us round.  Her guided tour was originally scheduled to last 2 hours in the morning but such was the enthusiasm of Sarah to show us the secrets of the site and to tap into the knowledge of Joan and our other experts about the plants which grow there that she finally ended up saying goodbye at 5.00pm!

Over a hundred plants were recorded - the highlight was undoubtedly the buttonweed which formed a carpet of yellow on the edge of a dry pond which Sarah was able to take us to off the beaten track.  Other interesting plants were ploughman's spikenard and marsh cudweed, whilst an abundance of purple loosestrife and pungent fennel impressed.

We're not quite into the season of mists and mellow fruitfullness but fruits abounded and as Robert was with us today he, and others, were keen to taste bramble, crab apple, sea buckthorn and bullace whilst Amanda demonstrated how to eat sloes (not something that many of us tried!)   

Knapper GallWe didn't spend much time on the banks of the river Humber which probably limited the bird count but 31 was nevertheless a reasonable total for the day.  11 butterfly species were seen, painted lady probably being the most surprising.

The cafe in the visitor centre provided lunch for some of the group but was closed by the time we finished our extended tour, although the staff in the centre stayed on after closing time to ensure that we had a comfort break before departure which was much appreciated.  So ended an enjoyable day, made more so by the enthusiasm of Sarah who fights a never-ending battle with local hooligans who do not seem dampen her spirit - an impressive lady.

Thanks to our organisors and to Sue who led today's trip.

Stuart

Where Am I?Joan and Marilyn led an entourage of 15 for today's trip to Ashberry Pasture and Rievaulx Terraces. It was a little cool considering it was August, but we were grateful that we didn't get rained on. Ashberry Pasture, managed by the Yorkshire Wildife Trust, occupies the sides and floor of a deep valley with complex geology giving arise to diverse habitats. The valley sides are mostly wooded, and moist grassland sits in the bottom where a stream runs through the reserve. We spent the morning and early afternoon exploring the site. A deer was spotted on the far side of the stream, doing its best to hide in the grass. Many butterflies were flying despite the lack of sun. We recorded about 7, including red admiral, small copper and large white. Only a dozen birds were recorded, with the highlight being a willow tit which sang and gave a good display. 114 flowering plants/ferns were recorded including marsh lousewort, fragrant orchid and pepper saxifrage, which was a first for the BEES group. While we lunched by the stream Joan was befriended by a grasshopper that took a liking to her trousers. Numerous green froghoppers were leaping amongst the vegetation and even seen swimming in the stream!

View Over RievaulxMid-afternoon we took a short drive to Rievaulx Terraces, a National Trust property, comprising grassland surrounded by woodland overlooking Rievaulx Abbey. On admission, we were advised to head for the Ionic temple, where the guide gave a very over the top, dramatic, gesticulative account of the history of the temple. We then strolled down the terrace to the Tuscan Temple whilst enjoying the stunning views over Rievaulx Abbey. At the base of the Tuscan Temple pretty little blue harebells grew alongside yellow bedstraw. Our route back took us through woodland which was dominated by dogs mercury. We enjoyed ice creams or hot drinks in the visitor centre before returning back to the bus having enjoyed another lovely day out.

Sue  

High Brown FritillaryA party of 14 set out on the Bees trip to Silverdale and the Gait Barrows NNR. We were uncertain as to what the weather would have in store for us, experiencing a mix of dark clouds and sunshine on the journey. However conditions turned out to be fine if not sunny and much to our relief several butterfly species were seen on the wing. It was a prolific day for wildlife. We started on the limestone trail and left it after lunch to explore the moonscape limestone pavement, returning to the trail and then onward through pasture and hay meadows to the board walk and fen of Hawes Water. We returned along the same route taking up again with the limestone trail for our return to the bus. We had a brief tea /bird watching stop at our favourite RSPB reserve Leighton Moss.

Ploughman's SpikenardIn the woodland we saw : herb paris, hemp agrimony as well as agrimony, St John's wort, spring sandwort, creeping cinquefoil, rock rose, betony, golden rod, enchanters nightshade, dewberry, travellers joy, spindle, harts tongue and hard shield fern, mountain melick to name but a few. On the limestone pavement growing in the grykes were: wall rue, maidenhair spleenwort, ploughmans spikenard, lily of the valley, herb robert, angular solomans seal and a splendid broad leaved helleborine but alas no dark red helleborine or bloody cranesbill! In the meadows of Hawes Water we saw numerous spikes of fragrant orchid.

The birds seen were limited to 13 species and include a range of tits at Gait Barrows and a marsh harrier at Leighton Moss. Mammals seen included wood mouse, frog and a tiny lizard seen on the board walk.

Butterfly species were numerous although it was not sunny however highbrown fritillary, meadow brown, peacock, comma, red admiral, small copper, speckled wood and ringlet were seen.

For those unfamiliar with Gait Barrows the visit was a sheer delight for those that had visited before it was a treat to be reacquainted with the site. A nice cup of tea,cake or sponge and custard rounded off another enjoyable outing. Thanks to all who helped in making it an enjoyable day out.

Margaret    

Walking Through The MeadowToday's visit was to Town Close Hills Nature Reserve, Kippax, commonly known as Billy Woods. The reserve, which lies on Magnesian Limestone, is managed by Leeds Council through Forest of Leeds and is a designated SSSI.  Special attention is paid to managing the meadows to encourage the growth of lots of different plant species and although we were a bit late for the orchids (although we did find a few late-flowering ones) there was a good varied display of other flowers and we did enjoy the abundant clustered bellflowers, greater knapweed and marjoram in particular amongst the 160 species recorded on the day. Amongst other botanical highlights of the day were wild basil, water figwort and gromwell - a first for the group this year.

Birdlife was once again a bit sparse but we did manage to note 19 species and we did enjoy the songs of yellowhammer and chiffchaff throughout our stay. 

We kept an continual eye on the weather as a band of heavy rain was forecast for later in the day and for this reason we decided to curtail the walk a little to try and avoid the heavy rain.  Fortunately we managed to do this but the day was overcast with light rain showers on and off throughout our visit and umbrellas were continually being put up and down.  Despite the weather conditions there was a reasonable amount of butterfly activity and we did record 10 species including a marbled white which we were very pleasantly surprised to see.

14 members enjoyed today's trip which was organised and led by Eric. 

Stuart