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Tees TransporterA group of 13 participated in today's extended trip to Teesmouth which was led by Margaret and Stuart. When we set off, the weather looked very uncertain. We chose to go via the A1 to avoid the traffic heading for the Great Yorkshire Show. As we travelled further north the weather did seem to improve a little with occasional appearances by the sun. In Middlesbrough we headed for the Tees transporter bridge. There had been questions over whether we could go on this bridge with its 3 tonne weight limit. Maybe we should have had a baggage and people weigh in before we set off! We did cross on the transporter without any mishaps, and it was interesting to experience this engineering feat. Our destination, Saltholme RSPB reserve was not far beyond the transporter bridge. We stopped here briefly to use the facilities, before continuing on to Seal Sands. This was a very exposed site, and the windy conditions made it feel very cold. The Teesmouth area has a strange juxtaposition of industrial and wildlife landscapes. Pollution once wiped out the seal colonies here,but they are now back again and we enjoyed several sightings of seals at Greatham Creek and from one of the hides which looks over the mud flats. It was quite difficult to identify some of the more distant birds, as the scope bearer had unfortunately failed to bring the scope, but we did record dunlin, golden plover, avocets, shelduck, curlew and a large flock of knot. Botanical interest included sea lavender, great lettuce, perennial wall rocket and strawberry clover.

Golden PloverFollowing lunch at Seal Sands, we moved on to North Gare, an area of sand dunes and marsh. The botanists went off to botanise, and the rest of us walked along the path through the golf course and then down to the sea. Goldfinch, linnet and skylark were noted, but there weren't many birds to be seen. We continued on to the pier, before returning to the car park. The botanists stayed at North Gare whilst the remainder of the group returned to RSPB Saltholme. We got there at about 3.45, and some made a mad dash for the cafe which closed at 4pm. Just made it. There looked to be plenty to see here, but unfortunately we had little time to explore as the reserve closes at 5pm. The visitor centre is very modern and overlooks one of the lakes, where common tern, sand martin and pied wagtail were seen. It was sad to hear of the tern chicks being predated by the foxes. In the time remaining, most of us took the path to Saltholme Hide where yellow wagtails had been sighted. Initially there was no sign of them, but first a female and then a male perched on the fence posts giving us excellent views.

43 birds were recorded today. With the closure of the RSPB reserve, we set off back to North Gare to collect the botanists. They had seen an abundance of northern marsh orchids, and noted hybrid common spotted/northern marsh orchids, as well as seeing purple milk vetch. In total, 132 plants were recorded in flower/fruit across all sites. Unfortunately, butterflies were largely absent.

From North Gare we drove to Coneythorpe where we had booked our evening meal at the Tiger Inn. The food was superb and it was a lovely end to an enjoyable day out. It was raining heavily when we set off back to Bradford, arriving back at about 10pm. 

Sue 

Marbled White and Burnet MothToday we headed East to the Yorkshire Wolds to visit two YWT Reserves, Kiplingcoats Chalk Pit and North Newbould Becksies.  Kiplingcoates is a botanical SSSI and our visit was timed with the hope of seeing marbled white butterflies for which the site is famous.  We were not disappointed in either the variety and quantity of both plants and butterflies.  We recorded 1734 pyramidal orchids and numerous other flower species, including hawkweed ox-tongue which was one of those rare sightings that BEES make from time to time - a first for the day's leader, Joan Dobson.  It's not often that we can add to Joan's extensive lifetime list!  Other major highlights at Kiplingcotes were basil thyme and red hemp-nettle. 

Despite generally overcast and quite windy conditions for most of the day we were delighted to see scores of marbled white butterflies together with 10 other species of butterfly and six-spot burnet moths which together with other unidentified moths made the total of butterflies and moths greater than the bird count on the day which was surprisingly low at 13 species - the highlight being yellowhammer which sang for us for most of our stay.

Pyramidal OrchidNorth Newbould Becksies is a small wetland site and although Joan had made everyone aware that wellingtons were essential for exploring the site, some had not heeded the warning and got their feet wet!  Here there were common spotted orchids aplenty together with blue water speedwell, water figwort and marsh hawksbeard amongst many other wetland varieties.

A short stop at North Cave Wetlands also afforded a comfort break on the return journey and rounded off another very interesting and enjoyable day for the ten select members who joined today's outing. 

Stuart

Parent Feeding Spotted Flycatcher ChickA group of 14 were on today's trip to Grassington, which was led by Alice. On the drive to the Dales, we were closely watching the weather. There had been thunderstorms overnight, and big black clouds were looming. On arrival at our starting point at the main car park in Grassington, the weather still looked uncertain as were many of us about whether to don waterproofs. We headed down to the bridge across the Upper Linton Falls where we saw grey wagtails, chaffinch, starling and song thrush. Marsh yellow cress was seen on the rocks below, and winter cress was also found here. We continued our walk along the side of the River Wharfe. The highlight at this point was the views we had of common sandpipers and a dipper. The sun was breaking through the clouds, and the weather just continued to improve throughout the day. The scenery was beautiful. We reached the stepping stones across the river that lead to Linton church, but we didn't cross over. Several goosanders were seen perched on a rock on the river and the remains of a crayfish was found on the river bank - maybe one of the alien invader signal crayfish. A boggy area was found by the river path which kept the botanists busy for some time. Club moss, mimulus and lesser water parsnip being recorded. Whilst the botanists were botanising, the birdwatchers were enjoying their own delights having sighted a spotted flycatcher which was feeding chicks in a nearby tree. Wood warblers were also briefly seen, and a song thrush was seen going in and out of a hole in the stone wall. We stood and watched the birds here for quite some time. Soon after this we stopped for lunch on the edge of the river right opposite a sand martin bank. Again, we had views of a parent feeding a chick which was poking its head out of the nest.Grypocoris stysi (miridae family) In the River Wharfe we saw numerous small rainbow trout and minnow and we also saw a bullhead. Large numbers of oyster catchers were both seen and heard.We left the riverside path and followed Hebden Beck towards Hebden village. Unfortunately the little village shop was closed so ice cream was off the menu. We headed for the pub, but that was closed too!! Beyond the village we continued our walk through fields and on walled lanes. The views were wonderful and several small planes and a couple of helicopters intermittently disturbed the peace. Our route also took us through the Grasington Park Estate Meadows, a SSSI where the Grassington isolation hospital once stood. There was an abundance of wild flowers including greater burnet and common spotted orchid, but the highlight here was a vast swathe of melancholy thistle interspersed with other wild flowers. 33 birds and 141 flowering plants/ferns were recorded. Four butterflies were sighted including common blue, small tortoiseshell and red admiral.  We passed through Grassington vilaage and eagerly headed for the information centre at the car park, once more anticipating ice creams, but they didn't sell any! In spite of being denied our ice cream treats, we had enjoyed a fantastic day out.  

Sue 

Northern Marsh Orchid14 travelled in the minibus on today's trip to Semer Water which was led by Andrew and Lorna. We were full of anticipation in the gloriously sunny conditions and with a good forecast for the day ahead. On arrival at our base, Raydale Preserves in the hamlet of Stalling Busk, several of the group enjoyed hot drinks/cream teas. It was clouding over and feeling cooler and some of us were wondering if we'd brought enough clothing! However, the clouds dispersed as quickly as they'd gathered and we once again enjoyed warm sunshine which lasted throughout the walk. Our route took us through several traditional hay meadows, so colourful with the abundant wild flowers and the views were stunning. Wood cranesbill, meadow cranesbill, yellow rattle, betony, bitter vetch and even a bluebell were noted. Surprisingly, we also saw a hawthorn in full bloom today. Numerous chimney sweeper moths were flitting between the flowers. Only three butterflies were recorded today - red admiral, small heath and green-veined white. The path descended quite steeply and passed close to a beck with little waterfalls. Although pretty, this would have been more spectacular were it not for the recent dry spell that we've experienced. A strange sight was that of a bird cherry whose branch ends were all covered in a cocoon, probably the work of ermine moth caterpillars. Some areas were quite boggy and we saw different flowers here such as marsh hawksbeard, northern marsh orchid and ragged robin. The ruined 17th century church was our lunch stop, but it was nearly 2.30pm before we got there. Maybe our hunger was a factor when Joan identified a common spike-rush, and this was processed by some in the group as "common pie crust", Growleris deliciosa. I think that name will stick with our group for a while. Whilst enjoying lunch, curlews were reeling and calling overhead, and then we enjoyed a fly past of 4 oystercatchers with 2 curlews just above them. After lunch we headed for Semer Water, a SSSI nature reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The lake lies in a glaciated limestone valley. Marsh thistle, melancholy thistle, common spotted orchid and mouse-eared hawkweed were among the 133 flowering plants/ferns recorded. A ringed plover was seen on the shore of the lake, we had several good sightings of redstarts and a lapwing was seen with two chicks. At the end of the lake, we turned onto the uphill road back to Stalling Busk. Some of our day's birding highlights were on this road. 

Lapwing in FlightHere the lapwings were quite vociferous as they flew low over our heads suggesting there may have been nests nearby. The alarm call of a redshank alerted us to his presence only about 20 yards away. A skylark, treecreeper, kestrel and meadow pipits were also seen. We got back to base at about 5pm where preserves and hot drinks were purchased, and we spotted a house martin which appeared to be starting some nest building. Today was a feast for both botanists and birdwatchers, 37 species of birds being recorded.     

Sue 

Giant Ichneumon Wasp, Rhyssa persuasoria14 participants were on the minibus for today's outing to Sizergh, where we divided into two equal groups. The more energetic embarked on a walk of about 6 miles to Scout Scar led by Donald. The botanical amblers did a less ambitious walk of about 5 miles(actually 2 short walks) led by Annie. I joined the amblers who initially set off on the North Loop which took in Holeslack and St John's Church, Heslington. Our gentle uphill route took us through open fields and then woodland where we spotted a song thrush on the path. For me one of the highlights was seeing a strange looking insect that I mistook for a dragonfly. I later discovered that it was an Ichneumon wasp (Rhyssa persuasoria), a parasitic species that preys on the larvae of other insects or spiders, especially horntails and wood wasps. A young dunnock was seen hiding in a shrub. We continued uphill past Holeslack farmhouse, a pretty white house now let out by the National Trust. The higher we climbed, the more splendid the views and our lunch stop at St John's Church afforded views towards Morecambe Bay, Whitbarrow and the Langdales. After lunch we explored the churchyard, some of which had been left unmown. We found twayblade here, but we were particularly delighted to find a lesser butterfly orchid. Numerous young birds were seen in the graveyard including great tit and nuthatch.The nuthatches still had very downy plumage. From the church we headed back down to Sizergh, where we picked up our second walk route, the South Loop which took us to Sizergh Fell. We walked along a road for some way where we saw a buzzard being harassed by a crow. We then headed across open fields again. 115 plants in flower/ferns were recorded including creeping cinquefoil, nipplewort, St John's wort, common spotted orchid and greater celandine which we used as herbal medicine. Speckled wood, orange tip and painted lady butterflies were recorded.  Sue

Scout ScarThe rest of the group headed for Scout Scar.  Approaching the bottom of the scar we encountered masses of wild strawberry in fruit which would have filled several bowls had we had time to pick them, but Donald, always with one eye on the clock to ensure a timely return to the minibus, ushered us past!  The limestone outcrop not only gives extensive 360 deg views over Morecambe Bay, the Lakes, the Howgills and even Ingleborough peeping over the far horizon, but is a great habitat for many different species of plants, butterflies and birds.  Amanda had joined this group as she was very keen to spot a dark green fritillary butterfly.  We did see a fritillary amongst the many small heaths that were on the wing, but it was almost certainly a small pearl-bordered.  There was a good variety of birds about - we also saw a buzzard being mobbed by crows but the highlights of our ornithological day were stonechat, tree pipit and redstart amongst the 31 species recorded on the day.  Without Joan's expert presence we were unable to decide whether our butterfly orchids were greater or lesser, but the consensus was greater.  Rock-roses abounded, mainly common but with a few hoary amongst them, and the delicate lemon colour of mouse-ear hawkweed contrasted with the rich blue of milkwort and these, together with other typical limestone plants such as wild thyme, juniper, and the local Lancastrian Whitebeam gave interest throughout our walk.  Stuart

Thistle BroomrapeAfter a recce the previous week had suggested that our original destination of Ripon Loop YWT reserve would not be suitable in wet weather, we changed our plans and instead visited Quarry Moor Nature Reserve near Ripon and Bishop Monkton Railway Cutting, another YWT reserve quite nearby.

Some last minute cancellations resulted in Eric leading a reduced party of 10 people who travelled in the minibus to Ripon.  The highlight of Quarry Moor is Thistle Broomrape, a species found only in Yorkshire in the UK and therefore also known as Yorkshire Broomrape.  We found quite a few examples of this parasitic plant.  Quarry Moor is situated on the magnesian limestone and a good range of limestone flowers was found including bugle and crosswort in abundance, common twayblade, common spotted orchid, yellow rattle and jacob's ladder.  At Bishop Monkton we found white and black bryony, barren and wild strawberry, tutsan and columbine amongst many other plant species seen on the day. A fox was sighted on the path ahead, but soon scampered off when he realised he'd been spotted.

ComfreyThe weather was showery and cloudy all day and we were therefore lucky to see one solitary common blue butterfly which had braved the elements together with a few moths.  Bird activity was not great but we did record 23 different species during the day, including yellowhammer, skylark, oystercatcher, curlew, willow warbler and chiffchaff.

The management of Morrison's in Ripon allowed us to use their car park for the minibus provided that we gave their cafe some trade and most of the party treated themselves to a light lunch there.

We all felt that we had made the most of a poor weather day and returned to Bradford in good spirits.

Stuart

Male Fern Unfurling18 people set off for this walk through Clapdale en route to Ingleborough Cave. We returned along the same route. The weather was disappointingly cold but dry. We were walking in the steps of Reginald Farrar, one of the famous plant hunters who was born in Clapham and went onto become a plant hunter, rock garden designer, writer and painter. During the course of the walk we observed both the natural and introduced plants and trees as well as ferns. One of the significant features was the area of colourful rhodendrons introduced by Farrar growing on the acid soils exposed by the Craven fault. We recorded 170 species of plant, 100 of which were flowering. The typical plants of the woodland were wild garlic, water and wood avens and hybrids which were seen in abundance, bugle which was seen through out as well as woodruff, wood sorrell, bitter vetch,  wood cranesbill and wood rush. Ferns included hard fern, broad buckler fern, brittle bladder, oak fern- a rareity, hard shield , male fern, lady fern, maidenhair spleenwort and wall rue. 10 ferns in all were recorded. Our exploration of the limestone grassland beyond the cave proved productive. Donald was sent to scout for birds eye primrose and butterwort. He led us to the birds eye primrose and reported that there were butterwort leaves. Other floral gems were mossy saxifrage, marsh valerian and abundant early purple orchids growing on the crags.

Grey WagtailThe bird life was less profuse with 27 species seen. Highlights were the grey wagtails by the stream at Ingleborough Cave and redstart and spotted flycatcher which were seen in the valley. A dipper was spotted by the lower waterfall in Clapham Village.

Ice creams and hot chocolate were enjoyed in the environs of the cafe. We all returned safely to the minibus for 4 30 pm for our return journey to Bradford with an abundance of literature supplied by one of our leaders to be read contentedly in the evening.

Margaret

This was a wonderful Bees day out thanks to Brian, Josephine and Peter and the co drivers Julia and Stuart. We were able to enjoy the plant assemblage that we are familar with associated with limestone but in a different form, the butterbur was huge and flowers tall and erect,the meadow saxifrage had tall stems, the woodruff spread over a considerable area. There were early purple orchids growing on cliff ledges . Some lovely plants in an enchanting area and lots more besides!

Margaret  

Froghopper15 participants set off for an extended day out in Derbyshire, meeting up with our leaders Peter and Josephine who enthusiastically shared their extensive knowledge of Miller's Dale. After parking up at Miller's Dale station, we set off on the Monsal Trail in the direction of Wyedale, examining the flora and fauna of this limestone landscape. Globe flowers.... common corn salad......ragwort - common or Oxford? So much to see. A colourful black and red bug, identified as a froghopper. We passed lofty lime kilns, which were part of the lime works that were demolished in 1971 and we ventured into the former quarry, where we stopped for lunch. An unidentified bird of prey circled overhead and butterflies were much in evidence in the sunny weather that we were enjoying. 7 butterflies were recorded today including brimstone, dingy skipper and orange tip. After refreshments we continued as far as the river bridge where an adventure group were abseiling over the side. Here we turned back and retraced our steps to the station before continuing along the Wye Valley. From the viaduct, the birding highlight of the day was the sighting of a spotted flycatcher. 31 birds were recorded today including blackcap, whitethroat and dipper. We continued along the Monsal Trail for about a mile, where a small group broke off and climbed the steep limestone hillside up to Priestcliffe Lees where we searched the lead spoil heaps left from former lead mining activity. We were unable to locate moonwort, but we did see mountain pansies, milkwort and leadwort (common sandwort). LeadwortAfter descending we continued down to the river and crossed over to follow the Monsal Trail back to our start point. The trail kept close to the river and was very picturesque. The water was very clear, and brown and rainbow trout could be clearly seen. There was a lovely display of early purple orchids. Over 100 flowering plants/ferns were recorded including narrow-leaved bittercress, woodruff, water avens and garden arabis. From the station, we went on to the Waterloo Hotel,Taddington, where Josephine joined with the BEES participants for a lovely meal before we set off home.

Sue