WFV, Rodley Nature Reserve, 11th August, 2009

Small CopperA group of nineteen journeyed by car, minibus or on foot for today's very local trip to Rodley Nature Reserve. The reserve, a wildlife oasis in the midst of urban Leeds is not normally open on Tuesdays, but volunteer wardens June Ackroyd and Graham Barlow opened it up especially for us and were our hosts for the day.

We didn't stay together as a group, but explored the reserve as we wished. Initially, the weather was very dull and there was a litttle drizzle, but it soon brightened up and it just got better and better as the day wore on, and we enjoyed beautiful sunshine through the afternoon. Bird activity was a little quiet, but we did see goldfinch, long-tailed tits and a kestrel, and a kingfisher was seen on the river. Other creatures seemed to be delighting in the sunshine. Several dragonflies were seen including brown hawkers and red darters. Many were ovipositing on the dragonfly ponds. At least eight species of butterflies were seen including a small copper in the wildflower meadow.A highlight of the day was at lunchtime. We were sat outside the visitor centre having lunch, enjoying hot drinks and bara brith kindly provided by our hospitable hosts, when some small mammals were seen darting across the nearby paths. One little weasel was seen climbing up the steps towards the butterfly bank where it then disappeared into the vegetation.After lunch, we were shown several common newts that had made a cosy little home beneath a metal dustbin.  

The drama of the day occurred down at the dipping pond.A woolly bear caterpillar was in trouble, stranded on a floating leaf. Amanda wielding a net, and aided by Joan's pole, managed to save the creature from certain death. Well done, Amanda!

120 plants were recorded including white, yellow and fringed water lilies, and there was an abundance of colourful purple loosestrife.

Another very enjoyable day out and so close to home!

Sue