WFV, Thorp Perrow, 11th November 2014
Sue
Sue
Bruce led the morning tour of the two gardens and environs. His knowledge was invaluable to us in the identification of species.The two gardens contain an excellent collection of exotic trees from all parts of the world - Japan, China, the Americas which had been planted at the beginning of the 20th century. Bruce quickly guided us through some of the trees' characteristics - bark, leaves and at this time of year, fruit. The collection is particularly attractive in its flowering period in the spring. In the first garden we looked at Manchurian Walnut and Snakebark Maple. Moving into the park we admired Turkish Hazel , Persian Ironwood and Tibetan Cherry. Onward into the second garden we appreciated the Kausa Dogwood, Blue Bean Tree, Judas Tree, Foxglove Tree, Tree of Heaven and Black Beech. Our walk continued below the gardens where we encountered yet more exotics including the Tulip Tree.
Lunch was taken on the relatively comfortable benches surrounding the tennis courts. In the afternoon we set off on a circular walk which included a steep descent to join the Meanwood Valley Trail. We had a brief stop on the bridge above a waterfall for a photo then continued on the Trail, a road ascent and a return on the flat path through the woods. The warm temperature and colour of the trees added to our enjoyment of the day. Surprisingly there were several floral species both native and garden still in flower. As the gardener commented, there had been no frost to date this year. Also a specked wood butterfly was spotted. Several fungi species were hunted down by those with a mycological interest. They included Glistening Inkcap, Earthballs, Shaggy Parasol, Shaggy Inkcap, Shaggy Scaly cap, Artist/ Southern Bracket and Turkey Tail. Birds were scarce. A jay was seen, long tailed tits and robin heard. The day was nicely rounded off by the consumption of Sue's delicious mince pies.
Margaret
The group was reduced through ill health to only ten. This included Carys, a young BEES volunteer, making her first outing with the group. She informed us that she had a Biology degree and was interested in seeing fungi. She wouldn’t be disappointed.
The weather wasn’t as grand as we are used to and when we arrived it was overcast and slightly drizzly. There was no need for umbrellas, however, as the rather strong north-easterly kept the rain at bay.The outward section of our walk around the reservoir path was directly into the wind so most of us took to wearing headwear. Later on the wind relented and by the time we had our lunch stop at the Blubberhouses car-park the weather was ok for mid-Oct.
We were surprised by the low level of water and much of the reservoir was now exposed land. There were plenty of tits and finches plus Treecreeper, Nuthatch and Wren about but not many birds on the water, just a few teal, Canada Geese, Mallard and two Cormorants. A Red Kite was also spotted in a far off tree.
A decent variety of fungi were seen from the path so Carys got her wish. Those that Joan and I were able to ID are as follows; Chicken of the Woods, Common Inkcaps, Turkeytail, Deceiver, Brown Rollrim, Wood Hedgehog, Dead Man’s Fingers, Puffball, Fly Agaric, Larch Bolete, Wrinkled Club, Candlesnuff, Stinkhorn. We ignored the little brown jobs and the ones that were well past their sell by dates! A yellow pored bolete with a reddish stem is possibly Red-cracking bolete.
Plants still in flower included; Herb Robert, Red Campion, Aaron’s Rod and Devils Bit Scabious.
As we had got round fairly quickly, Margaret suggested going to Thruscross to see if the hidden village of West End had been exposed by the low water levels. It was, however still underwater. Nevertherless it had been a very pleasant day out and well done to our driver of the day; Robert
John Gavaghan
There were no bearded tits about and the chances of seeing any so late in the morning (by this time going up to noon) were very slim according to our more pessimistic members. However, a ten-minute wait was rewarded when a pair of bearded tits did appear. They were most cooperative and hung around for about ten minutes gathering grit before eventually flying off into the reeds.
After this great start to the day the party proceeded to the Public hide where there were many varieties of duck to be seen as we lunched. With so much to see and so many different viewing possibilities, the party then split to follow individual preferences before congregating back at the visitor centre for the short minibus trip to the coastal trail and the Eric Morecambe and Allen hides. Here we were able to see many different species of waders.
Returning to the visitor centre, the option was the cafe or the nearby Lillian’s hide where those opting for the latter were treated to the fine spectacle of scores of black-tailed godwits and both Little and Great egrets amongst the other wader and duck species.
In amongst all the birding, Alice was busily recording the plants of the day and was able to post a final amazing total of 45 plants in flower. We were also entertained throughout the day by migrant hawker dragonflies; red admiral, speckled wood and small white butterflies and one stoat, whilst the odd fungi or two was noted.
The final total of bird species was 44, with the highlight being of course the bearded tits, which everyone was fortunate to be able to see, whilst some heard (but didn’t see) the elusive Cetti’s warbler. We also spotted stonechats which we were told by a regular visitor was only the third time he’d seen them at Leighton Moss in 30 years, and had an short glimpse of a marsh harrier.
The planned departure time of 4.15pm came too quickly but it was a very satisfied party who set off back to Bradford having enjoyed another most enjoyable BEES outing in weather that outwitted the forecast and stayed fine and sunny all day. There were suggestions on the return journey that perhaps we could consider making this trip an extended day out sometime in the future so as to be able to make the most of this excellent site.
Many thanks to the day’s leaders and to Robert and Sue for their driving.
Stuart
Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;
John Keats Ode to Autumn
Thirteen of us gathered today to enjoy a walk in the Danefield estate on Otley Chevin. This area of land had been bequeathed to Otley council by the Fawkes family. It had been clear-felled during the Second World War and replanted with conifer and some exotic trees. There was an ethereal atmosphere as we made our way through the mist-enshrouded woodland in the direction of Caley Crags. The atmosphere was added to by the groups of colourful Fly Agaric fungi seen, known for their hallucinogenic properties and associations with the pixes, elves etc. The mist had lifted on arrival at our lunch spot and we enjoyed views of the Wharfe Valley below.
To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
Following lunch we enjoyed a ramble through an area of heath consisting of Bilberry, Ling, Heather and Bracken towards the pond and board walk. Here we spent time observing a superb Southern Hawker dragonfly in flight. We followed the Sculpture Trail on our return to the car park. Lots of fungi were seen growing in the conifer woodland.
In the afternoon we moved onto Crag House Farm, a Caring for Life project where we were treated to a celebratory birthday tea by the blog scribe in their superb Barn restaurant.
To swell the gourd, plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er brimmed their clammy cells,
Our exploration of the nature reserve continued in the afternoon sunshine. We saw trees and shrubs laden with fruit, late summer flowers and much to the delight of our young guest Eden, butterflies and dragonflies. A lot of hard work had been put into creating an oasis for wildlife.
This was a splendid and varied day out in an area close to our own doorstep. Some of the species seen were: Birds - 14 species in total including Tree Sparrow, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Goldfinch. Dragonflies - Southern Hawker, Common Hawker. Butterflies - Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White. Fungi (identified by John) - Common Inkcap, Common Yellow Russula, Fly Agaric, Peppery Bolete, The Deceiver, The Blusher, Tawny Grissette, Wrinkled Club, Sulphur Tuft, Shaggy Scalycap, Snakeskin Grissette, Amanita Vaginata, Hairy Curtain Crust, Candle Snuff. Flowers (Joan and Alice did a comprehensive list) - Climbing Corydalis, Common and Musk Mallow, Black Horehound, Hemp Agrimony. Shrubs - Spindle, Elderberry, Guelder Rose, Rowan.
Margaret
The predominant fungi families were Boletes, Lactarias and Russulas. Highlights were Oakbug Milkcap, Brown Birch Bolete, the Blusher, Common Yellow Russula and Tawny Grisette which was seen at different stages of development. A Penny Bun was taken home by Dania. Numerous small Hoof fungi were seen growing on a dead standing tree.
125 plants were recorded including three different types of heather. Notable plants included Small Nettle, Water Pepper and Common Hemp Nettle. John potted a moth which he identified as a male Chevron moth and a bright green caterpillar that hitched a ride on Joan's trousers was found to be a Beautiful Yellow Underwing caterpillar. Unfortunately we did not find any adders but we did see several lizards.Given that the weather has been pretty poor of late, we were very fortunate to experience a bright day that grew increasingly warm.
The warm weather had brought out some dragonflies including black darter, southern hawker, migrant hawker and common hawker. Butterfly sightings included peacock, small tortoiseshell and brimstone. Very few birds were seen, the prize species being buzzard and willow tit. We were grateful to Michael for giving up his time to lead us today. Thanks also to Joan for organising the day and Stuart for driving.
Sue
We collected Stuart & Gillian who had left their car at the end of the walk at Allerton Bywater and proceeded to the starting point at Garforth where we had been very kindly offered a parking spot by Millrace Nurseries. We made good BEES time in ever-improving weather which soon had everyone taking off their outer layers and we lunched whilst watching an air display put on by swallows, house martins and probably the last swifts that we will see on a BEES trip this year before the star of the show - a male sparrowhawk - did a fly past and came to rest in a nearby tree, allowing Sue to record the event on her camera. There was plenty of botanical interest and Joan and Alice recorded a total of 166 plants, most of which were in flower. John noted 11 species of butterfly, including brimstone, painted lady and small copper whilst a few dragonflies and damselflies put in an appearance to add to the variety of the day.
On reaching the end of the walk after lunch, Stuart conveyed Robert back to the start to collect the minibus so that we could proceed to our second site of the day, Ledsham Bank, a YWT reserve on the Magnesian limestone on the outskirts of Ledsham village. The main attractions of the site at this time of the year are autumn gentian and autumn ladies tresses and we were lucky to see both species as well as many other interesting plants such as rock rose, agrimony, betony, greater knapweed and viper’s bugloss. Another speciality of the site, dyer’s greenweed was present but had gone to seed. John showed us where the real star of the site – pasque flower - can be viewed and we made a note to organise a trip next year to try and see this rarity.
Birds were more abundant than on recent BEES trips and we recorded 24 including buzzard, whitethroat, red-legged partridge and willow warbler. We had only experienced a couple of very light showers during the day but as we concluded our visit the skies grew darker and heavier rain threatened as we boarded the minibus and headed off to the Chequers Inn at Ledsham for a comfort stop with refreshments before heading back to Bradford having had a very full day.
Thanks to Joan and Alice who had undertaken a very detailed recce of the area (which included negotiating parking spots) and who gave us a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
I always seem to begin my blog by saying how wonderful the weather was;and guess what? It was, although at times perhaps too warm. Few birds were seen as this is not the ideal time of year to spot them though we did see Coots, Lapwings, House Martins, Pied Wagtails and Goldfinches. Joan and Alice logged 148 flowering plants that included: Sea Aster, Blue-water Speedwell, Lesser Water Parsnip, Blue Cyclamen, Field Madder, Red Bartsia, Borage and Spear-leaved Orache. We were treated to the sight of many dragon/damselflies;Common blue damsels, Brown and Common Hawkers, Ruddy and Common Darters. One freshly emerged Common Hawker perched in a hawthorn tree at a height where we were able to see it up close and take photographs. A green geometer caterpillar was photo'd and after much research eventually ID'd as a peppered Moth. A Mother of Pearl moth was also seen.
Butterflies abounded. We saw a total of 14 species, the star of the day being a solitary Wall Brown, now extinct in much of the south and Midlands and fast disappearing from its traditional Yorkshire haunts. No-one can satisfactorily explain why as its food plant has not diminished. I had not seen one for several years as they seem to have gone form Baildon Bank and Tong Park, my local sites.
The wildlife garden by the reserve entrance proved a delight in our final 15 minutes as alongside the numerous Peacocks we spotted a Red Admiral, then a Brimstone and at the very end a Painted Lady put in an appearance. Our young visitor Eden (Robert's granddaughter) seemed to have enjoyed her trip out with us oldies, despite a grass cut and an insect bite. She particularly loved seeing the damselfly and Peacock that were potted for her to view up close. Many thanks to our driver of the day Sue. John Gavaghan
The two sites we visited today were of equal interest but in different ways. In the morning we explored the grounds of Burnby Hall Gardens, in the afternoon we completed a linear walk along the Pocklington Canal. The gardens held the national collection of Water Lilies and in the summer sunshine they were at their best- white, pink and red. The group took a leisurely stroll around the gardens visiting the Victorian gardens, Rock garden, Stumpery and Arboretum. We enjoyed lunch by the side of the lake.
In the afternoon led by Peter we walked along the Pocklington Canal, constructed between 1815-18, enjoying the flowers and grasses, butterflies, dragonflies, fish and bird life. The flowers and grasses seen (total recorded 60) included Arrowhead, Greater Willowherb, Marsh Woundwort, Yellow Water Lily, Sneezewort, Bindweed, Water Forget-me -not, Unbranched Bur-reed, Common Reed, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Sweet Grass. We were hoping for sightings of Red Eyed Damselfly but none were seen. However Banded Demoiselles were seen in flight also a Brown Hawker Dragonfly was photographed in breezy conditions. Butterflies seen during the day were Peacock, Red Admiral, Holly Blue, Meadow Brown and Green Veined White. Mallard and Moorhen made their appearances from time to time and a Kestrel was seen by Gillian flying overhead. Robert the fisherman brought our attention to Perch and Roach swimming under the bridge, Stuart spotted a Vole by the side of the path. The sunshine we enjoyed in the morning was replaced with cloudy conditions as the day progressed. Our group of 14 returned to the Unitarian Church stimulated and well satisfied following a good day out.
Margaret
Sue
What the botanists did. Our main aim on this glorious summer day was to examine the flora of three unique botanical areas- the walls of the Abbey, the flora of the riverbank of the River Skell and the meadow in front of the Banqueting Hall. A good number started this venture however we gradually lost members as the day progressed, the heat of the day playing its part. There is an unusual plant community growing in the cracks and crevasses of the Abbey walls which have been contructed from locally quarried gritstone. One of the first species that caught our attention was the aptly named Pellitory-of-the-Wall. Other species included Harebell, Golden Rod, Hop Trefoil, Field Scabious, Knapweed, Ivy Leaved Toadflax, Marjaram and Wallflower. The ferns included Maidenhair Spleenwort, Wall Rue and Harts Tongue Fern. Our search for a speciality of the Abbey, Proliferous Pink ended in partial success. The dried up leaves of the flower were identified hanging from a wall. The other speciality Fine Leaved Sandwort was seen but not in good condition.There were an abundance of attractive plants on the banks of the River Skell including Mimulus, Knapweed, the Willowherbs and the Umbilifers. The final destination - the meadow - was reached by one of our group - Margaret, it was just too good to miss! It proved to be a carpet of deep red with Betony and Knapweed growing in profusion together with Eyebright and Lady's Bedstraw. A hunt was made for orchid species. There were good numbers of Twayblade however Common Spotted Orchid was not seen. A wealth of flowers was seen on the day of which a few have received a mention.
Margaret