WFV, Hardcastle Crags, 6th May 2014
Sue
Sue
We sowed our first seeds in the raised beds at Culture Fusion on 30th April.
These included carrot, Red Elephant; turnip; kale; beetroot; and peas.
As well as these seeds we planted a few potato tubers.
In addition to these seeds planted directly into the raised beds, some seeds have been planted in pots inside to give them some protection until the weather is warmer. Tomatoes and pepper were sown earlier in April (later than ideal, and they took ages to germinate so are rather behind schedule). On 7th May we sowed beans, squashes and cucumbers.
Stuart
P.S. Those of you who look at Sue's super photos on the gallery will note that she has now posted 2001 images on this website. Although there are a few photos that have been taken by lesser beings, 99% of them are Sue's own work and they give a real insight into the activities of the group. Well done Sue, we are most grateful for your efforts.
On the 23rd April 2014 as part of the Tea Hut project, BEES were invited to Forresters bistro to set up a seed planting stalls and to get the public motivated to grow vegetables. We also took along an old wheelbarrow to make a portable garden to be filled with a smorgasbord of vegetables, fruit and herbs. As well as other activities for everyone to enjoy Amanda and Toby, headed off to the event ready to round up budding gardeners and food growers.
With the sun shining they both got set up and began drawing over the public, to start with a young girl came running over and began to make paper pots. Before long the inspiring young gardener had made a tray of paper pots and was making a start on planting strawberries in the wheelbarrow. As the day went on more and more people joined in making paper pots and planting seeds to take home and help plant in the wheelbarrow we were joined by the performers of Studio Y who before and after there performance had a go at making some paper pots and planted herbs such as Chives.
By 3 o'clock the event was over and the barrow was full, so we packed up and headed back to Culture Fusion
Despite cloudy conditions and some rainfall the Bees party of twelve enjoyed a productive short day out in this species-rich YWT woodland on the outskirts of Leeds. We were well led by Eric who has visited this woodland on many occasions. The bird list was a relatively short one -14 species, notable sightings were Blackcap and Marsh Tit (seen only by John). However it was the spring flora that we delighted in seeing, the count being 42. ( I wonder whether we will exceed this figure on our next visit to Skipton Woods). The woodland contains a mixture of alkaline and acid soils producing an interesting variety of flora. Extensive coppicing of Hazel and other trees has taken place, hence the high numbers of habitat and log piles, creating a more extensive area for woodland flora to generate. This experiment did appear to be bearing fruit or should I say flora. The flora seen can be identified as :- The yellows - Celandine, Marsh Marigold, Primroses, Cowslips, Golden Saxifrage and Yellow Archangel. The blues and purples- Bluebells, Violets Dog and Hairy, Green Alkanet, Early Purple Orchid. The whites - Wood Anemone, Wood Sorrel, Wild Garlic, Dogs Mercury, Jack by the Hedge. The greens - Lords and Ladies, Twayblade (in leaf). The grasses and sedges - Wood melic, Woodrush, Spring Sedge, also a parasite on elm Toothwort. Finally, the fungus species seen was King Alfreds Cakes and the butterfly species seen was Speckled Wood. Regretfully several of our members were missing. We felt our identification skills were gently being rekindled following a period of inactiviity during the winter months. We look forward to our next woodland visit to the Woodland Trust reserve at Skipton Woods. Thanks to Eric for a good day out.
Margaret
This was a change to the programme as we had intended to visit Hooton Pagnell in order to see the wild daffodils. The walk leader was unfortunately, however, unable to attend. The decision, therefore, was taken to postpone this visit to next year.
The weather during the day was splendid; blue sky throughout and only a gentle breeze. We invariably have good weather but this was the best day of the year so far. Four of the group had to cancel at short notice so only 11 members were able to enjoy the lovely day.
The warm conditions brought out the butterflies in numbers and we were fortunate to see 8 different species in all; Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Comma and a couple of Holly Blues. No damselflys were spotted.
A total of 59 plants in flower were recorded by Alice including Yellow Archangel. Birds seen included Mistle Thrush, Wren, Dabchicks, Chiff Chaff and Blackcap. A small cluster of St. George's mushrooms was the only fungi recorded.
The site isn't large and we were able to cover it quite quickly so plenty of opportunities to spend time in the very popular cafe. Being Easter holidays it was pretty busy with many families enjoying the park.
Gillian and Dania opted for a more cultural day by visiting the Hall.
The driving was shared by Sue and Robert
John Gavaghan
A party of 14 led by Donald set off for YWT's flagship reserve. This large site lies 2 miles south of Doncaster, alongside the M18 at DN4 8DB. It has 13 hides and is bissected by a main railway line, so not the quietest place in the world. The Sedum House entrance is opposite B and Q. There is ample car parking and various toilet facilities.
The weather wasn't as good as it usually is on our outings as we suffered several short light showers and it was breezy throughout. However, had we stayed in Bradford we would have had rain for most of the day! We were luckier, as for most of the afternoon we had sunshine; albeit accompanied by a cold wind. Unsurprisingly no butterflies or moths.
Donald recorded 38 species of birds which included: Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Wren, Gadwall, Pochard, Shoveler, Dabchick and Marsh Harrier. There were large numbers of Black-headed Gulls and a few Lesser-black backs so yet more layers of noise! Towards the end of the afternoon, Martin, Marilyn and myself found ourselves in the Piper Marsh hide where we were treated to the sight of a nesting Kingfisher. This had been spotted by Marilyn, despite not having brought her binoculars. Whilst we were observing this bird she noticed a large bird flying above the reedbed. Marilyn had hit the jackpot as it was the site's star attraction; a Bittern!
If only Annie had arrived 30 seconds earlier she would have seen it too. Mind you, the Kingfisher was still there! On the way back we heard our first Chiff Chaffs of the year.
Joan recorded 17 plants and 3 ferns including Early Dog Violets and Celandines. Only fungi seen were Turkeytail, Bich and Blushing Brackets. There was also plenty of evidence of leaf mining on brambles by the micro moth 'Stigmella aurella'.
Janet was distressed when she realised she had left her rucksack in the previous hide; fortunately, it was still there. The tearoom was well attended by the group, some of us making 2 visits!
The driving was shared by Robert and Sue.
John Gavaghan
Sue
Margaret