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WFV, Waitby Greenriggs, 15th July 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Tue, 15th Jul 2014, 10:33pm
Waitby GreenriggsWaitby GreenriggsToday’s extended day out was to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve of Waitby Greenriggs, near Kirby Stephen, not far from the previously-visited reserve of Smardale Gill – in fact both sites share the same abandoned railway line. The group had to be on its best behaviour today as we were co-led by our boss, Julia, who also acted as co-driver for the day. We were blessed with a fine sunny day and despite being delayed in traffic at Kirkby Lonsdale had a pleasant drive to the site where we lunched upon arrival.

Marsh HelleborineMarsh HelleborineThe wealth of plant life meant that the pace of the walk was BEES snail but we were rewarded with particularly beautiful stands of betony and marsh helleborine as well as common and marsh fragrant orchids in profusion, including white versions of the common. In total over 130 plants in flower were recorded by Joan and Alice which included twayblade, rest-harrow, field gentian, black bog-rush and saw-wort. Despite the sunny conditions, butterflies were not very numerous and we recorded only six species. Likewise, bird numbers were not great but we were entertained by two circling buzzards for some time and as the (relatively) faster walkers waited for the botanists to catch up at the end of the walk we enjoyed watching a spotted flycatcher teaching its young how to catch flies whilst a redstart flew past as willow warblers flitted amongst the trees. The final total of 17 bird species also included tree pipit. Small SkipperSmall Skipper As the group gathered to prepare for our departure we were lucky enough to spot a red squirrel running through the branches of nearby trees. This made a fine ending to a very enjoyable walk.

We had planned to visit another nearby site, but time was running short and so we headed back towards home taking the scenic route via Kirkby Stephen, Hawes, Ribblehead and Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Skipton in glorious sunshine. In Skipton, in a repetition of the year’s previous extended day out, we headed to Bizzies for a fish and chip treat before wending our way back to Bradford.

We had enjoyed a lovely outing and were grateful to Julia and John for the planning and leadership of the day.

Stuart

WFV, Sprotbrough Flash, 8th July 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 9th Jul 2014, 11:37am
Bee OrchidBee OrchidI was hoping to make this week's blog sweet and simple. How could anyone be expected to comment on 180 floral species, 25 bird species, 13 insects and two reptiles! The group was somewhat bleary eyed when we arrived at Sprotbrough Flash YWT Nature Reserve which we had previously visited in April 2013. We had been watching the thrills of the Tour de France, World Cup football and Wimbledon. By pure coincidence we met a cyclist from Hastings on the river path who had visited Skipton and Blubberhouses to view the Tour. He was somewhat lost and was happy to accept our guidance on the direction home. I suppose in birding terms he was somewhat off course and could be considered a rare migrant. Peacock CaterpillarPeacock Caterpillar Our tour began in the grassland area on the summit of a steep hill. Could this be called the Côte de Sprotbrough? There was plenty to get our teeth into - spectacular orchids- Pyramidal, Bee, Twayblade and Common Spotted. Also lots of attractive flowers - Perforate St John's Wort, Agrimony, Musk Mallow, Hop Trefoil, Wild Carrot, Centaury, Common Gromwell, Wormwood and Black Bryony. Female Ruddy DarterFemale Ruddy DarterThe butterflies Ringlet, Meadow Brown and both Small and Large Skipper were seen in flight. A shout "a snake!" was uttered by Maddy. We all scurried over to take a look . A fleeting glimpse was seen of what was thought to be a Grass Snake but later identified as a Slow Worm (Sue later did see a Grass Snake). As we progressed there followed a cry "when are we having lunch?", however we completed a short detour to a pond before settling down for some sustenance. The pond had gradually been overcome by reeds and rushes however we were able to identify both Large and Small Skipper also Azure and Blue Damselfies an well as Ruddy Darter and Brown Hawker Dragonflies. Musk MallowMusk MallowThe afternoon was a stroll through the extensive ancient woodland - at its floral best in the spring - however we had a sighting of a magnificent stand of Giant Bellflower growing by the path. As we descended towards the River Don there was a short stop to examine the arable weeds of the edge of a field of broad beans; plants such as Scarlet Pimpernel and Poppy were seen. We returned via the riverside path which is always good for flora and spring migrants. On this occasion we saw Soapwort, White Bryony and a Red Admiral Butterfly. As promised we completed our day out with a drink at the Boat Inn before returning to the minibus prior to a downpour of rain. Ten of us enjoyed a good day out in South Yorkshire.

Margaret

WFV, Brae Pasture & Ribblehead Quarry, 1st July 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Mon, 7th Jul 2014, 8:15am
Northern Brown ArgusNorthern Brown Argus

A party of 11 led by Donald headed off to this limestone hillside about 2 miles north of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where we stopped for a toilet break. Unlike the rained-off Wimbledon of the day before we again had a warm, dry day and plenty of sunshine.

This lovely weather brought out the butterflies/moths in good numbers; lots of Common Blues, Chimney Sweepers, Grass moths galore, also Small Heath, Northern Brown Argus, Meadow Brown and a single Dark Green Fritillary. Several Tree Pipits were seen singing.

Frog OrchidFrog OrchidThe main objective, however, was to see the special plants which included Alpine Bistort (only known from 4 sites in VC64), Limestone Bedstraw, Lesser Meadow Rue, Heath Fragrant Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid. It did seem that we were going to be unlucky with our main target; Frog Orchid. We had been on site about 2 hours and despite lots of searching I couldn’t find any. Fortunately; Amanda was with us this trip and she wasn’t going to be denied and towards the end of our stay the cry went up; FROG ORCHID! Several examples were found near to the path, up on the ridge, closest to the gate where we had entered. Well done Amanda. Also to Joan who found the one in best condition and was able to identify Limestone Bedstraw.

Ribblehead Quarry, afternoon of the 1st July After Brae we then travelled to this disused quarry. Water AvensWater AvensMenacing dark clouds arrived during our visit but luckily we were spared.

Amanda discovered a huge colony of Common Twayblades on a flat hill immediately to the right of the gate. Other orchids present were; Common Spotted and Northern Marsh and numerous hybrids, presumably Common Spotted/Marsh. Margaret found the small colony of Marsh Helleborine though these were not yet in flower. A total of 100 plants were recorded at both of these sites.

Right at the death I came across a Latticed Heath moth and managed to take its picture. A few spots of rain hit the front of the mini-bus as we set off back. Our driver was Robert.

John Gavaghan

WFV Sefton Coast 24th June 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 25th Jun 2014, 7:15pm
Wot! No CamelsWot! No CamelsThe stars of today's show were definitely Pat and her friend Philip Smith. Pat kept us on the move, fired us with enthusiasm for the plants and treated us with a lovely "cuppa" in her delightful home at the conclusion of the day. Philip kept us informed, pointing out the rare and special species of this section of the Sefton coast which is certainly something special and on this occasion we explored two areas. In the morning we covered a small section of the Birkdale plant community in the vicinity of Pontin's holiday camp. In the afternoon we went south to explore the Formby Dune system and the Devil's Hole, a crater-like blowout. We were slightly delayed in meeting up with Pat and Val (Margaret's friend). From the start we delighted in seeing a glorious display of flowers en route to our toilet stop. We were surrounded by Early Marsh Orchids and Marsh Helleborines in profusion.Early Marsh OrchidEarly Marsh Orchid Pyramidal Orchids were seen throughout the day in considerable numbers also in their white form albuflora. The flora included Evening Primrose, Hemlock Water Dropwort, Common Centaury, Round-Leaved Wintergreen, Yellow-wort, Twayblade, Catsear, Rest Harrow, Eyebright and Lesser Water- Plantain (a national rarity). Lyme-Grass and Marram Grass, the sand dune fixers, were seen. Continuing across a recently mowed grass area we encountered Haresfoot Clover, Storksbill and Stonecrop. Into the dunes we identified Ploughman's Spikenard, Fleabane, Houndstongue, Portland Spurge and Sea Buckthorn. Following lunch we returned to the minibus in order to meet up with Philip and encountered a female duck with a family of ten chicks needing to cross the road to return to the lake. Our party ensured that she and her family were returned safe and sound. Leading The DucklingsLeading The DucklingsFor the afternoon we were under the guidance of Philip Smith who escorted us through sections of the dune system from the fixed dunes, mobile and embryo dunes to the strand line. Of especial interest were the dune slacks. At the beginning of our walk we encountered Smooth Tare, Black Poplar ( a native but rare species), Asparagus ( previously grown as a crop), Polypody, Silvery Hair-Grass, Knotted Clover, Birdsfoot and Hop Trefoil. Moving into the dune system there was Dewberry, Thyme-Leaved Sandwort, Knotted Pearlwort, Wild Parsnip, Yellow Bartsia, Fairy Flax, Grey Club Rush, Wild Carrot and Lady's Bedstraw. On the strand line we saw Prickly Saltwort (a red data plant), Sea Holly, Frosted Orache, Guernsey Fleabane, Grass-leaved Orache, Sea Milkwort, Sea Spurge and Sea Rocket. We made our way back to the minibus via Devils Hole, a crater like blowout which had a unique feature that its western side was enclosed. This is a vast area of dune slack which floods in winter. Floral species have increased over a ten year period from 16 to 116 species recorded in 2014. We saw Marsh Helleborine, Bog Pimpernel, Grass of Parnassus mainly in bud,Bee OrchidBee Orchid Brookweed, Creeping Willow and other willows and hybrids, Seaside Centaury as well as the hybrid Seaside and Common Centaury. The bird count was disappointingly low numbering 16. The most common sighting was of Meadow Pipit. 6 butterfly species were seen including Dark Green Fritilleries feeding on Thistle on the strand line. Several interesting beetles were present including a large Ground Beetle with asymmetric mandibles and Northern Dune Tiger Beetle. However this was definitely a flower day. It was with great regret that the curtain had to fall on a grand day out. Just one or two additional points - the weather was fine and not too hot. Unfortunately John had missed out on a superb day. He was at home watching England draw with Costa Rica in the World Cup. Better luck next time!

Margaret

WFV, Wharfedale, 17th June 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Sun, 22nd Jun 2014, 10:58am
Melancholy ThistleMelancholy Thistle Today's visit took us from Buckden, up the foothills of the Pike, across the river to Cray and then a return route via Cray Gill, Hubberholme and back to Buckden along the river.

Yet again we had some minibus troubles at the start of the day so arrival at Buckden was slightly later than planned. We had a lunch date at the farm at Cray so Joan decided to only make a mental note of the plants to speed up our progress up Buckden Rake. Once at home her list amounted to 168 species, 129 of which were in flower.This not only indicates the floral pleasures of the day but Joan's mental agility to recall so many!

Some of the most numerous species we saw included Common Rock Rose, Pignut and Yellow Rattle. In the farmyard at Cray there was a wet flush with a lovely display of Northern Marsh Orchid and Ragged Robin, and descending the gill we saw our first Common Spotted Orchids of the day. The most inconspicuous species we recorded was Marsh Arrowgrass, and we were pleased to see the beautiful Melancholy Thistle opening on the river side  as we neared the end of the walk.

Young RedstartYoung RedstartThe most numerous birds were probably Chaffinch and the Pied and Grey wagtails. We saw fledging Redstart on the Rake, and caught a glimpse of a Pied Flycatcher near Hubberholme. Other species included Greater Spotted Woodpecker in the Buckden car park, Willow Warbler and Blackcap, and plenty of Swallows and House Martins.

We had a couple of scheduled stops on route. First a glimpse at the dry stone wall that the BEES Friday volunteers have been repairing over several weekend residentials (we didn't have time to examine them closely, but you can look at the photos in the Buckden residential galleries).

Bees Wall With Farm In The DistanceBees Wall With Farm In The DistanceThen, once safely over the stepping stones, we had our lunch in the farmyard at Cray, listening to Chris Akrigg who has been the tenant farmer here for over 30 years. His priorities for farming are 1) environment 2) sheep 3) cattle. 80% of the farm is governed by a Higher Level Stewardship agreement with Natural England, a bespoke management plan for this farm.

Of note are the good numbers of breeding Redshank, Lapwing and Oystercatchers. This time of year sounds the worst for the sheep, with risks of disease. Chris explained that the low grazing density results in higher numbers of triplet lambs. We met some of them that been hand reared. Most of the sheep are Swaledales but they do have a few Blue Faced Leicesters. These produce a lovely knitting wool, but I realise now why it is expensive; Chris explained that once born their only ambition is to die! These sheep are valley dwellers rather suited to being left on the moor tops. 

Look at the photos from today here. 

Julia

WFV, Brockholes, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, 10th June

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Sun, 15th Jun 2014, 7:36am
Visitor VillageVisitor VillageA number of people had dropped out of this week's trip so we were rather depleted in number's for our trip to Brockholes. It was lovely to have Annie leading us especially as we will miss her when she soon moves home and can no longer come on our outings. Our outward journey to Brockholes was a sunny one but with much cloud gathering and a poor forecast it was only a matter of time before the rain fell. Several people went on a walk down by the river, led by Common Blue ButterflyCommon Blue Annie, whilst others did their own thing exploring the walking trails and hides on the reserve.37 birds were seen including avocet, redshank, ringed plover, buzzard and kestrel. Several young birds were seen including a blackcap. Our botany recorders were absent today so there was no formal flower count but botanical highlights included ragged robin and southern marsh orchids. Several butterflies were seen including common blue and large skipper. A four spotted chaser, numerous common blue damselflies and a solitary red damselfly were noted. Martin was tipped off about a group of stoats and he was very privileged to see six of them frolicking on a path. The rain held off until 30-40 minutes before our departure - when it came it was very heavy and thundery but we had enjoyed a lovely day at this special reserve.

Sue

WFV Yarnbury 3 June 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 4th Jun 2014, 8:53am
Hebden GhyllHebden GhyllYarnbury and its environs was our destination today. From on high we looked down on a moon-like landscape of spoil heaps, shafts and hollows. Yet this is the home a a special group of plants that are lead tolerant - the metallophytes. The Bees group have visited a similar area in the past - Ballowfield in Wensleydale. The special plants we were looking for were Spring Sandwort, Alpine Pennycress and Mountain Pansy. All were seen. Our walk started in Hebden Ghyll and our ascent was a gradual one. Observations and recordings were made of flowers and birds. There were signs that summer was approaching at the beginning of the walk, Foxgloves were seen coming into flower. We were soon to spot a speciality - Spring Sandwort which covered the grassland and the hillside. Alpine Pennycress was seen byMountain PansiesMountain Pansies Margaret and later spotted by Maddy. The ferns occupying the rock crevasses and mine shafts were numerous. They included Lemon-scented Fern, Hard Fern, Broad Buckler Fern and Hart's Tongue Fern.Of especial delight were the banks of Mountain Pansy, their bright yellow upright heads gleamed in the bright light. They were surrounded by an arc of vivid blue Germander Speedwell. A total of 130 flower species was recorded by keen botanists Joan, Alice and Veronica. The bird species were no less interesting, 20 species were recorded. We had good sightings of Northern Wheatear both male and female seen perching and flying between the rocks of the higher point of the Ghyll. Pheasant's NestPheasant's NestThey will have arrived in March from Africa to breed in their chosen territory. Other good sightings were had of Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Oystercatcher, Curlew. Lapwing , Meadow Pipit, Partridge, Dunnock, Swallow, Starling and Goldfinch. Insect species included a great number of Green-veined White butterflies. The climb had lead to some tiredness in the ladies in the party. Yet again Stuart and John stepped in to assist and gallantly offered to return to the minibus and bring it to Yarnbury to collect the group. This suggestion was most welcome. The weather had turned out to be kind, cloudy and cool and the rain had kept at bay. It was sunny on our return to the environs of Bradford. A big "thank you" to Eric for suggesting and leading this most interesting day out in the field.

Margaret

WFV Markenfield Hall 20th May 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 21st May 2014, 11:00am
Markenfield HallMarkenfield HallThe weather conditions were very favourable for this walk, warm, some mist and cloud also sunny periods however the rain shower predicted held off. There were 12 of us for this outing. The route covered varied territory and habitats, country lanes and verges, woodland, a bridle path, grassland, a field of rape and the environs of Markenfield Hall, our destination. We had views of Ripon Cathedral, Markenfield Hall and surrounding countryside en route somewhat blurred by mist. Markenfield Hall is a picturesque, romantic Elizabethan crenullated manor house surrounded by a moat. Through The FieldThrough The FieldThe original Markenfield was built at the time of William the Conquerer however the present dates from the 14th century. Its early history is related to the history of England at the time and the owners prospered in the early years. However following the Rising of the North in 1569 Thomas de Markenfield a Catholic, fled to Belgium and died in penury. The manor became a tenanted farm until 1761 when Fletcher Norton, later Lord Grantley, bought it and re-established ownership for the family. Our band followed a linear path through woods and country lanes at their own pace and inclination. Floral species recorded by Alice numbered 87, bird species recorded by Stuart numbered 25. Black SwanBlack SwanThe special flowers were Black Bryony, Spindle and Figwort. The special birds were Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. We enjoyed a full chorus of accompanying bird song. The birds of the day were the two pairs of Black Swans, native of Australia, swimming in the moat. Butterfly species numbered four and included Orange Tip in pairs, Peacock, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood. We were all tired with a variety of aches and pains when we returned to the minibus following our 4 mile hike. I hope everyone considered it all worthwhile.

Margaret

WFV Wensleydale 13th May 2014

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Wed, 14th May 2014, 2:01pm
Bolton CastleBolton CastleSpring is a delightful season very much welcomed by us all. On May 13th Martin our not so new member took us on a lovely outing to his recently adopted home - Wensleydale. Our first port of call was the unimproved meadow Leyburn Old Glebe. There was a feeling of eager anticipation within the party of 15. Would we see the Green Winged and Burnt Tip Orchids? Would they be at their best? We were led carefully by John who took a path around the perimeter of the field. His philosophy was"leave the best till last". A Pink Green Winged OrchidA Pink Green Winged OrchidThe Green Winged Orchids were present in extensive patches throughout the meadow, alongside a mass of Cowslips. Of special interest were specimens of the pink variety(no whites were seen), as the veins on the hoods of the flowers, a distinctive feature could be clearly seen. Other notable flowers on the margins were:- Bugle, Crosswort, Early Purple Orchid, Greater Stitchwort, Dog's Mercury and Bluebell. In the meadow were :-Salad Burnet, Yellow Rattle, Intermediate Lady's Mantle, Dog Violet, Wild Strawberry, Pignut and Water Avens. Brian was standing on a spot lower down in the field. Had he discovered the Burnt Tip Orchid?Burnt OrchidBurnt Orchid Several spikes of this diminutive orchid were seen and duly photographed by group members. The sepals and upper petals form a tight head which is darkish red brown in colour when the flowers first open giving the appearance of being "burned " but fading rapidly as the flowers mature. The lip is white with two rounded side lobes and a bluntly forked central lobe marked with discreet crimson spots and the shape of a "little man". It was noted that the position of the orchid in the field was different to the Green Winged Orchid. It was in a more sheltered, less sunny location. This orchid is nationally rare and has been in severe decline due to disturbance and lack of suitable grazing. We reluctantly returned to the minibus enjoying the melodious song of a blackcap, a fly past of oystercatchers and a plethora of orange tip butterflies on the wing beside the swollen River Ure, on our way. Our lunch stop was a well kept secret. It turned out to be Martin's caravan at West Witton. What luxury and service, everything we could ask for including home made tea loaf. Our afternoon walk was along a green possibly a drovers road following a contour on the valley side. This path offered excellent views across Wensleydale looking towards Bolton Castle and the moorland above. Carpet MothCarpet MothThe weather conditions were variable with intermittent rain and sunshine. There was plenty of floral interest on the verges, rocks, walls and woodland. The flowers included Goldilocks Buttercup, Cuckoo Flower, Hoary Rock Cress, Common Whitlow Grass, Rue-leaved and Meadow Saxifrage. In the sunnier spells Speckled Wood, Green Veined White and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen. On reaching the burial ground of the Knights Templar, an ancient monument, a deluge of rain was experienced. Our plans were changed, a decision was made to divert to a nearby farm with shop and cafe - an excellent refuge. A small band of gentlemen Martin, Stuart, John and Donald nobly returned to the caravan to rescue the minibus and rucksacks. The journey back was smooth and our fish and chip meal at Bizzies in Skipton was an excellent conclusion to our day out. The day had been single handedly planned and executed by Martin who has set an exceedingly high bench mark for the rest of the group. His supreme efforts were much admired by us all.

Footnotes: St George's Mushroom was first seen by June in Leyburn Old Glebe. It was later seen on our walk and consumed by Robert - no ill effects reported at least not yet! Number of Floral Species seen: Glebe field 50, West Witton 90. Numbers of birds recorded:- 15 A Carpet Moth was seen.

Margaret

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