BEES WILDLIFE FIELD VISIT PROGRAMME JUNE - AUGUST 2009
TUESDAY 23RD JUNE WHARTON CRAG, SILVERDALE
This will be a breathtaking walking over a prominent limestone hill with extensive views over Morecambe Bay. The reserve, which consists of woodlands, limestone grassland, limestone pavement and ledges, is rich in plants, butterflies and birds (especially warblers). This will be the first visit by BEES since 2001. Be prepared for inclement weather as the area is rather exposed; boots are essential and a stick would be useful.
Leader: Eric Beety Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am.
Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 30TH JUNE RAILWAY TERRACE N.R. & TOADHOLES BECK
After our brief visit to the area last July, we are returning to undertake a detailed wildlife survey, to include birds, plants, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. This is a joint visit with Bradford Urban Wildlife Group. The site is at Low Moor approximately 2km from Odsal roundabout off Cleckheaton Rd. A638; parking on the cobbled road between the two pubs (Black Horse and The George) Grid ref SE164 284.
Leaders: Joan Dobson, Susan Stead
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 7TH JULY NOSTERFIELD WETLAND SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA
We are specifically visiting the area at this time of year to see the orchids: bee, common-spotted, pyramidal and twayblade. It will be necessary to keep to the paths on the site, as our visit will be within the bird-nesting season - although this may prove an added interest. We will also explore some of the surrounding country lanes. Walking is easy and the distance covered will be about two miles
Leaders: Margaret Rees and Joan Dobson
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 14TH JULY EXTENDED DAY OUT TO LATHKILLDALE, DERBYSHIRE
Lathkilldale is on of the more southerly Derbyshire dales and is delightful at any season of the year with a mixture of ash woodland, limestone grassland and river banks. A great variety of summer flowers abound; we hope to be assisted on the day by people with local knowledge of the flora. Starting at the village Over Haddon, there is a steep descent in to the dale, thereafter it is fairly level walking. We will visit a local hostelry for our evening meal and menus will be circulated at a later date.
Leaders: Julia Pearson and Joan Dobson
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 21ST JULY KIRKBY LONSDALE CIRCULAR WALK
Kirkby Lonsdale is well-known to BEES members. We will park by the River Lune at Devil’s Bridge and walk downstream, where we hope to see numerous bird species. There will be an opportunity to exercise grass-identification skills before returning, via a community orchard and some country lanes to Devil’s Bridge to enjoy refreshments at the van. The circular walk will be about 5 miles in length.
Leader: Margaret Rees
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 28TH JULY FOREST OF BOWLAND, CHIPPING AREA
Starting from the delightful village of Chipping in the south of the Forest of Bowland AONB, where there are toilets, cafes, pubs and shops, we will walk by field paths, farm tracks and country roads up to the moorland on the lower slopes of the fells. Here the views should be spectacular. The circular route is between 4 ½ and 5 miles in length; there are no very steep slopes, though it may be muddy in places. Look out for birds of prey, but don’t confuse them with the hang-gliders!
Leader: Joan Dobson
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST BROCKADALE - BUTTERFLIES AND BELLFLOWERS
Brockadale is a YWT reserve on Magnesian Limestone. This is a mid-summer visit to appreciate the summer flowers and butterflies, including the marbled white butterfly.
Leaders: Paul and Joyce Simmons
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST RODLEY NATURE RESERVE
Since the last BEES visit in 2004, the reserve has developed and been improved, not least by the addition of extra ponds by the Dragonfly Society. We hope to see plants, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. in abundance. One of our members will ensure that the reserve (not normally accessible on Tuesday) will be open for us, to include the facilities, e.g. toilets and refreshments. A small donation per person will be necessary on the day. Access to the reserve is off Town Street, Rodley A657, across the swing bridge over the canal, parking on the reserve after the river crossing. Grid ref SE 236363
Co-ordinator: June Ackroyd
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST HEATHER MOORLAND
Our annual visit to see the heather in bloom will be Hazlewood Moor above the Wharfe Valley. Parking at Storiths, we will descend to the river opposite Bolton Abbey and walk upstream to the Cavendish Pavilion (toilets, etc.). Leaving the valley here it is a steady climb up the moor, where the path reaches a height of over 1000 feet. Thereafter it is a slightly circular route back to our starting point, a total distance of about 6 miles. Be aware of the exposure factor after leaving the valley. Parking is limited at Storiths.
Leader: Donald Lightowler
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9:30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 18th AUGUST PLANNING MEETING 10.00 AM, AT THE YMCA
BRADFORD BOTANY GROUP EXHIBITION From 4th April to 4th July, Bradford Botany Group are holding an exhibition at Brackenhall Countryside Centre, Shipley Glen. BEES WFV group have contributed to the display. Opening hours are Wed, Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 12- 5pm
BEES WILDLIFE FIELD VISIT PROGRAMME APRIL - JUNE 2009
TUESDAY 21 APRIL WEST TANFIELD, NOSTERFIELD & MARFIELD WETLANDS
The day will start at the Community Centre car park at West Tanfield. We will enjoy a riverside walk of 1 mile to appreciate the special spring flowers such as yellow star of bethlehem and sweet violet. We will call at Nosterfield to admire the cowslips before making our way to nearby Marfield Wetland Reserve for possible sightings of warblers and reed buntings.
Leaders: Margaret Rees & Joan Dobson.
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 28 APRIL LOCAL WOODLANDS FROM SHELF
There are lovely spring flowers almost on our doorsteps! Commencing at Shelf Hall car park on Bridle Stile off Halifax Road, we will visit Sun Wood, Shelf Wood and parts of Judy Woods on a 4.5 mile circular route. The route is along farm-tracks and footpaths with a section of road. Some of the paths may be muddy in places. Hopefully the bluebells will be in bloom.
Leaders: Brian Ellis & Stuart Tordoff.
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 5th MAY CATTAL (AUBERT INGS) & STAVELY NATURE RESERVE.
Aubert Ings is a large meadow situated by the River Nidd at Cattal. It has never been ploughed or grazed for hundreds of years so it supports a rich flora throughout the year. Springtime sees the flowering of the wild yellow tulip and cowslips. We have not visited since the area since 1998. Parking is in Cattal village. Staveley is a YWT reserve where we would expect to see a variety of birds including water rail, yellow hammer, reed bunting, reed and sedge warbler. The reserve has a car park across the road from the entrance off Minskip Road.
Leaders : Joan Dobson & Sue Zajaczkowska
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 12TH MAY EXTENDED DAY OUT TO UPPER TEESDALE
Initially we will visit the High Force area for geological and floral interest. (there is a charge for admission to the waterfall walk). We will proceed to Moor House National Nature Reserve and walk alongside Cow Green Reservoir to see the spring gentians and other flora and also upland breeding birds. The area is very exposed (over 1,500 ft) so please wear warm clothing. The evening meal will be at Langdon Beck Hotel which is a real ale pub serving home made food. Menus will be circulated in advance. The meal is at 7pm so it will be a late return to Bradford.
Leaders: Eric Beety& Joan Dobson.
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 19TH MAY ROTHER VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
Last visited by our group in 2005, this 300 hectare Country Park offers a variety of walking areas with habitats including lake-side, woodland and the banks of the River Rother which flows through the Park. We should see good numbers of birds, flowers and butterflies. There is a café and toilets near the parking area, near the main lake.
Leader: Donald Lightowler
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 2ND JUNE: SCAR CLOSE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Scar Close is an area of limestone pavement on the slopes of Ingleborough. Hopefully we shall see some wonderful plants growing in the grykes such as lily of the valley, birds eye primrose, globe flower and ferns. The pavement is exposed so come prepared for all weathers. Boot and sticks are recommended. Please note road parking is difficult. No extra cars please.
Leader: Margaret Rees
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9 30am .Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 9TH JUNE OTLEY WETLANDS & SUN LANE NATURE RESERVE
In the morning we visit Otley Wetlands, which are flooded gravel workings upstream from Otley. There will be birds and flora to appreciate. In the afternoon we will visit Sun Lane Nature Reserve Burley-in-Wharfedale to enjoy some of the 264 plants on site including many unusual species.
Leader: Marilyn Barber and Brian Ellis
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 16TH JUNE MOSES GATE COUNTRY PARK ( NR BOLTON)
The Country Park which occupies 750 acres is situated to the south of Bolton where the rivers Croal and Irewll meet. There are plenty of walks in the Park and a Visitors Centre with toilets. We will also visit Nob End SSSI which is nearby and has unique plant life including 9 orchid species.
Leader: Joan Dobson
Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
BEES WILDLIFE FIELD VISIT PROGRAMME JANUARY - APRIL 2009
TUESDAY 6 JANUARY ANNUAL NEW YEAR WALK
We will follow a low-level route along the valley of the river Wharfe from the centre of Ilkley to the suspension bridge at Addingham, returning on the opposite side of the river, a total distance of about 6 miles. There may be muddy stretches in some places near the river and there is some road walking (on a quiet road) on the return. People wishing to use there own transport or public transport should meet on the New Brook Street bridge over the river (SE 116480).
Leader: Donald Lightowler
Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 13 JANUARY INDOOR SOCIAL MEETING
11.30am – 3.30pm The format will be similar to that of previous years. We will review the activities of 2008 and think about venues for 2009, when all contributions from members will be considered. Please bring buffet-type food for lunch; drinks will be provided. Social activities will include a quiz. (Please feel free to bring photographs etc of holidays or of BEES visits over the years). Come for as little or as long as you wish, but please note the later starting time of 11.30am.
Venue: Trinity Road YMCA Cost £2.00 on the day
Coordinators: Margaret Rees and Joan Dobson
TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY PUGNEYS COUNTRY PARK AND SANDAL CASTLE
Pugneys Country Park, which is the starting point for this outing, is well-known to our group for its bird life. We continue for a while along the bank of the River Calder and eventually by footpaths to Sandal Castle where there are toilets and drinks may be obtained at the visitor centre. Admission is free and there is considerable historic interest here. We will return by a different route Please note that some areas may be muddy. The circular route is about 4.5 miles in length.
Leader: Eric Beety
Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY KNARESBOROUGH – NIDD GORGE GEOLOGY TRAIL
We will walk the part of the gorge below Hovingham Hall car park (starting point), to look at the geology of the area, including the unconformity between the Permian and carboniferous rocks, and other interesting geological features. Lunch (soup and sandwiches) can be arranged at a local pub. In the afternoon we will walk back to the car park through woodland where we may be fortunate to see some interesting birds and early spring flowers. The route is approximately 4 miles in length and be prepared for muddy conditions.
Leader: Margaret Rees
Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 3 MARCH CLUMBER PARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
This National Trust reserve covering 1300 acres has not been visited by our group since 1994. It comprises areas of woodland, heath and lakes and there are various walks, from 2.5 miles round the lake to longer ones. The area is noted for its bird life, notably hawfinch, marsh and coal tits, lesser spotted woodpecker and woodlark. There are toilets and a good café/ restaurant, so you may choose to eat in there or bring your own packed lunch.
Leader: Robert Waind Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 17 MARCH NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM & YORKSHIRE
SCULPTURE PARK
In the morning we will visit the National Coal Mining Museum between Wakefield and Huddersfield, which is based around an eighteenth century colliery. Most of the old colliery buildings are open to the public, including the steam winder and the pit head baths. There will be an opportunity to go underground into a real coal mine if you wish; this visit takes about an hour. The museum’s collection represents the heritage of the English coalfields. There are toilets and a café where you can have lunch, or bring your own packed lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit Bretton Country Park for a short woodland walk to see the early spring flowers and the heronry, where there should be some activity!
Leader: Margaret Rees Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 31 MARCH LEDSHAM TO FAIRBURN INGS CIRCULAR
From the attractive village of Ledsham, east of Leeds, we will make our way via footpaths across the fields to the RSPB reserve at Fairburn Ings. Here we can access the visitor centre, where there are toilets and one can purchase a hot drink and snack. Continuing on our way we pass round the far side of the lake, overlooking which are several hides for viewing the birds on the water. The return leg takes us into the village of Fairburn and then back to Ledsham by a different route, the total distance covered being about 5 miles.
Leaders: Gillian and Stuart Tordoff Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 7 APRIL SIZERGH CASTLE GARDENS
The medieval castle at Sizergh near Kendal is managed by the National Trust and its gardens are breathtaking. They are noted for the spring flowers, particularly wild daffodils, which should be blooming in early spring. There is a large limestone rock garden, kitchen garden, a lake and footpaths taking you to dramatic view points over Morecambe Bay and Lakeland hills. There is a shop, toilets, and café. Entry to the gardens is £4.50 for a group of 15 , but National Trust members are admitted free (with card). Please indicate on the booking form if you are a National Trust member (N.T.) beside the visit entry.
Coordinator: Joan Dobson Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 24 MARCH PLANNING MEETING 10.00 AM, AT THE YMCA
BEES WILDLIFE FIELD VISIT PROGRAMME AUGUST- DECEMBER 2008
TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER MALHAM TARN AREA
Due to its high altitude several interesting flowers were seen in the area at this time last year including grass of parnassus, birds eye primrose and felwort. We would plan to take a circular walk taking in the bogs of Ha mire and Great Close mire also visit Malham Tarn fen. There will be some bird watching over the tarn. Be prepared for wet conditions.
Leader: Margaret Rees
Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER BOLTON ABBEY WOODS
We will take an autumn walk in the familiar territory of Bolton Abbey woods to try to find some interesting ferns. The woods are also rich in fungi species at this time of year. Birds are always present and we may even see the elusive kingfisher. We will commence at Barden Bridge, the circular walk being about 5 miles in length. There are toilets half way round at the Cavendish Pavilion.
Leader: Eric Beety Minibus transport, depart Italian Centre 9 30am. Cost £6.00
TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER FUNGUS FORAY IN JUDY WOODS
This is a local woodland which has produced lots of interesting fungi in the past, including a rarity last year which may appear again this year. Although the foray will not cover much distance, there will be an opportunity for people to do a longer walk around the woods if desired. We will enter the woods on the entrance on Meadway, Woodside (below the bungalows) where there is roadside parking. This outing is an “extra” to our usual programme, so please support it if you can.
Leader: Joan Dobson Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER WENTWORTH CASTLE GARDENS BARNSLEY
Featured in the BBC TV series “Restoration”, Wentworth’s grade1 listed gardens, parkland and buildings including follies are in the process of restoration. It will be interesting to explore the parkland and grounds to see the progress being made with the help of Heritage Lottery Funding. There is a cafe.
Cost of admission: adult £3.95, senior £3.25.
Leader: Margaret Rees Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER NOSTERFIELD GRAVEL PITS AND ANCIENT MONUMENTS
Nosterfield has been developed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust as a nature reserve. It is an important wetland site and has been developed with the objective of improving the habitat for breeding redshank and shoveler and for wintering birds. There are two Neolithic sites nearby Thornborough Henges and the Devil’s Arrows which will be worth a visit.
Leaders: Margaret Rees & Joan Dobson Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER LEIGHTON MOSS
This RSPB site needs no introduction to our members, who have fond memories of bitterns, marsh harriers, deer, great white egret, little egret, etc etc. On this occasion we are visiting to catch a glimpse of the bearded tits, for which the reserve is famous in autumn. The RSPB have made a special grit-feeding area in one part of the reserve and if we can get there before 11.00 am, we should have a good chance of seeing the tits. For this reason we have altered our usual departure time to 8.00am. There is an excellent café, shop and toilets in the visitor centre. There will be a charge for non-RSPB members.
Leaders: Robert Waind, Stuart Tordoff Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 8.00am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 11 NOVEMBER PATELEY BRIDGE AREA
Starting in the town of Pateley Bridge, we will take a circular route to the old lead-mining area via little Switzerland, so there will be both geological and archaeological interest. The distance covered will be about 5 miles and there are toilet facilities in the town.
Leader: Mary Loy Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER TIMBLE INGS
The coniferous plantations of mostly pine, larch and spruce at Timble Ings are supposed to be a bird watcher’s paradise, where anything can turn up. Last autumn crossbills were seen attacking the pine cones in the woods. Will they be back this year? Whether or not we see the birds, this will be a varied and interesting circular 5 mile walk, which can be abbreviated if inclement weather prevails. Some stretches may be muddy. We were unlucky with the nightjars earlier this year; let’s hope we are luckier with the crossbills.
Leaders: Brian Ellis, Joan Dobson Mini-bus transport, depart Italian Centre 9.30am. Cost £6.00.
TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER SLIDE SHOW & CHRISTMAS LUNCH
10.00AM – 12.00 Noon Slide show at the YMCA
We will once again enjoy the excellent slides presented by one of our members, Grace Hilton, who has delighted us with her photography for the last two years. The setting for the slides may be Bradford, or America, or somewhere else in the world! There will be a short break for refreshment.
12.30pm Christmas lunch
As last year, our Christmas lunch will be at Sandal Farm Restraurant, Thornton. The price for the 3 course meal is exactly the same as last year and there is a good choice of food (including vegetarian). As we need to book early at this popular venue please indicate on the booking form if you (& partner/friend) wish to attend. No money is needed at this stage. Those people who have booked will be circulated later with details of the menu, cost, etc.
Coordinators: Joan Dobson, Brian Ellis.