Previous Field Trips

The primary objective of this outing is the wonderful spring birds that this wood is renowned for.   The 3 stars of the show being Pied Flycatcher, Redstart  and Wood Warbler (not easy to spot this one).  Other birds likely to be seen include Spotted Flycatcher, Common Sandpiper, Blackcap, Willow Warbler & Chiff Chaff.  

Spring flowers such as Woodruff & anemones should be at their best.
The walk will be circular route just over 4 miles via the aqueduct footbridge and lunch will be taken at this half-way point. Binoculars are recommended.  There at toilets at the Cavendish Pavilion. 

Leaders: John Gavaghan and Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £8

BEES last visited Upper Teesdale in May 2009. Today we return for another chance to see spring gentians and other plants such as moonwort, birds-eye primrose and mountain pansy at Moor House National Nature Reserve. The linear route total distance to Cauldron Spout is about 3 miles, though the botanists may not make it all the way. On our last visit we were lucky enough to see ring ouzel and woodcock. We plan to call at High Force on the way home.  

The area is very exposed (over 1,500 ft) so please wear warm clothing. 

We will stop at the Tiger Inn near Knaresborough for food on the way home. Menus will be circulated in advance; we will limit our meal to a main course so bring extra food with you on the day if you need think you will need more. 

Leaders: Alice Gingell and Julia Pearson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £12

The sheltered valley between Lindley Wood Reservoir and Swinsty Reservoir is noted for its nesting birds in springtime. We may not see them but their presence will be confirmed by the beautiful bird song. We will almost certainly see a buzzard, a herd of goats and wildfowl. Bird cherry should be in flower at this time. Two walks are proposed- the longer walk will be 4 miles (for birders and walkers) and will take in the full valley. The shorter walk of 2 miles is designed for botanists and strollers. Both walks are on the flat. Our starting point is on the left hand side of the road before Lindley bridge Grid ref 498209 (please note parking is very limited, minibus travel advisable),

Leaders: Madeleine Massey and Margaret Rees
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £7

Our Spring ramble starts at the village of Leathley (grid ref 233470).

We follow a green lane to Riffa Wood were we will to cross a stream into the wood to see the bluebells (there is a slight chance the stream will be too deep for some people to cross). We will then take another lane where we will stop for lunch, which will bring us onto Stainburn Lane and down to our starting point at Leathley. There is one fairly easy style. The walk is approx 4 easy miles.

Toilet stops will be a diversion to Stephen Smiths garden centre before and after the walk.

Leaders; Alice Gingell and Marilyn Barber
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £ 7

This is a good site for wetland birds with several well positioned hides. The site is continually expanding in size and we notice changes each time we visit.  Binoculars are advised if you wish for good views.

There are toilet facilities close to the parking area and a catering van that serves fast food e.g. bacon sarnies.  The perimeter walk is flat and not onerous and less than 3 miles

Leader:  John Gavaghan, Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £ 10

Today we travel to Temple Newsam where we shall leave the minibus and walk through the park, passing beneath the M1, on our way to Skelton Lake. The lake is part of a network of wetlands in the Lower Aire Valley and a haven for birds. A scope will be used so there will be plenty of opportunity for us to see the birds at close quarters. At this time of year expect to see Spring flowers emerging as well as the numerous trees around the site coming into leaf. The walking distance wil be about 4 miles, mostly level, on good paths with perhaps some mud depending on weather conditions on the day of our visit. 

Leaders: Sally Tetlow and Robert Waind
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £7 

It was April 2009 when we last visited these two areas so we are due for another visit. At West Tanfield we should see some early Spring flowers, including Yellow Star of Bethlehem. We will investigate both banks of the River Ure, where there are paths; the distance is not very far. Parking is in the village car park. Nosterfield Gravel Pits are a short distance away by minibus. Here we can expect to see birds on the lake and the hedgerows, as well as Spring flowers. Binoculars and telescopes would be useful. Toilets will be accessed en route.

Leaders: Joan Dobson, Margaret Rees.
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £ 9

The meeting begins at 10am but may last into the afternoon as we have two summer programmes to plan. 

The reserve is a BEES favourite and is a relatively safe destination in the event of inclement weather. New areas of the reserve have been opened up recently for waders, so we can expect to see a good number and variety of birds. There are plenty of hides, level walking, a visitor centre with a café, toilets and shop. Don’t forget binoculars, telescopes and cameras. There will be a charge for non-RSPB members.  

Leader: John Gavaghan 
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £8

We will visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park which is internationally famous for its open air sculptures as well as its galleries. We would plan to view the nesting herons as well as some early spring flowers. Toilets and a café are in the main visitor centre. Entry is free. The cost of car parking will be included in the cost of the trip.

Coordinator: Margaret Rees    
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £9 (includes parking costs)