Previous Field Trips

BEES hosts a Wildlife Field Visit Programme throughout the year.

The programme aims to explore a range of habitats to study their natural history and management issues relating to their upkeep. The programme is organised and delivered by a committed and knowledgeable group of volunteers.

The list below shows information about past visits. For reports and photos about these visits please visit:
* Blog
* Photos

 

Wildlife Field Visits - Past

Wharram Percy & Wharram Quarry

The medieval deserted village of Wharram Percy is on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. (car park Grid Ref.SE 867645). The walk is no longer than 3 miles but has a quite steep section and can be muddy. Farm livestock is likely to be on the path. Stout footwear is essential and, as the area is exposed, be prepared for any kind of weather.

Wharram Quarry is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust species rich grassland site. We may find three types of orchid, thistle broomrape, restharrow and if very lucky, the endangered red hemp-nettle. On a sunny day butterflies abound: buzzards, linnets and yellow hammers may also be flying. Toilet stop on route.

Leaders: Alice Gingell, Joan Dobson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £10

 

Langcliffe & Stainforth

Our destination is the picturesque village of Langcliffe (grid ref.SD823651) which is a few miles north of Settle. We will take a circular route with fairly level walking of about 3.5 to 4 miles in total. (There are some stiles along the route, but nothing too challenging). There will be plenty of interest; industrial architecture, botanical, avian, as well as butterflies & dragonflies. From Langcliffe we will take field paths and tracks towards Stainforth. It is on this section of the walk that we will see remains of Lime Kilns and infrastructure including the famous Hoffman Lime Kiln. Also here is the large quarry under Stainforth Scar, where the peregrines nest (binoculars needed). Toilets are available in Stainforth. Our return route takes us past Stainforth Force and along the river on the Ribble Way, where the path may be muddy in places.

Leader: Julia Pearson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £8

 

LETCHMIRE PASTURES LOCAL NATURE RESERVE.

Allerton Bywater

Today we will be continuing our exploration of the S.E. Leeds sites which are owned by Leeds City Council and managed in partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Letchmire Pastures at Allerton Bywater (WF10 2BW) is a 13 hectare site on low lying land near the River Aire, which was a former coal-stocking area. It consists of ponds, wet grassland, grassland scrub and hedgerows. The site is good for bird-watching; Lapwing, Common Snipe and Ringed Plover nest here and many other birds can be seen. The site was originally landscaped by Leeds City Council and the soil which was translocated contained rare plant species such as Grass Vetchling, Wood Small-reed and serval Orchid species. (Map ref. SE424274)

We will access toilets at Kippax Leisure Centre before the walk. 

Leader: John Gavaghan
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £7

EXTENDED DAY OUT CHAFER WOOD & ELLERBURN BANK YWT RESERVES

These two sites situated on the edge of the Dalby Forest will be full of floral, insect and birding interest. (Grid references: Chafer Wood SE899 832, Ellerburn Bank SE853 860). Among the special species we will look out for include fly orchid, bluebell, goldilocks buttercup, leopard’s bane, wild cherry, adder, and redstart. Both sites have archaeological interest including an ancient pinfold, a cairn and dyke at Chafer Wood: a Bronze Age double bank and ditch at Ellerburn Bank. We will arrange for toilet calls as required at Thornton Dale. 

The walking will be easy and no more than 3 miles in total.

A meal will be arranged at the Black Bull in Escrick before returning to Bradford in the late evening. 

Leaders:  Joan Dobson and Madeleine Massey
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £11 

GRIMWITH RESERVOIR AND TROLLERS GILL.

Our morning visit is to Grimwith Reservoir, parking in the reservoir car park (SE063640). The purpose of this visit is not to walk the whole way around the reservoir but to seek out bird life along the south and west banks of the reservoir or to search for Adders-tongue ferns along the north bank. We will divide into two groups for this purpose and we may or may not be successful in our quests! Please be aware that Grimwith Reservoir is in a very exposed location about 300 metres above sea level so you will need to dress accordingly.

The second part of the outing will be to Trollers Gill, parking at the side of the minor road near Parcevall Hall (SE068615) so approaching Trollers Gill from the south along the valley of Skyreholme Beck. There should be much botanical interest along the valley at this time of year. There are toilets at Grimwith Reservoir.

Leaders: Stuart Tordoff, Joan Dobson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £8

MALHAMDALE – AIRTON TO KIRKBY MALHAM.

A Walk of 4-4½ miles starting from Airton Mill. SD 904 593. Good botanical potential on the outward route which is flat and follows the river using public footpaths and the Pennine Way. Two easy stiles and a section of road walking are involved. Kirkby Malham Church is worth a visit. Two options will be available for the return: a) retracing the outward route or b) field paths involving steps and stiles over undulating farmland parts of which could be wet and muddy. Toilets stop on route. There is a nearby tearoom should we wish to visit. 

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

 

WETHERBY AND THE RIVER WHARFE

After our recent visit to the banks of the River Wharfe in March, we will be walking again alongside the river for part of today’s outing. Starting from Wetherby, we will take a circular route of about 3½ miles, following the river at first and later along a disused railway line. Much of the route is on fairly level ground with only one stile. There should be both botanical and avian interest, especially along the riverside.

The walk starts from the Wilderness Car Park, Bridgefoot, Wetherby LS22 6RF. If you are coming by car, please contact leaders for parking information. Toilets will be accessed before the walk. 

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

          

 

SEFTON COAST – LARKHILL LANE AREA.

For our visit to the Sefton coast we will be exploring the Larkhill Lane area of Formby, where we have not been previously. The area comprises sand dunes, woods and a lake. The visit is much earlier in the year than our usual visits in order to see the Spring Annuals, such as Spring Beauty, Early Forget-me-not, etc. Our Leader for the day will be Pat Lockwood, who is known to many of us, and her home will be our starting and finishing points (13 Stanley Road. L37 7AN).

We will end our day with drinks and cakes at Pat's house and will therefore depart later than usual in order to miss the rush hour traffic. As a result our return to Bradford will be mid-evening. 

Leaders: Pat Lockwood
Coordinator: Joan Dobson

Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £12

 

FEIZOR AND OXENBER WOODS

near Settle

Our spring walk will start in the village of Austwick near Settle (Grid ref SD 767685). Toilets will be accessed before the start of the walk. We will climb a ladder stile and cross a field into Feizor Wood. There will be a steep ascent which can be taken slowly to enable us to enjoy the stunning display of woodland flowers including primroses, anemones, early purple orchids and bluebells. There is an area of limestone pavement near the summit which we can explore.

There will be two options for the rest of the walk; a more direct route down the hillside back to Austwick of about 3.5 miles, or a longer circular walk to the top of the woods and back via Feizor, about 4.5 miles in total. We would plan to visit the tea rooms in Feizor before our return home.

Leader: Joan Dobson and Julia Pearson

Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £10

 

THORP PERROW ARBORETUM.

Our previous visits to this 100 acre Arboretum have mostly been in the Autumn. In the Spring we should expect to see trees in blossom, bluebells and other Spring flowers in the woodland. The Arboretum has about 2000 different taxa of plants, including four National Plant Collections:- Lime, Walnut, Ash and Laburnum, as well as the Milbank Pinetum. The Bird of Prey Centre, at the far end of the Arboretum is worth a visit with flying displays at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. There is an excellent visitor centre and tearoom near the entrance, as well as plant sales.

The admission price for pre-booked groups of 10+ is £7.00 for Adults (no concessions) RHS Free Membership does not apply to group visits. Pay on the day - you must bring correct cash as the Leader has to pay for all visitors.

Coordinator: Vera Clark

Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £10