Previous Field Trips

We return to Gouthwaite Reservoir after an eight year absence.

There are 4 viewing platforms overlooking the reservoir. In particular we will look for wildfowl on the reservoir and birds of prey overhead. There will be some road walking when extra care needs to be taken. Walking distance no more than 3 miles on reasonable terrain.

Leaders: Margaret Rees and Madeleine Massey
Minibus transport, depart Unitarian Church 9.30. Cost £ 8
 

Blacktoft Sands is on the Humber Estuary, it is England's largest intertidal reedbed, home to Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and Bittern.

Six shallow saline lagoons provide habitat for hundreds of Teal and Wigeon, and other species. Winter highlights can include Marsh Harriers coming in to roost, and Peregrine and Barn Owl hunting, so we hope to stay on site till late afternoon. 

There are toilets at the reserve, a number of hides and surfaced level paths. Entrance charges apply for non-RSPB members. 

One of the leading wetland reserves in the north, we can expect to see a range of ducks and waders, as well as birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Marsh Harriers.

We will gather at the Unitarian Church to share a review of 2019 and plan for trips in 2020.

This is an opportunity to share your ideas for trips in the summer. Please bring food to share.

Coordinators:  Alice Gingell and Sally Tetlow        
Meet at Unitarian Church, Russell Street, BD5.        12.30-4pm            Cost £ 3

Our walk today will take us from the centre of Brighouse, along the canal, to Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve.  

This is a level walk with plenty of interest along the canalside where goosanders have been seen as well as other wildfowl.  We have visited the reserve before which is a well managed site offering a variety of different habitats for wildlife.  The distance is about 2 miles to the reserve but members are free to walk as far as they feel able and then retrace their steps to Brighouse where there are numerous cafes/pubs.  Dress appropriately for the weather.

The meeting begins at 10am and will last until early afternoon. You may wish to bring lunch with you. The kettle will be to hand.   We will start the next programme with a New Year’s Walk on Tuesday 7th January 2020
 

Our day will start at Culture Fusion at 10.30 am where we have a slide presentation by some of our members.  Refreshments will be available.  Following this we will walk to the Bradford Club, Piece Hall Yard for our meal, comprising 3 courses, with coffee, at a cost of £20, starting at 1pm.  The menu will be forwarded to those who express an interest, so please book as early as possible. Choices should be made by 1st November. 
 
Coordinator; Sally Tetlow (meal), Julia Pearson (morning slides)
No Minibus transport.   Cost £3 for morning session
 

We have visited Old Moor regularly over the past few years, but it is four years since we have been in the autumn. We expect to see a range of water birds and the bird feeding areas always attract a good range of seed eaters. 
The reserve has level, well-surfaced paths and plenty of hides so will give a range of options for the amount of walking.  There is a shop, toilets and café at the visitor centre. Free entry for RSPB members, a charge of £5/3.50 for non-members. 

We are returning to Keighley to visit the unique collection of trees in a beautiful arboretum at Devonshire Park. This park was opened in 1888 and provides an opportunity to view different species within a small area. Walking will be on good paths over a distance of about one mile with a slight uphill climb at the start. Lunch will be taken either in the open at the park or, should we experience rain, in Cliffe Castle itself, which will be our destination for the afternoon part of today's visit.

Last year was a poor year for waxcaps so we are rescheduling our visit to these two churchyards in the hope for a more varied display. St Chad’s Church, SE 275 370 will be visited in the morning, after which we will go to St. John’s Church, Adel SE 275 403
Walking will be easy at both Churchyards.
The proximity to Adel Dam gives us a chance to alter the afternoon destination if we find that once again there is a limited number of waxcaps. 

Leaders: John Gavaghan and Julia Pearson
Minibus transport, depart, Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7