Previous Field Trips

The first outing of 2019 will be a 3 1/2 mile stroll at Gargrave, on a cold sunny day.

First stop, the village toilets, thence to North Street. The route takes us along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to Bank Newton Locks for the lunch stop. There is one stile. Then over the fields to join the Pennine Way back to Gargrave. The cafe will no doubt be open for further refreshments. 
There may be mud and wet grass, boots recommended. Dress for the day's weather. In case of inclement weather a walk nearer home can be arranged. 

We will meet in the morning at 10am at The Unitarian Church for slide presentations of member’s wildlife experiences on their travels.

We will return to the Calverley Arms for a Christmas meal – the menus are not available at time of writing but we estimate the cost will be in the region of £17-20. Anyone who books will receive a menu and booking details.

Coordinators; Julia Pearson – morning Marilyn Barber - meal.
Minibus transport available; Cost £3

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. 

Today we will meet at Culture Fusion or the Unitarian Church (no further pickups), for our annual mystery outing. Good paths throughout. Distance flexible - walk as much or as little as you wish!

Leader: Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7

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
Both sites hold good populations of Waxcap fungi. Walking will be easy at both Churchyards.

Leader: John Gavaghan and Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport, depart, Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7

This will be the first visit by the group to ‘The Community of the Resurrection’, Stock’s Bank Road, Mirfield SD 189 209 . The site, particularly the large lawn behind the church is renowned for its variety of Waxcap fungi. We have permission to use their toilets and tea/ coffee will be provided on arrival. After lunch we will proceed to the canal and walk towards Ravensthorpe. Easy walking, though could be muddy.

Leaders: John Gavaghan and Stuart Tordoff
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7

It is 4 years since we have visited Leighton Moss as a group and we plan to start at the Allen and Eric Morecambe hides on Morecambe Bay, depending on conditions on the day. A visit at this time of year will be mainly for the birding interest, possibly migrant waders, but we should also see fungi and some late- flowering plants.
Walking is on the level on good paths and there are several viewing hides. The visitor centre has a shop, café and toilets. Bring your binoculars/telescopes and don’t forget your RSPB card if you are a member, otherwise there is an entrance fee.

Leaders: John Gavaghan and Julia Pearson
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £11 Pick up on The Branch - Keighley route

The arboretum is a 120 acre site administered in partnership with Kew Gardens. It contains native species and trees from around the world. There are short or longer (4km) posted tree trails as well as parkland, lakes and ponds to explore. The terrain offers easy walking on well maintained grassy paths. The autumn colours could be magnificent. The hawfinches visited at this time last year.

There is a Visitor Centre with cafe Cost of entry will be £6 or £7 payable on the day (bring correct change). Free Parking in the arboretum car park.

Leaders: Alice Gingell and Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £11

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

Leaders: Alice Gingell and Margret Rees
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £ 10

Weather conditions prevented our plans in March, so today we will be using public transport and sharing cars to visit this local site. Our plan is to walk through two adjacent woods - errison and Spring Woods - looking for late flowering herbaceous plants,autumnal changes in trees, and early fungi. The walk will involve some uphill stretches on relatively good pathways but be prepared for mud. The ‘Woolpack’ opens at 12 noon where we will be using the toilets.

Leaders ; Alice Gingell and Madeleine Massey
No minibus. Meeting place: Car Park in Esholt village 10am Grid Reference SE 184 305 Cost £3