Previous Field Trips

During our visit to this site in June, the warden, Martyn Priestley informed us that it is worth checking out the fungi in October. We are following up on his suggestion and he will be with us to lead us around the site.  Walking is all on the flat & we will not be going far.  As was the case in June, we will make our own individual transport arrangements.

Leader: John Gavaghan      
Own Transport meet: 10.30am Railway Terrace where parking is available (opposite Low Moor Railway Station)
 

We will start at the car park in Stainforth village and head down to Stainforth Falls. This outing is timed with the hope that the salmon will be leaping, so we hope the weather and water levels are in our favour. We will then walk, along the riverbank towards Langcliffe, crossing the weir and skirting the reservoir, back towards Langcliffe, approximately 2 miles. There will be an option of a minibus transfer if you do not wish to walk. The footpath can be muddy and slippery in wet weather, and there are a couple of stiles on the route.

We will visit 35 trees in Darwin Gardens and on the lower moor following a booklet written by Sue and Neil Stevens.  The trail is about 1.5 miles and starts at Darwin Gardens Car Park. There is a rough and steep section but the group could divide to avoid this and re-join to complete the walk.      Toilets are available at White Wells.

Leader: Alice Gingell
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £7 Pick up Branch
 

This is one of our favourite reserves on account of the wildlife seen on previous visits including birds, flora, dragonflies, butterflies, fungi and even a grass snake. Also the ease of viewing birdlife from the hides. Our visit will coincide with the end of summer and beginning of autumn. There is an easy walk around the perimeter of the main lakes. An additional wetland has been created adjacent to Dryham Lane and a straw bale hide overlooks a flooded quarry. Lots to see. A popular mobile café is on site until 2 30pm and a composting toilet available.

We are very familiar with Leighton Moss, but always have a good visit when we go, with a mix of open water, woodland paths and reedbeds. The reserve is well resourced with hides, pathways, cafe, toilet and shop.
We can do a drop off at the shore hide for those who wish, (this would entail a 15-minute road walk back to the main reserve). 
There is a £9 entrance fee for non-members 

Leader: Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am/Unitarian Church 9.30am.          Pick up Branch/Keighley route Cost £12  

A stroll along the main path of East Chevin.  Distance is unlikely to exceed 3 miles.  After lunch we will visit Caring for Life which is about 1mile away. There is a cafe/restaurant on site. We will explore the grounds which include two reeded ponds, at the bottom of the steep hillside, that are good for dragonflies.

This is a small, botanically rich, magnesian limestone grassland site. Our main aim is to search for the UK's latest flowering orchid, Autumn Lady's-tresses. Afterwards we will move on to a nearby site either Fairburn Ings, Ledston Luck or Letchmire Pastures. There are toilet facilities at the RSPB site of Fairburn

Leader; John Gavaghan
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £10
 

Sunderland Point is an isolated hamlet situated between the estuary of the river Lune and Morecambe Bay and unique in being the only mainland village in the UK that is dependent on the tide for access. There are marsh, estuary and hedgerow habitats and we expect to see a variety of bird life as well as some interesting seaside plants such as sea lavender and sea aster.  Sambo’s grave, the resting place of a young slave in the 18th century lies close by and we may pay a visit.  There are toilets in the village. The walking is flat and easy.

Tuesday 25th July     
This is a private reserve within the Norton Conyers Estate and forms part of the Ripon Parks SSSI. It is
a mixed woodland with open areas and ponds. There is abundant floral, fungal, bird and insect
interest. There are hides and level mown grass paths. Insect repellent, suitable seasonal clothing and
stout footwear are recommended. Eco-toilet on site.  
A volunteer guide may be available.   A donation would be appreciated.
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £11
 

This is a new reserve for the Bees group situated on the sands and gravels of the flood plain of the Ure and alongside the Ripon canal. It is an ideal venue for a Bees group consisting of a flat gravel path, a gazebo, picnic tables, viewing screens and a hide. All abilities can be included. The summer flora more especially the water lilies and plants alongside the canal will be stunning. The reserve supports a range of butterflies, dragonflies and other insect life. Bird life will also be varied with passerines in the reedbeds and diving terns in the lake and canal.