Previous Field Trips

We will start by visiting Tibet Wood, a small area of hilly woodland, very close to Parcevall Hall. The sole reason for visiting this wood is to see a rare local plant 'Chickweed Wintergreen', neither a chickweed nor a wintergreen!   Access to this wood is by a stile. We will then proceed to Troller's Ghyll which is an area of limestone with much botanical interest. When we last went in 2016 we had sightings of various warblers & a Green Woodpecker. 

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

Pick-ups as far as The Branch only 

Scar Close is a botanically rich limestone pavement (fenced to prevent sheep grazing), part of the Ingleborough National Nature Reserve and managed by Natural England. We can hope to see lily of the valley, spring cinquefoil and bloody cranesbill. We will park near the Hill Inn and walk less than a mile, including a stile. This pavement can be treacherous so participants will have to be extremely careful while botanising, and the use of a pole will be advised to give support. If it is raining we will have to change our plans as it will not be safe. 

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

Pick-ups along The Branch - Keighley route 

Today we visit the limestone quarries of Cross Hill and Salthill, situated on the northern edge of Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley.  An industrial site now, thanks to work by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, reclaimed by nature.  Part of the Cross Hill site runs alongside the River Ribble and in the main quarry area are plants which thrive in lime-rich, shallow soil; we could see cowslips, sanicle, burnet saxifrage as well as, in damper areas, moschatel. There is also a small woodland area.  The Salthill reserve is also rich in lime-loving wildflowers.  The circular walk will take us through flower-rich grassland, scrub and ash woodland.  A sunny day should see plenty of butterfly activity.  Walking distance will be approximately 3 miles on designated pathways. Toilets will be accessed en route.

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

Pick-ups along The Branch - Keighley route 

This lies on the north bank of the tarn. Though we have visited the tarn numerous times for various reasons, we have never made it to the lengthy splendid boardwalk. Parking will be on the road behind the Estate buildings.

The habitat is a mixture of calcareous fen & raised acid-bog therefore supporting a rich array of wetland plants incl Birds-eye primrose, Globe Flower & Marsh Cinquefoil.  Birdlife too is well represented, with several species of warbler, Tree Pipits & Spotted Flycatchers. Green Hairstreak butterflies may also be seen at this time.  If time allows we will look for Yellow Wagtails (nowadays a scarce bird) around Lower Trenhouse Farm. Toilet stops will be at the NT car park In Malham village. 

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

Pick-ups along The Branch - Keighley route 

Our walk is a circular walk of approx. 3.5 - 4 miles, down country lanes, past woodland, across grassland and following a short uphill climb emerging at Thresfield Quarry. The Millennium Trust has restored the rail line used in the past by the Quarry also a lime kiln. The flora will be varied spring flora including early purple orchids. Toilets are situated at the Yorkshire Dales Information centre in Grassington.

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

Pick-ups along The Branch - Keighley route 

This is a private reserve set up in 1973 located on the west bank of the River Ure and within the Norton Conyers Estate. Since 1983 it has formed the northern section of the Ripon parks SSSI. Essentially it is a woodland habitat with ponds. It has an impressive bird list and the flora is abundant and diverse; perhaps we may see the Common Star of Bethlehem. Moth trapping has recorded over 400 species. Five species of Amphibia and a wide range of mammals are on record including the occasional sighting of otters. We will be guided around this new site by the site chairman. A donation would be appreciated. 

Leader: Steve Casling and Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £9.

Our destination today is the Hardcastle Crags estate, which encompasses a wide variety of terrain with oak, beech and pine woods and some of the best examples of upland meadows in the country.  Once parked we shall walk to Gibson Mill (toilets available) and then take some of the many footpaths through the site to hopefully see bluebells in all their spring glory.  Spring migrants will have returned so there should be opportunity for our birders to watch the unfolding frenzy of the nesting season.  Walking distance will be in the region of 2 - 3 miles, perhaps on some uneven surfaces, with the possibility of mud, depending on conditions.

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

Today we will be using public transport and sharing cars. Parking is in the layby on Otley Road (near the white wooden church). The gate to Denso Menston reserve is opposite, which will be the meeting point at 9.45 am. Our guide will be Steve Warrilow, the warden, and hope to see spring flowers and water birds. There are toilets on site. 

Leaders; Alice Gingell and Vera Clark
No Minibus transport; £2

A Yorkshire Water Board Reserve alongside the River Hull. Two reservoirs, lagoons and marsh areas are surrounded by planted woodland. The time coincides with the return of regular migrants including the little ringed plover. Grass snakes, water vole and otters, though elusive, are present. There is a visitor centre and toilet; there is no food but facilities for making drinks. 

We will leave site after 5pm so be prepared for a longer day, taking adequate food and drink. There is an admission charge of £1.80 concessions.

Leaders; Sally Tetlow and Alice Gingell
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £12

Our walk today uses the Sustrans route, starting on Thornton Road. We will walk alongside the young hedgerows and over the viaduct. The return route will be retracing our steps to Thornton where there are toilets at the Café in South Square. 

Leaders: Lorna Leeming and Marilyn Barber
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost: £5