Previous Field Trips

The Hollies is a Leeds park bordering the Meanwood Valley Trail. It is well known for its rhodendron gardens, however on our autumn visit we will be looking at the exotic as well as native trees which will be in fruit. We could see nuthatch in the woodland and dipper by the beck.

There is a steep gradient from the gardens to the beck so care needs to be taken as the path is stony with exposed tree roots and liable to be wet and slippery. Waterproof boots and walking stick are strongly recommended for this section.

Leader: Margaret Rees
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £6

The start point will be the car park/toilet area between Fewston & Swinsty Reservoirs, then a 3.5 - 4 mile walk around the reservoir on level paths. The main interest will be fungi + and birds.

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

Although we have been frequent visitors to this reserve, it is always a pleasure to return. 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. Deer have been known to put in an appearance towards dusk. The visitor centre has a shop, café and toilets. If time permits we would visit the Allen and Eric Morcambe hides on Morcambe Bay.

Bring your binoculars/telescopes and don’t forget your RSPB card if you are a member. Otherwise the entrance fees are £5 adults, £3 concessions, (free to members).

Leaders: Stuart Tordoff & Robert Waind
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £10

In the morning we will enjoy a walk through the Chevin Forest Park, a mixture of conifer and native woodland towards the area of heather and meadow on the eastern edge of the park. There is a short board walk and pond. We will be afforded with excellent views of Wharfedale and beyond.

In the afternoon we will visit Caring for Life, a Christian project supporting people with learning difficulties. As well as enjoying a cup of tea and a cake in their Barn restaurant we will explore the small nature reserve that has been newly created.

Leader: Margaret Rees
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £6

Our annual visit to the coast will be divided into two parts. In the morning we will park on the shore at Birkdale and explore southwards, which is the opposite direction to our previous visits. Then we will take the minibus to Devil’s Hole, which is a large blow-out in the sand-dunes further south. With the expert help of our leaders, we will see interesting plants, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians.

Leaders: Pat Lockwood, Philip Smith       Coordinator: Joan Dobson
At the Unitarian Church, Russell Street, BD5.  Cost £12

Our visit today is a circular route of about 4 or 5 miles taking in Buckden, Cray and Hubberholme in Upper Wharfedale. We should find an array of spring flowers along the tracks and in the hay meadows. Common Blue and Northern Brown Argus are amongst the butterflies we might see.  The birds nesting in the farmland include Redshank and Oystercatcher and we will also walk alongside the river where we may see wagtails and dippers.  We will meet the farmer at Cray (assuming no farm emergencies) who will be able to give us an insight into the how some of his farming practices are influenced by the wildlife on his farm.

We will also pause to admire, I hope, the dry stone wall that BEES Friday volunteers have been repairing recently.

The walk starts with a climb out of Buckden, and some sections of path are fairly steep. There are stepping stones to cross at Cray (if the river is exceptionally high we will alter the walk accordingly). Walking sticks will be helpful. There are toilets in Buckden where we will park.

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

Following our successful orientation visit to this newly created reserve last year, we will be making a return visit. There will be the opportunity to “do your own thing” – spend time in the hides or by the river, survey the woodland or wetland areas for plants. Please remember to bring your map. There are excellent visitor facilities including restaurant, shop, toilets etc.

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

Today’s visit will provide both archaeological and botanical interest, for we plan to visit the old lead-mining area of Yarnbury, north-east of Grassington. Parking in Hebden village, we will follow the course of Hebden Beck northwards and then across the moor to Yarnbury, returning by a different route. Please be aware that this circular trip is about 5 miles in distance; walking is not very difficult though there may be stiles on the return leg.

Leaders: Eric Beety, Alice Gingell
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £8

Starting from Studley Roger this will be a circular walk down country lanes on the outskirts of Ripon leading to Markenfield Hall an historic Elizabethan moated manor house and return. (The Hall will not be open to the public at the time of our visit but does open for limited periods during the summer months). The distance involved will be approx 5 miles however the walk will be on flat terrain. Spring flowers and migrants will be an additional interest as well as views of Ripon Cathedral. Arrangements will be made for a toilet stop en route. 

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