Previous Field Trips

For our extended day out we will visit two reserves in Wensleydale. We will call at Leyburn Old Glebe YWT reserve, “a rare jewel”, a rich meadow with a variety of flora, butterfly and moth species. There is a chance of seeing Green Winged Orchid as well as the rare Burnt-tip Orchid.

From there we will move on to West Witton for lunch and a stroll of about 4 miles on mostly level ground. This takes you past a number of habitats. As well as further botanical interest there is the possibility of seeing ground nesting birds.

We are planning to stop for fish and chips on the way home, so bring a bit of money with you.  

Leaders: Margaret Rees and Martin Taylor
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £10

This local wooded area just north of Hebden Bridge is well known to us, although the group have never visited in springtime. We are hopeful that the visit has been timed correctly for us to see the glorious display of bluebells for which the woods are noted. We will park in the National Trust car park at Midgehole and walk up to Gibson Mill, where there are toilets and refreshments. Fitter members of the group may wish to extend the walk further upstream (with permission of the leader!)

Leader: Donald Lightowler
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7

Skipton Woods are a delight in early spring – wild garlic should be in flower and we will also look for some special flowers including Moschatel, Herb Paris and Woodruff. There will be plenty of birding interest including nesting herons as well as dipper. Toilets and parking is available in Skipton. Our meeting point will be on the bridge at Skipton opposite to the famous pie shop.

Leaders: Joan Dobson and Margaret Rees

Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £6

Hetchell Wood is a YWT reserve, seven miles N.E. of Leeds, which we haven’t visited since 2006. The reserve comprises a variety of habitats; woodland, grassland, wet flushes and imposing rocky crags. There should be plenty of spring flowers, including Toothwort, in the woodland. Summer migrants will have arrived to join the resident birds. Walking is on good paths, with some inclines.

Leaders: Eric Beety
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7

Our planned outing to this area in Spring 2013 was another casualty of the inclement weather. The village of Hooton Pagnell (grid ref SE486080) will be the starting point for a circular walk along country lanes and bridleways, passing through Hampole Wood, where we may see wild daffodils. There should be plenty of interest on the walk and in the village itself. A toilet stop will be made en-route.

Leader: Lorna and Andrew Leeming
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £8

Our Autumn 2013 visit to this reserve had to be postponed due to lack of water and birds on site, so we are hoping for a Spring bonanza! It is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve in the Lower Derwent Valley and attracts a wide range of birds.

Walking is on the level and there are viewing hides, but the area is subject to flooding, so please bring wellingtons.

Leader: Stuart and Gillian Tordoff
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £10

Potteric Carr has become the YWT’s flagship reserve. Famed for its wetland birds including bitterns it has a network of paths and excellent facilities including cafe, shop, toilets and hides. There should be plenty of birding interest at this time of year.

Leader Donald Lightowler
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £8

A walk around a favourite park is planned. A gravel path has been constructed leading to Paul’s Pond which will be visited. There will be birding interest. The gardens are always a delight no matter what the season.

Toilets and a tea room (subject to refurbishment plans) are available.

Leader: Marilyn Barber
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £6

Members of the group are invited to show digital images on subjects of interest i.e. travel, natural history. Presentations need to be approximately 20 minutes in duration. Please contact Margaret who will arrange a programme.

Julia will start the meeting by giving feedback from the Review.
Tea and refreshments will be provided.

Coordinator: Margaret Rees
At the Unitarian Church, Russell Street, BD5. Cost £2