Previous Field Trips

When we last visited Stainforth Force to watch for leaping salmon we were undermined by the rain. Today we will make another attempt to watch this seasonal spectacle. 
We will park in Stainforth (toilets in car park) and make the half mile walk to the waterfalls. We will then be stationary for some time so come dressed for the less active pastime of watching for the fish. The rocks and path by the river are uneven and slippery.

Tuesday 1st October 

We had to change this trip to North Cave as Blacktoft was flooded and closed.

We will walk beside Eller Beck on mainly flat, surfaced paths then access the upper woodland via well-made steps and/or slopes with handrails. Some of the return paths are narrow and uneven. Trees provide the only shelter and all paths could be muddy. We may see a few late flowers, fruits should be maturing and some early fungi may have erupted. Heron, kingfishers and dippers are regular visitors to the watercourses.   Distance approx 4km. Toilets and cafes in town centre.

We are returning to the walk we did in January last year to see the canal vegetation. We will walk along the canal towpath from Foulridge Wharf heading north to Mill Hill Bridge a total of less than 4 miles. There might be the option to walk back across the fields, though returning alongside the canal will be possible if you choose. 

Leaders: John Gavaghan and Sally Tetlow
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £8      There will be pick-ups along Branch-Keighley route
 

Our visit today takes us to Masham where we will walk the Masham Leaves Sculpture trail.  This was devised by the sculptor Alan Ayers using huge paving slabs of locally quarried limestone reclaimed from the former railway platform.  The walk is approximately 3 miles in length, following footpaths and open fields on level or gently sloping ground.  There are stiles and some parts may be muddy.

Leaders: Sally Tetlow    
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £ 10

Our last visit to these two small magnesium limestone sites was in July 2015. Both have a great deal of botanical interest including several species of orchid. The first of these is a former coal pit at SE 429 311 with a mix of ponds, woodland & grassland. Roach LP is at SE 418 314 & is on a calcareous outcrop. Butterflies & dragonflies are to be found in good numbers. Walking is easy. Toilet facilities at Kippax Leisure Centre 

Leaders; John Gavaghan 
Minibus transport, depart, Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Cost £7

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. 
 

We will start the day at Hirst Wood Burial Ground, adjacent to Nab Wood Cemetery. The BEES conservation group has been assisting the Church in implementing an ecological management plan; today is a chance for us to contribute to species records as well as a chance to explore the terraced burial ground and the woods below. We will leave the woods and walk through the streets to Hirst Lock for lunch where you will have the option to use the café (toilets) or eat in the community garden or by the lock.

The project was set up in 2012 in an attempt to address biodiversity loss in North Yorkshire. Originally arable land, the fertility levels have been reduced on the 10ha site. Native trees have been planted and local wild flower species introduced. The site provides education for all ages. There is shelter and eco loos. 
To aid this important work a donation would be much appreciated.

Coordinator;   Alice Gingell           Leader Prof. Dave Raffaelli
Minibus transport; depart Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £9
 

 Today's walk starts with a short foray from New Bridge in Langstrothdale.  We will then head to Beckermonds for lunch and an amble eastwards on the Dales Way alongside the River Wharfe.  Walking should be easy though uneven in places. Distance approx 2 miles.  A variety of flowering plants are expected including water and riverside species and consequently rich insect life. We will stop in Buckden for the toilets on the way and the return.