WFV, Bishop Monkton and Ripon City Wetlands, 28.7.26

A group of 8 enjoyed a full day visiting two YWT nature reserves situated to the
north of Harrogate namely Bishop Monkton and Ripon City Wetlands. Our
route could be described as a circle around Harrogate. Conditions were cloudy
with some sunny periods; temperatures were high but not too hot. Our day
was planned by Alice.
Bishop Monkton is a linear reserve which follows the track of a disused railway
line. It lies on a bed rock of magnesium limestone. The sward of grasses and
flowering plants were growing tall and providing a source of nectar for insect
species. The flowering plants included Hedge Parsley, Knapweed, Perforate St
John’s Wort, Agrimony, Red Bartsia, Eyebright and Field Scabious. Insect
species included the butterflies Holly Blue, Gatekeeper and Red Admiral. The
surrounding fields were parched due to the prevailing high temperatures and
lack of rainfall.
Our second reserve Ripon City Wetlands situated between the Rive Ure and
Ripon canal contains a variety of habitats- open grassland, field margins, pond
habitat, canal waterside as well as a field sown as a crop for food for the
reserves bird population. We enjoyed lunch sitting in the luxury of its wooden
gazebo. Floral species seen included Great Burnet Saxifrage, Golden Melilot,
Marsh Woundwort, Rosebay Willow-herb, Hoary Willow-herb, White and
Yellow water-lilies, Arrowhead, Water-plantain, Meadow Cranesbill, Dock and
Teasel. Many of the plants were in seed or fruit.
The dragonfly and butterfly species provided the highlights of the day. The
dragonfly species included Common Darter, Emperor, Blue-tailed damsel fly,
Southern hawker and Brown hawker. The butterfly species included Holly and
Common Blue in good numbers feeding on the Birdsfoot Trefoil. Also,
Gatekeeper, Comma, Peacock, Small and Large White, Ringlet, Painted lady,
Small Copper, Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen.
Bird species seen on the large lake and in the hedgerows were Swans, Great
Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Tern, Moorhen, ReedWarbler, Buzzard and Wren.
On open ground on returning to the minibus Alison and myself were delighted
to have a brief view of a baby rabbit (bunny, kit, kitten?) before it scampered
into the undergrowth. The minibus was patiently driven on our behalf by Viv.
What more could you expect from a Bees day out? We had good weather,
plenty to see and good company!

Margaret