WFV Conyngham Hall Tree Trail, Knaresborough 25.03.2025 

14 people had signed up for this popular trip. Eric and Steve joined the mini bus group at the car park having travelled by train. We were joined by a Bees volunteer for the day, Hifza.

Weather conditions were fine but cool and cloudy. We were led on the task of identifying trees in winter by Alice. We needed to consider their shape (more prominent in winter), branches (horizontal, upward or downward arching), bud arrangement and character (opposite or alternate arrangement on the twig; sticky, pointed etc), the presence of catkins, decayed leaf litter and the evidence of old fruit under the tree. We were equipped with several guide books and a copy of the Conyngham Hall Tree Trail guide.

Conyngham Hall originally the site of a Tudor mansion, was rebuilt in 1559 and restored and enlarged in 1796 by the Dowager countess. It was leased between 1924-1942 by Sir Harold Mackintosh, the Halifax sweet manufacturer (Quality Street and Rolo) and the bought by the council in 1946. Several of the trees are over 100 years old.

The Tree Trail starts at the top of the steps from the car park and was part completed at a leisurely pace. The trees are a mix of deciduous, native varieties and evergreen and more exotic species. They were mostly in bud however leaves were emerging on the Horse chestnut and flowers on the Cherry plum. Some of the more notable species were the Redwoods- Giant (Wellingtonia) and Coastal; the Cedars, Western Cedar, Cedar of Lebannon, Deodar cedar and Atlas Blue Cedar; Walnut, Ginko or Maidenhair tree, Monkey Puzzle and Eucalyptus. The other more familiar trees were Lime. The Maples, Sweet and Horse chestnut, Weeping Beech, Whitebeam, Hornbeam and Silver Birch.

There was some emerging ground flora including Dog and Sweet violet, Primrose and Wild Garlic as well as leaves of Cow Parsley and Wild Arum. Birds seen from the park included Buzzard, Red kite, Song thrush and Robin (a Chiff Chaff was heard). Several members enjoyed lunch at Henshaw’s Arts and Crafts Centre. 

As our time was limited only half the trail was completed. An opportunity of a walk along the Nidd Gorge was taken before returning to the minibus. Additional bird sightings were of Dipper, Mandarin Duck, Kestrel, Goldcrest and Goldfinch.

The group had a good day out and it was nice to see some old faces as well as some new ones. Our thanks as ever to our drivers and especially to Alice for her expertise and hard work.
Margaret Rees