Wildlife Field Visits

Roundhay Park, Leeds

Our visit on this date is designed for us to enjoy the autumn colours of the park’s woodlands. As well as the variety of tree species there will be much of general interest. The Upper Lake is home to a variety of water birds as well as

the rare white clawed crayfish. There is a bat roost on the central island. The gorge is of considerable geological interest. A sculpture trail has recently been constructed. We can look out for jay and woodpecker in the woodland as well as fungi species. An extended walk around Waterloo Lake is a possibility.

Toilet and café facilities are available.

Possible pick up at car park for Horsforth Park by arrangement.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am. Unitarian Church 9.30am.    Cost £7

Leaders: Margaret Rees and Steve Woods

Hemsworth Almshouses

A return visit to the beautiful Hemsworth Almshouses, between Pontefract & Barnsley. This time slightly earlier in the year to further explore the rich variety of waxcap fungi growing on the unimproved lawns.

We will be allowed use of the toilet facilities & so we will be expected to make a donation.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Low Moor pick up. Cost £11

Leader: John Gavaghan

Ilkley cemetery Tree Trail

We will take a circular route around the cemetery following the latest excellent trail prepared by Sue and Neil Ste-vens. The 37 different trees are mostly by the side of wide walkways but some are accessed by walking across grass and graves. It will be an opportunity to learn key features of some conifers.

Meeting time 10.30am      Own/public transport.

Meeting place Beanlands Parade with roadside parking

Nearest toilet Booths supermarket 0-4km

Leader: Alice Gingell

St Aiden’s RSPB Reserve, near Swillington

This is a large RSPB site south east of Leeds that we have visited on numerous occasions.  It is regarded as one of the top birding sites in Yorkshire and September is a good month for birds on migration.  There are a variety of good paths around this former open cast mining site but no bird hides to provide shelter.  Toilet facilities are available in the Visitor Centre which is adjacent to the car park.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Pick up low moor   Cost £8

Leaders: Julia Pearson and John Gavaghan

Chellow Dene and Stoney Ridge walk.

Today we will visit two local sites fairly close together.  A walk around Chellow Dene, followed by an introductory walk around Stoney Ridge Plantation. This is a private woodland owned by Hallmark Cards. BEES have recently taken on some of the management of the site which we use for many of our projects. Come and find out about this work and take the chance to visit a wood not generally open to the public.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am   Cost £5

Leaders: Amanda Smith and Nina McCormack

We have no visit today but if you are interested in juicing apples, do come along to Culture Fusion where Amanda and Julia and others will be juicing with the apple press on the Culture Fusion garden.

Malham Tarn

Starting from the car park at the southern end of the tarn, SD895657, we will pass through different habitats of grassland, mire and mixed woodland to reach the bird hide with views over the tarn. Late botanical interest should include devil’s bit scabious, red bartsia and grass of Parnassus as well as sedges and rushes. The distance with return is approximately 3miles.

There is the option of continuing to the boardwalk across the fen. As some will recall dress and footwear for cold and wet conditions are essential.  The only shelter is our lunch venue, the hide. Toilet stop at Malham NT centre

Leader; Alice Gill

Sun Lane Nature Reserve, Burley-in-Wharfedale

This reserve is approximately 12 acres of grassland with shrubby areas and mature trees around the periphery.  The site was originally an old tip which was covered in 1975.  Since this time it has become a wildlife haven with over 400 species of wildflower having been recorded here over the years.  Devilsbit scabious is a key feature of this site with small teasel also being present.  Breeding birds include blackcap, chiffchaff and willow warbler.  Walking on rough grassland and gravel paths. Distance 1 to 2 miles.

Own/Public Transport

Leader; Sally Tetlow

Wycoller Country Park

Wycoller Country Park nr. Colne, Lancs. Starting off at Ball Grove Park/Nature Reserve with a short (flat) walk of about 2.5kms. (there and back) and a cafe stop in the Park on the way back if wanted.

Then a short drive over to the Wycoller Country Park. Again, a short walk each way from the car park to Wycoller Hall (supposedly, the setting for ‘Ferndean Manor’ in ‘Jane Eyre’). Wycoller is also famous for its fascinating old bridges spanning Wycoller Beck, so It’s worth walking upstream a little from the Hall to view them.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.    Cost £9

Leader; Kevin Walker

Smardale Gill

The wildlife habitats here are a mixture of ancient woodland and limestone grasslands.  Smardale is one of only two sites in England that’s home to the Scotch Argus butterfly and we will be hoping to catch sight of this.  The woodland is also home to the red squirrel.  The tracks are classed as all-accessible and run along the old railway all the way to Smardale Viaduct (1.5 miles) which affords spectacular views.

Extended Day chips on the way home again or bring extra food.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick-ups Branch   Cost £13

Leader; John Gavaghan

Burton Leonard Lime Quarry YWT Reserve

Burton Leonard was a working quarry producing lime until 1941. Currently it is a small oasis for wildlife being surrounded by rich farmland. The site is famous for its abundance of flowers being a warm and sheltered spot. We will experience a variety of habitats which will include field margins, woodland, magnesian limestone grassland, scree slopes and the flat bottom of the quarry itself. We will walk a quarter of a mile along Lime Kiln Lane to the quarry entrance. We plan to visit a local garden centre for a drink and toilet break

prior to the walk (to be confirmed). Please bring a packed lunch as usual.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.   pick up Stone Trough   Cost £11

Leaders; Alice Gingell and Margaret Rees

Kiplingcotes Chalk Pit

The different habitats of this nature recolonised pit support a wealth of chalk loving plants including the nationally rare red hemp-nettle and the much declined basil thyme. Greater knapweed, field scabious and burnet saxifrage encourage marble white butterflies. Yellow meadow ants abound – don’t wear yellow! The hedgerows shelter blackcap, bullfinch and linnet while buzzards and red kites fly overhead. A short walk along the Hudson Way (to nearby Rifle butts quarry, a small but significant geological site,) is an option. Access at Kiplingcotes is down steep steps, the quarry floor is uneven and can be slippery when wet. There is no shelter. Toilet stop at nearby Market Weighton.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am    Low Moor pick up       Cost £11

Leaders Alice Gingell and Sally Tetlow

Foulshaw Moss – unfortunately this trip has been cancelled due to ill health.

We would like to arrange a local trip instead of this via public transport/own transport – please contact us if you are interested.

tel; 07970 621732

email; bees@bradfordymca.org.uk

Ribblehead Quarry by train

 Ribblehead Quarry has a range of limestone plants, with stoney mounds and wet areas offering a variety of habitats. We hope to see Melancholy Thistle, Marsh Helleborine, Northern Marsh Orchid and plenty of sedges. The quarry is a half mile walk from Ribblehead station. The walking is straightforward, and the loop around the quarry is a further half mile. There is very little shelter, so dress for the weather.

It will be possible to return to the train from the quarry, but there will be the option of an extended walk towards Salt Lake Quarry, across rough pasture, including at least one stile and over half a mile road walking. This will add about 2.5 miles to the route, but the final details will be decided on the day.

We will meet at Shipley station, platform 2, to catch the 9.33 Carlisle train, alighting at Ribblehead. You are responsible for purchasing your ticket, which will vary from £12.55 (off peak day return with railcard) to £19 without a railcard. Costs will vary if you join the train elsewhere.

Return trains from Ribblehead are at 14.53, 16.15 and 17.43.

Leader; Julia Pearson

Jervaulx Abbey

 Our visit to the ruins of this Cistercian Abbey will in the main be of botanical interest. A bonanza of flowers grow from the crevices of its walls and the grounds. In addition, there is a walk that can be taken alongside the River Ure and historic parkland. The Abbey ruins are privately owned and we are invited to make a donation towards the site upkeep. An honesty box has been placed at the entrance (suggest £2pp or more if you’re feeling generous). There will be the possibility of a toilet break in West Tanfield. Unfortunately, the tea room at Jervaulx will be closed so bring a picnic lunch. Parking is available, no cost.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am Pick up at the Stone Trough Cost £11

Leaders; Sally Tetlow and Angela Fan

Bell Sykes Hay Meadow, nr Slaidburn

 Bell Sykes Meadows are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the variety of meadow species that they contain and with good weather there should be a wide range of insects and butterflies to see as well.  Our walk is 2.25 miles in total with 2 ladder stiles towards its latter stages but for those interested in the botanics, it is suggested a leisurely walk through the earlier meadows up to the farmhouse and a return via the same route thus avoiding the stiles.  Paths for this are generally good but it should be noted there are open fields once past the farmhouse.  Toilets available in car park in Slaidburn with cafe nearby.

Leaders: Sally Tetlow & Angela Fan

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am Pick up Branch route. Cost £10

Marsett Hill, Wensleydale, Grid ref SD 90 86

This orchid rich pasture hillside lies a mile to the South West of Semerwater. We last visited as a group on 3rd July 2012. It is rough uneven ground so boots/strong walking shoes are recommended. Orchid species we can expect to see incl. Early Purple, Common Spotted, Heath Fragrant, Twayblades, Northern & Early Marsh. Other notable plants incl. Globeflower, Butterwort & Bird’s-eye Primrose. If there is enough time after our exploration, those who wish may want to walk along the minor road to Semerwater.

There are toilet facilities on route at Horton-in- Ribblesdale

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Pick up Branch route      Cost £12

Leader: Julia Pearson and John Gavaghan

Bolton Percy station SE 527416    and Askham Bog SE 575481

If it is a fine morning we can expect butterflies and moths encouraged by the variety of wild flowers and the hawthorn hedges on this small former railway goods yard. In the afternoon we will visit the first of the YWT reserves, Askham Bog. This is a mosaic of fen, woodland and meadow. Expect a great diversity of plants and insects including marsh orchids, royal fern and the nationally rare water violet. Birds are abundant. Easy walking at both sites with a boardwalk at Askham Bog.  Neither site has shelter, come prepared. Toilets will be accessed during the day.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.   Pick up Low Moor Cost £10

Leader; Alice Gingell

Bishop’s wood

Our second attempt to see the nationally rare Argent and Sable Moth. This is the only Yorkshire site where it is known. It should be on the wing in early June.  There will also be plenty of botanical interest and spring butterflies.  This ancient wood has good flat paths and the walking is easy. A toilet stop will be at Ferrybridge service station.

Minibus Transport; Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am    Pick up Low Moor    Cost £10

Leader: John Gavaghan

 Hutton Roof Crags

 This visit, to a wonderful National Nature Reserve managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, is being timed to look for Angular Solomon’s Seal in the limestone pavement, but there will be other woodland and limestone plants to look for. The shorter walk will be about 2.25 miles, with the option of exploring further. The outward walk is uphill and in poor weather it can be muddy, and the pavement is slippery, so you must have strong footwear and be extra vigilant.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Pick Branch route Cost £12

Leader: Julia Pearson and John Gavaghan

 Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits.

This small reserve lies alongside the A65 & River Wharfe next to a Car Wash & Moss & Moor Garden Centre. We have visited on several occasions.

It is good botanically & also has butterflies & dragonflies. Birdlife can include Kingfishers on the river. Unless visiting the GC there are no toilet facilities on the reserve itself.  There may be the opportunity to visit the nearby Sun Lane NR if time allows.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am Pick up Branch only Cost £7

Leader; John Gavaghan

Strid Woods, Bolton Abbey

Strid Woods contains one of the largest remnants of sessile oaks in the Yorkshire Dales and hugs the banks of the River Wharfe thus providing plenty opportunity for wildlife.  Renowned for its flora and fauna, we will be hoping to see the returning spotted flycatchers which nest here in the many boxes provided by the estate staff.  Redstarts can also be seen whilst there is also a chance to see dipper and grey wagtail on the river.  Bluebells may still be in flower and there will be the scent of wild garlic in the air.  Walking is mainly on good pathways and distance can be according to one’s ability.  There is a cafe available for refreshments if required and there are also toilet facilities.

Leaders; Amanda Smith & Sally Tetlow

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am Pick up on The Branch route.

Minibus Cost £12 (to include parking charges which is now £20 for a minibus)

Oxenber Woods

 Our spring walk will start in the village of Austwick and take us uphill to Oxenber Wood, then into Wharfe Wood. Once we leave Wharfe Woods, there will be the option to walk down the hill to the cafe where you will be collected (giving a total of about 2.25 miles), or complete a circular walk of about 3.5 miles.

There should be attractive displays of spring flowers, wood anemone, primroses, early purple orchids and bluebells.  The walk involves an uphill climb and downhill path. Paths may be slippery or muddy and there are two ladder styles.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick up along Branch Route.   Cost £11

Leader; Julia Pearson

Rougement

We will enjoy this pleasant walk down a country lane and across fields leading to a bluebell woodland

situated on the site of an Anglo-Saxon castle. Our starting point will be the car park of Weeton church (Map ref SE284 465). Plants to look out for are false oxlip, primrose, toothwort, leopardsbane, wood stitchwort and fiddleneck. Birds to spot are red kite and yellow hammer. An easy walk approx 3 miles. Toilet and cafe facilities available.

Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick up Stone Trough   Cost £7

Leaders: Leaders: Margaret Rees and Amanda Smith

St Aiden’s RSPB, near Swillington
A spring visit to this BEES favourite. A large RSPB site south east of Leeds, regarded as one of the
top birding sites in Yorkshire. There are no bird hides for shelter. Toilet facilities are by the
Visitor Centre at the entrance.
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick up Low Moor
Cost £10

Leader John Gavaghan

Cattal (Aubert Ings)
It has been 15 years since we last visited Aubert Ings, at the SE edge of Cattal village, to look for
Wild Tulip. Will we be lucky? There may also be Fritillaries and signs of other spring plants. This
is a small level site (though expect rough grassland), so we will plan to have a short visit to
Staveley YWT as well, with the opportunity to see if our summer birds are arriving.
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Route undecided.
We will inform people of pickups before the visit. Cost £11

Leader Julia Pearson

Conyngham Hall, Knaresborough, Tree Trail

This will be a first for the group. We will explore the Conyngham Hall Tree Trail a short (1km)
walk around a park and miniature golf course near to the centre of Knaresborough. We will be
identifying trees in winter looking at bark, twigs, leaf buds, conifers and early flowering shrubs.
There is added interest as you can download the Tree Trail onto your mobile phone which will
give you pictures of the trees in summer months as well as additional information, go to
knaresboroughinbloom. wordpress tree trail. There should also be birding interest. We will have
several interesting options for the remainder of the day. Facilities including toilet and café will
be nearby.
(The train station is a 5-minute walk from Conyngham Hall car park from where we will set off.)
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fuusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick-ups Stone
Trough and Pool bridge. Cost £11.

Leaders Margaret Rees
Alice Gingell

Planning Meeting for Summer programmes

Please join us to help finalise the summer programmes and shape programmes going forward.
Meet 10am at Culture Fusion. Refreshments provided. Please let me know if you are planning to
come 07970 621732

Leader Amanda Smith

Ogden Water

Ogden Water is owned by Yorkshire Water with its woodland being managed by Calderdale
Countryside Services. There are numerous paths and trails available to explore some of these
extending up to the open moorland. Walking distances will be tailored to suit those attending
as there are some steep uphill sections. Some of these paths will be muddy so please wear
appropriate footwear. There should be bird sightings within the woodland and perhaps some
early emerging spring flora. There is a small visitor centre with toilet facilities but at the time of
writing it is not known whether this will be open.
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £6

Breary Marsh and Paul’s Pond

Leader Margaret Rees

February is not a very pleasant month, usually cold and wet. This is why we have chosen to visit
a site near home (also good toilet and café facilities). Breary Marsh is an important example of
the rare alder carr woodland, however there is a good gravel path leading to Paul’s Pond (a
specially created fish pond for Cookridge Hall). Significant conservation work has been recently
completed including the creation of a dead hedge and new bridge. We will look out for signs of
early flowering plants including butterbur and marsh marigold also fungi. Don’t forget to scan
the surrounding fields and sky for a sightings of wintering geese and linnets or even a deer or
red kite. Paul’s Pond can provide shelter for wintering wildfowl, also a heron or kingfisher. We
will be playing it by ear and doing whatever the weather will allow. For those travelling in own
transport meet at the Golden Acre car park at 10 30 am (car parking charges may well apply).
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am. Cost £7

Leighton Moss  RSPB site

Leader Julia Pearson

A site many of us are familiar with, offering a number of hides for views over water and reeds,
with a chance to see water birds and harriers. We have watched otters in the past. The paths
are surfaced and level. There are toilets and a cafe at the centre. Entrance fee for non-members
£9.00, unless we have spare guest passes. If there are starlings roosting we will depart at about
5pm (est), so it could be a late return. We will not know whether this is likely until the days
leading up to the visit. Please check at the time of this if necessary.
Minibus transport; depart Culture Fusion 9.10am*/Unitarian Church 9.30am Pick up on The
Branch route. Minibus Cost £12

Indoor social Culture Fusion
Join us for an indoor Social at Culture Fusion. John will be showing photographs of his wildlife
travels in Scotland and we will review the trips from 2024. It will also be an opportunity to
contribute to the planning for the 2025 programmes. and an introduction to the new website.
Bring food to be added to a buffet spread. Hot drinks provided.
Culture Fusion 12 for 12.30 start, finish about 3.30

Christmas Meal

It is our intention to try and organise a Christmas meal for this date.

At present we are still in the process of trying to find a suitable venue and therefore details will be sent to all once we have arrangements in place.  Please note that 3rd December could also be a possibility dependent on availability at chosen establishment.

Sally Tetlow

Planning meeting

Meeting to finalise the next programme and to help shape the programme going forward, with ideas for future trips and offers to lead walks.  Please let us know if you are planning to come.  Refreshments provided.

Meet at Culture Fusion 10am.

Blacktoft Sands

Having enjoyed a successful trip at this time last year, we have decided to return to this wetland reserve near Goole.  The reserve is flat with easy paths between the hides. but wrap up for the weather as there will be plenty of time sitting still.  It is a good time to see the harriers roosting as dusk falls, so we will depart for home around 4pm.

Toilets on site but no other facilities.

Leader Julia

Minibus departs Culture Fusion 9.10/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Pick up Low Moor.  Cost £11.

Hemsworth Almeshouses

Hemsworth lies halfway between Pontefract and Barnsley.  This will be our first visit.  The Mid-Yorks Fungi Group visits this site annually to see the rich variety of waxcap fungi growing on the unimproved lawns.  We are allowed use of the toilet facilities and so we will be expected to make a donation.

Leader John Gavaghan

Minibus departs Culture Fusion 9.10/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Low Moor pick up.  Cost £11

Temple Newsam

We last visited this Leeds council owned historic parkland in November 2011 when we explored the woodland, lakes and walled garden.  We will enjoy the autumn colours of the trees, fungi and birds.  You will be free to explore at your leisure.  Out meeting point will be the car park near to the House for 10.30am.  Entry to grounds are free.  There may be a parking charge (entry to the house £9.50 for an adult).  A cafe and toilet facilities are available.

Leader Margaret Rees

Minibus departs Culture Fusion 9.10am/Unitarian Church 9.30am.  Pick up Low Moor cost £8

Grass Wood

We will be looking for autumn colour and fungi. Our route will be approximately two and a half miles. There are some inclines and the terrain will be rough and stony in places, though there are main tracks to stick to it if you prefer. We will call at the NP car park for toilets on the way.
Leader will be Julia Pearson
Minibus transport from Culture Fusion 9.10am and Utilitarian Church 9.30. Picks up Branch Route. Cost £10

Join us on Sunday 13th October 12-4pm for our annual community and family event Apple Day at our orchard in Bowling Park Allotments.  It is our celebration event involving apples, food, cake, drinks, produce and activities for children and families.

Parking on Bowling Park Drive BD4 7ES.

What3Words; depend.public.pipes

12-4pm

Devonshire Park

We will be following the tree trail in Devonshire Park and identifying autumnal interest.

More details will be provided nearer the time.
Please make your own way to site via public transport.  Meeting place to be arranged.

Please contact BEES to let us know if you intend to join us for this trip.

St Aiden’s RSPB near Swillington

This is a large RSPB site SE or Leeds. It is regarded as one of the top birding sites in Yorkshire and Sept is a good month for birds on migration. We will walk around Bowers and Lowther Lakes. The site is very open so we may reconsider location in bad weather.
Leader is John Gavaghan. Minibus departs Culture Fusion 9.10am and Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick up at Low Moor. Cost £8

Potteric Carr

This Yorkshire Wildlife Trust site near Doncaster is a mixture of wetland habitats, fenland, reedbeds and ponds and woodland trails. Mainly flat with well made paths. Last time we saw a Bittern in flight and a flock of Redpolls. Non YWT members will pay £5.
Leader is John Gavaghan
Minibus transport: depart Culture Fusion 9.10am and the Unitarian Church 9.30am. Pick ups at Low Moor. Minibus cost is £11.

Canal Walk Leeds

We will enjoy a walk along the canal starting in the centre of Leeds near the railway station.
Make you own way to Leeds or use public transport for this trip.

Maltby Low

Today, we believe is the first time BEES with have been to this YWT site in South Yorkshire. A mix of calcerous, acid and neutral grasslands, bordered by woodland and patches of scrub. We hope to see a display of heather, Devil’s-bit Scabious and Grass of Parnassus.