Wildlife Field Visits
Wildlife Field Visits – Exploring a range of habitats to study their natural history and management issues relating to their upkeep.
Bradford BEES have organised field trips for many years to sites across Yorkshire and beyond. Each visit is led by a dedicated enthusiast of flora and fauna to share knowledge of British species.
We are always keen to encourage and welcome new people to attend our trips. If you’d like to enquire, please call BEES on 07970 621732 or email bees@bradfordymca.org.uk.
Transport can be booked on our minibus for a small cost. The programme is organised and delivered by a committed and knowledgeable group of volunteers. Planning meetings are held regularly to agree and distribute the programme.
Bookings must be made in advance (please ring BEES office for details).
Where minibus transport is offered there is a charge which varies from £5 – £12 depending on the distance of the trip.
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13.8.24
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.
20.8.24
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.
3.9.24
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.
17.9.24
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
1.10.24
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.
13.10.24
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.
The event is run by volunteers to raise money to help with the upkeep of the community orchard and to fund future events. Bradford council have significantly increased the ground rent so we need to ensure the viability of the orchard and the biodiversity it promotes!
CAN YOU VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON THE DAY? CAN YOU BAKE US SOMETHING TO SELL (using apples, pears or plums)? CAN YOU VOLUNTEER ON A STALL? CAN YOU BRING EMPTY JAM JARS ON THE DAY?
To offer help please ring 07845 239196 or email shona.waddington@bradfordymca.org.uk
Parking on Bowling Park Drive BD4 7ES.
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12-4pm
15.10.24
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
29.10.24
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
12.11.24
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
26.11.24
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.
3.12.24
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.
10.12.24
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
