The Wharfedale Naturalist
Review of the year 2000
Volume 55
Foreword
The best value £6 I know.
Where else could we get the benefits provided by membership of
the Wharfedale Naturalists Society for so little. If it was only
the programme of Summer and Winter events set out on the previous
pages it would be considerable, but this is only part of it. More
important is the fellowship and sharing aspects of a common interest
in nature with others who also love and appreciate our fauna and
flora. A shared interest in and enjoyment of natural things of
great value to each of us. We are fortunate indeed. No wonder
we currently have in excess of 250 members, and in the region
of 80-120 regularly attending our Winter Programme meetings.
During 2000 we enjoyed together two successful
trips. In the summer to reserves at Waitby Greenriggs and Smardale,
where amongst many interesting sightings, particularly memorable
were the show of orchids, especially Marsh Helleborines at Waitby,
and the all too brief views of Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Red Squirrel
at Smardale. In the autumn our destination was Martin Mere where
in addition to the fascinating spectacle of wild Whooper Swans and
other wild fowl, extra interest was provided by the Northern Bird
Fair programme and exhibits.
At our Open Evening and Members Evening we
rely heavily upon member participation and this year we were well
supported with a good variety of exhibits and slide contributions,
once again proving that there is much ability within our membership.
Member support and participation was again much in evidence at our
coffee morning, many providing items to be sold and manning the
various stalls which enabled us to make a number of donations to
Nature Conservation.
Our Society depends for its existence on
those who have the interest of Natural History and Nature Conservation
at heart and who are willing to devote time to it in various different
ways. It currently has a strong backbone, i.e. its Officers, Committee
and Recorders who I know devote much personal time on behalf of
the membership, especially so the Secretary and Treasurer upon whom
we rely greatly and who handle their considerable duties with such
enthusiasm and efficiency, and I wish here to record how much we
all appreciate their work. Also valuable are the efforts of many
others who help in so many ways to ensure the smooth running of
this Society which means so much to us all. Thank you everyone.
As I write this I am conscious of the delight
experienced recently by numerous members in viewing the Waxwings
present for a week or so in Ilkley, and following Doug Simpsons
lecture, Red Kites Restored, the sightings some members have had
of these graceful birds in the Harewood area. Just two recent examples
of the delights of nature which as members of the Wharfedale Naturalists
Society we share and enjoy.
David Alred
Editorial
The current Review for 2000 brings the decade
to an end and the ten issues for 1991-2000 will now be bound to
match the other five volumes in the Societys possession, which
provide a fascinating insight into the Societys development
of more than half a century.
As you look through this, Vol 55 of the Review,
you will see that, as usual, it includes articles, reports and records.
We now have records going back to 1945. Ken Limbs article
about a beetle on Ilkley Moor, first recorded in 1891, emphasises
the importance of this aspect of the Societys activities.
We should like draw your attention to an
important report on part of Ilkley Moor, a Countryside Stewardship
Agreement Area. This survey continues the Societys interest
in Ilkley Moor from one century to the next. Ilkley Moor is not
only a SSSI but part of a larger Special Protection Area of the
North Pennines. The interest, now on a European scale, is mainly
connected with its unique patchwork of vegetation which in turn
attracts insects and birdlife. We look forward to further studies
in this direction.
We thank all those who have contributed.
DL and JD
Against all Odds!
How plants adapt to beat the competition
Life is tough if youre a plant! Any
place with good growing conditions light, water, air and
fertile soil will be snapped up before your flowers are even
fertilised unless you can ensure that you are first off the stocks,
or you adapt to life where others fear to tread!
In this country, the dandelion stands out
to me as a successful plant it has a tough tap root to anchor
it in the soil (and even if this is broken, the remaining part will
grow two or more new shoots); the leaves lie low, or even flat,
to catch the sun and rain (which is funnelled to the centre around
the root) and to make it difficult for grazing animals to eat them
(they are bitter to the taste as well); the flowers open early in
the year (traditionally at their peak on St. Georges Day,
23rd. April), are bright yellow to attract fertilising insects,
and quickly turn to seed; the seeds are produced in large numbers
and have their own little parachutes to carry them far and wide
in search of new land to conquer. Meadows and verges carpeted with
dandelion blooms in the spring show how successful they are!
In other places plants have other challenges
in countries where bush fires are frequent (e.g. South Africa,
the Mediterranean countries and Australia) some plants survive by
having an insulating layer, like the Australian Grass Tree (often
called the Black Boy, although Im told that this is not considered
politically correct so perhaps it should be the sun tanned
young person) which has the protection of a thick layer of
dead foliage, or the cork oak with its thick bark. Another strategy
against fire is to ensure that there is a new generation to follow
even if the adults are lost the seeds of the Banksia trees
in Australia, together with the Eucalypts and many plants of the
African fienbos, will only germinate after they have
been exposed to smoke (it is now known that it is chemicals in the
smoke, rather than the heat of fire, which initiate germination)
and the Banksia actually waits for fire before it ejects its seeds
from the cones (nuts). This also means that the seeds
have clear, fertilised ground in which to start their life.
Another strategy for success could be summed
up as If you cant stand the heat (of competition) get
out of the scrum the mangrove type plants in the tropics
have found that there is little competition for the soft salty mud
beside river estuaries (which is hardly surprising!) and they have
made this habitat their own by growing aerial roots to provide oxygen
to their anchoring roots, developing glands on their leaves to exude
excess salt, and seeds that germinate on the tree and grow there
until they are big enough (up to three feet long! see picture)
to plant themselves in the mud by spearing down into it. If they
land when the tide is in, then another clever trick comes into play
they float horizontally in sea water but if they float into
more congenial brackish or fresh water, the difference in the density
causes them to float vertically until they run aground and settle
into the mud.
Another difficult environment in which to
get established is the dark of the tropical rainforest where as
little as three percent of the light penetrates to the forest floor.
Here some of the trees drop their seeds to the ground, where they
germinate and grow a foot or so tall but then run out of energy
and stagnate until a tree falls and lets in the light. If this doesnt
happen they live for ten or even twenty years and then die frustrated,
poor things! Another way of coping with the rainforest is to stay
in the canopy theres plenty of light up there, and
water, but a distinct lack of soil! However, by developing fleshy
leaves or pseudo-bulbs (and by making the most of the humid air
and the accumulations of dead leaves in the tree forks) orchids,
bromeliads and ferns manage to find their niche. Some of the figs
start the same way but then send roots down to the ground to give
them extra nutrients which enable them to grow more roots, eventually
surrounding and murdering the tree which is supporting them, by
strangulation.
However, I suppose that the ultimate in adaptation
must be the desert plants; to survive long periods of drought the
cacti have turned their leaves into spines (which limits water loss
and protect the plant), and formed a globular or cylindrical trunk
in which to store water, with chlorophyll in the surface skin to
make up for the loss of leaves. Some succulents protect themselves
by growing almost underground, with only the ends of the stems flush
with the ground surface, but these stem ends are almost transparent
to let in light to the underground chlorophyll.
I have mentioned just some of the ways in
which plants succeed others include the carnivorous plants
which eat flesh to compensate for the lack of nitrogen in the bogs,
and there are many more. Aint nature marvellous!
Don Barrett
Carabus nitens 18911998
Carabus nitens is a species of ground beetle
described as being confined to sandy regions, moors and boggy country,
mainly in the north and centred on the North York Moors and Pennines,
with outlying populations on the New Forest and Dorset Heaths. Its
status in Britain is described as very local. (Notable B)
In May 1998 I was searching for Hoverflies
on Ilkley Moor and was attracted by 3 beetles running at the side
of a bog. I eventually caught one of these beetles in a glass tube
and inspected it with a hand lens. The elytra were golden green,
with a series of dark ridges and bordered with gold, head and thorax
were also gold. I later identified the specimen, with the aid of
a Field Guide to Beetles, to be the above species.
Last year Joan Duncan passed on to me the
old insect records compiled by Dr F.H. Fidler, who was once the
insect recorder for the Society, together with a box containing
specimens which he had collected. I was interested to see that Carabus
nitens had previously been recorded twice before. The first entry
for this species was "1891 Ilkley Moor from John Flint in sphagnum
bog". John Flint, who I had the pleasure to meet 30 years ago,
was an eminent Yorkshire entomologist. The second record was for
"May 1961 Burley Moor recorded by Freda Draper and determined
by Dr F.H.Fidler".
I was delighted that this splendid insect
still survives in our area, 107 years since it was first recorded
and hope that in another 100 years some future member of this society
has the opportunity to observe it.
Ken Limb
Icelandic saga
Having reached the age of taking things slowly,
Eric and I have become dedicated cruisers and when we read that
Saga Rose (the ship for re-cycled teenagers) was heading for Iceland
on a Natural History cruise we knew we just had to be aboard, and
what a wonderful experience it turned out to be. Our guest lecturer
was Simon Davey who has visited Wharfedale Naturalists' and is well
known to several members. Joining him at the ships rail early
one morning I saw just one seabird whilst he spotted 3 cormorants,
9 puffins and a whale - even Nevil Bowland could not have beaten
that.
In a voyage packed full of interesting experiences,
I think the small island of Heimaey stands out most in memory. I
well remember seeing dramatic pictures on the TV news in January
1973, (yes, Iceland fascinated me even then) when in the middle
of the night of the 23rd the volcano began to erupt. Fortunately
there had been a storm at sea the previous day so the fishing boats
were in harbour and everyone got safely away to the mainland. The
eruption continued for 5 months and it was realised that the lava
flow was going to block the harbour entrance so giant hoses were
brought in and turned on the molten rock as it poured out of the
crater, successfully diverting the flow and creating a new sea wall
which now gives shelter to boats approaching the harbour entrance
in stormy weather. Homes and possessions were all lost under the
relentless flow of lava and volcanic ash so the houses today look
quite new apart from one, left as a reminder of what happened, with
just a corner of its roof showing above the debris. The crater is
still warm to the touch and spirals of smoke still emerge here and
there; indeed for 15 years following the eruption the volcano provided
all the heating for the island.
Our time in the crater was all too short
for I was finding small plants and flowers emerging from the ash
and how I wished for Joyce Hartley at my side to tell me what they
all were. Incidentally, the bits of lava I picked up look exquisite
under the microscope. There is a strange beauty in a volcanic crater
that can be utterly spellbinding as one considers the forces that
lie beneath the Earths surface, and this was enhanced by the
simple wooden cross which expresses the islanders gratitude
that no lives were lost in the eruption.
Heimaey has its large colony of puffins.
I was disappointed that by the time of our visit the adult birds
had finished feeding their young and gone off to sea. However, the
youngsters were still around and, driven by hunger, they are attracted
by the lights from the houses. They clumsily descend into streets
and gardens, totally disoriented, thus putting themselves in danger
from predators. We were delighted to learn that during this period
the children of Heimaey go out at night with cardboard boxes, rescuing
the bemused birds and releasing them down on the shore the following
morning. A few children like these in Ilkley and the WNS would soon
have some junior members again.
Easily visible from Heimaey is the "new"
(1963) island of Surtsey still in the process of being formed. Only
scientists and conservationists are allowed to land there. Conditions
being calm and clear, our ship circled Surtsey and it was a sobering
thought that millions of years ago our own island was being formed
in this way. Surtsey is a golden opportunity for environmentalists
to monitor step-by-step what happened "in the beginning".
One does not visit Iceland for palm-fringed
beaches and constant sunshine, indeed the early astronauts were
shown the centre of the country, as it was anticipated that similar
conditions would be found on the moon. For us it was a journey that
filled us with awe, admiration and a very healthy respect for the
unbounded force hidden in the heart of our planet.
Margaret Hutchinson
Trees
For some trees 2000 was a bumper year. Beech
nuts were found in profusion on the ground and fallen horse chestnut
fruits opened to reveal large healthy conkers. In Ilkley walnuts
fell from the tree on the Grove at a more ripened stage than usual
with the kernels brown and nearly edible. Among the garden conifers
some cupressus bushes produced copious and crowded tiny cones, many
more than usual.
It is interesting to relate the performance
and development of trees to the weather conditions, careful observations
through the seasons being needed.
The above examples would all have been wind-pollinated,
but in the case of blossom trees which depend on insects for pollination,
bad weather at flowering time would keep the pollinating insects
away. Flowers which are not pollinated would not continue their
normal cycle and so wither and fall instead of producing fruit.
The growth and development of different species
of tree through the seasons can be an interesting study and sometimes
any relevant or unusual effects are included in our records.
Observations, with dates, of the following
would be of interest:
opening of buds and leafing,
abundance of foliage,
flowering and fruiting,
autumn colours,
leaf fall.
Results from any particular area may be compared
from year to year.
Joan Duncan
The road to Corryvreckan
The Isle of Jura (Deer Island)
is a rugged and sparsely populated island 30 miles by 7 with only
one road, about 200 human inhabitants and almost 6,000 red deer.
Most of it is made up of quartzite, an ancient
metamorphic rock that forms part of a basin which curves under the
sea towards the mainland and surfaces further east. This dip means
that Juras rocks are tilted to the east ( about 30°) and
brings about a rugged wilderness of rocky outcrops, lochans and
waterfalls. Around 65 million years ago, molten rock was forced
up into cracks to form the Tertiary volcanic dykes. The fine-grained,
black rock, known as epidiorite, is harder than the surrounding
rocks and today the dykes are left standing as walls. During the
Ice Age the weight of ice pushed the land downwards, then as it
melted, some 15,000 years ago, the land rebounded, raising beaches
and sea caves well above sea level. Great stretches of boulders,
weathered by the sea, are found 30 feet and 100 feet above sea level.
Juras west coast is virtually uninhabited,
save for deer, otter, wild goats and adders, whereas the sheltered
east coast is more gentle with some sandy beaches and a few settlements.
At the northern end of the island, between
Jura and its uninhabited neighbour Scarba, is the Whirlpool of Corryvreckan.
This maelstrom, the graveyard of many ships, is the third largest
in Europe. At times it can look unimpressive, but when a strong
westerly wind blows in opposition to a high spring tide, its great
turbulence is very powerful. To this day it is classed as un-navigable
by the Royal Navy.
I have been fascinated by Corryvreckan since,
as a child, I saw the film I Know Where Im Going in which
the whirlpool is featured, and in later years, when walking on the
mainland and seeing the silhouette of Scarba and Jura from a distance.
Then, in early May last year we were finally able to visit Jura
and view the phenomenon from close by.
Access to Jura is via the Feolin Ferry from
Islay. We stayed at Craighouse, eight miles from Feolin, which left
a journey of nineteen miles along a narrow, one-track twisty road,
six miles of rough Landrover track, then 2½ miles on foot.
From Craighouse the road skirts Small Isles
Bay, each inlet bringing a new delight. Some were sandy with bushes
birch, willow and alder alive with thrushes and wrens,
others rocky and colourful with crotal lichen, brilliant gorse and
thrift. Grey seals lazed on the rocks, shag kept guard from outlying
skerries, and stonechats searched among the rocks. Damper areas
were covered with milkmaid, marsh marigold and flag. We saw several
herons and, in the bay, were about twenty mute swans, including
a pair of black swans. It is said there are a pair of otters for
every three miles of coastline, but we saw none. On the landward
side was an area of lazy beds, Hebridean cultivation
strips where seaweed is heaped on the land, both as a fertiliser
and to stabilise the soil.
Further along, the view of the Paps of Jura
(of pink, white and grey quartzite) is spectacular, whether they
are beginning to emerge from the morning mist or bathed in evening
sunshine. As the road climbed onto the moorland there were masses
of cottongrass and a few rowans surviving on cliffs. Here a pair
of buzzards were circling lazily. There were many meadow pipits
and several curlews around, and later we saw a hen harrier swooping
low over the heathland. Deer were going to the coast to graze on
the new growth, now showing at these lower and more sheltered areas.
Among them would be some Cromie stags with a crooked antler formation,
unique to Jura. As we dropped towards Tarbert, the deer were sharing
the grazing with a herd of cattle. In deep ravines mosses, ferns
and liverworts grow in abundance. There were gnarled oak trees,
covered with lichens, lady fern and golden saxifrage, shady banks
with violets and primroses and open glades with anemones, bluebells
and greater stitchwort.
Willow warblers frequent these wooded areas,
also whitethroat, blackcap, chiffchaff and wood warbler which favour
mixed woodland with thick scrub.
As we drove on, the strip of grass in the
middle of the road became wider and, just beyond Lealt Bridge, we
reached the end of the road where we parked and met up with Mike,
whose Landrover would take us along the rough road for the next
six miles. Driving across moorland we watched as a cuckoo was mobbed
by three meadow pipits, then descended across watercourses with
rue-leaved saxifrage and bogbean. Scree vegetation in the dry gorges
included wild thyme, stonecrop and foliate lichen.
We eventually reached Kinuachdrachd, the
sole remaining dwelling in the township at one time the preferred
crossing to the mainland. The jetty is still there, and sheep and
cattle were brought over this way, too. As we set out on the last
stretch on foot, Mike reminded us to watch out for sea eagles from
their nest sites in Rhum. Jura is home to fifteen pairs of golden
eagles, but we saw neither. Underfoot were all shades of milkwort
white, mauve, purple, pale and deep blue also tormentil,
heath spotted orchid and masses of bog cotton. In a fenced off regeneration
area, rowan trees were flourishing. The rocky end of Scarba came
into view and after several bumpy hillocks we came into full view
of the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Low tide and the calmest of seas meant
the whirlpool wasnt the maelstrom it could be in stormy weather,
even so it was entrancing to see the small white-edged waves circling
so strangely.
As we walked back we found a perfect pair
of antlers; we were crossing a boggy patch when Doug looked down
to see that the stick he was standing on was an antler,
and close by was the other! Antlers are shed in April and May with
the increase in food supply and the onset of the new antlers in
velvet. We arrived back at Kinuachdrachd with our prize and the
sight of the whirlpool in our memories, and happy to have the bumpy
ride back to the car. Wed had a superb day. Jura is a wonderful
island and a trip to Corryvreckan must be one of the best in the
Hebrides.
Olwen M Middleton
Bird observation
With much flapping of wings a big brown bird
landed on the roof of the bird table. It was probably attracted
by a piece of food on the shelf below. There was still more clumsy
flapping as it moved to the apple tree nearby, but it didnt
seem to be capable of manoeuvring onto the shelf. In fact, it was
thoroughly gawky.
We estimated its length at about twelve inches,
and we saw that the feathers in the neck region were a lighter blown
than the rest.
The bird finally flew off, but it reappeared
a few minutes later accompanied by an adult jackdaw. The adult flew
straight onto the bird table and demolished the food, a first class
demonstration of how to tackle a bird table with a roof. Junior,
watching from the front, must have felt frustrated, but no doubt
he will learn in due course, when he can manage his wings better.
M M Kennedy
Local Geology
Some results and remaining problems arising
from recent British Geological Survey (BGS) work in the Bradford
District
Some readers interested in geology may not
be aware that the BGS has recently published new geological maps
of the Bradford district on a scale of 1:50 000 that
include an area of Wharfedale from Skipton Moor and Farfield Hall
to Leathley and Bramhope. Maps at the 1:10 000 scale have also been
produced. These maps result from a geological survey carried out
mainly in 1993-1996. The advances in knowledge they represent are
derived largely from an analysis of the huge amount of new underground
data from the records of boreholes. Most of these were drilled for
site investigation purposes in urban areas and road routes. However,
three on or near Rombalds Moor, at Jaytail Farm, Bradup and Hag
Farm, were drilled by the BGS to obtain new details of the succession
of the various rock types, their relative ages from their fossils,
and their mode of deposition, in the middle part of the Millstone
Grit succession.
A glance at the geological map shows nine
separately named sandstones (or gritstones) cropping out on Rombalds
Moor in the uppermost part of the recently redefined Millstone Grit
Group. It was known from boreholes elsewhere that shaly strata between
these sandstones contain bands of marine fossils and it is only
when these marine bands are found that the sandstones
can be correlated and identified with confidence; none are exposed
on Rombalds Moor. The lowest four sandstones have been given names
after the features they form on the moor namely, from the lowest
upwards: Addingham Edge Grit, Long Ridge Sandstone, Doubler Stones
Sandstone and High Moor Sandstone and it is this succession together
with the essential intercalated marine shales, that was proved by
the three BGS boreholes. Unfortunately, although the Hag Farm Borehole
managed with difficulty to reach a depth of 74.59m (c. 245ft) below
the base of the Addingham Edge Grit, the lowest sandstone, it failed
to reach a marine band that would indicate this sandstones
position in the succession and this is the main unsolved stratigraphical
problem.
It is now tentatively concluded that the
Addingham Edge Grit is also the sandstone, previously mapped as
the Caley Crag Grit, capping the Otley Chevin escarpment where it
closely overlies the remarkably fossiliferous, but now poorly exposed,
marine band known as the Otley Shell Bed. However, although a long
list of fossils has been recorded from this band, this list does
not include any diagnostic species that would indicate its precise
stratigraphical position. It seems likely that the Addingham Edge
Grit in part represents the fill of a valley incised into previously
deposited sediments including perhaps the Otley Shell Bed, thus
explaining its absence from the Hag Farm Borehole.
Some day, excavations for road or building
foundations in or around Ilkley may turn out fossiliferous strata
that would help to solve the problem outlined above, and interested
readers of this article are urged to report any such excavations,
especially in dark shale, to David Leather or me. The recent excavations
for the new hospital building on Springs Lane exposed about 3m of
promising-looking dark grey shaly mudstone with ironstone nodules,
but only yielded a few small bivalves which are unlikely to be diagnostic
of any particular level in the succession.
Neil Aitkenhead
Ilkley Moor
WNS Botany Group Survey of Countryside Stewardship
Agreement Area
The official designation and status of Ilkley
Moor has changed significantly within the last decade. In 1994 the
whole of Ilkley Moor was classified, by English Nature, as a Site
of Special Scientific Interest. The Moor was included as part of
the designation of the South Pennine Moors as nationally important
habitats for upland birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
In 1997 the European Commission recognised the importance of the
South Pennine Moors SSSI internationally, and an additional designation
as a Special Protection Area was confirmed under a European Directive.
These designations mean that Bradford Metropolitan
District Council, in consultation with English Nature is legally
obliged to ensure that the management of the Moor at least conserves,
and where appropriate increases, the habitats and species of conservation
value. A management plan has been drawn up covering Ilkley Moor
as a whole and its habitat types have been listed as Upland Heath,
Upland Acid Grassland, Wetlands and Open Water, Woodland, and finally
Bracken. Upland Heath (formed of a mosaic of Heather, Cross-leaved
Heath, Crowberry and Bilberry) is further sub-divided into areas
where Heather is dominant and those, now relatively small, where
Crowberry is dominant.
The Survey Area on Ilkley Moor
In addition to this overall plan, a 10 year
Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement has been entered into with
the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) to manage
a small area of the Moor so as to deliver particular environmental
benefits. This area comprises two previously enclosed allotments
(south of Panorama Reservoir and west of Silver Well Cottage) which
are outside the Urban Common boundary, but still under
Bradford Councils ownership. This factor is significant as
it means sheep grazing levels can be controlled whereas in
the main part of the Moor which is designated Urban Common,
grazing rights are held by others. The aim is to restore drystone
walling and improve vegetation cover so that regeneration of Heather
and other shrub species is encouraged.
Following a suggestion from Midge Leather
who lives on the edge of the enclosed area, as a Society we felt
it would be of interest as a long-term project if we recorded the
existing vegetation and monitored it again in 5 and 10 years time.
The limited size of the area made the project feasible for us. The
date for the main survey was fixed for 27h July, but before then
several recces were made to ascertain the lie of the land. The base
of the area is along the back of the houses in Panorama Drive, past
Panorama Reservoir to the top of Hebers Ghyll and the Swastika
Stone as far as the next wall up the Moor. In this area the Moor
has three distinct terraces separated by resistant bands
of Millstone Grit, the scheme area lying mainly along the lowest
terrace and the first Millstone Grit band. The terrace slopes quite
steeply upwards and bisected by Black Beck (which then descends
into Hebers Ghyll).
Looking down across the site from the top
south-western corner, the greens and fairways of the old last century
golf course can be made out, emphasised by the differing vegetation
they appear as bracken-free. Of the five habitat types designated
for the whole of Ilkley Moor, two are hardly represented here
Woodland, and Wetlands and Open Water. A very few isolated trees
are to be seen scattered across the terrace and a few more in the
steep bouldery area below Woodhouse Crag. (Silver Well Cottage and
its shelter belt are excluded from the area.) The mire at Crawshaw
Moss, important for breeding birds, is out of the area, being above
on the next terrace. Also from this viewpoint, the extent of the
bracken problem is evident, particularly on the steeper parts which
were presumably wooded in the past. Bracken is said to have an approximate
upper limit of the 1100 foot (340m) contour and this seemed to be
borne out when we climbed up the side of Black Beck all through
Bracken until we reached the top, when we came out into a large
area of Heather. Another recce was made by Midge Leather particularly
to record the steep, difficult area below Woodhouse Crag.
On 27th July 2000 a dozen members assembled
at the Leather household and conveniently spilt up into three groups
to cover the area. The western section, including Black beck was
taken by one group. The eastern section being much larger and going
further up the Moor, was covered by two groups, one taking the land
above Silver Well Cottage, and the other the land below. Each set
off with a request to record separately (1) Trees and Shrubs, (2)
Ferns, Rushes and Grasses and (3) all other flowering plants and
particularly the amount of Heather. They were also asked to give
their conclusions as to the dominant species in their section. Stationery
was provided and we arranged to meet at midday at the top of Hebers
Ghyll. As we were returning from there to Panorama Drive, a very
heavy thundershower came and the last few hundred yards were covered
at a sprint. The rain drummed down on the conservatory roof as we
had lunch, collected the reports and tried to discuss the conclusions.
The sound of the rain was so loud, conversation was difficult.
Conclusions
A. Western Section The dominant species was
without doubt Bracken. There were some small areas of Heather along
the line of the old golf course and a significant amount right up
at the top on the southern boundary. There were very small areas
of Cross-leaved Heath. Bilberry and Crowberry were also present
lower down, and they together with Cranberry were also in the two
wet areas not far from Black Beck. The becksides themselves were
not very productive. Most of the trees were in this section, but
even then there were less than two dozen mainly Rowan. There
was a full range of ferns especially in the boulder area. Up near
the top boundary was an unusual patch which appeared to have been
treated (sprayed?) in the past, and this had been colonised by Sheeps
Sorrel. A group of Foxgloves was nearby.
B. Upper Eastern Section No species was dominant
over the whole area. There was a wide band of Heather from the Neb
Stone all along the top boundary wall westwards until just before
the head of Black beck, where it was replaced by rushes. The next
band across lower down was comprised of Bracken at the eastern end
changing halfway to a mixture of Heather, Crowberry and grasses.
The lowest band just above Silverwell Cottage was Bracken throughout.
There were many patches of Cross-leaved Heath, both Cottongrasses
were present, many mosses and lichens, but only one fern and four
trees.
C. Lower Eastern Section Under Silver Well
Cottage was a long steep bank of Bracken, the only break in it being
a very large patch of Cross-leaved Heath. Below this was a spring,
the water from which flowed diagonally across to the bottom ditch
creating a large marshy area. Going westwards, there was an area
of rough grass, with Bilberry, some Crowberry and vestigial amounts
of Heather. Continuing along the line of the old golf course and
opposite Panorama Reservoir, the Heather areas increased until rocks
came near the surface when Bilberry took over, though still mixed
with some Heather and with Crowberry, Cranberry and grass. An area
of Bracken was crossed, a small stream, and then Heather occurred
again. There were two trees only. Although Heather seems to be holding
its own on the line of the old golf course, in many places especially
on the uphill side (adjoining the lower band of the previous section)
it is surrounded by encroaching Bracken. A strip alongside the bottom
track had vegetation very different from the rest of the area, there
being more species typical of rough grassland rather than moorland.
A full list of species follows. It is appreciated
that although the optimum time was chosen, one survey cannot guarantee
to find all, and particularly some of the early species may have
been missed out.
Species seen within the Countryside Stewardship
Agreement Area.
A = Western Section. B = Upper Eastern Section.
C = Lower Eastern Section
|
Species
|
Section
|
Species
|
Section
|
|
TREES
Silver Birch
Elder
Hawthorn
Larch
Oak (small sapling)
Rowan
Sycamore
Goat Willow
FERNS
Bracken
Broad Buckler-fern
Hard Fern
Lady Fern
Lemon-scented
Fern
Male Fern
SEDGES RUSHES
GRASSES
Common Sedge
Star Sedge
Common Yellow-sedge
Heath Wood-rush
Compact Rush
Hard Rush
Heath Rush
Jointed Rush
Sharp-flowered
Rush
Soft Rush
Toad Rush
Common Cottongrass
Hares-tail Cottongrass
Mat-grass
Tufted Hair-grass
Wavy Hair-grass
Purple Moor-grass
(small amounts)
Yorkshire Fog
Common Bent
Perennial Rye-grass
Crested Dogs-tail
Cocks-foot
Sweet Vernal-grass
Sheeps-fescue
Timothy
Rough Meadow-grass
|
A
A
A
A
A
A B C
A
C
A B C
A C
A
A C
A B C
A
B
B
B
B C
A C
A C
A B C
A B C
B C
A B C
C
A B C
A B C
A B C
B C
A B C
A B C
B C
A B C
A C
B C
C
C
C
C
C
|
Other flowering
plants
Heather
Cross-leaved
Heath
Bilberry
Crowberry
Cranberry
Heath Bedstraw
Common Marsh-bedstraw
Foxglove
Sheeps Sorrel
Common Sorrel
Creeping Thistle
Marsh Thistle
Spear Thistle
Tormentil
Greater Birds-foot-trefoil
Cleavers
Rosebay Willowherb
Broad-leaved
Willowherb
Great Willowherb
Marsh Willowherb
Wood Sorrel
Broad-leaved
Dock
White Clover
Nettle
Cuckooflower
Common Chickweed
Common Mouse-ear
Sticky Mouse-ear
Bog Stitchwort
Selfheal
Lesser Spearwort
Creeping Buttercup
Meadow Buttercup
Marsh Pennywort
Hawkweed sp.
Common Water-starwort
Wavy Bitter-cress
Greater Plantain
Dandelion
Germander Speedwell
Wood Avens
Pineappleweed
Bramble
Daisy
Ground-elder
White Dead-nettle
|
A B C
A B C
A B C
A B C
A C
A B C
A B C
A B C
A B C
C
A B C
A B C
A C
A B C
A B C
A C
A
A
C
A C
A
A C
A C
A C
B C
A
B C
A
A C
A C
B C
C
C
B
B
A C
A
A C
A C
A C
A C
A
A
A
C
C
|
Thanks to all who took part in the survey: Mike Atkinson, Nevil
Bowland, Heather Burrow, Audrey Gramshaw, Sam Hartley, Jim and Joan
Horsman, Midge Leather, Olwen Middleton, Joan Powell and Anne Tupholme.
Even more special thanks are due to Midge Leather for the help and
background information as she knows the area so well, for the photos
she took specially for the presentation board and finally for her
hospitality at the crucial moment when the members would otherwise
have been soaked.
Bradford Council hope to complete restoring
the walls of the area by 2003 and thereafter to operate low controlled
stocking with sheep and with Bracken control if necessary. Sheep
(at the rate of one ewe per hectare) will be allowed into the area
only from early May to early August, with no grazing for the rest
of the year, until such time as Heather cover reaches 40%. From
what we have seen we feel sure that this will take some considerable
time, and it would appear that separate Bracken control will be
needed. It is encroaching on the patches of pure Heather and also
covering up areas of mixed Heather, Bilberry and Crowberry. In these
circumstances English Nature, who do not agree with total eradication,
do permit its control.
We hope when we survey again in five years
time to see some progress.
Joyce Hartley
Cranberry HB
Winter Walks 2000 2001
Hi folks, its Review time again and,
as in times of yore, it falls to me to remind you all of the fun
we have had on the past seasons winter walks.
In February last year we started our first
walk from Leathley near the ancient almshouses and proceeded along
Leefield Lane, up through Riffa Wood, pausing by the enigmatic carved
stone, onwards through the fields passing Bogridge Farm and continuing
by way of Round Hill where we were amused by a herd (if thats
the right word) of dancing ostriches who decidedly didnt bury
their heads in the sand at our approach but keenly followed our
progress as we went sedately on our way. Further on we contemplated
the charming little church of St. Marys at Stainburn with
its odd windows. Later we passed Lindley Bridge and the fish farm
where, as usual, we observed the besieging army of grey herons and
so returned to the cars at the end of yet another days walking.
March found us on what has become one of
our favourite jaunts, namely the world-famous Mosaic Walk at Dallowgill
near Kirby Malzeard. Even if you do not see anything special as
you trundle along the twenty-two charming little mosaics you encounter
on the way make up for it. They are a delight to the eye and so
excellently executed it makes you wonder at the patience and hard
work that has gone into the making of them. They were put down about
five years ago to commemorate the designation of the Nidderdale
Moors as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and they depict
the culture and wildlife to be found there. One bonus of the day
was meeting up with Tom Holman of Dallowgill, the stickmaker and
dresser, a great character with many a tale to tell. His sticks
topped with every type of horn are marvellous to behold, and Les
Dewdney, a fellow craftsman, was particularly pleased to see them.
After the walk a few of us tasted the delights of Roselea Tea-room
at Kirby, an unforgettable experience and a reward for a good days
walking.
I always like to finish the season off on
a limestone high, so in April we were to be observed gathering at
the National Park car park at Colvend in Grassington for an assault
on the tops and a stroll to Coniston. The day was rather dree and
dowly but we were in high spirits as we cantered up the high street
and lugged it up Hungry Laugh Hill and onto Yarnbury. Here we introduced
Lorelei Fox to the mournful moonscape setting of the old lead-mining
operations with the humps and bumps of the long lines of bellpits
which so scar the landscape around here. We proceeded along Limekiln
Lane to the romantic ruin of Bare House, a typical Dales longhouse
which in its day would have housed both humans and their beasts,
Homo sapiens inhabiting one end and the cows etc living at tother.
After a good look around and a contemplation of what life might
have been like up here in this lonely spot we girded up our loins
and passed on our merry way, carrying on towards the top of Coniston
Dib where we took Lorelei to see the fine stretch of limestone pavement
on Wassa Bank. This is one of the many jewels to be found in the
Park, for the grykes, the gaps between the clints, harbour many
rare species of plants. Afterwards we wandered down the spectacular
gorge of Gurling Trough into Coniston, then up by Dib Scar, along
the back of Grass Wood Reserve and, by way of Lea Green, to Grassington,
and so ended yet another season of winter walks.
However, once again the wheel has turned
full circle and another series began in October when our intrepid
band met once again - this time at the Cavendish Pavilion, for our
grand assault on Simons Seat. Wending our way up via Hammerthorne
Gate, we crossed the moors, always on the lookout for what we could
see. We soon spotted a lone meadow pipit fluttering about the tussocks
of heather. We also had fine views over into the Washburn Valley
and beyond. On the summit we paused to take in the splendid vistas
of upper Wharfedale before sauntering down the well known Bielby
track towards the Valley of Desolation with its wild cataracts of
white water tumbling over the ragged rocks into the deep pools far
below. How well did the silent traveller describe the scene, likening
it to similar ones in his homeland of China. Here the Chatsworth
Estate has erected some picture boards showing what life must have
been like here during the time of the early hunter-gatherers. Near
this point a kestrel demonstrated its keen dexterity by plunging
into a chicane around a tree trunk, plucking forth a vole and flying
out again without mishap. This fine example of avian aerobatics
had us transfixed for a while. When we had recovered we came down
via Waterfall Cottage and so back to our vehicles.
Mid November saw us sampling the delights
of Gargrave where we were somewhat rained upon. Here we were joined
for the first time by new WNS member John Giles. The constant rain
never once fazed him - long may he walk with us. We set off along
the Pennine Way, went around by East Marton with its unusual double-arched
bridge and, venturing round Ingthorpe Grange, followed the canal
back towards Gargrave keeping an eye on the well known collection
of wildfowl to be seen on its silver waters. Back at Gargrave the
Alreds had a treat in store kindly taking us to a favourite hang-out
of theirs, the local bistro, where we enjoyed hot steaming mugs
of chocolate and marshmallows, a welcome finishing touch to the
days walking.
December took us to another of our favourite
haunts, the lonely Washburn Valley, at Blubberhouses to be precise.
From the little car park below the church we wended our way past
the site of the former Westhouse Mill and on through the fields
towards Thruscross Dam. Here the river was racing along like a thing
possessed, which could only mean that water was being released from
the mighty reservoir; and so it proved to be. As we hove in sight
of the awesome edifice we could see three columns of it slithering
down the overflow, looking for all the world like three lacy curtains
flapping in the breeze. Climbing out of the chasm we made our way
through the fields to Spitalhouse Farm where we followed the track
out onto the desolate moors. In spite of the heavy rainfall we managed
to successfully negotiate the treacherous Willow Bog to eat our
luncheon well within sight of the A59. We returned by the historic
Kex Gill road to our cars and farewells after another days
strolling.
The turn into the new year, and, according
to some pundits, the new millennium, we embarked on our next little
jaunt from Draughton, by the alluring little chantry of St Augustines.
We set off in the direction of Haw Pike, climbing steadily with
views opening up towards Wharfedale and Bolton Priory. Looking to
our left we could see towering into the air the great gaunt alien
pillars of the four wind vanes at Chelker. Descending to the road,
we crossed over and made our way to the riverside where we were
greeted by the sight and sound of a whirlybird coming in to land
at the Devonshire Arms. Recovering from that experience we ambled
on to the Priory where we ate our snap, chatted for a while and
passed some time away in the shop by the village car park. We continued
on our way to Halton East and then across the fields and back to
Draughton. I have to say, however, that the highlight of the day
was not on the walk itself but in Ilkley car park where we encountered
a small band of waxwings. These buccaneering little rascals sally
forth from their Scandinavian homes during the winter when food
there is short and come, like the Vikings of old to plunder our
rich granaries of berries. So here they were with one lone mistle
thrush playing the role of an avian Alfred the Great trying to drive
them away but with little success. It was my first sighting of these
delightful small birds and I calculated that there were about 40
of them all resplendent with their buff crests, russet bodies and
the brilliant reds and yellows on their wing-tips and tails. This
colouring looks as if has been applied in wax, giving the birds
their name, and once seen never forgotten. I shall certainly look
out in case they arrive next year.
As we go to press there are three more walks
in this seasons programme - in Nidderdale, Wharfedale and
Littondale. I hope that if you would like to join our happy fellowship
you will soon have a go.
Chris Hartley
Summer outing to Waitby Greenriggs and
Smardale nature reserves, Saturday 15th July 2000
There is nothing like a thrilling start to
up the anticipation, and we had it on this trip. The difficulty
with Waitby Greenriggs Reserve is access. It is reasonable for a
private car to go round the minor roads at the back of Kirkby Stephen
to an old railway bridge and park on a small verge the official
entrance to the reserve is just opposite. For a large coach this
is impossible and a different approach had had to be devised with
much forward planning. Going up the M6 towards Kirkby Stephen, our
leader David Leather announced over the intercom that the coach
would be drawing up very briefly on the roadside approaching the
town at an unauthorised place. To avoid the driver being prosecuted,
would we please get all our gear ready for a commando style exit
and disappear up the alleyway nearby. You have never seen such a
prompt response we popped out like rabbits. The excitement
did not end there. No right of way to the Reserve exists from this
end and permission had been obtained from the local farmer to go
through his farmyard, unfortunately his dogs did not appreciate
this and a chorus of barks and growls accompanied us as we hastened
through. A very rough field had to be negotiated (no path) and a
dodgy fence climbed before we entered woodland and then finally
emerged on to the Reserve to take stock of our surroundings.
The Reserve is on part of an old disused
railway line which eventually curves round and goes to Smardale.
At the Reserve the line went through a deep cutting in the Carboniferous
limestone which forms a broad band between Orton and Kirkby Stephen.
Now all that remains are just two well-drained grass-covered banks,
one far steeper than the other, with a damper area in between in
the bottom. The flora they support is remarkable.
A member of the Cumbria Trust which cares
for the Reserve was there to meet us and show us round. Orchids
are a speciality of the site and they were in a concentration and
variety that few of us had ever seen before. We were told there
had been 94 flowering spikes of the Lesser Butterfly Orchid which
flowers quite early. This had just finished but the ten other species
were in full bloom. The first we saw were the Fragrant Orchids of
which there were three different kinds. The normal one (which we
get in Wharfedale) varied widely in colour, some being the typical
mauvy-pink, whilst others were much deeper in colour and a few were
pure white. Then there was the rarer Marsh Fragrant Orchid (previously
called Dense-flowered) a much bigger and more robust plant, up to
18 inches tall, with in some cases a six inch long spike of flowers
cherry-coloured making it a very striking species.
Both these species were present in dozens. Finally there was one
plant of an extremely rare sub-species borealis (no
English name) which has a lip which is scarcely lobed. Common Spotted-orchids
were common and the Twayblades were huge.
In addition to the usual Frog Orchids there
were a group which were obviously different having very long
bracts these also are very rare and were protected by a cage.
Marsh Helleborines formed large patches at various places and when
we eventually went down to the damper area, there was a Fly Orchid
and several Northern Marsh-orchids.
Orchids however were only the start of the
colourful spectacle. On the steep north-facing slope there were
the red (or pink) flowers of Betony, Great Burnet, Salad Burnet,
Zig-zag Clover, Herb Robert and the beautifully marked buds of the
rare Saw-wort, which had great variation in the shape and colour
of its leaves. Yellow was provided by St Johns-wort, Kidney
Vetch, Yellow rattle, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Creeping Cinquefoil,
Meadow Vetchling, Rough Hawkbit, Autumn Hawkbit and in a damper
hollow, Globeflower. Blue came from Common Milkwort, Tufted Vetch,
Germander Speedwell and Devils-bit Scabious. White was mainly
provided by the numerous Oxeye Daisies and Fairy Flax. The clumps
of Black Bog-rush were enormous over two feet across
and up from them came the very dark flower heads, over a foot tall,
making a striking contrast with the colour around. The Hoary Plantains
were also of giant size. There were areas of Blue Moor-grass. The
other slope, south facing and not so high, seemed to have some quite
different flowers there were very large patches of yellow
Ladys Bedstraw, white Hedge-bedstraw and pink Wild Thyme.
Towards the foot of the slope were Cowslips in seed and larger plants
such as Foxglove and Meadowsweet together with one clump of its
daintier relative, Dropwort. The bottom of the Reserve the
track-bed of the old railway line was much damper with consequently
an entirely different flora. Birds-eye Primrose and Common
Butterwort had their last few flowers whilst Field Gentian was just
coming into flower and Grass-of-Parnassus was in bud. There was
also Round-leaved Sundew, Eyebright, Long-stalked Yellow-sedge and
Jointed Rush.
Because of the extensive flora, it had been
hoped to see many butterflies, but unfortunately the weather was
cloudy-bright rather than sunny and as a result only
three species were seen all day Ringlet, Common Blue and
Meadow Brown. A Six Spot Burnet moth was found which had just emerged
from its chrysalis, and also seen were Chimney Sweeper, Large Yellow
Underwing and Hummingbird Hawk moth. A Grasshopper was hiding in
the vegetation at the side of the track.
After lunch at the Reserve, we walked down
the country lane to Waitby village and then continued on to rejoin
the old railway line near Smardale Hall. Thereafter we were revisiting
Smardale Reserve where we had last been on the 1996 Outing.
The views from the lane over rolling countryside
were very pleasant. The hedges were largely Blackthorn with some
Downy Roses and the verges were full of the normal common wayside
flowers including Field Scabious, Goats-beard, Meadow Cranes-bill
and there was a long stretch of Sweet Cicely now in seed. Wood Cranes-bill
was over here, but was later seen in flower in the wood.
Entering Smardale Reserve along the railway
line, the first section is a wooded gorge and here we refound Common
Wintergreen which had been such an attraction last time. Unfortunately
this year many of the plants were past their best. We saw Common
Spotted-orchid, Valerian, Bitter Vetch, Marjoram and all three Scabious,
Field, Small and Devils-bit. The Bloody Cranes-bill
made a beautiful sight, with patches stretching for many yards
most were the usual colour, but we did find a pure white, and also
a very unusual flower with deep blue patches around the rim, but
red in the middle. The variety Lancastriense (pale pink
flowers with dark maroon pencil lines) was still there. Nearing
the end of the wooded section, just before the viaduct there was
the highlight of the afternoon. Several members noticed chewed pine
cones on the ground usually the action of a Red Squirrel
and then they caught sight of the Squirrel itself high up
in a tree. They had excellent views as it gradually came down to
a lower branch before disappearing in undergrowth. After a break
at the viaduct, there was the level walk along the line with fields
on either side, distant views of the Howgills and many wild flowers.
Particularly noticeable were large clumps of Melancholy Thistle,
Common Restharrow and Hop Trefoil. There was also a little Heather
and one Jacobs-ladder. A few energetic members detoured into
the quarry and found Carline Thistle, Greater Knapweed and Mountain
Pansy.
Ken Limb reported that the ornithologists
had seen 19 different species during the day, almost all of them
in the afternoon. There was one raptor, Common Buzzard. The other
birds were Curlew, Swift, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren,
Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blackbird, Song Thrush,
Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Blue Tit, Rook, House Sparrow and
Goldfinch. Interestingly although the bird lists for this year and
for 1996 were roughly of the same length, only seven species were
common to both.
The final treat of the day awaited us at
Newbiggin-on-Lune, with tea and home-made cakes at the little café.
Gratefully, members sank down. It had been a long day, but a very
rewarding one to a beautiful area, difficult of access and only
made possible for us by careful planning. Our appreciation was shown
to David for all his work.
Joyce Hartley
Winter Outing to Martin Mere reserve,
18th November 2000
This years winter outing to the Wildfowl
and Wetlands Trust Reserve at Martin Mere near Ormskirk in Lancashire
was particularly well attended, necessitating a small minibus in
addition to our usual coach. It was a wet and misty morning as we
began our journey, and the rain accompanied us for most of the way.
Then, as we approached the reserve, the weather cleared and a watery
sun appeared.
Martin Mere Reserve comprises a series of
pens and pools for the Trusts captive collection of wetland
species from all over the world including some of our own residents
and visitors. Beyond these is an extensive area of lake, pools and
connecting waterways backed by low lying fields intersected by dikes.
There are several well placed and roomy hides; one is actually heated!
From these we were able to have splendid views of the overwintering
waterfowl for which Martin Mere is famous.
There were over 5000 whooper swans on the
reserve and a large proportion of these could be observed from the
"Swan Lake" hide together with a few mutes. It was fascinating
to watch the interactions within and between the various family
groups as they greeted each other or postured to protect their own
small area of water. The morning sunshine highlighted the brilliant
colours of the various species of duck on the lake and ponds including
pochard, teal , shelduck and a few handsome pintail.
Further along the track from the lake hides the Trust has set up
a feeding station in a small bushy dell. Here we were able to watch
various finches and tits visiting the feeders and goldcrests foraging
among the alder twigs. From the hide overlooking the fields we could
watch great flocks of geese flying in to graze or rest: there were
large numbers of pink-footed geese and grey-lag and a sprinkling
of barnacle geese. The only raptor on view was a rather distant
peregrine falcon which spent a great deal of time sitting on a fence
post.
By lunchtime the weather was changing and
the afternoon saw a return of the mist and rain. However, we had
once again planned our visit to coincide with the annual Northwest
Bird Fair so there was plenty to do under cover. There was a full
programme of lectures on offer, ranging from "The Secret Life
of Garden Birds" to "Wildlife on the Galapagos",
and lots of stalls selling books and tapes, outdoor clothing and
paintings and photographs. There was also the usual display and
demonstration of binoculars and telescopes. So, with all these delights
and the Visitors Centre cafe, we were well occupied until
it was time to return over the Pennines after a most enjoyable day
out.
Thanks to Ken Limb who supplied the following
bird list for the day:
Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper
Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose,
Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Shoveler,
Common Pochard, Goldeneye, Peregrine Falcon, Pheasant, Moorhen,
Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Wood
Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Blue
Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.
Jenny Dixon
Geology excursions
Crummackdale and the Norber Erratics (18
May 2000) Not just one, but two classic sites in one, at this easily
traversed miniature Yorkshire Dale. First we walked up to see the
Norber erratic boulders, huge chunks of Austwick sandstone scattered
about (of Silurian age), many of them perched on a base or plinth
of Carboniferous Limestone. At Nappa Scars we stepped along the
ancient eroded surface of the basement rocks where we could view
the first pebbly (even bouldery) beds of the Carboniferous Limestone,
representing an ancient shoreline. We saw where the Norber erratics
had originated and crossed a syncline in the Austwick sandstones.
At Moughton Whetstone Hole a spring emerges around which are pieces
of rock striped red and green. They are of Ordovician age and show
changes in the rock (liesegang rings) that came about probably before
the Carboniferous Limestone was laid down.
Conistone Dib and Mossdale Scar (8 June 2000)
The dry gorge of Conistone Dib evidently was once full of rushing
water when the ground below was still deep frozen the narrowest
part is less than a metre across. Above the Dib we examined some
of the best limestone pavements in the area. We passed a limekiln
and dew pond before striding out along the Bycliffe Road to Mossdale
Scar. Here a stream dramatically disappears beneath a limestone
cliff. Some of the limestone appears glazed by the water and we
found many examples of the large Gigantoproductus shells in cross
section. There was so much water in the beck that it was difficult
to cross. The track had been surfaced by rubble from an old leadmine
and contained good examples of galena.
Dowber Gill, Kettlewell (20 July 2000) This
is a pretty little valley whatever the season and makes for a pleasant
stroll. We looked out for anything of geological interest along
the way, soon passing from the Great Scar Limestone to the Yoredales,
where there was a sandstone layer, a rarity in the Yoredales of
Wharfedale. We examined leadmine tips and the entrance to Providence
Pot. The shales round the corner appeared rather barren of fossils.
On the way back we had a closer look at a small recent landslip
and discovered several loose specimens of Gigantoproductus.
Scotgate Ash Quarry, Pateley Bridge (26 Oct
2000) The sandstone band at Scotgate Ash is near the middle of the
Millstone Grit Group and is named the Libishaw Sandstone. Above
it is the Brimham Grit which forms Brimham Rocks. The stone has
been used in many famous buildings including the museum at South
Kensington. We examined structures and evidence of biological activity
in the sandstone. These included a swirling shape which represented
a feeding burrow system called Zoophycus. There were also many worm
tracks, some small ones were dotted across broad ripple marks. One
of our members searched for a possible coal seam in the shales but
without success. After returning down the incline most of us visited
Coldstones Quarry at Greenhow to look down into what must be the
biggest hole in Yorkshire, invisible unless you are right on its
rim.
Impression of Scotgate Ash quarry at work,
late nineteenth century
The September meeting to Helwith Bridge and
upper Ribblesdale was postponed until further notice.
David Leather
Microscope group
Over the last year the group has covered
many aspects of flora and fauna and held a number of practical workshop
sessions.
We looked at geology, freshwater pond life
and had a second session on lichens with Albert Hendersons
help in recognising thallus, folliose or crustose forms and their
fruiting bodies.
An evening on ferns with the Curator of the
British Pteridological Society one of John Hobsons
many contacts included a demonstration on how to make a microscope
slide of the fern spores, used to identify hybrids. Then it was
our turn to try with the specimens and equipment provided and to
realise that its not quite as easy as the expert makes it
look.
Spores of a different kind, fungal, were
provided by Ann Bickley and Joan Powell who instructed us on making
spore prints and cutting gill sections as an aid to fungi identification,
again with specimens and help on hand.
Thank you to all those who have introduced
topics and brought along specimens and given so generously of their
time.
Heather Burrow
Obituaries
During the year 2000 we were sorry to hear
of the deaths of eight of our members.
Mr R A Craven
Bob Craven, who died 4 August 2000, joined
the Society in 1970 together with his wife Dorothy. They attended
evening lectures and summer evening walks over many years, but Bobs
main interest was geology. He attended a WEA geology course at Ilkley
College and later gained an O-level in the subject.
Bob trained as an engineer and later went into teaching, as a tutor
at Shipley College. He was a member of Pudsey Rambling Club as well
as the Evergreens, joining in their many activities. He enjoyed
walking the Dales, geology outings, and was always keen to share
his interest with his friends.
Mr R W Draper
Bob Draper who died in July was one of those
members who worked quietly behind the scenes. When his wife Freda
was lecturing with her excellent colour slides, it was Bob who worked
the projector; they were so well attuned that the presentation would
go without a hitch. Working together in the Ilkley Moor Survey in
the 1960s they studied ecological features which Bob photographed
and these monochrome prints form a valuable historical record in
the Societys report. Other WNS projects were shared by Freda
and Bob, such as Ben Rhydding gravel pits and the Sun Lane tip at
Burley. Bob constructed some ponds in their garden which attracted
pondlife colonisers of interesting species. Bobs records,
especially of birds, were diligently passed to the recorders and
will remain a lasting contribution by a respected member. Although
latterly Bob found it difficult to attend meetings, he valiantly
came as a guest to the Annual Dinner of the year 2000 and members
were pleased to greet him.
Mr John Kennedy
John Kennedy returned to his profession after
war service and eventually came to Ilkley where he was a highly
respected solicitor. When he joined the Society in 1954 someone
asked him what was his main interest in natural history. With his
quiet sense of humour he replied that he was interested in the secretary!
then Margaret Bartle. They were married in 1955.
Johns chief hobby was photography.
He took excellent landscapes (prints and slides) of the countryside
where he enjoyed long walks and cycling. He did later combine photography
with natural history, taking close-ups of flowers and fungi. Margaret
and john with their two boys spent happy holidays caravanning and
walking in the Dales, Lake District, Scotland and Ireland. This
favourite kind of holiday continued throughout their married life.
John attended the WNS lectures as long as he was able, maintaining
his interest and supporting the Society.
Miss N Rosemary Payne
Rosemary Payne died on 18 May 2000 in Threshfield
Court. A member of WNS since 1954, her interests in botany, archaeology
and geology led her to play a full part in the Society. From 1960-70
she was Geology Recorder chiefly for Upper Wharfedale. She was an
exceptionally observant naturalist, enjoyed field meetings and helped
Joyce Hartley with the recording squares in Wharfedale, as well
as contributing to her own meticulous records. Rosemary joined in
YNU field meetings and weekend Fungus Forays.
As a worker, warden and Committee member,
Grass Wood YWT Reserve was a high priority for her to the end of
her life. (She read and commented on the National Vegetation Classification
survey of the wood in her last weeks.) She grew hundreds of trees
from Grass Wood stock, which have been planted there as the conifers
are felled. These trees are now a living memorial to her practical
conservation interests. A good listener with a quiet, dry sense
of humour, Rosemary made many long-standing friends. It was a privilege
to be among them.
Miss Nellie Saunders
Miss Saunders was a Founder Member, one of
those enthusiasts who started the Society. As an early Committee
member she was always ready to help and make suggestions for activities.
She enjoyed the Societys lectures, outings and friendship.
It is some years since Nellie left Ilkley and could no longer attend
meetings but her contribution in the early days was recognised by
making her a Life Member.
We are also sad to record the deaths of Dr
J Southern (joined in 1994), Mrs Maxted (joined 1996)
and Miss R M Prior (joined 1998) . We extend our sympathies
to their families and particularly to Mrs Southern who is still
a member.
Records for 2000
The weather in 2000
General Most people may remember
2000 as a very wet year which was rather cooler than usual. As for
rainfall that memory is undoubtedly correct. The UK as a whole suffered
the wettest year for over a century (probably much longer) and Ilkley
was no exception. Its total rainfall of 1292mm (50.88 inches) was
42% above the long term average and far exceeded the previous wettest
year of 1980 when there was 1112mm (43.78 in). As for temperature,
memories may be clouded because the last three months of the year
were all very cool but for the year as a whole the temperature exceeded
the long term average by 0.5%. This was much in line with the figure
for the UK as a whole. The year was probably one of the twenty warmest
since records began 350 years ago.
Month by month in brief:
| Month |
Comment |
Deviations
from Average |
| |
|
Temperature |
Rainfall |
| January |
Warm and
rather dry |
+0.5°C |
-19% |
| February |
Much warmer
than average. Quite a lot wetter |
+1.4°C |
+38% |
| March |
Much warmer
than average. A little drier |
+1.4°C |
-10% |
| April |
Temperatures
average. Rainfall a little above average |
+0.1°C |
+15% |
| May |
Much warmer
than average. Rainfall average |
+0.1°C |
-2% |
| June |
Temperature
and rainfall well above average |
+1.3°C |
+57% |
| July |
Cooler than
average. Rainfall average |
-0.4°C |
-2% |
| August |
Much warmer
than average. Fairly dry |
+0.9°C |
-17% |
| September |
Much warmer
and very much wetter than average |
+0.9°C |
+107% |
| October |
Much cooler
than average. Exceptionally wet |
-0.6°C |
+158% |
| November |
Much cooler
than average. Exceptionally wet |
-0.7°C |
+132% |
| December |
Cooler than
average. A little wetter |
-0.4°C |
+8% |
Temperature
Eight months of the year were warmer than average; those which were
cooler were July, October, November and December but no records
were broken either for heat or for cold. Probably the best spell
of the year was in the first half of May which was consistently
dry and produced no less than nine days with temperatures of 20°C
or more. The warmest days were the 14th and 15th when the thermometer
went up to 25°C. Of the other days which produced temperatures
of 20°C or more, ten were in June, only nine in July and nineteen
in August. Surprisingly there was only one such day in September;
the high average temperature for that month can be attributed to
a series of very warm nights. The hottest spell was in mid-June
with temperatures on two days reaching 31°C.
The coldest nights were at the end of December
when the thermometer fell to 7°C on three occasions and
when there were four days in which the temperatures was below zero
all day. The last spring frost was on April 7th. The first frost
of the Autumn in my garden was not until the extraordinarily late
date of December 14th but the thermometer just managed to fall to
zero on October 22nd so it is possible that others in the area might
have experience frost on that night.
Rainfall The year broke all records.
Not only was the year as a whole the wettest for at least 75 years
(and probably much longer) but October and November also broke long
term records. From September 9th to December 13th there were only
three days on which there was no measurable rain but it was the
quantity of rain as well as its persistence which was so remarkable.
The wettest spell of the year was one of nine days at the end of
October and the beginning of November on which almost 8 inches of
rain fell. Included in that period are the following extraordinary
records 1.54 inches on October 29th, 1.47 inches on October
30th, 1.22 inches on November 1st, 1.17 inches on November 2nd and
1.42 inches on November 5th. There was however one day which beat
all of them and that was on June 3rd when 1.71 inches of rain fell.
It was this day alone which produced a very much above average fall
for the month as a whole, a somewhat curious result because in the
UK as a whole, June was a dry month.
The driest spell was one of eighteen days
beginning on 28th April. The only snow of significance was on 15th
February and over the Christmas period.
Note I am grateful to Jenny Dixon for providing
me with her weather records for periods when I was away; also to
Heather Burrow for letting me have her records for Addingham. The
total rainfall for the year at Addingham, 49.42 inches, was slightly
less than in Ilkley and the month by month picture followed the
Ilkley pattern very closely.
John Ward
Botany
It has been a most unusual year. At the beginning,
the relatively mild winter resulted in a wide range of early flowering
reports: Snowdrop (ADL) and Primrose (UWFS) on 7th February followed
by Celandine (OM) and Marsh-marigold (CJD) later in the month, and
in March Butterbur, Coltsfoot, Ground-ivy and Wild Daffodil (N&AB).
At the end of the year December was also very mild with Common Centaury,
Bitter-vetch and Nipplewort still in flower (FCD).In between, the
summer was dull and at times very wet.
In the following report the scientific name
is added the first time a species occurs.
Special Records
Wood Club-rush (Scirpus sylvaticus)
- 1st record. Thrispen Beck woodland (PPA).
Knotted Cranes-bill (Geranium nodosum)
- An alien. 1st record. Burley Old Tip Field (FCD).
Orpine (Sedum telephium) - 2nd modern
record. Mossdale Scar (MHA).
Broad-leaved Ragwort - previously Saracens
Woundwort (Senecio fluviatilis) - 3rd record. Parceval Hall
grounds (AT).
Alpine Cinquefoil (Potentilla crantzii)
- 3rd record. Dowber Gill (PPA).
Fools Parsley (Aethusa cynapium)
- 4th record. Burley-in-Wharfedale (FCD).
5th record - new site in Otley centre (SH).
Adders-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum)
- exceptionally large specimen 8 inches tall with flower over two
inches. Menwith Hill (JH).
Marsh Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris)
- hundreds were found on the side of the Blubberhouses - Duck Street
road near Humberstone Bank. This plant is not frequent in our area
and normally occurs only in small numbers (JH).
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) - a
group of female plants on the small island on the Wharfe behind
Burnsall Church. This is our most northerly record for female plants,
which are uncommon (J&SW).
Flourishing plants this year
Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus)
- was reported from widely spaced sites all through the area. It
was flowering profusely at Castley (Botany Outing) and down the
Wharfe from Grassington to Burnsall. (J&SW, MHA). It was also
seen at Threshfield (Botany Outing), Hudson Wood (MHA), Menston
Old Lane, Burley (Sarah Ward) and Clarence Drive, Menston (Sarah
Ward).
Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia) - over
a hundred seen in woodland on the east bank of the Wharfe at Bolton
Abbey (Society evening outing).
Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea)
- excellent displays at the main sites in Ilkley and Addingham (HMB)
and a new site in Ilkley (MHA). At the site in Bolton Abbey Woods
flowering was seen and there were many seedlings (AMG).
Botany Section outings
We had mixed weather for the outings this
year - two beautiful days, two which were reasonable and one very
wet.
Castley area 4th May
The outing was to explore further this eastern
section included in WNS recording area last year.
The vegetation was much more advanced than
up-river. As we passed through the village, the grass on the verges
was already so high it covered the Celandines (Ranunculus ficaria)
and male Butterburs which were already dying back. The usual spring
flowers were in abundance Dames-violet (Hesperis
matronalis), White Dead-nettle (Lamium album), Red Dead-nettle
(Lamium purpureum), Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris),
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Sticky Mouse-ear (Cerastium
Glomeratum), Garlic (Allium ursinum), Crosswort (Cruciata
laevipes), and in wet places Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis).
The hedges were white with flowering Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
and there were considerable colonies of Leopards-bane (Doronicum
pardalianches). Following the lane uphill away from the river,
steep banks had large areas of Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria
holostea) and Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus),
and also far more Goldilocks Buttercup than we normally find (see
special records).
Along the top road to Weeton were several
clumps of Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris) and in a plantation
at the side of the railway embankment many Bluebells (Hyacinthoides
non-scripta). Returning through the fields alongside the railway
there was little of interest until we came to a small stream at
the bottom, whose banks were covered with Common Dog-violet (Viola
riviniana) and Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris). In
a damp hollow nearby, amongst many rushes, were Slender Tufted-sedge
(Carex acuta) and Square-stalked St. Johns-wort (Hypericum
tetrapterum). After going through the underpass, the embankment
sides which in the past have had hundreds of Cowslips (Primula
veris), this year unfortunately had less than two dozen clumps.
(It appears that considerable railway maintenance work has taken
place, disturbing the ground, and this has encouraged the spread
Brambles to the detriment of everything else.)
In the afternoon the verges and riverbank
westwards towards Pool were explored. Many Allium were found on
the verges, Field Garlic (Allium oleraceum), Sand Leek (Allium
scorodoprasum) and Few-flowered Leek ( |