‘Winter birdwatching at Tophill Low. This is a reserve based around two reservoirs but also includes marshes and pools. It is a good site for ducks, grebes, kingfisher and maybe even an otter’.
The reserve has toilets. There is no cafe so bring pack up! All access is on paths although some can be muddy.
Entrance fee is £3.50 per person (bring cash as I cannot remember if it accepts cards).
The reserve is all on the flat and most watching is from hides. Bring binoculars (and telescopes if you have them).
It is a large site but you can just cherry pick the nearby bits for those of us less mobile.
For more information see :- Tophill Low Nature Reserve
There is no limit on numbers but if you could let Rob Stark know if you are coming it makes it easier on the day to manage. If you can offer a lift or need a lift please let Rob know and we will try to match everyone up.’
We will be doing a bat hibernation check at Ravenscar tunnel. It is a 10.30am meet at the National Trust Office NZ 980 016. Please email Nick Gibbons (nicholas.gibbons123@btinternet.com) to advise if you are going to attend
For people attending these underground events, hard hats, wellingtons, warm coat, or overalls, gloves, torch with spare batteries are essential, some food and warm drink recommended. Please ensure that you clean your hands before eating and drinking after visiting the underground sites (Hand wipes & cleaner are carried in First Aid Rucksacks).
The Nats are helping with a walk in Raincliffe woods. We will be doing a walk looking at any wildife we can find from 1800hrs until dusk after which those that are interested in seeing what bats are about can stay on. Please book through the Raincliffe Woods Community Enterprise web site if you are interested.
Following his talk, Stuart Swann will kindly lead a field trip to look at the geology of Filey Brigg. We will meet at coble landing Filey 7 April at 10 am (ending 12 to 12.30). There is a limit of 15 members so you need to book by texting or emailing Nick Gibbons. As usual I will keep a list and will run a reserve list, if required, and so if you book and are unable to attend please ensure you let me know of the cancellation to enable someone else to attend. There are some details of what we will see in the attached document (FN Brigg walk.pages.)
We will be checking the bat boxes at these locations and also at doing some box refurbishment at Broadhead. Bring a packed lunch and suitable footwear. We will be following similar guidelines as last year regarding the wearing of gloves and FFP3 masks. I will have these available for any East or North Yorkshire bat group members. Anyone who has recently had covid, or has been in contact with someone who has, must provide a negative test result. Please contact Nick Gibbons if you are interested in attending.
The Nats are assisting with some walks in Raincliffe Woods. The time of this walk is yet to be finalised and maybe in the afternoon. Please book through the Raincliffe Woods Community Enterprise web site if you are interested.
We will be checking the bat boxes at Keldy only and not doing Cropton until the autumn. Bring suitable footwear. We will be following similar guidelines as last year regarding the wearing of gloves and FFP3 masks. I will have these available for any East or North Yorkshire bat group members. Anyone who has recently had covid, or has been in contact with someone who has, must provide a negative test result. Please contact Nick Gibbons if you are interested in attending.
Message from John Hume:-
My ad-hoc field outings will be on 7th May to Riccaldale to see the bluebells and other spring flowers (weather permitting). Meeting at 10am on the roadside verge just before Pockley village SE63506 85476. It will be a 5.5 mile walk so everyone needs to be reasonably fit! Just one uphill section. This can go on the website and out via email. Future excursions after this will be posted on the SFN WhatsApp group only, with maybe only 24-48 hours notice as they will be dependent on weather, how I am feeling and whether I can think of somewhere to go. Please contact John on 07717 220152.
An initial point survey of the YWT Filey Dams site to see what bats are using the site. Meet at the Filey Dams car park. Contact Nick Gibbons if you are interested.
Meet Arboretum carpark ( SE706697). The arboretum is 50 ha of varied habitat including ancient woodland, parkland with specimen trees, meadows, wetlands and open water. There are over 700 trees in the collection, all labelled and of known provenance, giving excellent opportunities for studying insect-plant interactions. Preliminary recording shows a rich insect fauna. Contact Alastair Fitter for further details.