AGM and Lecture "Dissecting the decline of a farmland icon"  by Dr Phil Wheeler

Brown hares have declined markedly across their range in Western Europe and in Britain particularly in pastures. Much research has been dedicated to figuring out why these declines have occurred.

For the past 6 years, most of that research has been conducted in fields around North East Yorkshire by Dr Phil Wheeler and his research team.

This talk will present a summary of this work, including the latest results from field and lab work where the team have employed increasingly detailed methods to unpick the ecology of our most iconic farmland mammal.

AGM Agenda:

1.   Welcome.
2.   Apologies for Absence.
3.   Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 11^th December 2012.
4.   Matters Arising from the previous Minutes.
5.   Correspondence.
6.   Secretary’s Report for 2013.
7.   Treasurer’s Report for 2013.
8.   Adoption of Treasurer's Report
9.   Honorary Life Membership – Nan Sykes
10. Election of Officers for 2014.

Led by Brian Walker

Led by Ian Glaves

Led by Steve and Kathy Bushell (from Broadhead Farm)

Background There are 2 fen systems (base rich springs) emanating from Corallian limestone within Broadhead Farm. Such fen systems are nationally rare, found only in Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Anglesey and North York Moors. These types of fen support rich fen flora and distinctive insect fauna. A cranefly Limonia occidua (commonly found in Scotland) has been recorded here – one of the very few English locations for this species.

The farm is run on low input principles meaning no artificial fertiliser, minimal organic manure put on pasture.  The two fens are farmed under Higher Level Stewardship with no inputs at all. Interesting plants include Marsh Helloborine Orchid, Butterwort etc.

This field trip should be of particular interest to botanists, invertebrate specialists and birders.

Park at Cockmoor Hall car park (SE915868) then follow road north west down hill, continuing west when road bends north.  Meet at double gates at bottom of hill (SE909875) at 6 p.m. Wear waterproof footwear.

Led by Chris Bradshaw

Details TBA.

This is a private site not accessible by the public. The recent creation of a number of wetland scrapes makes this site of particular interest for its birdlife, as well as its flowers and insects.

January 17^th. (Saturday) – Afternoon Trip to Nunburnholme for Red Kite Roost.

Leader: Ian Glaves. We will need to be at the site from 2-30pm onwards, until dusk. Details about transport at meeting on 13^th.