Strawberry Hill and Timble Ings: 08-01-2013

First job - Strawberry Hill

The New Year began with nine volunteers and Paul turning up at The Barn at Bewerley eager to be back in the swing of things and ready for a post-Christmas work out.

With a spring in our step we headed for Strawberry Hill to spend the morning bent double pulling up the dreaded thistles which, if left, would soon crowd out the precious wild flowers.  I’m led to believe that this job is actually easier in winter than in the summer months – less prickles to penetrate your gloves and hands. 

 

It was noted that a couple of bird watchers disappeared into the hedgerow, binoculars at the ready, and, having spotted green finches, blue-tits, long-tailed tits and a number of siskin, finally returned to work!  After an hour or so and at least four barrow loads of thistles  we decided enough was enough and returned to the barn for an early lunch around the fire and time to catch up on all the news.

And then  - off to Timble Ings – a late start due to a shooting party in the woods.

Chris, Angela and Colin had to leave after lunch, but we were joined by Will, Clive, Dave and Hannah at the ponds at Timble Ings.  This is a site we have worked at on many occasions in the past clearing birch and alder saplings and brambles (more thorns and arched backs) from around the perimeter of the pond. 

David Alred from The Wharfedale Naturalists Society came along to explain that this is one of three important sites in the area for dragonflies and damselflies, the others being at Otley Wetlands Nature Reserve and Low Dam. David spends many hours perched on a tree stump overlooking the water ready to record the many visiting dragonflies including – Southern Hawker, Common Hawker, Four Spotted Chaser and Broad-bodied Chaser which can be seen earlier in the year to the Common Darter and Black Darter which tend to appear in late summer.  He has also seen Large Red, Emerald, Common Blue and Azure damselflies.

He is keen for us to keep the banks of the stream clear of shrubs and trees as he has spotted Golden-ringed dragonflies near the ruin of The Besom Inn.  David explained how the males fly down the stream looking out for females who are waiting to mate. She then lays her eggs in the silt at the bottom of the stream where the larvae remain camouflaged from 4 to 6 years until they reach maturity.

With backs aching and the light fading we made our weary way back through the woods and home for a well-earned mug of tea and a soak in the bath.

Anita