Coppicing at Kirkby Malzead: 29-01-13

(Editor's note - as a special treat this week's entry ends with a brilliant poem, penned by our resident NCV bard, Tony. It relates to one of the points of interest listed in the entry below so you will need to read the blog first in order to understand where the idea for the poem came from.)

Today's task involved coppicing a number of hazel trees and removing some holly bushes alongside a bridleway above Ringbeck Farm, Kirkby Malzeard. Unfortunately, as trees do, they keep growing and blocking off the view of the village from the bench that has been sited at the spot (see below), particularly for the purpose of keeping an eye on residents as they go about their daily business.

This was a joint venture - a band of 14 people with seven NCVs, two NYCC volunteers, two members of the Kirkby Malzeard parish council, our two volunteer wardens and a tree warden. I think there was also a partridge in a pear tree there somewhere (unless we had sawn its perch down!)

In spite of the shocking weather conditions yesterday, the day dawned reasonably bright and dry. We set to, armed to the teeth with loppers and saws and managed to get a couple of hours of work done before lunch. Then the rain started. We carried on regardless - as we usually do. (A little bit of rain never hurt anyone.) 

Angela made herself very popular with many trees in the area that were not being coppiced by removing their old tree guards - a job well overdue. Each one breathed a sigh of relief as she set to with her trusty Stanley knife. Paul managed to get in a lot of practice with his chain saw. Thank goodness he did that training course. The job would have taken much, much longer without that!

By 1:30 pm the task was finished. (Just as well really because the rain was becoming very persistent and heavy.) 
a) The view was restored: 

b) The brash was all neatly piled in four enormous brash piles. The local invertebrates were all moving in and deciding on soft furnishings even before we left: 

c) Dozens of old tree guards were stacked neatly at the bottom of the hillside.

Special points of interest to note:

• Chris S gave Chris G an on site tutorial about how to make a proper brash pile. She is willing to give tuition to anyone interested at a reasonable fee. 
• In spite of trying hard to do otherwise Will managed to avoid hitting anyone with a sawn off branch/tree on a number of occasions. 
• We found a really good example of Auricularia auricula-judae.  (What do you mean "what's that"? It's 'Jew's Ear' fungus of course - follow the link to read all about it.)

• The local hunt went past on the road below us whilst we were working. Two of them went galloping by us on the bridleway. Not sure if they had got lost or just knew a quicker way to get to the man blowing the horn - but they looked very smart in their red and black coats.

• A low point of the day for me occurred before we even arrived at the bench. The bridleway has an area I have now christened 'the Bog of Eternal Stench', half way up the hillside. My wellies disappeared up to the ankles and I gracefully keeled over onto my knees. Luckily Jan managed to grab me before I fell flat on my face in the mud. (Thanks Jan!)  So - lovely clay all over my trousers, even before a branch was lopped. Good job they are waterproof and could be hosed down at home. 

Ros E

And here is Tony's poem entitled - 'Brash' written in response to the line: "The local invertebrates were all moving in and deciding on soft furnishings even before we left.”

Brash 

At half past two they said “Enough, the coppicing is done.

The village now is visible, the work we’ve done was fun.”

They left behind an area now cleared of tools and trash,

But circling the perimeter they left four piles of brash.

The colonising inverts were the first upon the scene.

The coleoptera led the way, they’re always very keen.

On moving house, but then they found there wasn’t any trace

Of modern creature comforts, there was just unfurnished space.

The woodlouse didn’t stand a chance, the beetles got there first.

The millipedes as always were the ones to come off worst.

It’s never very easy when you’ve got so many feet

To decide which one comes after which, you just accept defeat.

At dawn next day the Beetle Ma rushed off to catch the bus,

To beat the other inverts to Soft Furnishings ‘R’ Us.

She knew the store was selling off its surplus winter stock

And she knew that bedding came before the purchase of a frock.

While back at home the Beetle Pa was stocking up with grub

And hoping for the chance to meet some mates down at the pub.

He needed sympathy and help to counteract his fear

For he knew next day his Beetle Ma would drag him to IKEA!

Tony

Kettlesing School bird feeder event: 22-01-13

A double act for the entry this week. Parts written by Ros E in blue; parts written by Linda (of the Nidderdale Birdwatchers) in black.

Due to heavy snow, the footpath work planned for this week, down by the Millenium Bridge at Pateley, had to be cancelled. However - that did not mean that things did not get done! Let Linda explain........

In a continuation of the joint project by members of Nidderdale Birdwatchers (Linda) and the NCVs (Tony and Ros E), this week the younger pupils of Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School were involved in identifying some of the common birds visiting gardens in winter and making simple bird feeders.

Class 2 had a presentation, including looking at a selection of commercial feeders which the school are going to use in the grounds. This was followed by some small group practical work to make apple, pine cone, half orange skin and cardboard drink feeders. After some discussion about where to site their feeders, they then really enjoyed going out in the deep snow to find suitable places to hang them.  During this time a shrew decided to run across the snow and was deftly caught by Tony so that all the children could have a good look at it. The children have agreed to identify, count and record the birds visiting the feeders.

After morning break Class 1 children had a short presentation emphasising the importance of feeding birds in winter. They too then worked in small groups to make simple feeders - honey stick, toast bird and apple. They really enjoyed getting to grips with the honey, peanut butter and seeds.

(Note to self from Ros re the honey stick feeders – think sticky – think VERY sticky. In spite of Bill Oddie’s method being listed as an easy option it is perhaps not one to attempt again with six children at the same time. More honey on the table, on the hands, on the aprons and  in the hair than on the sticks. And seeds. Everywhere. My recovery from the experience is likely to be slow.)

Everyone involved enjoyed the morning; it is always nice to try and encourage the next generation to think about birds and wildlife. 

(Some thanks from Ros for work done over the last two weeks –

• To Tony for the superb photos that we were able to use to good effect in our presentations over the last two weeks (move over David Bailey!); for  organising all the tools and nest box kits used last week and for acting as driver in snowy conditions.
• To Jan for cutting up all the nest box kits.
• To Angus (from the NBs) for helping out with nest box making last week.
• To Linda (from the NBs) for working with me to prepare and deliver the presentations and helping out with the group work this week (she had the peanut butter group - almost as sticky as the honey!)
• To Anita for the offer of a helping hand (and for the supply of pine cones and apples). What a shame the snow prevented her from joining us - although in view of the honey perhaps she was wise to stay away.)

Linda and Ros E

Pateley Bridge (and Kettlesing school): 15-1-2013

At Pateley Bridge:

This week's task was a joint venture with the NYCC Area Ranger, Catherine Smith, and a couple of the NYCC volunteers, Chris and Roger, to repair a muddy section of the Nidderdale Way path that runs along the river edge at Pateley Bridge from the Millenium bridge area to the Sidings housing estate.
 
The forecast for the day was cold and icy so only 3 AONB volunteers braved the elements to begin the task at 9:45am, Colin, Anita and Ros K, but they were quickly joined by Julia and Dave, our newest recruits, from Harrogate. The first thing we had to do was to dig 2 parallel shallow trenches to put the wooden boards into along the path sides. These would ensure that the new hardcore surface was contained and didn't spill over the borders of the path.

 It took a little while to get a system going but shortly Chris and Roger were able to barrow the hardcore down and spread it evenly using the "wacker plate"- a motorised devise to assist this process."Boys and their toys" came to mind!! 

The other volunteers dug the roots out of the trenches and put in the boards and supporting stakes, also "landscaping" the back of the boards with turf infill, delicate and artistic women's work. By the time lunch break was suggested the path was looking good and the sun was out; the warmth was lovely and we took full advantage of our pretty riverside surroundings.

Tony and Ros E joined us after lunch, having been to Kettlesing school to make bird boxes,with Jan, in the morning. They took on the task of sawing points on some post ends - a little like sharpening pencils - whilst others continued with moving barrow-loads of hardcore. Chris and Roger had to leave at 2:30pm so Anita and Ros K willingly had a lesson from Catherine on how to use the wacker plate- and discovered it had a bit of a mind of its own!

 Work finished about 3pm and tools were finally downed and collected up. Several passers by had commented on the path improvements, and indeed it did look so much better.Always good to know the fruits of our labours are appreciated! Both groups of volunteers are to return next week to complete the remaining section of the path. An enjoyable day was had by all.

Ros (K)

Meanwhile - during the morning at Kettlesing school  .......

In a joint project by members of Nidderdale Birdwatchers and Nidderdale Conservation Volunteers the older pupils of Kettlesing Felliscliffe Community Primary School were introduced to the art of making nest boxes.

A presentation prepared by Linda and Ros (E) kicked off the morning event designed to involve children in the decision making process of why boxes are needed, what makes a good box and which birds might use them. Four groups of pupils then made two boxes each showing a very skilled use of both hand and power tools.

After this the children worked outside with the aid of compasses and garden plans to decide where boxes should be sited. By this time the morning was almost over so Ros took the children back indoors for instructions on recording box usage whilst Jan, who had cut all the wood for the boxes in advance, Angus and Tony attached the boxes to trees. Everyone involved – pupils, teachers and volunteers, enjoyed the work.

Tony

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

Christmas walk: 18-12-12

This is an annual event which is organised by one of the volunteers and this year Clive volunteered to plan the walk and to arrange for the traditional lunch to be held at the Washburn Heritage Centre. Sixteen of us met at the Centre for a five mile walk in the Washburn Valley on a circular route which included Swinsty, Beaver Dyke and John O’Gaunt’s reservoirs.

Beaver Dyke

Swinsty Reservoir

We stopped for a cake break half way through the morning which gave us a better chance of admiring some of the Christmas headgear worn by our more traditional members and there was no doubt about the best – Howie’s, without any question. 

                                  

                                 Cake Break

At various points Clive explained the history of areas we walked through – an ancient monument (oddly enough a track rather than a building), John O’Gaunt’s Castle and other interesting buildings. 

Clive (blue hat) sharing local history knowledge

Bird life was good with three red kites and a buzzard being mobbed by two kestrels. A flock of winter thrushes – roughly 100 fieldfares and 60 redwing -  put on a good show among the species seen.

The weather stayed dry with the odd glimpse of some brightness. The paths were muddy and slippery and in two fields an enthusiastic farmer had spread a very generous amount of muck, but after Clive’s initial risk assessment and H & S instructions no-one came to grief.

By the time we got back to the Centre we had worked up an appetite for the soup, sandwiches and mince pies that were waiting for us, and it was something of a family affair with Sally and Pat, wives of Clive and Howie, looking after us. Excellent food!

There are various people to thank:

• Clive of course, for organising the whole thing.
• Audrey, who provided cake for us all at the mid morning break.
• Sally and Pat for the food and very professional table service,
• and the AONB for paying for it all.

There were four of our volunteers who unfortunately were not able to come, and Paul is in New York. We missed them, and they missed a very enjoyable day.

Tony

Historic Maps training day: 11-12-2012

This morning was yet another of those interesting, relaxing and cosy times for any interested NCVs. We were lucky enough to be offered the opportunity of a morning listening to Kevin Cale, the community archaeologist, telling us all about historical maps. 
If you want to find out more about the things he does as part of his job then visit:
http://www.communityarchaeology.co.uk/

Kev started by explaining how maps are just one of the many tools available to anyone interested in researching the history of an area and then detailed the different ways that members of the public can access old maps. These included:

• Record offices - for Nidderdale related maps you would go to either the Northallerton County (http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/archives); the West Yorkshire Archive Service at Morley (http://www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/archives-leeds.asp) or the Borthwick Institute at Heslington, York (http://www.york.ac.uk/library/borthwick/)

The Northallerton office has an extensive collection but you can only view them on microfiche. The other two offices can give access to the actual maps themselves.  

• Pateley Bridge museum - this has a small, but useful collection.

• Online via http://www.old-maps.co.uk  From here you can look at the maps electronically or order them in hard copy in different quality prints. Enter any place name in the search box and then select one of the historic maps listed down the right hand side of the screen.  

You can then zoom in and out to your heart's content looking for all the interesting things that are there. I can't wait to try this out for myself!

Kev then gave us a fascinating presentation of the history of maps, focusing on the Wath area of Nidderdale - from an early 1610 map to the most up-to-date lidar mapping techniques. If anyone is interested in doing any of this sort of research there are a number of local groups involved in history projects which Kev or the AONB's heritage officer, Sally Childes, can put you in touch with. You may even want to start your own group - again, Kev is the man to contact.

Kev  - thank you for a great morning (and thanks also to Sally Childes for the delicious home made mince pies served on arrival!!)

Ros (E)

Bryan's Wood: 4-12-12

The day started bright and sunny. Tony and Ros were at the Barn for 9:00am. Also there were Julia and Dave, two newcomers to the group. They picked up the necessary equipment and headed for Bryan’s Wood for 9:30 where they met with Anita, Colin, John and Jan.

Meanwhile Dave was leaning on the new five barred gate outside Kettlesing school admiring the new fences that had been erected by the group a couple of weeks ago. He was expecting Graham who, he understood, would meet him there with equipment from the barn so they could erect a stile over the post and rail fence.

The gang of eight wheeled their wheelbarrows through tracks broad and narrow carrying the equipment to the point where they were to construct a barbed wire fence. This was required to keep the cattle in the neighbouring field from becoming tourists in the wood.

After 15 minutes Dave decided he had waited long enough. He rang the office to ask for Graham’s phone number but there was no reply. So he phoned Tony who suggested that he joined the group in Bryan’s Wood. Here the first task was to erect three straining posts to take the strain when the wire was stretched between them. That took us until lunchtime when Colin had to leave us. 

The remaining eight had their pack ups and then enjoyed some flapjack which had kindly been left on Tony’s doorstep by Audrey.

Thus fortified we dragged ourselves back to work but quickly found our rhythm and amazingly we completed the fence with two strands of wire by the time the light began to fade at 3:30pm. 

Whilst John attacked an intruding holly bush with a bow saw ...

....others got to grips with fence post knockers

We dragged our wheelbarrows and other equipment out of the wood feeling very satisfied. We had made a very presentable fence that would keep out potential tourists for a good number of years to come. 

Hopefully Julia and Dave enjoyed their day and will join us again in weeks to come.

Dave (B)

Kettlesing - once more with feeling!: 20-11-12

Back to Kettlesing School for the third week. It is a popular venue for us and 14 volunteers turned up despite the weather forecast. 6 of us worked to complete the reinstating of the dry stone wall by the new field gate with a great result. 

  

Sub-team one (the wallers) with everyone else getting in on the act too! The quality of the walling put the rest of the old wall to shame. (Tony missed the photo shoot whilst discussing yet another conservation project with the head teacher at the school - bird box installation work with the children.)

The others worked really hard in persevering with the post and rail fence. Many more posts were inserted and more rabbit-proof netting was attached. Incredibly, by 4pm, the job was finished and both sides of the field were fenced in.

Sub-team number two -
four speedy fencers  in action.

Sub-team number three -
 putting the final touches to the  first stretch of fence.

 

The final result - rabbit problem solved (?)

The weather worsened unfortunately during the afternoon, as forecast by Paul Hudson. Wet and muddy kit was the order of the day. Congratulations to those who stuck it out to the end. Many thanks to the school for the big tin of chocolates - extra food is always appreciated by the volunteers!

Angela

Fencing at Kettlesing (continued!): 13-11-2012

This fencing job started last week and continued this Tuesday.

A couple of metres of dry stone walling on either side of the gate were tackled by five volunteers including Chris G, who provided the expertise – and it is not complete. It is like a 3-d puzzle except the components are lumps of stone of all shapes and sizes. 

The girls' team (Chris S, Anita and Ros K.) worked on one side, smiling throughout - superb quality achieved!

The boys' team (Chris G and Jan) worked on the other side - equally good result. 

(Note - quagmire working conditions!)

The rest of the team got on with the fencing consisting of posts, 4 rails and chicken wire to keep the rabbits out. Not sure how the latter will respond as they are good at tunnelling. 

Paul realized we were in danger of running out of materials so paid a visit to Todds, Summerbridge. You cannot have 14 volunteers standing idle; you must keep them at work until dusk. (Note photo below - lights on in school - children went home long ago!)


The weather was good, no rain to add to the mud at the entrance to the field. The school provided biscuits in the early afternoon. A great day!

Jan

Editor's note - I think that special mention should be made of Hannah and Dave's dancing demonstration. I don't think that everyone saw it, with us all being so engrossed in our work. However, those of us that did happen to glance to the end of the fence at one particular moment were rewarded by what must be the first alfresco rock and roll dancing display carried out by two contestants dressed as NCVs. The footwork was perfect in spite of the heavy duty work boots and the very muddy dance floor. I'll award them both a 10!  Apparently Hannah also gives demonstrations of the 'grass swimming technique' for mud removal from clothing, for a small fee.   Ros E.

Fencing training day at Kettlesing: 6-11-12

Well it was literally back to school for 12 volunteers today. We met at Kettlesing school for a Fencing Workshop led by Tim Martin. We had a warm welcome at the school with coffee and biscuits.

Tim gave us lots of information and useful tips on fence construction, gate hanging and stile building. But he was keen for us to start the practical side, so we were soon out of the classroom and into the field which is going to be a conservation area for the school. The task was to construct a post and rail rabbit proof fence across the field.

Tim did a sterling job running up and down the fence line making sure we were siting the posts correctly. He was very encouraging and we were all pleased by the progress we had made by lunchtime despite the rain and mud! Digging post holes can be difficult depending on the ground and even though we had spades and shove holes (like giant tweezers) - someone actually had to resort to hands and knees! 

After lunch we were shown how to hang a gate. So now there is a gate in the middle of the gap in the wall which we dismantled last week. 

The top rails have gone on some of the posts and rabbit proof fencing has been attached.

It will take about another two days to finish the work. Several parents said they were impressed by our efforts and offered to come and help.

Thanks to Tim for an excellent day.

Chris S