Category Archives: Nature notes

Nature notes and observations from around the Wakefield district

Cherry Plum Blossom Special

As the days lengthen it is noticeable the leaf buds of hedgerows around Wrenthorpe are also lengthening. Indeed some elderberry and hawthorn are starting to unfold their embryonic leaves. However, in places there are also fragmented outbursts of white flowers … Continue reading

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A brief face-to-face meeting with insect royalty

On 27 January 2024 I spotted a large wasp possibly a queen common wasp which may have emerged early from hibernation (see photo). She was busy munching away at an old timber garden chair. This is strategically placed close to … Continue reading

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Charles Edward Andrassy

It is with great sadness that I report the death of Eddie Andrassy who passed away in hospital last Thursday evening. Eddie had been a member of the Wakefield Naturalists’ Society for many years, (probably the longest serving member of … Continue reading

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An impressive family gathering of a botanical nature.

The faded and fallen blooms of summer, together with the current abundance of wayside seed and fruit suggests autumn is already upon us. However, on 4th September a visit to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Ledsham Bank revealed … Continue reading

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Ledsham Vale flower walk

There’s nothing better than a walk with friends on a sunny morning and Ledsham Vale was looking fresh and beautiful with plenty of flowers and birdcall and a shiny new YWT sign by the entrance.  Coming along the narrow top … Continue reading

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Roach Lime Hills

For our last visit of the season the wildflower group re-visited Roach Lime Hills at Garforth.  We should have been at Ledsham vale to seek three kinds of scabious but decided the five young bullocks on the vale were too … Continue reading

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June Field Meeting – High Batts Nature Reserve

The June field meeting took us to the members only nature reserve, High Batts near Ripon. 12 of us convened for an amble round this amazing reserve, a new sight for all of us, and we meandered through woodland, meadow, … Continue reading

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Field Meeting at Wintersett

Our May outing, although a little later in the month than usual, saw a small group of members walking around Wintersett reservoir today. Wintersett is best known for its bird life and is a very well watched patch and it … Continue reading

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Bluebells at Middleton Woods

As an urban park, Middleton is surprisingly well looked after and on Tuesday the wildflower group enjoyed a wonderful woodland walk through acres of native bluebells. It wasn’t our first choice as we were hoping to go to Bretton woods, … Continue reading

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Indoor Meeting – Monday 10th January cancelled

Further to my email giving notice of the cancellation of tonight’s meeting, this is confirmation that the meeting will not take place due to various issues arising from the pandemic. The booked speaker gave backword due to concerns over the … Continue reading

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