Category Archives: Nature notes

Nature notes and observations from around the Wakefield district

Hornet mimic hoverfly

Posted on October 9, 2024 by John Gardner

Over the past two years we have been noticing a new visitor to the area – the rather splendid hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria). This is the UK’s largest hoverfly at almost 2cm long, and, as its name suggests, it … Continue reading →

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June field meeting: High Batts visit

Posted on June 17, 2024 by John Gardner

Eight members met at High Batts nature reserve near Ripon for the June field meeting. The reserve is a private reserve managed by the members and is am excellent small reserve alongside the river Ure nestled deep within private land … Continue reading →

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Cherry Plum Blossom Special

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Roger Gaynor

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

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Roger Gaynor

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

Posted on September 26, 2023 by John Gardner

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.

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Roger Gaynor

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

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Sue Gaynor

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

Posted on August 28, 2022 by Sue Gaynor

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

Posted on June 13, 2022 by John Gardner

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

Posted on May 22, 2022 by John Gardner

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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