Barnsley Nats

For this field visit we will be looking around the grounds at Cannon Hall Country Park; though the aim is to get off the main paths somewhat and see what we can spot. There are many habitat areas at Cannon Hall from open grass, small wooded sections and with Daking Brook running through offering home to water based birds maybe a chance to see a kingfisher.

This is a steady walk; thick you would like to join us please drop an email our way for further details

On Wednesday evening we will be looking for plant galls. This will be a steady walk close to the River Dearne in Barnsley looking at the many distortions, like the photos below, on leaves. Details for this walk have already been sent out to members; though you are more than welcome to come along to join us. Please drop us an email for the meeting point details.

On Saturday 11th July our next walk is to the RSPB Old Moor site, which is just of Manvers Way. While Old Moor is popular with bird watchers they have a growing number of other species on the site, some that are taking some of the lime-light from the birds. If you are able to look at the RSPB Facebook page you will see that there have been sightings of two Norfolk Hawkers. While these were males it would suggest that they are breeding on site or close by, rather than having being blown of course.

For this walk we will split into two smaller groups, to allow better observation. Group one will be looking for hoverflies with Mark and group two will look for dragonflies and damselflies with Catherine; then the groups will swap places. This way everybody gets a chance to spot something and gain some knowledge with help from Mark and Catherine; both have great passion for our day’s targeted species. On our Links page you will find the link to Marks hoverfly website, look for : Distracted by Hoverflies – Spotters Blogs

To get further details please drop an email to [email protected]

This coming Wednesday evening, 24th June, we will be looking at the trees in the grounds at Wortley Hall. We will be getting a glimpse of tree species that we do not usually encounter, as our leader shares his knowledge on the history of the trees; many of them being arboretum style specimen species. This is one venue that we visit often, usually for the mushrooms later in the year, though there is always something of interest to observe.

We will be meeting at 7 pm for this walk to Huskar Woods and Nabs Wood. We will be taking a close look at the ancient woodland indicator plants before the leaf canopy closes over. We will also be on the lookout for the species that call these woods home. With a little bit of local history thrown in there is plenty to tempt many interests.

If you want to join us for this walk, or any of our other events, please drop us an email for further details. [email protected]

We will be taking a look at what is about in the park. Spring shows off an abundance of flowers and insects, with butterflies and damselflies making an appearance in the wider area.

Our walk on 11th April is to the Adwick Washlands, while there will be plenty of the resident birds about, there may also hopefully be a chance to see some migratory bird having a fuel stop before their onward travels.  We will be meeting at 10am in the carpark; details for which are by email request.  When our leader, Lesley, did a route check walk (26th March) there was some flooding on the paths which should be clearing now we have some dry weather.  Hence the name washlands.  This mainly flat terrain makes this a very comfortable walk and the incline /declines we may encounter are minimal, and some paths are a little uneven in places.  

Our other walks to look forwards to over April and May are as follows, including a pop-up that is not on our programme; keep an eye open for updates on these too 22nd April; Dawn Chorus 5:30 am start time 9th May; Dearne Valley Country Park 20th May;. Huskar Woods

We will be looking at the various moss species that are in the area of monk Bretton Priory. Our walk starts at the priory and then we usually cross the road to Barnsley Main Heritage Site. Mark and Catherine will be our leaders for the morning. More details are available by email request from [email protected]