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2013
Saturday
11th May 10am. What's Happening at Wharncliffe? 5 trustees
and 5 members of the public met for a walk through Wharncliffe Heath
Nature Reserve, to assess the "state of play" regarding the management
of the reserve. Most of the time was spent in the large Western
enclosure, where glade creation had taken place in 2010. These areas had
been created around some splendid old coppiced oaks, to let in more
light, partly so that a wood-pasture or heathland ground flora could
develop. The first positive signs of this happening were seen. In areas
not covered by bracken litter young heather, wavy hair-grass and heath
bedstraw were found. We hope these glades will become important for many
unusual insects as well as birds such as Pied Flycatcher and Redstart.
On moving up to the current heath above the crags, management to
maintain this type of habitat was discussed,. A group of 9
Crossbills were a delight as they sat in a nearby birch tree for a
conveniently long time. Thanks to all those who turned up and
contributed to discussions that will guide future management.
Sunday 7th
April 11am. Bash the Birch on Wharncliffe Heath. On a very
pleasant day 5 trustees and 2 volunteers completed clearing the
remaining birch scrub from the Southern enclosure, which brings the
Winter management programme to a close (see Images). Now we await the arrival of the
migrant birds and increased activity from all aspects of the natural
world. One migrant, a Chiff-Chaff, was seen and heard singing. In
addition the obligatory 2 Woodcock were flushed from the heath where the
Linnets had returned and were singing. There were also "flyovers" by
Meadow Pipit, Yellowhammer, Siskins and 3 Crossbills. A big Thank you!
to all the volunteers who helped us complete the Winter management
programme.
Sunday
17th March 11am. Bash the Birch on Wharncliffe Heath. 4
trustees and 1 other volunteer did a sterling job knocking back the
birch regrowth in the Southern enclosure. A flushed Woodcock and a flock
of 22 Waxwings added extra interest on a cold but dry day. Thanks to all
those who turned out.
2012
Sunday 25th November.
Management Event at
Wharncliffe Heath. Bash the Birch!
Following a night of continuous heavy
rain, 5 trustees slipped, splashed and waded up the path from Deepcar to
the heath. Fortunately the clouds were soon blown away and then the wind
dropped to produce another lovely autumn day. The whole of the southern
enclosure to the North of the dissecting path was cleared of scrub. A
Woodcock was flushed, and a single Crossbill was heard overhead. A few
sheep kept a wary eye on our activities.
Sunday 18th November.
Management Event
with University of Sheffield Conservation Volunteers.
7 UoS volunteers joined some of the
trustees on a glorious sunny morning, to tackle the birch scrub
developing in the Northern enclosure. After much pleasant but aerobic
work the job was finished and everyone gingerly found their way back to
the path over the slippery boulders. Some of the sheep came to keep us
company and to feed on the newly cut birch, and a Woodcock was flushed
from the heather. A hearty Thank you! to all the students who turned up.
Now that you know where the reserve is, we hope you will revisit in the
future.
Saturday 13th October.
Inspection of bat boxes in woodland
on the reserve. Members of the public joined with members of South
Yorks Bat Group and WHT to inspect a total of 53 bat boxes located in
the woodland of the Wharnciffe Heath Local Nature Reserve. On the way
up to the reserve a single Daubenton’s bat was found in a crack
of an old railway bridge. In the woodland three boxes were found to
contain two species of bats. One wooden box contained at least six
Natterer’s bats. A second box located nearby contained at least 21
Natterer’s bats. A third box contained at least 13 Brown Long-eared bats. Representative bats were moved temporarily for
inspection and data collection (see Images).
In the evening 9 people reconvened
for a walk at dusk to record bat activity.
The weather was quite cool, but Natterer's were heard leaving the boxes,
with a couple of bat sorties detected over
the nearby pond. Thanks to all those participating, especially
Jim
Flanagan and Anna McGrath, with Rob Bell and Jonathan Moore
from SYBG. Probably the most
successful bat day we have had!
Sunday 9th September.
Bash the Birch!
On a glorious late Summer's day, 7
volunteers and trustees tackled the birch regrowth in the Northern
enclosure. With loppers and bow saws hard at work, a sizeable area was
cleared on a part of the heath not normally visited by any other than
our livestock. They had been busy, with many saplings showing signs of
extensive grazing. The mixture of green bracken and purple heather was a
pleasure to behold, with the odd lizard seen darting for cover. I hope
everyone had a great time. There is no doubt that a combination of the
hot weather, rough terrain and hard work was quite tiring, so a big
thank you to all participants.
Tuesday 24th July.
Batty about Newts.
An amazing 39 people turned up in the
evening for this event. We were all extremely lucky with the
weather, it being one of very few warm and balmy evenings this Summer.
And the wildlife obliged, too! Nightjar, newts, bats (Daubenton's and
Common Pipistrelle at least), dragonfly larvae and even young Tawny Owls
all made an appearance and were either seen or heard by the assembled
throng. All-in-all a very successful evening, so a big thank you to all
those who turned out and helped to make it so memorable.
Tuesday 29th May.
Nightjar back at
Wharncliffe Heath. Male Nightjar
churring, wing-clapping with the odd (very odd!) frog call from 21.50.
Still going strong at 22.20. Woodcock continuously roding over the
heath, too.
Sunday 27th May.
Dawn Chorus Walk.
Nine people gathered on Station Road
Deepcar at the unearthly hour of 4.30am. But what a perfect morning!
Clear skies and only a slight breeze left everyone feeling optimistic.
And eyes were shortly opened by the sight of a Tawny Owl, followed by
Blue Tits feeding chicks in a hole in a nearby tree. But after that the
ears became much more important as the leafy canopy prevented most good
views. It was soon apparent that it is a very good year for Blackcap in
the woods and Willow Warbler on the heath. Most of the expected woodland
and heathland birds were heard in the woods and seen and heard on the
heath, most notably Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Linnet, Curlew and
even a distant Cuckoo. Many thanks go to Andrew Hill for his expert
leadership, bird id skills and descriptions of the birds and their
natural history. It was all well worth the early start!
Saturday 12th May.
What's Happening at
Wharncliffe? 8 participants took
the opportunity for a stroll around Wharncliffe Heath nature reserve and
a discussion on how the reserve is being managed and the plans for the
future. This included visiting the heathland, the surrounding woodland,
and new areas of birch felling and grazing aimed at increasing habitat
for scarce birds such as Nightjar, Tree Pipit, Redstart and Pied
Flycatcher as well as reptiles and many other species. The reasons why
Wharncliffe Crags is a geological SSSI and for the designation as a
Schedule 1 Ancient Monument were also discussed. I think everyone agreed
that we are very lucky to have an area of such rich environmental and
historical diversity.
Sunday 8th April. Bash the Birch on Wharncliffe
Heath. Continuing last weekend's good work, cutting back some
of the birch saplings on the heath to allow the smaller plants such as
heather to flourish and provide habitat for all those heath-loving
insects, reptiles and birds. 5 participants helped to cut back the birch
regrowth on the heath, ready for the birds and the livestock to return.
We have left some to do in the autumn but the site is looking good and
we await the return of Tree Pipits, Linnets and Nightjar. Willow
Warblers had just returned and could be heard singing on the heathland
fringe. Many thanks to all those who have participated in the work
events over the past winter season.
Sunday 1st April. Bash the Birch on Wharncliffe
Heath. Although our livestock do a great job at munching
through young trees, occasionally they need a bit of help. 4
participants cut birch regrowth while one of the trustees increased the
width of the fire breaks with a strimmer. We were treated to great views
of raptors displaying on the up-currents generated by the spring
sunshine.
Sunday 25th March.
Raze the Rhodo at Wharncliffe Heath. A
second chance to help control Rhododendron ponticum which is
spreading on the reserve to the detriment of native species. Once again
we were very lucky with the weather, and 6 participants worked up a
sweat lopping and sawing to the sound of Chiffchaffs singing in the wood
and a visit from the first lamb of the year. Thanks to everyone
involved.
Sunday 11th March. Raze the Rhodo at Wharncliffe
Heath. An absolutely gorgeous day more like June than March,
enjoyed by 10 participants who cut and hacked their way through some
tough bushes. The cut material was burnt so as not to be hazardous to
the sheep, which provided an opportunity to bake and consume some spuds
at the end of the day. 6 soaring Common Buzzards and a Peregrine
fly-past added to the day. A very big "thank-you" to all those involved.
2011
Sunday 13th November.
Action at Agden Bog. Agden Bog is a
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve which needs grazing by livestock to
enhance its value as a home to small and sensitive bog plants such as
Round-leaved Sundew and Heath Spotted Orchid. We have previously agreed
with YWT to help them with the management of this site. The day was
foggy and damp, as 9 people in total started to clear the proposed fence
line of tree and scrub cover. The work was virtually completed by the
end of the day, thanks to a great deal of hard but satisfying work, and
the presence of a chain-saw. A couple of breaks from the sawing and
lopping allowed us to see Common Buzzard and a flock of Siskin, and hear
Crossbills through the fog. Some lucky individuals also flushed a
Woodcock and watched as it pretended to have a broken leg and wing
before proving that this was not the case by flying off. Thanks to all
those who took part, and particularly to the staff of YWT for overseeing
the event and operating the chain-saw.
Sunday 23rd October.
Fungal Foray at Wharncliffe Heath. On a
beautiful autumnal Sunday morning, 17 people turned up at Wharncliffe
Woods to meet local mycologist Ziggy Senkans. We barely got into the
woods before the first fungus was spotted growing on birch,
Piptoporus betulinus, Birch Polypore or Razor Strap. This is one of
the most common polypores. It is not edible but “Ötzi”
the 5,300 year old ice-man mummy was found to be carrying this species
which he may have valued for its antibiotic properties, but as its name
suggests, may have been used for sharpening blades. The biggest fruiting
body found was that of the Penny Bun (Boletus edulis) which is
very good to eat. The smallest found was that of the Lemon Disco (Bisporella
citrina). The fruiting bodies are just 0.5 – 3mm across and bright
yellow, but not edible. A good time was had by all. A full list of
species from the morning will be on the website in due course. Joint
event with Sorby Natural History Society.
Sunday 16th October.
Raze the Rhodo!
Rhododendron ponticum may have pretty pink flowers but
it is a beast and an alien. It smothers other plants and prevents
regeneration for a while even after it has been removed. A group of 9
met on a beautiful warm and sunny autumn day. A large patch of Rhodo
under the crags was tackled with loppers and saws, and the cut material
was burnt on site, as it is toxic to livestock. A lot of hard work
resulted in major clearance, but there is still much more for us to
tackle in the future. The regrowth from the cut stumps will be sprayed
with herbicide next year. 3 soaring Buzzards were over the crags as we
walked back down at the end of the day. Thanks to all who came along and
worked so hard.
Joint
event with The Steel Valley Project.
Wednesday 12th October.
Small Mammal Survey at Wharncliffe Heath.
Local
mammal expert Derek Whiteley helped us set 23 humane Longworth and
Sherman traps the previous evening, all stocked with bedding and food.
The following morning 8 participants including Derek
convened to see what had been caught overnight.
The result was just one male Wood Mouse, caught in the Barnsley corner
of surrounding woodland. Derek showed us how to safely retrieve the
animal from the trap, and how to sex and weigh it before returning it to
the wild. Joint event with Sorby Natural History Society.
Sunday 2nd October.
Bash the Birch on Wharncliffe Heath.
This event was planned as a Rhododendron bash but that requires that we
burn the cuttings. Due to the unusally dry and warm spell we decided it
would be safer to cut some more birch instead. Seven participants
continued the good start made on 18th September. Much hard work and good
companionship ensued, highlighted by views of Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and
Buzzard cavorting over the nearby Height. Thanks to all those who took
part on a very warm and humid day.
Sunday 18th September.
Bash the Birch on Wharncliffe Heath.
Four volunteers worked hard to clear almost a hectare of birch scrub in
the southern enclosure. Our livestock do a great job of keeping the
heath open but do need a bit of help from time to time. Other than the
fresh air and exercise the high spot was 4 Common Buzzards circling and
wheeling overhead.
This was a joint event with The Steel
Valley Project.
Friday 15th July.
Batty about Newts. 7
participants braved the drizzle and were rewarded by the sound of a male
Nightjar on the heath, churring and flight-calling. A female Nightjar
was also briefly seen. Back at the pond in the fading light a small
grass snake was swimming, on the lookout for newts and hopefully
goldfish. A loud splash alerted us to a large toad, disturbed by us and
heading back into the pond for safety. Once the dusk had almost faded
the torches came out and the bat detectors were turned on. Many Palmate
Newts and their larvae were seen beneath the surface. In particular the
number of "newtpoles" was outstanding and suggested that it had been a
good breeding year. On the down side, very few large dragonfly larvae
were spotted. This could be the result of many dragonflies emerging
early this year, or might suggest predation by the now resident
population of goldfish. Common Pipistrelles were the only species of bat
to be identified, flying in the tree canopy above the pond. The trustees
present certainly enjoyed the evening, and hope that members of the
public did too.
Saturday 18th June.
What's happening at Wharncliffe? This
evening visit entailed a walk around areas of the nature reserve that
have recently seen changes, with both trustees and members of the public
forming a group of 10 people. The new glades below the crags were
visited, which were created to allow the old pollarded oaks more space
and light and to provide new habitat for birds and insects. One of the
trustees located a nearby charcoal-burning platform, thereby creating a
link between the old coppiced oaks and the traditional smelting
industries of the region. The group then moved on to the top of
Wharncliffe Crags to see the effect of grazing in the area, where a
mosaic of open areas and heather-dominated vegetation is creating the
type of habitat required for many insects as well as birds and reptiles.
Some of the group then stayed on until dusk and were finally rewarded by
the sounds of a churring Nightjar among the many Woodcock flyovers. A
big thank you to all those who took part.
Monday 30th May. Good views of a
male Nightjar on Wharncliffe Heath
21.25-22.00. Churring, wing-clapping and flight calls were seen and
heard. At one point the bird was hassled by a
Tawny Owl. Was the Nightjar nearly on the menu? At least 3
roding Woodcock were also seen
overhead (AH, DJB).
Saturday 28th May.
Dawn Chorus walk in Wharncliffe Heath LNR. Nine early risers
saw a breezy and cloudy dawn. It was well worth the effort, with 27 bird
species being seen or heard. These included 5 red-listed species of
conservation concern (Song Thrush, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Linnet and
Spotted Flycatcher), and 3 on the amber list (Willow Warbler, Curlew and
Redstart). Together with the red-listed Nightjar and amber-listed
Woodcock, which are known from survey work to breed on the reserve, this
illustrates how important a local nature reserve can be at helping to
preserve bird populations. Andrew Hill did a great job explaining the
differences between songs and calls of difficult species, and explaining
aspects of their behaviour and habitat requirements. A big Thank you! to
all those who came along, including the 2 hardy and patient junior
participants.
Saturday 26th March. A second day of
working with the
Don District Explorer Scouts, with help from the Steel Valley
Project
joined by trustees and members of the public. We were
once again lucky with the weather, which made the tasks of cutting back
Rhododendron ponticum and birch much more pleasant. A big thank you to those
involved, especially the younger members of the group who demonstrated
great enthusiasm.
Saturday 12th March.
Conservation Event with the
Don District Explorer Scouts. We were
lucky with the weather when members of the public joined the Explorers
and some trustees for a little constructive destruction, with support
from the Steel Valley Project. The day was a
success, with the entire southern enclosure being cleared of birch
scrub. The weather was kind, and overflying Curlew and Lapwing reminded
us that spring was just round the corner. A very big thank you to those
involved, especially the Explorers who worked really hard and appeared
to be having a good time.
2010
Sunday 24th October. Fruitful Fungal Foray.
The 30+ strong party, young and old, enjoyed good weather, an
abundance of fungi, autumn colours and the knowledge of local expert
Ziggy Senkans, ably assisted by other fungus enthusiasts. The tour took
in the woodland, crag edge and the heath, with Ziggy explaining the
factors governing fungus distributions. Each new patch inspected brought
requests for identifications and, where appropriate, cooking tips.
Whether novice or expert, naturalist or gourmet, everyone found
something of interest and, where identifications were uncertain, there
were lively debates. To cap an excellent event, Ziggy is compiling the
current fungus species list for the reserve and this will be posted on
the website when finished.
Sunday 17th October. Conservation Event.
On a beautiful, golden autumnal day, 13 volunteers (including 9 from
Sheffield University Conservation Volunteers) met to work on cutting
birch. Many small birch and some of the larger ones were removed
from above the crags in the western enclosure. Andrew Hill advised
leaving some of the bigger trees as they had been identified during the
common bird census as song posts for tree pipits. Thank you to all who
helped.
Wednesday 6th October. Small Mammal Survey.
This was a joint event with Sorby Natural History Society, led by
Derek Whiteley. The previous night 25 Longworth and Sherman traps had
been set on the heath/woodland edge at Wharncliffe Heath LNR. 7
participants then convened to see what had been caught overnight, the
answer being 2 Wood Mice and 1 Common Shrew. The shrew was unfortunately
dead (despite there being a stock of dried mealworms still uneaten in
the trap). Derek then demonstrated how to safely remove the mice from
the traps, and how to sex and weigh them, before returning them safely
to their territories. One of the Wood Mice was a mature male, the other
a pregnant female, and both were in good condition.
Sunday 19th September. Management event at
Agden Bog. On a day of showers and a stiff breeze 8
participants helped drag cut birch off this Yorkshire Wildlife
Trust-managed nature reserve, inevitably up hill to a nearby firesite.
Fresh air, good company and conversation, and the proximity of a very
hot fire made it an enjoyable as well as worthwhile experience. A
previously overshadowed area of the mire was cleared, providing
potential habitat for Sphagnum, Sundews and Cranberry to colonise. A
flock of Siskins stayed near us for most of the day, 2 Buzzards were
seen and heard as well as frogs and toads at this most beautiful part of
Sheffield.
Sunday 12th September. What's happening at
Wharncliffe? 6 participants
enjoyed a leisurely walk around Wharncliffe Heath LNR in the company of
3 of the Trust's trustees. Kay Dulieu described a short recent history
of how and why the site became a Local Nature Reserve managed in
partnership between the Trust and the owners, the Forestry Commission.
Kay and Dave Buttle showed examples of the beneficial impact of low
density grazing on heather and bracken stands, and visited an area
recently cleared of birch to allow the development of some very old
coppiced oaks. The two ponds were also visited as were some sites of
archaeological interest.
Friday 23rd July. Batty about Newts.
17 participants, including a good number of the next generation of
naturalists, took part in this evening event at Wharncliffe Heath LNR.
While waiting for the sun to set we took a stroll onto the heath and
enjoyed the view over Stocksbridge to the Pennines beyond, and briefly
discussed some aspects of site management including the use of livestock
to stem the growth of scrubby birch and oak, and to create a mosaic of
different heathland habitats. Unfortunately the Nightjar(s) didn't show
although they had been present earlier in the year, so we returned to
the pond with torches, nets, trays and bat detectors at the ready. Many
Palmate Newts, both adult and larval, were temporarily captured and
allowed good views in the trays and torchlight. The number of dragonfly
larvae caught was disappointingly low. Hopefully this is not linked to
the hungry Goldfish that were spotted in the pond! A total of 4 species
of bat were detected; Common and Soprano Pipistrelles and Daubentons
over the pond and in the woodland, and a single Noctule hunting over the
heath. Altogether a wonderful evening enhanced by the exuberant
enthusiasm of the younger attendees.
Saturday 5th June.
Invertebrates of Wharncliffe Heath and Woods.
Jim Flanagan led a group of
six through the woods surrounding Wharncliffe Heath and across the Heath
itself on a very warm day. It is remarkable what diversity is revealed
by a simple sweep of a net through the grass or a quick beat of a few
oak boughs. However neither of these techniques was required to reveal
Green Tiger Beetles which were very active on the paths along the crags
and across the Heath. The open sandy areas along the paths were
punctured with the symmetrical burrows made by species of solitary wasps
and bees which require such warm sunny open areas to breed and develop.
A large furry caterpillar on the heath turned out to be the distinctive
larva of the heather-feeding Oak Eggar Moth, as distinctive as a larva
as it is as an adult. A welcome sight was the Brown Silver-line -
a moth that feeds on Bracken! Along the crags was found the very
striking Wasp Longhorn Beetle, which was a new addition to the reserve
species list. Other species were also found new to the reserve so
many thanks to Jim for leading this very pleasant and educational
walk.
Thurs 27th May. Nightjar
briefly churring and wing-clapping near the crags on Wharncliffe
Heath LNR just before 22.00. A probable second bird (female?) also
present. A few Woodcock roding too.
Sunday 23rd May. Dawn Chorus Walk.
10 early risers
convened at 4.30am for this Sheffield
Environment Week event expertly led by Andrew Hill. We were very lucky
(again!) with the weather. It was an absolutely glorious sunny and warm
spring morning and the birds were in full song in the woodland around
Wharncliffe Heath. Perhaps the highlights were 3 Spotted Flycatchers
which gave very clear renditions of their song which is usually so
easily missed. Two others that can be missed, Treecreeper and Goldcrest,
were also vociferous and allowed us to pick out the differences between
their songs. On the heath we were treated to the song and displays of a
number of Tree Pipits. Interactions between the individuals suggested
that they had not yet fully defined their territories. Many thanks to
all those attending, and particularly to Andrew for leading the event.
Sunday 7th March. Beat the Rhodo! 19
participants turned out for this, the last of our "conservation days" of
the winter. We were blessed with a glorious day of wall-to-wall.sunshine
and no wind, and a number of invasive Rhododendron ponticum
bushes were cut and burnt.
The job was done in time to allow a look at the new glades being
created around some old coppiced oaks below the crags.
Joint
event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
Sunday 7th February. Conservation Day at Agden Bog.
It was a real pleasure (and a challenge) to work on this
lovely hillside mire. 18 participants cut, dragged and burned trees and
saplings on the reserve. The trampling as well as the removal of shade
and nutrient-promoting vegetation should have helped to break up the
tussocks and allow more space for Sphagnum, Sundews and all the
other tiny bog specialists to grow. Hopefully later this year this Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
reserve will be fenced and extensively grazed to keep the sward more
open. A big Thank You to all those who turned up and worked so hard.
Sunday 24th January. Beat the Birch!
11 volunteers
worked all day in the Northern Enclosure of Wharncliffe Heath and did a
magnificent job. The weather was thankfully quiet, as was the wildlife
apart from 5 flushed Woodcock and a possible sighting of a Weasel. A big
thank you to all those involved.
Joint
event with Steel Valley Project
http://www.thesteelvalleyproject.info/
2009
Sunday 15th November. Work Party.
8 participants including 3 "juniors" helped with further clearance of
birch scrub and regrowth in the Northern Enclosure (see Wharncliffe
Heath LNR), often under the watchful eye of a flock of Shetland and
Hebridean sheep!. Once again we were blessed with a fine sunny day.
Thanks to all those who took part.
Joint
event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
Sunday 18th October. Work Party.
20 participants including 13 University of Sheffield Conservation
Volunteers cut birch saplings in the Northern enclosure, including
one of the areas used for monitoring the impact of grazing on
vegetation. In the afternoon we undertook a "walk-through" the Western
enclosure in order to confirm that there were no grazing animals left in
there. I think all would agree that the terrain made this much easier to
say than to do! Three areas surrounding some old coppiced oaks in the
woodland below the crags were also marked up for birch clearance to
allow the oaks more space and light. All-in-all a very productive day,
and once again we were lucky with the weather! Thanks go to all those
involved.
Joint event with Sheffield
Wildlife Trust..
Saturday 10th October. Small Mammal Survey.
21 participants including 13 University Conservation Volunteers watched
as 10 traps were opened in the wood and rides with no success. However 3
of 8 traps set on the heath revealed 2 Wood Mice and a Bank Vole. Derek
Whiteley then demonstrated the art of holding, weighing, ageing and
sexing the animals before others also had a go. The animals were then
quickly released. The immature male Wood Mouse weighed in at 16g, and
the immature female at 20g. The male Bank Vole turned out to be a mature
adult weighing 24g. All appeared to be in good condition (see Images). The beautiful
weather and regular fly-pasts by at least 2 Ravens added to a very
enjoyable way to start the weekend. All thanks go to Derek Whiteley from
Sorby NH Society for expert guidance.
Sunday 20th September. Work Party.
12 volunteers turned up to cut birch in the Northern
enclosure on a lovely warm day. The Heath looked beautiful in the
sunshine with the bracken and the birch just starting to turn golden.
Most of the birch was fairly small and was tackled with loppers. A
buzzard was seen flying overhead and a number of interesting fungi were
spotted. Thank you to those involved. Joint
event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
Friday 24th July. Batty about Newts.
32 torch-bearers took part in this introduction to some of the wildlife
that lives in and over the dam pond and on the heath. Woodcock and
Nightjar finally showed well and provided entertainment until the
glorious sunset had faded and light was sufficiently low to allow the
use of torches, dipping nets and bat detectors
at the pond. Palmate newts were seen by everyone and caught (and
returned) by some of the young enthusiasts, though the number of
dragonfly larvae was disappointingly low (good news for the newts!).
Common Pipistrelles were heard and seen in the tree canopy over the
pond, but we had to wait until our return to the R. Don to hear
Daubenton's. A single Soprano Pipistrelle was heard in the woodland near
the pond. Joint
event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
Sunday 12th July.
Bat Box Monitoring. Licensed bat expert Sarah Proctor and 3
volunteers investigated the bat boxes in the woodland at Wharncliffe
Heath nature reserve. Many boxes were found with evidence of previous
bat occupation, as well as bird's nests and the odd wasp's nest. 2 bats
were found, which turned out to be a Common Pipistrelle and a Soprano
Pipistrelle (see Images), both males. Differences in appearance of these closely
related species were noted before the bats were carefully returned to
their respective boxes.
Friday 29th May. Male and female
Nightjar showing very well on Wharncliffe Heath. Frog calls,
wing clapping and churring by the male. Both seen in flight together
between 21.57 and 22.15
Sunday 24th May. Dawn Chorus Walk
led by Jim Clarke and Andrew Hill. Joint
event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust. The 13 that were present
were treated to the start of a beautiful early summer's day. We really
could not have been luckier! Jim and Andrew proceeded to point out the
different instruments in the dawn orchestra. The thrushes (4 of them)
and Robins were easy, the pigeons familiar to everyone and the Wrens
incessant. We were treated to less obvious players, identified for us.
No fewer than 5 Spotted Flycatcher were heard, and the increasingly
scarce Wood Warbler. The call of the Garden Warbler sounded like a Grey
Squirrel and was the best way to distinguish it from Blackcap. Local
heathland favourites Linnet, Tree Pipit host and Cuckoo parasite were
seen and heard. Altogether a glorious morning and well worth the early
start.
Sunday 10th May. The Geology of Wharncliffe.
21 people
gathered at Station Rd, Deepcar for a walk onto the Crags to discover
more about the geology of the area from Ken Dorning. The geology was
literally laid bare by huge excavations at a development site close to
Station Road. The beds of sandstones, shales and, best of all, a coal
seam were clearly visible. On top of the Crags, we were able to look
with new eyes at the familiar ripples and ruckles of the rocks, as the
evidence of events that took place on a sand-bank on a river delta one
day about three hundred million years ago. We also discovered that the
oldest feature in the landscape is not the crags, nor even the valley
below. Astonishingly, it is possible that the River Don has been
flowing down a valley in the same position as the present one, but a
full mile higher, since the Cretaceous period. It has been gradually
wearing its way through all those layers of sandstone, shale and coal.
Thanks to Ken we were amazed again at the story in the rocks around us.
Organised as part of Sheffield Environment Weeks.
Sunday 22nd March. Work Party. Six
volunteers cleared almost a hectare of developing birch scrub and some
small Rhododenron ponticum bushes on this, the last work party
this Spring and a joint event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
Thank you to all involved in the monitoring and management events this
Winter.
Sunday 15th March. Work Party.
Four volunteers cut rhododendron and cleared about 0.5ha of maturing
birch scrub on a wonderful spring day. Ravens, kestrels and crossbills
overhead and a Woodcock flushed, all of which added to the
entertainment. Joint
event with Steel Valley Project.
Sunday 22nd February. Work Party.
Only two participants enjoyed the early spring weather while tackling
Rhododendron ponticum and birch scrub. Spring was definitely in the air
and the birch sap was starting to rise.
2008
Sunday 16th November.
Bat box monitoring.
Led by 2 bat licence holders, 5
participants monitored the 50 or so bat boxes scattered through the wood
on the eastern fringe of Wharncliffe Heath. Many of the wooden boxes
were found to be deteriorating and will need replacement. Just 2 bats
were found, a Long-eared (see Images) and a (probably Common)
Pipistrelle.
Sunday 2nd November.
Work party.
On a cold, misty and rainy morning, 4
hardy souls met on site to cut birch for the final work day of the year.
Work continued until 3.00pm when the weather became worse. A
photographic record was taken to show the 'before' and 'after' - an
incentive to keep turning up for work days even with such small numbers
of participants! A large flock of redpoll was seen and this has been
added to the Sheffield Biological Records Centre for the site. Joint
event with Stocksbridge Valley Project
Saturday 18th October.
Work party.
8 participants
continued birch scrub clearance in the Northern enclosure and also
undertook the annual vegetation monitoring programme. Joint event with Steel Valley Project.
Great weather again.
Sunday 5th October.
Work party.
25 participants, many
from the University of Sheffield Conservation Volunteers, helped clear a
large area of scrub in the Northern enclosure. Once again we were very
lucky with the weather. Joint event with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
Sunday 21st September.
Work party.
A group of 7 participants continued
the clearance of the northern boulder slope. The day was very warm and
sunny and the work quite hard but satisfying as the landscape gradually
changed. Later in the day we attempted to round up the 2 remaining sheep
in the western enclosure but without success. Why pay for gym subs when
all this fresh air and exercise is free?
Sunday 7th September.
Work party.
A group of 7 volunteers meet up on
Wharncliffe heath to clear birch from the northern boulder slope on the
heath. This is an extremely difficult area to work due to the large
boulders and crevasses many of which are hidden by heather or bracken,
so everyone had to take great care. Some quite substantial trees were
cleared particularly along the path near the electricity pylon. In
addition a temporary repair was made to the fencing which had been
damaged. The weather was warm and sunny for most of the day and work was
only brought to an end at 3.30pm by a massive thunder storm. Thanks to
all those who participated and to Sheffield Wildlife Trust for providing
tea and biscuits throughout the day!
Wednesday 23rd July.
Batty about newts.
27 participants heard Nightjar and Woodcock on the heath, Palmate Newt
adults and tadpoles and hawker dragonfly larvae in the pond, and saw
Common Pipistrelles and the occasional Daubenton's bats. We were very
lucky with the weather!
Sunday 25th May.
Dawn chorus walk
around the reserve with
Jim Clarke. 8 early risers were present for what proved to be a very
enjoyable amble. All the common woodland birds were seen or heard other
than Garden Warbler and Nuthatch. Among the listed species found to be
probably breeding on the reserve were Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher,
Bullfinch and Linnet. Finding 3 Wood Warbler territories (one on the
reserve and the other two just the wrong side of the Plank Gate) was a
particular pleasure.
Sunday 30th March.
Work party.
4 hardy souls spent the
day making some glades in the new enclosure below the crags. Joint event with Sheffield
Wildlife Trust.
Sunday 2nd March.
Birch bash with
Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
11
volunteers finished birch clearance in the southern enclosure. It is now
ready for the sheep, cattle and birds to arrive!
2007
Sunday 2nd December.
Birch bash with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
15 volunteers continued the clearance of birch regrowth in the southern
enclosure and helped the stockman round up some of the sheep for
transportation to winter pastures.
Sunday 4th November.
Birch bash with Steel
Valley Project.
6 volunteers carried on the job of clearing the birch regrowth in the
southern enclosure and cleared brash from the newly cut firebreak.
Sunday 28th October.
Find fungi at Wharncliffe. Joint event with
Sheffield Wildlife Trust, led by Michael Senkans.
The event attracted 20 participants who between them found and
identified 46 species of fungi.
Sunday 7th October.
Birch bash with Steel
Valley Project.
7 volunteers continued the work in the Southern Enclosure and did
fixed-point photography.
Sunday 2nd September.
Birch bash with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
7 hardy souls tackled the
birch scrub in the Southern Enclosure.
Wednesday 25th July.
An evening visit to Wharncliffe Heath LNR. 27 attendees discussed the
management of the site and heard Nightjar churring before listening to
55kHz Pipistrelle and Daubenton's Bats hunting over the dam pond, and
watching the numerous Palmate Newts and dragonfly larvae within its
waters.
Monday 4th June.
Very probably 2 male Nightjar active from 21.55 until 22.15 at least. Churring, frog calls, and wing-clapping suggested presence of female(s).
Saturday March 24th
2007.
"Rhodo bash" at Wharncliffe Heath,
with Sheffield Wildlife Trust.
10 volunteers helped to contain this alien invader
(Rhododendron ponticum) which is poisonous to livestock and chokes
surrounding vegetation.
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