We do not plan Field Trips a long time in advance. Details will be available on this site (as soon as available) and in the current Newsletter.
These trips are open to members (free) and visitors (£2). Most unfortunately, children under 16 years are not allowed to attend field trips because our insurance position does not cover them. We do not allow dogs because many of the trips are to environmentally sensitive areas for which access has sometimes been specifically obtained from the landowner.
If you are thinking of coming on any field trip you are requested to read our Risk Assessment policy which is published on this site and which is circulated to all members once a year with the January newsletter.
NEXT FIELD TRIP : Saturday, 2p.m. May 17th 2008 Newton-by-the-Sea →
Map Reference NU 239-248
Roger Manning will be leading an ‘AONB (Northumberland Coast)’ Wildflower Walk on this day but anyone is welcome to attend. (There is no fee). Meet in the car-park on the hill top overlooking Low Newton-by-the-Sea (where Council parking charges apply). This will be a gentle stroll of 2½ hours to look at coastal plant communities although other aspects of Natural History will not be completely ignored!)
Sunday, 2p.m.May 18.2008 Branton Ponds nr. Powburn → Map Reference NU 049-165
This is very much an ‘AWG’ outing and we shall be in the care of local experts Ian & Keith Davison. You are certain to have seen the many references to Branton Ponds in our Newsletters over the years and will therefore be aware of the range of species found there. The route is short and extremely easy-going (with just one stile to traverse) but the location – a wetland habitat beside the River Breamish is so rich that we hope to be able to study a good number of wildflowers, butterflies, amphibians and birds which live in this one compact area. Please park on the firm grassy verge approx. three quarters of a mile to the west of Powburn (and almost immediately NE of Branton – NOT Brandon!)
LAST FIELD TRIP :
HOLBURN /ST. CUTHBERT’S CAVE NR. LOWICK WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19.2008
Our party assembled on Holburn Grange Farm at 2p.m. Arable units such as this are inclined to be somewhat predictable for their plantlife but we were able to examine two patches which had managed to escape the effects of fertilisers and crop sprays by sprouting from inaccessible corners. Hartstongue Fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) grew beside a shaded watercourse and near-white specimens of the fragrant Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) had just emerged beneath a hedge which lined an ancient lonnen. A pair of Buzzards soared above Holburn Grange and (later) another was spotted flying over nearby Hazelrigg Dene. Lapwings obliged with birds conducting their swooping display flight using fields of both marshy ground and set-aside.
We had started well but the next stretch was certainly not as productive. Despite a ‘dummy-run’ having been made just prior to this walk a great deal of unexpected disturbance was encountered. There was certainly ‘no’ wildlife in or near St. Cuthbert’s Grove as men seemed to be working everywhere. The noise of several chain-saws rang out as we passed through the plantation as woodsmen cut and cleared the conifer trees. A tractor with sprayer and massive boom was operating on one side of the wood and on another a huge half-tracked machine was busy ploughing the field we needed to cross. Even the footpath was being rapidly consumed before our eyes! We had no option other than to stride over the freshly tilled soil. The small settlement of Holburn was more tranquil and members were able to view a series of stone dwellings and farm buildings which despite being run-down, retained much of their original charm and character. Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) was abundant along the walls and some Yellow Corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea) was already in flower. Red-legged Partridge, Linnets and Reed Buntings are amongst the species which regularly inhabit this area but unfortunately they were ‘missing’ on this occasion. We were, however, able to pause and study a flock of Yellowhammers which were feeding here.
A small detour was made which enabled us to look out over (the ‘lake’ of) Holburn Moss. Pink-footed Geese roost here at night during the winter months but we were there mid-afternoon and so missed the spectacle of their arrival at dusk. Waterfowl were limited to a few Mallard and one pair of Tufted Duck on this occasion but the bird we had really come to see was present. By remaining hidden from view our group were able to observe the nervous Herring Gulls without causing any sense of alarm. This is a most important inland breeding colony of Herring Gulls and several hundred were present when we visited.
Skylarks sang above /near Moor End and a pair of Long-tailed Tits flitted across our path. The grassy track (above a patch of sandy soil) to the west of Greensheen Hill was pitted with a number of Fell Sandstone at St. Cuthbert’s Cave and Cockenheugh were admired by all and members were particularly intrigued by the pronounced abrasions created as a result of glacial actions. We paused to discuss Japanese Larch (Larixkaempferi) some of which was in leaf and the huge patches of ridiculously early flowering Climbing Corydalis (Ceratocapnos claviculata) whilst listening to the ‘drumming’ of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Our circular route was completed along the margins of several large fields. Further ‘arable weeds’ were examined but a lone bush of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) had still not come into blossom. We eventually arrived back at Holburn Grange where we were greeted by a flock of 20+ singing Goldfinches.