Dry Stone Wall

Posted on 08/01/2022 by committee

Anyone visiting the Fitts Reserve will notice that there’s been a lot of work clearing the boundaries in order to install stock fencing. In amongst the vegetation we came across a pair of very old stone gate posts with many nearby dressed stones in and on the ground.

In order to make use of the stones we decided to have a go at creating a dry stone wall with results shown below. By coincidence, as we were making the wall a chap walking down the path mentioned that many years ago there was a stone-built field bothy… probably used to store tools.

It was satisfying to be able to put these stones to good use again.

Dry stone wall built from old dressed stones found on and in the ground

January Event 2022

Posted on 06/01/2022 by committee

Since the trust took over our new site at Fitts Lane, our Friday volunteer work party has been working hard towards restoring the valuable grassland habitat.

Much of this work has been preparing boundaries; fencing and hedge planting. To provide a much-needed boost to this effort, and to introduce members to the new site, the work being done and what we hope to achieve; this month we are holding two family hedge planting days at the Fitts Lane site in East Keswick (the fields on the footpath to the river from the end of Cleavesty Lane) during January, Sunday 16th and Saturday 22nd.

The days will start at 10am and we will be there as long as we keep going! Any time that can be given is welcomed and contributes to the overall team effort, so please come along at, and for, a time that suits you.

The work itself is great for kids – with tasks suitable for all ages. We find they generally enjoy planting the whips and protecting them with canes and guards – leaving the older ones to dig the holes! And it’s great for them to see the growth of the hedges over the years to follow – something to be proud to have been part of.

We will also take the opportunity to explain the work we are doing there, plans for the site and how the trust use the Dexter cattle for conservation grazing, and (for the kids) the importance of worms! We will also have BBQs lit and available for use – an opportunity to learn about the charcoal making we undertake in Ox Close Woods, whilst you cook some sausages to keep energy levels up.

What you will need:

Gloves
Appropriate clothing and footwear
Your own food to cook on the BBQ (or a packed lunch) and a drink
If possible, a spade

If you need help finding us, you can contact Corinne on 07582 561749 or Thomasin on 07944 951605. It would be helpful if you let us know if you are planning to attend, but not essential.

We will cancel the events if the ground is frozen or there is heavy rain. We will notify people in advance via our Facebook page (search for East Keswick Wildlife Trust) if we do need to cancel.

We hope to see you there!

December at the Fitts

Posted on 05/01/2022 by committee

During the winter months the thinned trees and hedgerows are condensed into brash piles to create excellent habitat for a variety of species.

Pasque Flower Project

Posted on 03/01/2022 by committee

David, Peter and Debbie inspecting the site for the re-introduction project.

Askham Bryan College Visit – July 2021

Posted on 02/01/2022 by committee

Postponed from last year due to covid and organised by Judith and John Pentith, the Askham Bryan Gardening Club visited the trust on 3rd July 2021. A day which was very, very wet but turned out to be a very enjoyable full day.

In the morning the large group was shown around the inner village reserves. Lunch in the Duke, with time to dry out a little, was followed by a guided walk around Ox Close Wood.

Subsequent comments were enthusiastic:

‘Thank you for arranging the visit to East Keswick on Saturday, we found it fascinating and really enjoyed the morning despite the soaking!’

‘An absolute joy to see such beautiful places, particularly enjoyed the range of flowers in the meadows and the wide variety of grasses and sedges by the marsh. Loads of orchids and to be introduced to the Thistle-broomrape (also known as Yorkshire broomrape), which is only found in our county was special. But the star of the show for me, was to see at last Herb Paris, which was the absolute icing on the cake! Seen so often in guide books, but never found before.’

‘The whole soggy day was enlivened by our two very enthusiastic guides – thanks again!’

Scouts at the Fitts

Posted on 31/12/2021 by committee

During the summer months, Henry introduced the Scouts to the Fitts Lane Nature Reserve where Himalayan Balsam has been a problem for some time. The Scouts had their annual balsam-pulling competition to find the largest plant. This kept them busy for a couple of hours!

Thank you to the Scouts.

Fitts Lane Fields – June

Posted on 30/12/2021 by committee

The holding pen at the entrance to the Fitts Lane Reserve is now complete. The rare breed Dexter cows will be conservation grazing the two upper fields here. This type of grazing should in time return these pastures to their former floral richness.

Recent Sightings

Posted on 07/01/2021 by committee

A short walk through Ox Close Wood last Sunday proved very fruitful.

A number of fungi are still showing including the common Orange Peel fungus that grows on the soil of unploughed fields and (pictured) the Yellow Brain fungus. This is a parasitic fungus that gets its nutrients from other fungi that feed on dead wood.

A “Jelly” fungus. Probably Yellow Brain fungus, Tremella mesenterica

Mandarin Ducks are frequently seen on the river. There are eight here.

Return of a Favourite

Posted on 26/11/2020 by committee

After not being seen in the area for six or seven years, we thought that the Wall butterfly had become extinct locally. Their numbers throughout the UK have declined rapidly over several recent decades and they now have a High Conservation Priority. Their decline is likely being caused by climate change…. it is thought that warmer summers are causing them to start an additional brood which is laid too late for their under-developed larvae to survive autumn and winter.

So how lovely it was to see their return with quite a few adult butterflies being seen in and around Ox Close Wood and on the way up to Woodhall.

Another new butterfly for the parish this year has been the Dark Green Fritillary. It has been expanding through Yorkshire and had been seen ovipositing in Ox Close. Unfortunately we don’t yet have a good photo of this butterfly. But if you have….!

Weekend Workparty

Posted on 24/11/2019 by committee

For those who are unable to join us on Fridays, on the Sundays of 1st December and 2nd February we will be holding Weekend Workparties. Families included.
Tasks will include hedge planting and making brash piles. Please bring a snack, gloves, suitable clothing and footwear.

Meet in Crabtree Lane car park at 10am. For further information, contact melanie@ekwt.org.uk

East Keswick Wildlife Trust

For Wildlife, For Our Community, For Our Future

Category Archives: Projects