Wildlife Wanders by BEES and the FSC photos

The wildlife wanders run over the summer with the FSC in conjunction with Bradford Environmental Education Service were very successful. Follow the link below to photos from the events.

http://www.bees-ymca.org.uk/image/tid/229

Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan in BBC's 'The Trip' at Malham Cove

During February 2010 The BBC filmed The Trip about a restaurant critic Steve Coogan & friend Rob Brydon visiting a selection of our best Northern Restaurants including L'enclume, The Inn at Whitewell, Hipping Hall, The Angel & The Devonshire Arms. Whilst in Malhamdale the pair visited Malham Cove, the limestone pavement, Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar.

September

With the return of schools back for the autumn term the centre has been busy again with mainly Geography and Biology A level groups with a few Key Stage 2 and 3 groups. Biology A level groups have been St Edwards, Horsforth, Challenge College, Erymsteds Grammar, King Edward & Queen Mary, Hall Cross, Buttershaws, St Peter's and Dixons Allerton.
Ackworth visited Malham for a day for KS3 Science, Parkside for their GCSE Controlled Assessment, and Lady Lane KS2 Day visit. The University of Cumbria brought their PGCE students and Skegness Grammar students studied for their A2 Geography course. The American School of London brought over 40 year 8 pupils on an Ecology week to the centre.


We have three new members of staff in the Domestic team, and the field centre would like to welcome Steve, Claire and Tom to the team.


Over the summer the education team have been developing new resources, which has included the use of an interactive voting system for students to answer questions with.


Over the next couple of months in the run up to christmas the centre will be fairly busy with many different groups.

Reggie the Crayfish

Malham Tarn has been the home to a tank of Crayfish for a couple of years. The native species of British White claw crayfish have been in decline since the introduction of the American Signal Crayfish. The American signal Crayfish which is larger, stronger and more aggressive than the British crayfish can carry a Plague, of which the British specie has no resistance. The tanks at the Field Centre are part of a country wide scheme set up in 2000 as there was worry about the future of the White Claw species.

Reggie was one of the first crayfish to be in the tanks at the field centre. He was a bright blue, which is the rare effect of genetic phenomenon. Crayfish need to shed their skin in order to grow, and it was at this point in Reggie's life on the 18th Sepetember when he had shed his skin that two other crayfish in the tank took advantage and attacked Reggie which led to his sad demise.

The photos show the exoskeleton he had shed just before his death and Reggie in his prime.

 

Wildlife Wanders by BEES (Bradford Environmental Education Service) In conjunction with the FSC

BEES (Bradford Environmental Education Service, part of Bradford YMCA) is running a series of guided walks within easy reach of the City. Each walk we will explore the plants and animals that make these areas interesting wildlife hotspots. We will explore links between geology and wildlife.

The events are aimed at anyone with an interest in wildlife – you might be a complete beginner and just starting to explore local wildlife or you may already be an experienced naturalist wanting to enhance your skills and enjoy the habitats in the company of others.

If you are interested in attending any of the sessions please contact BEES to book a place. We will meet at Bradford YMCA, Little Horton Lane. Minibus transport is available or you can meet us on the site at the start time.  We expect the sessions to last about 2 - 3 hours, but it is weather dependant.  Please come prepared.

·        Wednesday 31^st August – Woodland plants and animals

Northcliffe Woods, Cliffe Wood Ave, Bradford Road

Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm (or meet YMCA 5.00pm)

A look at the plants in the woodland habitat.

·        Saturday 3^rd September – Urban Wildlife

Brackenhill Urban Landscape Area, Westcroft Road, Great Horton, BD7

Time: 3.00 – 6.00pm (or meet YMCA 2.30pm)

Finding out about the flora and fauna on this urban site managed by BEES.

BEES: Bradford Environmental Education Service.                

YMCA, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD5 0JG

Tel: 01274 513102 / 07970 621732 (mobile)

www.bees-ymca.org.uk          Email: bees@bradfordymca.org.uk

Facebook Group

Our Facebook group is a great way to contact us at the Field Centre. You can post pictures and comments to the group, and join the group!

 

Walled Garden

The Walled Garden at Malham Tarn was left derelict for many years until 2008, at which time the Field Centre and National Trust have overhauled the whole garden and started planting crops of vegetables again. 

The overall area of garden is split into two with a wild habitat garden with large fruit trees as one half and the other half is a large vegetable plot. Both have gone from strength to strength each year. We have numerous visitor to the Field Centre who take part in conservation activities. One of the main things that the students do is to look after our part of the Walled Garden. Tasks have included path laying, path clearing, vegetable planting, bird feeder making, weeding, and habitat construction.