HIGH BATTS Annual Report 2014

Front cover photograph: Grey Heron at High Batts by John Drewett 2015

Published by High Batts Nature Reserve 2015 1

This publication is copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the Publisher.

The editorial team thanks the following for providing illustrations:

 Maps of Reserve and Recording Area on inside covers by Peter Hills

 Title page drawing by Robert Adams of a Hobby recorded at High Batts in 2014

Published by High Batts Nature Reserve Charity number 1151676

Compiled and edited by John Drewett.

Printed by North Yorkshire Document Management Centre

Contents Page

Foreword 4 Trustees, officers and recorders 6 Chairman’s Report 8 Obituary: Ian Robert Wallace 12 Pictures from 2014 14 Reserve Management Report 16 Reports for: Kingdom FUNGI and PLANTAE Fungi (Adrian Bennett) 18 Mosses & Liverworts (Will Rich & Tom Blockeel) 23 Ferns and Flowering Plants (Robert Adams) 26 Kingdom ANIMALIA Butterflies (Will Rich) 27 Moths (Jill Warwick) 34 Other Insects and Invertebrates (Jim Jobe) 36 Damselflies and Dragonflies (Stephen Worwood) 46 Lampreys, Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles (Barry 48 Slaymaker) Birds (Patricia Rumbold & Colin Slator) 49 Bird Ringing Report 67 Mammals (Ray O’Donnell) 69 General Information about the Reserve 73 Maps of Reserve and Recording Area Inside covers

Foreword

When I took on the mantle of High Batts Chair from Dave Beeken at the AGM in April 2014 I commented on the fact that I felt that the time, effort, expense (and head scratching) was just as great for a small 31 acre plot like High Batts as it would be for a much larger plot. Having just spent the best part of two- thirds of the year in the hot seat those words are ringing in my ears.

Let’s not forget that all involved with this superb little site are volunteers. But volunteers that practise and work like real professionals. From financial, habitat management, health and safety, publishing, fund-raising (in the form of talks and sales), administration, membership, negotiation and species management are just a few examples of what our Trustees, management volunteers and members undertake for the sake of High Batts and the Recording Area. I don’t intend to mention anyone by name because I have valued every bit of help and effort everyone has given. Thank you so much.

We are of course tenants of High Batts and a great deal of thanks go to Sir James and Lady Graham and their agents for allowing us to use the site for nature conservation. Also we thank Robert Staveley and Lightwater Estate for the use of our car parks, the Barn area and for site access. Increasingly we are in negotiations with Hanson Aggregates over extractions adjoining the Reserve and we thank them for allowing us to be part of the consultation process, and also for the large contribution they make towards the cost of producing this report. The Quarry site management are a group with whom we work particularly closely and value their fairness and friendship. John and Kathleen Stockil and their son Richard (adjoining farmers) are always a great help to us and we thank them for allowing us to pester them at will, and for helping as much as they can! We also thank certain people and groups with whom we come into regular contact over the year such as Brian and Sue Morland (Bellflask), Stephen Housden (shoot tenant) and his keeper, Derrick Almack (farm tenant), Jenny Hayward (Yorkshire Wildlife Trust), MOD, Natural England and Peter Rogers (South Parks Farm). Sam Walker (Harrogate Borough Council) has been our only professional on the books and has carried 4

out his (machinery) tasks with care and competence. He has also been of great value over matters dealing with H&S – an ever increasing responsibility for all involved!

And last but by no means least we, the Trustees, would like to thank you as members for sticking with us over the year. Your support and interest is greatly appreciated. We hope you find this report of interest and it further stimulates you to get out more often to the Reserve. I for one would like to see more of you making use of this wonderful little gem of a place.

Colin Slator Chair of Trustees.

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) by John Barber

Trustees, Officers and Recorders (as at December 2014)

Trustees Robert Adams David Beeken Kath Beeken Treasurer Brian Darbyshire Anne Durkan Peter Hills Membership Secretary Alwin Knowles Secretary Pat Rumbold Minutes Secretary / Lectures organiser Colin Slator Chairman Roy Waite Stephen Worwood

Ex-officio Officers: Robert Adams (W arden), Brian Darbyshire (Assistant Warden), Launa Woodruff (Record Collection & Distribution).

Honorary Life Members: Richy Graham, Colin Slator.

Recorders: Robert Adams (Ferns and Flowering Plants), Will Rich (Butterflies), Jim Jobe (Insects other than Lepidoptera and Odonata; Plant Galls), Vacant (Mammals), Barry Slaymaker (Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles), Jill Warwick (Moths), Stephen Worwood (Odonata), Adrian Bennett (Fungi), Vacant (Birds).

Chairman’s Report for 2014 by Colin Slator

This report covers my first year as Chair of the Trustees of High Batts and my experience in the role over the past months has made me appreciate even more the work undertaken by earlier Chairs. My predecessor, David Beeken completed 18 years in the job, a mammoth stint during which time he devoted enormous amounts of time and energy to the Reserve, keeping everything together in his usual efficient way. Latterly, he even combined this with the Secretary’s role. I would like to thank him most sincerely for the enormous contribution that he made as Chair, and he continues to make as a Trustee of High Batts.

The Trustees are responsible for the efficient management of the organisation and for meeting the requirements of our charitable status. Our Trustees are all volunteers who have to deal with an increasing complexity of issues, from lease arrangements, financial management, health and safety to event planning. They bring a wide range of skills and experience to their role, and without their input we would be unable to continue to meet our obligations. During the year there were 11 elected Trustees. At the AGM held on 14th May 2014, Chris Jeffrey relinquished his position as Trustee and Peter Hills was elected to the vacancy; in addition two Trustees, Kath Beeken and Roy Waite were re-elected for a further term of 3 years. Kath Beeken also continued as Treasurer and Alwin Knowles as Secretary.

Trustee meetings are usually taken up with dealing with issues which need immediate attention and decisions. In July 2014, the Trustees held an away day where we had some time to take a more considered view of the issues facing the Reserve both in the short and long term. This proved a most useful exercise and one we intend to repeat annually.

One of those issues and a continuing area of concern for the Trustees is the lack of a lease for the Reserve. In April 2014 we were informed that the partition of the Norton Conyers Estate had been completed, a process which had taken several years and which had precluded a new lease being offered to High Batts after our existing lease expired in 2010. In July Trustees met the agent for Sir James Graham, the owner of High Batts, to discuss the possible terms for a new lease but at the time of writing we have no firm offer.

As the year ended we also began discussions about the extension of our second lease, which covers land owned by the Staveley Estate that provides us with car parking, the work compound and access to the Reserve.

The planning application for the extraction of sand and gravel on Pennycroft, adjacent to the Reserve, moved slowly through the planning process, with Trustees asked to respond to various submissions by Hanson Aggregates, the planning applicant. A meeting with Hansons and the planning authority was held in October 2014 to consider issues raised by the Trustees. This was a positive meeting, with the potential for creating partnership working between the company and the Reserve to ensure that any potential environmental impact is minimised and that the planned restoration of the area will lead to new opportunities for enhanced habitats.

In addition to the overall management of the Charity, the work of managing the Reserve itself went on, with outstanding work by the Thursday group of volunteers led by the Voluntary Warden Robert Adams, and Assistant Warden Brian Darbyshire. In addition to the routine maintenance and the specific requirements of our management agreement with Natural England, the volunteer team undertook some major tasks such as the dredging of the Hide Pond. April saw the completion of the new Riverside Hide which has proved immensely popular with visitors, and late in the year work began on updating the Hotel building so that it could be used as a wildlife hide.

Regular meetings with volunteers were held during the year to agree work plans and monitor progress, new arrangements were introduced for the registration of volunteers, and training in first aid was provided for all those working on the Reserve. The Reserve Management Team undertook a Review of the Health and Safety practices during the summer of 2014, and the resulting revised Health and Safety Policy was agreed by the Trustees. Through a contract with Harrogate Borough Council we have the services of the Countryside Ranger who works on the Reserve during some of the Volunteer work days undertaking more specialist tasks and those requiring specialist equipment.

For a small organisation we have a very healthy membership and are hugely grateful to all those who continue to support the Reserve through the prompt renewal of their membership. Throughout the year membership hovered at around 260 with 47 new members and 31 memberships having lapsed. We kept in touch with all our members through the three Newsletters issued during the year and so

ably put together by David Beeken, the Newsletter editor. This year we began distributing the newsletter by email for those members who opted for this service, helping significantly to keep down costs.

We had some concerns during the year that the lack of a volunteer editor for the Annual Report would make it impossible to produce a report for 2013, but a team of Trustees, led by Alwin Knowles took on the task. We were very grateful yet again for the financial contribution from Hansons which covered the printing costs of the Report.

A winter programme of five lectures and slide shows for members and the general public was well supported. Pat Rumbold, the organiser of this programme provides a varied selection of events and this year had to deal with a late cancellation, and ably stood in herself to provide a talk at the December meeting. Meetings were held at The Golden Lion in Ripon and speakers and topics were:-

3rd February: David and Kath Beeken: Gambia and Senegal 3rd March: John Gardner: More wild things, wild places 6th October: Vivienne Chadwick: Our Fiji 10th November: Kevin Tappenden: South Georgia 8th December: Pat and Raymond Rumbold: A Glimpse of the Gambia

We are also most grateful to Pat and Raymond Rumbold for their continuing work in organising our bird food supplies and making some of this available to members; this is a huge task involving sourcing the food, collecting, storing, and dealing with orders. It is a service greatly appreciated by members and one that significantly contributes to the financial viability of the Reserve and they are owed a huge debt of thanks for the work they do.

The annual Open Day was held on November 2nd in a break from the usual tradition of a summer event and we were extremely fortunate in having excellent weather. Over 100 visitors attended, having the chance to join guided walks and to watch demonstrations of willow weaving and mammal trapping. There was guidance on identifying birds and demonstrations of optical equipment. There was also an opportunity to view various exhibitions, plus activities for children such as nest box making, bark rubbing and a quiz trail.

We continued to offer opportunities for group visits to the Reserve. Many who visit have specific interests such as natural history or photography but others come simply to enjoy and learn about the area. During the year we hosted eight visits by

groups. One of the regular groups working on the Reserve is the East Dales Bird Ringing Group and in March 2014 they opened their session to provide a demonstration of bird ringing for members.

Species recording on the Reserve and in the wider Recording Area is a crucial element of what we do, allowing us to monitor the effectiveness of our management regime and to contribute to the regional and national data relating to environmental changes. Visitors and those working on the Reserve are encouraged to submit records of their sightings and during the year we introduced an upgraded system for recording observations, and we provided extra guidance on good practice. Our team of Volunteer Recorders collate, verify and comment on these records and we are immensely grateful for this work. Unfortunately, despite repeated appeals to the membership, we have been unable to recruit a new Bird Recorder, and this position is being covered temporarily by Pat Rumbold and myself. At the end of the year Ray O’Donnell, our Mammals Recorder also stood down after many years of service and we are now seeking a new volunteer for this position.

I started this report by voicing my appreciation of my predecessors who have so ably guided the organisation in the past and I finish by repeating my thanks to all those who help High Batts, whether through their membership, their attendance at events, or through contributing their time, skills, and experience as volunteer helpers. The commitment shown by so many people is outstanding and I hope that they get real enjoyment and satisfaction from the wonderful work that they do.

American Mink (Mustela vison) Photo: John Barber

I first met Ian in April 1980 when I meal at the Hunstman pub in Cattal! applied for the post of second in Physics at what was then known as I always found him to be a good boss Rossett High School. Ian was Head of who was unstinting in his help to his Science and also Head of Physics and juniors and generous to a fault. it was immediately apparent to me Christmas was always an occasion that he was one of those rare beings: a when 33, Ripley Drive was Open “character” who soon made me feel House to all of the Science Staff. At part of the Rossett family and taught Christmas 1980 I commented on a me a lot about the teaching of Physics. fine tall Begonia standing by the I particularly remember our frequent fireside. “Do you like that Jim?” he forays to Physics lectures at York said “I’ll get you a cutting”. Well Ian, University which usually ended with a we still have the plant that grew from

that cutting and it has grown tall and attained the rank of Squadron Leader. strong over the last 35 years. He married Mavis in 1958 and they lived at RAF Cosford, Bahrain and I first came to know of his deep Binbrook. In 1973 they settled in interest and knowledge of Natural Harrogate with their growing family, History when he and Mavis and Ian took the post of Head of accompanied me and my Rossett Science at Rossett. Insect Club on a visit to Bolton Abbey and the Wharfe. The circle of Sadly, Ian’s health deteriorated over absorbed second-years listened agog the years although this did not stop as he expounded to them the him at first from being a vigorous differences between Mosses and climber, walker and squash player. He Liverworts and why Fissidens, (how also organised what became an annual he loved the sibilants in that word!) event at Rossett, the charitable despite its appearance, wasn’t a Moss sponsored walk around Beaver Dyke but a Liverwort! Reservoir which still took place after his early retirement with ME. Ian was born in Norham-on-Tweed in Northumberland on 7th November, Retirement did not mean idleness for 1934. His father was a Presbyterian Ian and for many years he was Minister and the family moved to Botanical Recorder and Group Leader Tyldesley in Lancashire when Ian for HDNS as well as Mosses and was four. There he spent part of the Liverworts Recorder for HBNR. He war years before moving on to was also a U3A lecturer/volunteer. In Penrith, then at 18 to Doncaster and association with that organisation, he thence to University and the wider led several field trips and residential world. Coincidentally, my mother-in- courses. law moved to Tyldesley during the 1980s. When Ian was told this he Ian is survived by Mavis and his asked me to see if his old home was children Fiona, Duncan, Nigel and still there. It was, as was the listed Mark and his grandchildren to whom chapel, and I was able to give him we offer our sincerest condolences. He photographs of them which pleased him enormously. will not be forgotten.

Ian studied Botany at Sheffield Jim Jobe with help from Will Rich University and then took a degree in Engineering. After graduating in 1957 he joined the Royal Air Force Education Branch in which he 13

Left, above: Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) ejecting a A selection of photos from 2014 pellet, John Barber

Left, below: Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), John Barber

Above: Female Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines), Brian Mor- land

Right: Jelly Ear fungus (Auricularia auricu- la-judae), John Drewett

Reserve Management Report by Robert Adams

The year summarised

JANUARY work was carried out and some Alder The Thursday Volunteers were back and willow saplings were removed at work on 2nd January, the main from the Dragonfly Ponds. The owl project being the construction of the box was checked and half a ton of Riverside Hide which carried on until wheat purchased from North Parks April. Replenishment of the bird Farm to enable us to carry on bird feeders, including those at the north feeding. end of the Reserve and on Ripon Parks was carried out twice weekly. APRIL Pot holes on the access track were With the Riverside Hide completed, filled in and a drainage channel fitted the next construction project, a timber on the slope leading down to the barn store in the barn compound, was gates. Cut herbage remaining on the begun. A fallen tree at the north end ride sides from 2013 was removed. of the Reserve was cleared. The Early Purple Orchid area at the top of the waterfall was strimmed and MAY raked off and an area to the north of A limited amount of bird feeding the Hotel was coppiced. continued as did work on the barn compound timber store. The wire FEBRUARY fence at the north end of the Reserve Coppicing was undertaken in the was repaired. Regular grass cutting in north east corner of the Reserve and the car park, around the barn and some trees and bushes impeding the along the path sides commenced. view from the Riverside Hide were cut back. The Reserve’s nest boxes JUNE were cleaned out and a litter pick of Strong metal leg extensions replaced the entire access track undertaken. rotten wooden legs on the corn hopper in the barn compound. Construction MARCH work on the timber store continued With the Riverside Hide nearing and grass cutting was virtually a completion the old Riverside Screen weekly task. New bird feeders and was dismantled. Further coppicing nest boxes were made in the 16

workshop and more potholes in the field immediately west of the Reserve. access track were filled. A weekly Preparations began for the November butterfly survey was commenced. Open Day, including the erection of marquees. JULY The Riverside Hide roof was re-felted NOVEMBER and one or two jobs carried out to the Sheep that had been grazing parts of interior. Mowing and raking the Ride the Reserve were returned to North and balsam pulling were carried out. Parks Farm. Cut vegetation beside The temperature in the barn the Ride was raked up and removed as compound at midday 17th July was was Bracken from the North Clearing. 25.2°C & at 14:00 on 24th July, 27°C. Clearing of pond vegetation and coppicing commenced. AUGUST The guttering on the barn was DECEMBER repaired and a hole in the ceiling of the Hotel that was letting bats into the Work in December was a continuation interior was blocked. Preparation of tasks begun earlier in the autumn. work for the new bird feeding season A full programme of bird feeding was commenced and vegetation around undertaken with two dedicated Pond Hide and Dragonfly Ponds was volunteers even attending on cut back. Saplings were removed Christmas Day to fill the feeders. from the Silver Birch area and the South Clearing. Work on the sheep Many thanks to the Thursday pen/gates in Hall’s clearing Volunteer Team: Adrian Bennett, commenced. Weekly grass cutting Peter Cook, Brian Darbyshire, Becky continued and machinery was taken and Peter Huff, Tom McGhie, Will for servicing and repair. Rich, David Taylor and John Williams. Thanks also to John SEPTEMBER Kendall who replenishes the feeders The South Clearing was cut, the west on Mondays and to Sam Walker, boundary fence repaired and new Harrogate Countryside Ranger, Ripon Parks bird feeders installed. without whom much of the Hazels were cut back by the Pond management work could not take Hide and grass cutting continued. place. Apologies to anyone inadvertently not mentioned. OCTOBER A digger, a driver and extra dumper were hired on the 9th & 10th to clear silt from Hide Pond and move it to the 17

Fungi by Adrian Bennett

Introduction

This year proved to be a good one for fungi on the Reserve. The spring was quite wet and the usual specimens appeared. There was a brief hiatus in the early summer months when it was drier and fewer specimens were found but the autumn months were as usual more productive. Amongst this year’s specimens, some were rare.

This report comprises only those fungi found on the Reserve and not in the wider Recording Area.

Sixty-two species or genera of macrofungi were identified in 2014.

Fungi on the Reserve

During the wetter periods of the year, at any time, but most often in the autumn and winter, you may see, on the bare Elder trunks which are commonly adjacent to the paths, an appearance that suggests a phantom painter is about on the Reserve. The appearance is due to the resupinate fungus Hyphodontia (Lyomyces) sambuci.

The common name for this corticioid fungus in Elder Whitewash and despite its uninteresting exterior, is rewarding when examined under the microscope. Elder Whitewash Hyphodontia (Lyomyces) sambuci

The mild wet winter gave the Jelly On the riverbank adjacent to the Fungi an opportunity to flourish. Two ponds several of the willows are examples of these are Crystal Brain, affected by the fungus Phellinus Exidia nucleate which is white but igniarius the Willow Bracket, a pored with a white crystalline mineral fungus which causes a white, rather inclusion within the jelly. When the than a brown rot within the wood of weather is dry the fungus is still the tree. present, you just cannot see it.

Willow Bracket Crystal Brain Phellinus igniarius Exidia nucleata This fungus is perennial and in some The other is much more colourful and respects not so very different in is often seen on willows near the river appearance from another bracket bank. This is Tremella mesenterica fungus Fomes fomentarius, the Hoof which has a folded appearance and a Fungus, which can be seen on some quite intense yellow colour, hence its of the birches on the Reserve. common name of Yellow Brain.

Some fungi have acquired gruesome

common names. On several stumps

were found Dead Man’s Fingers,

Xylaria polymorpha. These are quite

thick and black, but just under, and

connecting to the surface, are tiny

white flask-like structures which

release spores into the air. Not only men die; there are Dead Moll’s Fingers, Xylaria longipes. These are Yellow Brain more slender, however I have yet to Tremella mesenterica find any on the Reserve. 19

A surprising flash of bright yellow caught my attention in August. Again it was on a brash pile, this one near the conifers at the south west corner of the Birch Area, close to the path.

This has some colourful unofficial common names, Dog Vomit Slime Mould or Scrambled-egg Slime amongst others, so is best referred to by its binomial Fuligo septica var. flava. It is a Slime Mould Dead Man’s Fingers (Myxomycete) and not a fungus. Xylaria polymorpha

The piles of wood created by coppicing and pollarding are often a rewarding area for investigation.

The coppiced Hazel adjacent to the main hide is beginning to rot down. On the surface there are large groups of reddish brown warty growths known as Hazel Woodwart, Hypoxylon fuscum.

Fuligo septica var. flava

Previous reports have illustrated several of the ‘Shield’ group of fungi, the Deer Shield and the Goldleaf Shield. These all have pink spores and hence pink gills when mature. Another member of this group appears regularly on rotten logs and stumps. It has a pale cap, unlike the other two species, and is the Willow Shield, Pluteus salicinus. Despite its Hazel Woodwart name it is uncommon on willows. Hypoxylon fuscum

member of the Inkcap fungi. I did not have my camera with me and by the time an opportunity arose the specimen had disappeared. I was delighted to see it again this year. The specimen is quite large being around 22cm (9 in) tall. For good reasons it is called the Magpie Inkcap, Coprinopsis picacea. The white patches are pieces of the veil which covers the young fungus, but which Willow Shield breaks up as the fungus expands. Pluteus salicinus

Hypholoma fasciculare or Sulphur Tuft has been previously found on the Reserve and nationally is one of the commonest finds on fungal forays. It is yellow in colour.

On one of the stumps a little north of Hall Clearing another member of the Tufts and Brownies group appeared. The caps were red coloured and it goes by the name of the Brick Tuft or Hypholoma lateritium. Magpie Inkcap Coprinopsis picacea

As part of the Reserve Management Plan the South Clearing was mown at the end of August. I was amongst the volunteers raking up the mown material in early September when one of our volunteers, Tom McGhie, Brick Tuft called me to look at two adjacent Hypholoma lateritium fungi. They were unfortunately damaged by the raking process, but I In 2011, close to the edge of a brash took some large pieces of one, which pile near the river I saw an uncommon was a quite beautiful blue colour with

pink gills. Microscopy revealed the there were around 200 specimens in multi-angled spores of an Entoloma October. Thanks to Penny Cullinton, and final identification was Entoloma the national expert in Inocybe for bloxamii or Big Blue Pinkgill. This is confirming the identification as I did a priority species considered endanger not believe so many could be present! -ed and is on the Red Data List and within the Biodiversity Action Plan. I In December the volunteers were will be hoping for a photograph in pollarding the trees in the North ensuing years. Clearing. While stacking some of the newly cut wood on old wood piles I Hall Clearing continues to produce noticed what I thought to be a some fine specimens and this year puffball. Closer inspection revealed saw the recording of the third Waxcap it to be an Earthstar, one with a large species on the Reserve. In October fleshy collar. It was a little old, but several brown fungi were seen in the I’m sure it was a 2014 specimen. clearing and the thick, widely spaced gills were suggestive of a Waxcap. The large collar makes it the Collared After some microscope work the Earthstar, Geastrum triplex, the Toasted Waxcap, Hygrocybe commonest of the Earthstars. colemanniana was confirmed. This is described as uncommon and this is the first time I have seen it.

Collared Earthstar Geastrum triplex Toasted Waxcap Hygrocybe colemanniana If any member would like a list of fungi found in 2014 please contact Inocybe splendens, one of the me and I will happily provide one. Fibrecaps, is rarely recorded nationally, but this year in the North Thanks to those who reported fungi Clearing and to its west and north on the Reserve in 2014.

Mosses and Liverworts by Will Rich & Tom Blockeel

Introduction

Ian Wallace, our knowledgeable bryology recorder, sadly died during the year, so I volunteered (rather foolishly perhaps) to take his place. My knowledge of the subject being zero, I decided to draft in an expert to conduct a survey of the Reserve. Tom Blockeel, the county recorder for Yorkshire, kindly agreed to undertake the task and early in January 2015 he spent most of one day recording the species to be found at High Batts. Although strictly it should not form part of the 2014 annual report I felt that, as there had been no bryology report since 2007 and as Tom’s survey only missed the end of 2014 by a few days, it should be included in the current publication.

We hear much about the degradation of the natural world these days, so it was heartening to hear Tom say that bryophytes have been thriving this century, with quite an increase in abundance and diversity due to a reduction in sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere. For example, the moss Lateral Cryphaea, Cryphaea heteromalla which was reported as being rare in Ian Wallace’s report of 2007, is now relatively abundant.

Tom expressed the opinion that the scrape between Hall Clearing and South Clearing was particularly important for bryophytes, especially the early colonisers of bare ground. He suggested that a portion of the scrape should be cleared back to the substrate every few years to encourage biodiversity.

I do not anticipate that this bryology report will become an annual event, as the status of mosses and liverworts does not change that rapidly. I intend to ask an expert to undertake a review of the situation in the Reserve approximately every five years. However, Tom has indicated that he would be happy to survey parts of the wider Recording Area in due course, so it may be that there will be another mosses and liverworts report some time soon. Will Rich

Errata: The reference to Conocephalum cuspidatum in the 2002 report should be changed to Conocephalum conicum and the reference to Lunularia cuspidata in the 2004 report to Lunularia cruciata.

A comprehensive survey of the rather surprisingly, only the two most bryophytes of High Batts on 8th common species of the large genus January 2015 revealed 65 mosses and Orthotrichum were noted, O. affine liverworts. The survey did not include (which is abundant) and O. peripheral areas around the car park diaphanum. The most notable and barn, nor the open ground around epiphyte at High Batts, found on the the quarry plant, which would trunks of several trees, is Pylaisia certainly produce additional species. polyantha, a nationally scarce species. Syntrichia ruralis was found Woodland floor on the trunk of an alder tree, an odd habitat for this species, which is Characteristic & conspicuous species normally found on calcareous rocks on the ground under trees include and as a weed on gravelly ground and Cirriphyllum piliferum, Eurhynchium pavements. Tree bases provide an striatum, Plagiomnium undulatum, alternative habitat for some Thamnobryum alopecurum and bryophytes that are characteristic of Thuidium tamariscinum. A single boulders and rocks in woodland; patch of the large leafy liverwort Cirriphyllum crassinervium and Plagiochila asplenioides was noted. Isothecium alopecuroides were both Fissidens taxifolius occurs on soil, noted sparsely on tree bases. and Taxiphyllum wissgrillii was found on stones on the embankment Banks of River Ure near the waterfall. High water levels at the time of the Trees and epiphytes survey prevented a full examination of riverside trees. Tree bases and Epiphytic bryophytes have undergone roots that are subject to periodic a remarkable recovery since the 1990s inundation have a characteristic following reductions in SO2 pollution. bryophyte flora, including Leskea This is apparent at High Batts, with polycarpa and Syntrichia latifolia, for the presence of Frullania dilatata, which this is the principal habitat. Metzgeria violacea, M. furcata, Other species not confined to but Radula complanata, Bryum taking advantage of this habitat are moravicum, Cryphaea heteromalla, Lunularia cruciata, Didymodon Homalothecium sericeum, Neckera insulanus, Bryoerythrophyllum recur- complanata (two patches only), virostrum and Plagiomnium Rhynchostegium confertum, Syn- rostratum. One patch of Mnium trichia laevipila, Ulota phyllantha stellare, a species that occurs more and Zygodon viridissimus. However, commonly on calcareous rocks, was

found on a silty tree base. Other habitats Oxyrrhynchium hians is common on soil on the river bank. There are many species in the Reserve that are common across Clearings and grassland various habitats, including the ubiquitous Brachythecium rutabulum Calliergonella cuspidata and and Kindbergia praelonga, as well as Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus are Amblystegium serpens, Bryum common in grassy places. Rough capillare and Hypnum cupressiforme. grassland with burnet rose supports Stones in and by the stream below the strong colonies of the robust moss waterfall have Lunularia cruciata, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, with Pellia endiviifolia, Cratoneuron Hylocomium splendens and filicinum and Platyhypnidium Scleropodium purum. Both R. riparioides. Species present on fallen triquetrus and H. splendens are logs included Lophocolea bidentata, scarce species in lowland regions Dicranoweisia cirrata, Ceratodon (but more common in the uplands). purpureus and Campylopus introflexus. Grimmia pulvinata, a Scrape common species of walls and rocks but occasionally found on wood, was The scraped area with semi-bare noted on the top of a wooden post. gravelly ground has several scarce Likewise Didymodon rigidulus was species of open calcareous habitats found on the base of an ash tree at the (often growing in thin calcareous northern edge of the Reserve, perhaps turf). This is a rare and decreasing influenced by dust from the quarry habitat. Particularly notable here are plant. Didymodon luridus and Ditrichum gracile, Entodon Schistidium crassipilum were present concinnus and Thuidium assimile, on stones in the same area. growing along with the more common Ctenidium molluscum, Tom Blockeel Homalothecium lutescens and Hypnum cupressiforme var. lacunosum. Didymodon fallax and Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum were present sparsely at the edge of the scrape.

Ferns and Flowering Plants by Robert Adams

Nomenclature follows Stace (1997), New Flora of the British Isles, 2nd edition

Floristically 2014 at High Batts was a Dactylorhiza fuchsii did well around virtual re-run of the previous year, the Dragonfly Ponds in July. Our with the weather following the same other orchid, Pyramidal Orchid general pattern of a warm early Anacamptis pyramidalis fared less spring, cooler weather later, then well, being only thinly distributed recovering somewhat in July and along the Ride and in the clearings. August. No Dropwort Filipendula vulgaris was recorded, but Sand Leek Allium All of the Reserve’s more common scorodopasum was; a reversal of the plants seemed to do well in 2014, situation in 2013. The small patch of from the first Snowdrops Galanthus Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage nivalis through to the autumn Chrysosplenium alternifolium, only flowering Devil’s-bit Scabious discovered in 2012, looked healthy Succisa pratensis. It is the High Batts alongside the much commoner specialities, that fluctuate from year to Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage year that are carefully monitored. Chrysosplenium oppositifolium.

The first of these specialities is the An ancient garden escapee, Common Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem Gagea Star-of-Bethlehem, Ornithogalum lutea, which grows mainly in the area angustifolium, flowered well in the around the Pond Hide. Over a dozen North Clearing. It needs to be looked flowering plants were found in March, for on sunny mornings in May and an improvement on the showing in early June as the flowers close up in 2013. Most of the flower heads the afternoon. Another garden escape disappeared, Pheasants being the chief is Pheasant’s-eye Narcissus poeticus. suspects. In contrast to 2013 the A couple of clumps of this beautiful Early Purple Orchids Orchis mascula naturalised daffodil grow just south of were very disappointing, only a few the Dragonfly ponds. managing to bloom. As usual I would like to thank Amongst the summer flowering members who submitted records in plants, Common Spotted Orchid 2014.

Butterflies by Will Rich

Introduction

Despite the mild winter and the relatively warm, dry spring, summer and autumn, this was not a particularly good year for butterflies in the Reserve, though as usual Meadow Browns and Ringlets were seen in large numbers. August was the exception weather-wise, being cold and wet, and it may be significant that I received Reserve records from only one observer (Dr A. Kinnear) that month. Dr Mike Barnham, Butterfly Recorder for the Harrogate and District Naturalists Society, took a walk around the wider Recording Area on the 18th August providing some valuable observations.

Mike also sent some interesting historical records from the Recording Area. He found Dingy Skippers over several seasons in the early 1980s in the old railway cutting beyond the houses at Ure Bank, north of North Bridge. The colony was lost when the cutting was converted into a playground. He also informed me that on 19th July 1992, seven Clouded Yellows were counted on the quarry tips to the north-west of the Reserve. (The last record from the Reserve itself was of a single in 2006.) Dark Green Fritillary had been recorded at Bellflask in most years from 2002-2013 and on 6th August 2006 a male Silver-washed Fritillary was trapped at Bellflask and is now in Brian Morland’s collection. It is always worth looking out for these more unusual species when visiting the Reserve or Recording Area.

In this report I shall follow the order and nomenclature in Lewington, R, 2010, Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. All records pertain to the Reserve, except when otherwise stated.

Species list for 2014

Hesperiidae on Thistle sp. at Bellflask on 2nd July and a third was seen on White Clover SMALL SKIPPER later in the day. There were two Thymelicus sylvestris records from the Reserve, each of two insects in the Ride, on 10th and 17th The first record was of two nectaring July. 27

LARGE SKIPPER at South Parks Farm (single insects on Ochlodes venata both occasions). However, it was reported as prolific at Bellflask during There were three reports of single July and August, and it was recorded insects in the Reserve on 10th, 24th and on 42 days during the year. The first 26th June and one of two insects on was seen on 3rd June and the last on the 30th of the month. One was seen 16th September. On 17th September at Bellflask on 5th July. large numbers of larvae were observed climbing up the walls of Pieridae Bellflask House to pupate under the pantile roof.

BRIMSTONE SMALL WHITE Gonepteryx rhamni Pieris rapae

The first of the year was a male in The first sighting was at Bellflask on th front of the Pond Hide on 20 11th April (two insects). It was February. The main body of the over- recorded as abundant there later in the wintered insects were not on the wing year and was seen on 69 days, the last until early April; a female and 5-6 being on 22nd September. The males were seen in the Reserve on the maximum for the year in the Reserve th 10 . The maximum for the Reserve occurred on 7th August, when 20+ th was nine on 12 June. At Bellflask were counted. In the wider Recording this species was recorded regularly in Area on 18th August two were seen at th low single figures until 26 June. The North Lees, 12 at Queen Mary’s Dubb second brood appeared at Bellflask on and seven at South Parks Farm. rd 23 July and was recorded “in numbers” in the cottage garden until GREEN-VEINED WHITE th the 30 September. Butterflies of this Pieris napi species were recorded on the Bellflask site on 40 days, being particularly The records for this species are as attracted to the flowers of runner follows, assuming that it can be beans, everlasting pea and Echium reliably separated from Small White pininana (Giant Viper’s Bugloss). in the field when both are on the wing in numbers. The first was seen at LARGE WHITE Bellflask on 10th April. It was Pieris brassicae recorded there on 41 days, and was “present in good numbers”. The last This irruptive species was only was seen there on 24th September. recorded once in the Reserve and once More than twenty were reported in the

Reserve on 20th May, which was the in the elm along the path to the pond maximum for what were presumably hide on 10th July, and the second of 4- the over-wintered insects. This 6 in the Silver Birch Area on 17th species continued to be recorded in July. Any time in July it is worth the Reserve in single figures through examining the crowns of the elm trees June and July, with a maximum for on the Reserve to see if this tiny the second brood of 10+ on 7th butterfly can be seen flitting about. If August. It was also reported in small one is patient they may at some point numbers from the wider Recording come down to nectar on Ragwort Area on 18th August. At Bellflask (Senecio sp.) or Bramble (Rubus this species showed a preference for fruticosus agg.) flowers. Dame’s Violet (Hesperis matronalis) early in the season and Marjoram SMALL COPPER (Origanum vulgare) in July and Lycaena phlaeas

August. The only two records were of one at South Parks Farm on 18th August and ORANGE TIP one nectaring on Ragwort (Senecio Anthocharis cardamines sp.) at Bellflask the following day.

The first of this single-brooded BROWN ARGUS species was one insect seen in the Aricia agestis Reserve on 8th April. Fifteen to th twenty were seen on 15 April, this This species was very scarce at being the maximum. It continued to Bellflask compared with previous be recorded in single figures through years and was recorded on three days May and June, the last being a th rd th between 24 August and 3 singleton on 30 June. Several counts September. Its presence was of 20+ were made at Bellflask, where suspected in the North Clearing of the the favourite nectaring plant was Reserve but not proved. Dame’s Violet (Hesperis matronalis). COMMON BLUE Lycaenidae Polyommatus icarus

Very scarce at Bellflask, with only a WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK st Satyrium w-album single record for the first brood on 1 June. It was recorded on five days, th There were two records of this elusive with the last on 7 September. Not species. The first was a total of 8-10 recorded at all in the Reserve in 2014. counted in the Silver Birch Area and

Nymphalidae SMALL TORTOISESHELL Aglais urticae RED ADMIRAL Vanessa atalanta The first was a single near the Barn th on 13 March. It was recorded in the Over-wintered insects were very Reserve in low single figures in early scarce, the first being a singleton at April, and a maximum for the over- Bellflask on 11th March. The second wintered insects of 11 was recorded at th brood was, however, “exceptionally Bellflask on 14 April. The last of abundant” at Bellflask from early the over-wintered insects was seen st June until the end of October and this there on 31 May. No more were species was recorded on 71 days seen until the second brood appeared nd during the year. Counts during late on 22 June with 33 counted in the August and September produced cottage garden at Bellflask. There the records of 71, 58 and 69. The last species was recorded on 89 days, with was seen flying near Bellflask House counts of 40+ in late August/early th on the exceptionally late date of 12th September. The last was on 30 December. By contrast, the October. In the Reserve a healthy maximum seen in the Reserve was maximum for this brood of c.30 was nd five on 2nd September. In the wider recorded on 2 September. The Recording Area, two were seen at observer noted, “Small Torts North Lees on 18th August and exclusively feeding on dandelion – individuals at Queen Mary’s Dubb none on Devil’s Bit Scabious.” In the and South Parks Farm the same day. wider Recording Area a single specimen was reported at North Lees th PAINTED LADY on 18 August and larvae were also Vanessa cardui seen on nettles there. The above reference to Devil’s Bit Scabious This species was recorded on 10 days refers to the fact that this plant grows at Bellflask between 3rd June and 18th in profusion in the Silver Birch Area September. The only multiple sight- and usually attracts large numbers of ings were on 7th and 8th September, butterflies in late summer/early with five specimens recorded on each autumn. day, which would seem to indicate southwards migration. The only PEACOCK record of this species in the Reserve Inachis io was one on 17th July. This species had nothing like the bumper year it enjoyed in 2013, when it was seen in droves. However, 30

good counts of 20 and 19 were made SPECKLED WOOD at Bellflask on 11th and 14th April, Pararge aegeria the first sighting having occurred on 9th March. Up to 10 were reported in This was another species which the Reserve during the rest of April enjoyed its best year ever at Bellflask. and early May, an “over-wintered” It was recorded on 77 days between insect was recorded on 10th June and 14th April and 5th October with peak a “v. tatty” one on the 12th. On 6th counts of 20+ in late August and early June a large number of fully grown September. The first sighting in the larvae were seen crossing the Reserve was of three on 3rd May. The Bellflask access track. The second maximum occurred in June with c20 brood was very thin on the ground in counted on the 10th. It was the Reserve, the next sighting being a subsequently recorded in single single on 3rd July and a maximum of figures until late September, the last four on 7th August. It was recorded at record being six seen on the 23rd of Bellflask on 57 days and the last the month. On 18th August ten were occurred there on the early date of 8th counted near South Parks Farm. September. WALL COMMA Lasiommata megera Polygonia c-album The first brood appeared at Bellflask 2014 was the best year ever for this on 2nd May, when seven were counted species at Bellflask. It was recorded around the site. It was recorded on 30 on 39 days from 1st April until 24th days until 31st August. The second October. There were four records in brood were exceptionally numerous, April and the second brood appeared with 19 counted on 19th August. In exceptionally early, with four the Reserve one was in the car park on recorded on 6th July. On 24th 3rd May, another near the Barn on 5th September 17 were counted in the June and two were noted on 7th Bellflask cottage garden. In the August. On 18th August two were in Reserve one was reported on 15th the vicinity of South Parks Farm. April and another on 17th July. A maximum of four was recorded on 2nd GATEKEEPER September and the last was on the Pyronia tithonus 10th of the month.

There was only one record for this st species. It was submitted on 21 July but no count was given. Note to observers: Please indicate number of 31

insects seen, even if only a broad Larbalastier, B. Latty, and R. Tite. approximation. May I particularly thank the latter three, without whom records from the MEADOW BROWN Reserve would be scanty indeed. Maniola jurtina Thanks also to Brian and Susan Morland of the Bellflask Ecological The first, a single insect, was seen on Survey Team for their invaluable 24th June. Numbers gradually built up contribution. until “hundreds” were seen in the middle two weeks of July. One was Appendix seen in flight at 20:35 on 10th July.

The last record for the Reserve was In my introduction I mentioned 20+ on 7th August. One was seen on having had some correspondence with 18th August at Queen Mary’s Dubb, Dr Mike Barnham. Since I have been indicating that insects were probably Butterfly Recorder I have received no still around in the Reserve at that records of Small Heath or Purple time. At Bellflask this species had a Hairstreak and I wondered whether poor year. Mike could shed some light on their

current status in our Recording Area. RINGLET The former species was last recorded Aphantopus hyperantus in the Reserve (a singleton on two This species had an average year at occasions) in June 2006 and prior to Bellflask, being recorded on 22 days that in June 1993; the latter was last between 18th June and 29th July, with a recorded in the mature oaks in Ripon peak count of 153 on 8th July. In the Parks in 2004. I thought Mike’s reply Reserve this butterfly was first might be of interest to members and recorded on 24th June, when encourage you to go out looking for “hundreds, perhaps 3-400” were these species. The book referred to is recorded. “Hundreds” were estimated Mike’s The Butterflies of Nidderdale to be present up until 10th July, after (A 30 Year Study of Range and which there was a rapid decline, with Abundance in the Harrogate Area), the last record being 20+ on 17th July. published by the Author, 2006.

Acknowledgements “The Small Heath was once very widespread in the UK, as early Many thanks to all who submitted textbooks testify, but these days it records: R. Adams, J. Baker, M. seems that there are very few lowland Barnham, J. Drewett, Bill Ely and the locations - certainly so in our Northallerton U3A, A. Faulkner, K. district. It is found widely in our Gittens, Dr A. Kinnear, C. Slator, J. grassy moorland and moorland edges, 32

and occasional wandering singletons Regarding Purple Hairstreak, this are found in lower land - but always secretive butterfly remains very few. Widespread agriculture and widespread in the district wherever farming techniques are presumably there are some good mature oaks from responsible for the big decline. In my lowland right up to the high book on the butterflies I gathered all ground. When I was gathering data the information that I could, but I do for the book I did a lot of travelling not have all the source material still to around to get records from various hand. The Small Heath was present parts of the district, as very few in small numbers in the final decade observers were seeing these of that work - as far as I can recall, at butterflies, and it seemed to come the Batts and maybe one or two other down largely to me. It's a while ago, local spots in Ripon Parks. For the and I don't recall exactly where and Harrogate Naturalists’ study area, the when I saw them in the Ripon Parks period was recorded sequentially by and High Batts area, but I really three different people, and the annual expect (from the distribution and reports in their different styles do not numbers that I have seen elsewhere in mention those particular sites. I could the district in recent years) that they just say that it was recorded there, are still around. The butterflies are intermittently, during the 70s. 80s and out from around 10th July until 90s. This pattern of limited lowland around 4th September, strongest in reports continues to this day - in 2014 late July and early August. The way it includes very small numbers at to see them is to go out with Farnham GP and Staveley NR. In binoculars on still sunny evenings, earlier years I recall encountering it when the butterflies are flying like personally in various lowland spots spinning silver coins around the such as Aldwark, the A1/A59 high oak branches from 6.30 to 7.30 intersection embankments, Burton pm. Daytime sightings are generally Leonard Lime Kilns Quarry, much fewer. In particular, they Harrogate: Harlow Hill, East like extensive woodland edges facing Tanfield / Thornborough, Ellington west, the edges of sheltered clearings Banks MOD, etc. I don't know (where the oaks catch the evening whether the intermittent nature of the sun), and the lines of old trees that reports indicates persistent but un- follow farming tracks. On hot days noticed colonisation, or intermittent you might see them at lower levels, colonisation resulting from wandering but these are usually very butterflies. Since the book (i.e. in the few. Occasionally I have seen last decade), I have had no records of individuals wandering across the it in the Ripon Parks vicinity. moorlands, or flying from wood to wood across the fields.”

Moths by Jill Warwick

With the planned Open Day in July postponed until November, the moth trapping team decided that an early winter catch would probably not result in too many moths for visitors to see! Therefore, no moth trapping was carried out during 2014, the Reserve list (adjusted to exclude duplicate subspecies) still standing at 318 ‘macro’ and 194 ‘micro’ species, with the grand total of species recorded being 512.

One visit was made during early spring to try to record the day-flying Orange Underwing around mature Silver Birch trees but on this occasion, was unsuccessful.

I would encourage members and visitors to the Reserve to submit records of any moths seen, no matter how common they might be and I am also happy to identify moths from digital photographs. With noticeable changes to the flight periods of many species now becoming apparent, the effects of climate change, all records are valuable!

During 2014 Brian and Susan Morland continued their monitoring of moths at Bellflask Reserve, across the river from High Batts. 305 species were recorded during the year, a small selection of which are illustrated on the following page.

The Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum) was recorded on 12 nights between 5th June and 30th June at Bellflask

The Bordered Sallow (Pyrrhia umbra) is usually a coastal species, but is recorded in low numbers at Bellflask. The foodplant of the larva is Restharrow.

The Beautiful Carpet (Mesoleuca albicillata) is not recorded every year, but was recorded on 13th and 18th June 2014 at Bellflask.

Hummingbird Hawk- moth (M acroglossum stellatorum). Photo: B. Morland

Bordered Sallow (Pyrrhia umbra). Photo: B. Morland

Beautiful Carpet (Mesoleuca albicillata). Photo: B. Morland

Other Insects and Invertebrates by Jim Jobe

NRR Species new to Reserve HYDROPHILIIDAE NS Species new to Recording Area The following four species are common denizens of damp situations, including compost and animal dung.

Cercyon analis NS

Little Studley, 5th July, JBJ COLEOPTERA: BEETLES

DYTISCIDAE: Diving Beetles

Colymbetes fuscus This large, impressive diving beetle is related to Dytiscus but differs from it in being slightly smaller and narrower. Like its cousin it is a fierce Cercyon analis Photo: J.B. Jobe predator. Unlike Dytiscus it is more often found in weedy and muddy Cercyon atomarius ponds and ditches. th th Little Studley, 5 July, JBJ Bellflask, 12 September, BM.

Colymbetes fuscus Photo: B. Morland Cercyon atomarius Photo: J.B. Jobe

Cercyon haemorrhoidalis NS ELATERIDAE: Click Beetles

th Little Studley, 5 July, JBJ Athous haemorrhoidalis All naturalists will be familiar with this common click beetle which is often found on hedgerow foliage in spring and early summer. If one is placed upside-down on the palm of one’s hand it readily discloses the source of its common name by performing a rapid somersault, Cercyon haemorrhoidalis Photo:J.B. Jobe accompanied by a loud click and landing the right way up. Cryptopleurum minutum NS Bellflask, 3rd July, BM Little Studley, 5th July, JBJ

SILPHIDAE: Carrion Beetles

Oiceoptoma thoracica Brian found a large collection of these beetles beneath a stone which suggests that they may have been hibernating. Unlike most carrion beetles it is readily recognised by its orange-red pronotum. It is commonly found on carrion and is also strongly attracted Althous haemorrhoidalis to Stinkhorn fungus. Bellflask, 21st Photo: B. Morland May, BM CHRYSOMELIDAE: Leaf Beetles

Gastrophysa polygoni NS Although not so common as its congener, G. viridula (see 2013 report), this species is often found in numbers on Docks and Knotgrass. Neither of the two Gastrophysa species have yet been found in the Oiceoptoma thoracica Photo: B. Morland Reserve but they doubtless occur

there and would be worth looking for. CURCULIONIDAE: Weevils

th Bellflask, 10 August, BM. Figwort Weevil Cionus scrophulariae BM finds this attractive species commonly on Figwort at Bellflask and photographed this example on 21st May. They can be found in the Reserve as well, usually on Figwort, but have been recorded elsewhere on Mullein. When disturbed the adult immediately drops onto the ground where it is very difficult to see against the soil. When present it is Gastrophysa polygoni Photo B. Morland usually accompanied by its larvae which are slug-like and coated with a Brown Willow Beetle vile-tasting gelatinous coating which Chrysolina staphylaea presumably deters predators. This attractive beetle, very often found feeding on the leaves of deciduous trees, is very common at High Batts, but this is the first record for the opposite side of the river.

Bellflask, 1st May, BM.

Cionus scrophulariae Photo: B. Morland

Chrysolina staphylaea Photo B. Morland

HETEROPTERA: True Bugs

PENTATOMIDAE: Shield Bugs

Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina Bellfask, 21st August, BM.

Palomena prasina Photo: B. Morland

NAUCORIDAE: Creeping Water Bugs Saucer Bugs. Photos: B. Morland. The second photo shows one attacking and The Saucer Bug killing a Water Boatman. Ilyocoris cimicoides An active underwater predator, the NOTONECTIDAE: Saucer Bug spends its time around the Water Boatmen bottom of weedy, muddy ponds hunting invertebrates, tadpoles and Common Water Boatman small fish. Adults have sharp, pincer- Notonecta glauca like legs which enable them to catch This species is a familiar sight in their prey. They then stab it with their ponds and ditches where it swims on ‘beak’, inject digestive enzymes and its back with a large air bubble suck out the contents of the body. As attached to its underside. Like the BM will testify they are not averse to Saucer Bug it is a fierce predator, attempting to do the same thing to th attacking tadpoles and small fishes. human hands! Bellflask, 9 September BM. Bellflask, 8th November, BM.

Phrygaena grandis Photo: B. Morland

The Cinnamon Sedge Limnephilus lunatus This is one of the few Caddis Flies Common Water Boatman that is easily recognisable by its wing Photo: B. Morland markings, particularly the crescent shape at the end of the forewing. th TRICHOPTERA: Bellflask, 13 September, BM Caddis and Sedge Flies

PHRYGANEIDAE

Great Reed Sedge Phrygaena grandis Bellflask, 9th August, BM Limnephilus lunatus Photo: BM

Additional bugs (Heteroptera) recorded by U3A Northallerton on 21st July Marsh Damselbug Nabis (Dolichonabis) limbatus Common Flowerbug Anthocoris nemorum Capsid Bugs Deraeocoris ruber Plagiognathus arbustorum Heterotoma merioptera Potato Capsid Closterotomus norwegicus Grypocoris (Lophyromiris) stysi Timothy Grass Bug Stenotus binotatus Grassbug Megaloceroea recticornis Froghopper Neophilaenus lineatus Cuckoo-spit Insects Philaenus spumarius Aphrophora alni Leafhopper Evacanthus interruptus Jumping plant louse Psyllopsis fraxini (gall on Ash)

The Speckled Peter EPHEMEROPTERA: Mayflies Agrypnia varia This is another easily recognisable The August or Autumn Dun species. Bellflask, 15th August, BM. Ecdyonurus dispar Brian photographed this male sub- imago on 17th August at Bellflask which caused some head scratching, but Craig Macadam of BugLife who runs the Mayfly Recording Scheme was able to put a name to it.

Agrypnia varia Photo: B. Morland

The Grouse Mystacides longicornis NS Bellflask, 16th August, BM

Ecdyonurus dispar, Photo: B. Morland

ORTHOPTERA: Grasshoppers and Crickets Mystacides longicornis Photo: BM TETRIGIDAE: Groundhoppers Caddis Case Limnophilus sp. Slender Groundhopper This case, constructed by the larva, is Tetrix subulata composed entirely of mollusc shells which appear to be those of Lake The Bellflask population continues to Limpets, Ancylus lacustris and Pond th flourish. BM photographed the Snails, Limnaea sp. Bellflask, 14 nymph below on 13th August. August, BM.

Tetrix subulata nymph Photo B. Morland 41

TETTIGONIIDAE: Broad Centurion Bush-Crickets Chloromyia formosa

Oak Bush Cricket RHAGIONIDAE: Snipe Flies Meconema thalassinum BM recorded 37 between August and Little Snipefly mid-November at Bellflask. Chrysopilus aureus

TABANIDAE: Horseflies

Splayed Deerfly Chrysops caecutiens

SYRPHIDAE: Hoverflies

Chrysotoxum bicinctum Episyrphus balteatus Meconema thalassinum (female) Eristalis pertinax Photo: B. Morland Eristalis tenax

Myathropa florea DIPTERA: Flies Volucella pellucens

Recorded during the U3A TEPHRITIDAE: Northallerton visit on 21st July. Picture-winged Flies

CECIDOMYIIDAE: Xyphosia miliaria Gall Midges AGROMYZIDAE: Dasineura fraxini Gall on Ash Leaf-mining flies D. ulmaria Gall on Meadowsweet

Jaapiella veronicae Gall on Bird’s Agromyza filipendulae eye Speedwell. Leaf mine in Meadowsweet

STRATIOMYIDAE: Amauromyza labiatorum Soldier Flies Leaf mine in Hedge Woundwort

Common Orange Legionnaire Amauromyza verbasci Beris vallata Leaf mine in Common Figwort

Phtyomyza lappae Tymmophorus obscuripes Leaf mine in burdock Sussaba flavipes

Phytoliriomyza melampyga BRACONIDAE: Leaf mine in Himalayan Balsam Charmon cruentatus

HYMENOPTERA: CYNIPIDAE: Bees, Wasps and Ants Diplolepis spinosissimae Gall on Burnet Rose PARASITIC WASPS PROCTOTRUPIDAE: All recorded during the U3A Exallonyx subserratus Northallerton visit on 21st July: DIAPRIIDAE: ICHNEUMONIDAE: Paramesius brachypterus

Hoplocryptus confector NS East side SYMPHYTA: Sawflies of Reserve, 21st July, B. Ely. This is the first confirmed record for CIMBICIDAE: Yorkshire although there are unconfirmed records for York and Cimbex femoratus Birch Sawfly. Keighley over a century ago. Following on from last year’s record of the adult, BM sent me a photo of a Xorides rufipes NS 21st July, B. Ely. Sawfly larva which I was able to There are only three other British determine as this species. Note the specimens in existence, all from single dark line along the back of its Silwood Park, Berkshire, the latest body and the single row of black dots. being from 1979. Also, although not obvious from a photograph, it can grow up to 45mm. st Other species recorded on 21st July by Bellflask, 31 July, BM. B. Ely (all NS) are:

ICHNEUMONIDAE:

Scambus nigricans Itoplectis maculator Pimpla flavicoxis Trychosis legator Diadegma erucator Oxytorus luridator Birch Sawfly larva. Photo: B Morland

The following three species (all (NS) It lives in this and hunts mainly in the were recorded during the U3A visit on water at night, but will also take any 21st July: passing prey during the daytime.

Fenusa dohrnii Leaf mine in Alder Fenusa (Kaliofenusa) ulmi Leaf mine in Wych Elm Heterarthrus healyi Leaf mine in Field Maple

TENTHREDINIDAE:

Turnip Sawfly Athalia rosae NS

Bellflask, 9th August, BM Water Spider. Photo: B. Morland

Orb-Web Spider NS Araneus quadratus

U3A, 21st July.

Comb-footed Spider NS Enoplognatha ovata

st Turnip Sawfly. Photo: B. Morland U3A, 21 July.

ARACHNIDAE: U3A also recorded the following Gall Spiders and Mites Mites: Aceria fraxinivora Water Spider Gall on Ash Argyroneta aquatica Aceria labiatiflorae Gall on Majoram Bellflask, 8th September, BM. Aceria macrochelus Gall on Field Maple This is the only truly aquatic spider. Eriophyes convolvens It constructs a bell-shaped web under Gall on Spindle water which it fills with air bubbles. Eriophyes laevis Gall on Alder

Phyllocoptes goniothorax Kentish Snail Gall on Hawthorn Monacha cantiana

CRUSTACEA: Strawberry Snail Trochulus striolatus Hog Louse or Water Slater Asellus aquaticus Acknowledgements (with apologies for any omissions): This species is very common in fresh water. Bellflask, 9th September, BM. J. Drewett. B. Ely, B. Morland, C. Macadam, U3A Northallerton team.

Hog Louse. Photo: B. Morland

MOLLUSCA: Slugs and Snails

These were all recorded by U3A on 21st July:

White-Lipped Snail Cepaea hortensis Also recorded by J. Drewett, 10th July.

Brown-Lipped Snail C. nemoralis Also recorded by J. Drewett, 10th July.

Copse Snail Arianta arbustorum

Damselflies and Dragonflies by Stephen Worwood

Introduction

The number of records this year was low, with a notable scarcity in both August and September, often key months for some of the Hawker species; this may account for only two records of Southern Hawker and no records of Common Hawker this year. Four Spotted Chaser was also not recorded this year although it is one of the earlier emerging Anisoptera species. Only 11 species were recorded in 2014, two less than in 2013. Common Darter bucked the general trend, having its best year for some considerable time.

Order & nomenclature follows Askew R.R. The Dragonflies of Europe, 1988

ZYGOPTERA th the last on 10 June. Recorded on 2. Banded Demoiselle less dates and in lower numbers than rd Calopteryx splendens 2013, with a maximum of 8 on 3 May. Recorded in low numbers between th th th 10 June and 20 July. Four on 10 28. Azure Damzelfly June was the yearly maximum. Coenagrion puella

rd 9. Emerald Damselfly Recorded regularly between 3 May Lestes sponsa when two freshly emerged tenerals present and 24th July. Yearly A poor year for this species, reported th th maximum of 250 on 10 June. in low numbers between 26 June and 2nd September with a maximum of 15 th 31. Common Blue Damselfly on 26 August. Enallagma cyathigerum

16. Large Red Damselfly As with the above species four rd Pyrrhosoma nymphula tenerals were identified on 3 May. th Reported regularly with counts of The first was a single on 15 April, 150+ between 10th June and 22nd July three weeks earlier than 2013, with

with the last five on 26th August. 47. Brown Hawker Aeshna grandis 33. Blue-tailed Damselfly As usual this is the most frequently Ischnura elegans reported Hawker. The first record Present between 20th May and 24th was two on 3rd July, with the last on July, but only in small numbers with a 2nd September. The maximum was maximum of just six on 24th June. 15 on 22nd July.

ANISOPTERA 95. Common Darter Sympetrum striolatum 43. Migrant Hawker The first record was three on 20th July Aeshna mixta with a single on 5th November. The first record was two on the late Between these dates this species saw th a notable increase in counts this year, date of 26 August; recorded in low th numbers with a maximum of five on peaking at 100+ on 26 August. 2nd September, until the last two on 2nd November. 102. Ruddy Darter Sympetrum sanguineum 45. Southern Hawker Only one record this year of this Aeshna cyenea attractive Darter, a single male on th Only two recorded this year; a single 26 August. on 22nd July and two on 2nd September.

Banded Demoiselle (Calopteryx splendens) , John Drewett 47

Lampreys, Fish, Amphibians and Reptiles by Barry Slaymaker

Class: PISCES Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Three animals seen being consumed Minnow th Phoxinus phoxinus by a heron on 19 March.

More than fifty fish noted in the Hide Smooth Newt th Pond/Stream on 27 March and again Triturus vulgaris th on 17 May. 6 in the car park at the Barn, 17th July.

Three-spined Sticklebacks Common Toad Gasterosteus aculeatus Bufo bufo th Approximately twenty fish seen in the Six recorded on 19 March, five of stream below the Hide Pond on 17th which were eaten by a heron: May. presumably the bird had a hearty appetite having taken three Great Crested Newts and two unspecified Stone Loach fish on the same occasion. On 21st Nemacheilus barbatula March 7 noted at The Loop, Ripon A single specimen seen in the stream Parks. Tadpoles in Black Heath Pond, th below the Hide Pond on 17 May. Middle Parks on 5th May. Singles seen in the Reserve on 14th and 28th Readers are referred to Brian August. Morland’s records of fish and lampreys in the Recording Area for a Common Frog comprehensive account. Rana temporaria Tadpoles at Black Heath Pond on 5th Class: AMPHIBIA May; singles on Reserve on 20th July and two days in August. Another Nomenclature & species order follows disturbed in silt-clearing operations in Arnold, E.N. and Burton, J.A., 1978 the Hide Pond on 10th October. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe 48

Birds by Patricia Rumbold & Colin Slator

Introduction During the 2014 recording period 104 species were recorded in the Reserve and Recording Area as opposed to 99 the previous year.

Among the highlights of 2014 was the first confirmed breeding of Bittern in the Recording Area after a pair raised at least one young at Bellflask. The northward spread of Little Egret was evidenced by an increase in the number of records received, including three birds on the Reserve at the end of February. Hobby was recorded four times during the year, including an adult and juvenile in August and September. An Osprey flew over the Reserve in May and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in February and March.

Many thanks go to the observers who filled in the recording sheets and to East Dales Ringing Group (EDRG) who provided details from their ringing efforts in the Reserve and Recording Area.

Once again the attention of observers is drawn to the section at the end of the species list, concerning records of rare birds for which a detailed description is required. The Reserve follows the policy of the Harrogate and District Naturalists’ Society (HDNS) and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, who apply conditions when records of certain rare birds arise. Relevant information is set out accordingly. Guidance can be sought from the Chairman or Warden.

Species List for 2014

This report follows the taxonomic listing of British birds recommended in the British List published by the British Ornithologists’ Union.

Mute Swan to 70 seen over the Reserve on 28th Cygnus olor January. On 20th March a pair with a Birds were recorded throughout the nest containing one egg was in front Recording Area in every month of the Pond Hide with incubation except June, with between one and noted throughout April. On 14th July three on each occasion. On 24th April and 31st July two adults and three a bird with red leg ring XBK was goslings were on the River Ure near present at Middle Parks close to the Hotel. On 21st August circa 1000 where it was ringed by the East Dales were on stubble on Pennycroft and Ringing Group on 9th March. Six were during September and October groups present at Bellflask on three dates in of up to 500 birds were seen over the August and September. No evidence Reserve. Late autumn movements of breeding was recorded this year. included circa 1000 flying west to east over the Reserve on 6th November Whooper Swan with a similar number passing over Cygnus cygnus again on 8th. On 29th December, 120 Two flew over the Reserve on 9th flew off Bellflask and 200 in the January and on 2nd November three Recording Area on 30th December groups numbering 31 in total flew were the last of the year. south over the Reserve, with the largest group comprising 24 birds. Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensis Pink-footed Goose Groups of up to 15 birds were noted Anser brachyrhynchus from the Recording Area during the On 2nd October 20 flew south high year although most records were of over the Reserve at midday. lower numbers seen. In the second half of the year up to 40 were on Greylag Goose Bellflask between 18th and 20th July Anser anser and in August circa 100 were with Many double-figure groups were Greylag Geese on Pennycroft. On 27th noted in the Recording Area in the October two flying east over the first three months of the year with up Reserve were the last of the year. 50

Shelduck on 23rd August with the same number Tadorna tadorna over the Reserve on 2nd November rd th On 3 April and 5 May two were and circa 80 flew over the Reserve on seen at Middle Parks on wet fields and 4th November. The last record of the th on 14 May a female and ten duck- year was of 40 at Bellflask on 30th lings were on the River Ure beside the December. Reserve. Shoveler Gadwall Anas clypeata Anas strepera Four flew over the Reserve on 20th Three were on Black Heath Pond on November. th 30 January and three were also at Middle Parks on 3rd April. On 5th May a male at Middle Parks was the only Tufted Duck other record for the year. Aythya fuligula Of the fifteen records received this Teal year the majority were of birds at Anas crecca Bellflask. The first record of the year Birds were in the Recording Area in was of 17 on Black Heath Pond on February, March and April and again 16th January and thereafter, records in November. In spring, 14 were at show -low numbers of between one Little Studley Meadows on 21st March and five birds at Bellflask with the and a group of circa 30 flew over the exception of a group of more than 40 Reserve towards Bellflask on 2nd No- birds seen flying over the Reserve to vember. Between one and three were Bellflask on 2nd November and 14 at present on the Hide Pond during No- Bellflask on 30th December. vember and December. Goosander Mallard Mergus merganser Anas platyrhynchos Up to six birds favoured Black Heath Seen in all months of the year Pond during the first two months of throughout the Recording Area with a the year and from then until the end of regular presence on the Hide Pond of April records show up to six birds on up to 16 birds. During the breeding the River Ure near the Reserve. On period a female and 11 ducklings were 12th May a female and five young on the Hide Pond on 26th April and a were on the River Ure and on 3rd July nest with five eggs was at Black Heath a female and eight well-grown young Pond on 5th May. Post-breeding num- were on the river next to the Reserve, bers in the Recording Area included at increasing to 14 birds on 7th July in a least 15 on the ponds at North Stainley combination of adults and juveniles.

No further records until December year on the river next to the Reserve when 15 were on Black Heath Pond or flying over. Two, including one in on 15th, six on the River Ure on 13th breeding plumage, were at The Loop and on 29th December two redheads on 21st March & an immature bird (females or first winter birds) were was at Bellflask on 16th October. seen to catch food, including one Three were in the Recording area on Bullhead next to the Reserve. 8th November. On 30th Dec-ember one was catching fish at the Hide Pond. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Bittern Birds were noted in every month of Botaurus stellaris the year, usually in single figures, but Susan Morland of Bellflask confirmed with circa 20 on the quarry track on that the species bred at Bellflask this 2nd January and a similar number in year, fledging at least one young. This the Norton Mills/Badger Bank area on is the first confirmed breeding of 29th November. Bittern in the Recording Area.

Grey Partridge Little Egret Perdix perdix Egretta garzetta Only two records were received this The general movement northward of year, of one bird on the access track to this species was reflected in the the Reserve on 23rd September and increased number of records received two birds with Red-legged Partridges this year. On 2nd February a full adult in the Norton Mills/Badger Bank area in breeding plumage was present at on 29th November. the Hide Pond. On 13th February at Pennycroft one was seen flying Pheasant towards North Parks Farm, where a Phasianus colchicus bird was still present on 25th February. Present all year in or near the Reserve Three days later a member filmed with up to 70 in fields to the west of three birds together in the Reserve. In the Reserve on 16th October. Single, March a single bird was still in the white birds were noted at regular Reserve on 24th and 29th. One was intervals from 16th January until 2nd seen at the riverside from the mound November with two among recently viewing platform on 18th July. The released birds to the west of the last record of the year was of one bird Reserve on 10th October. in the Reserve on 2nd December.

Cormorant Grey Heron Phalacrocorax carbo Ardea cinerea One or two birds were seen during the Up to three birds were seen during 52

almost all months of the year with the Kingfisher. Although a male and a exception of May or June when no female were over the Reserve on 10th sightings were recorded. On 19th April, no proof of breeding was March one was observed at the Hide received. Pond taking three male & four female toads, three Great Crested Newts, two Buzzard fish and three other items. On 24th Buteo buteo March two birds at the Hide Pond On 2nd January a single bird was took Great Crested Newts, fish and a flying near Bluecap Wood and Bank Vole, and on 23rd September, thereafter up to eight birds were seen again at the Hide Pond, an individual regularly in the Recording Area. Five caught a bank vole which it then were soaring together over Pennycroft washed in the pond before swallowing and Norton Conyers on 20th February it. On 29th December two were on a and six were over the same area on Pennycroft game belt and appeared to 13th March. On 21st March eight birds be hunting for voles. were over The Loop including one displaying strongly over Hutton Little Grebe Conyers and one was over Bluecap Tachybaptus ruficollis Wood area with six riding thermals Seen only in the first and second above Stoneycroft on the following winter periods in ones and twos, with day. One bird was noted carrying nest sightings on the River, the Hide Pond, material just west of the Reserve on Bellflask and Lightwater Pond. No 24th April. In the second half of the breeding records were received. year up to four birds were noted on several occasions, with seven together Great Crested Grebe over the Reserve on 23rd September. Podiceps cristatus Thereafter, singles, twos and threes As last year, only singles and two were seen in the Recording Area until birds seen and only on Bellflask. On 30th December when one which flew 20th May two adults with two young off Bellflask and into the Reserve was were present there. the last of the year.

Sparrowhawk Osprey Accipiter nisus Pandion haliaetus Up to three birds were seen regularly Only one record was received this in and around the Reserve in every year, of a bird which flew over the month, with regular sightings of Reserve towards Bellflask on 8th May. hunting forays over the Hide Pond th feeder area, including on 28 August when one was seen to chase a 53

Moorhen Lapwing Gallinula chloropus Vanellus vanellus Seen regularly, in groups of up to 16, During the first winter period the throughout the year in the Reserve majority of records were of birds at and in the Recording Area. A nest was Middle Parks with up to 70 on 30th noted on the North Pond on 20th January. During the post-breeding March and 17th April, and three period large groups were noted in the juveniles were present in the Reserve Recording Area, particularly on on 20th May and 2nd June. A young Pennycroft, where up to 400 were bird was still present at the Hide Pond present on 11th September. Up to 200 on 14th July and an immature bird was were still present in the Pennycroft at the same location on 24th October. and Bellflask area on several dates in October with the last flock of this size Coot flying over the Reserve towards Fulica atra Bellflask on 2nd November. The last Recorded from several locations in record of the year was of two which the Recording Area throughout the flew over the Reserve towards year with the exception of May and Bellflask on 30th December. June when no records were received. The majority of records were of birds Curlew at Bellflask with ten present on 7th Numenius arquata February and 18th August. The only Recorded in single figure groups of up breeding record was of a young bird to six birds during the first half of the with one adult at the Hide Pond on 9th year , with the exception of 15 to 20 July. Three on Black Heath Pond on on Pennycroft on 3rd April. Groups of 11th December were the last of the up to circa 150 gathered on year. Pennycroft during the last three months of the year with the last flock Oystercatcher of that estimate flying to roost at Haematopus ostralegus Bellflask at dusk on 29th December. Three on Bellflask on 25th February were the first of the year. From then Common Sandpiper until 14th July between one and six Actitis hypoleucos birds at several locations in the A record of one bird in the Reserve on Recording Area including Pennycroft, 20th May, was the only one received. North Parks, The Loop and Bellflask in addition to those seen flying over Green Sandpiper the Reserve. No further records were Tringa ochropus received after 14th July. In the first winter period single birds were over the Reserve on 2nd and 12th

January and one was over Ripon Reserve. In the latter part of the year Parks on 30th January. There were no the largest flock was of about 80 over other records until 11th September, and around the Reserve on 20th when one flew over the Reserve. On November. 2nd November and 2nd December an individual was at the Hide Pond and Common Gull on 4th December two were present at Larus canus the Hide Pond. Only four records were received for the year. In January, October and Redshank December two were present in the Tringa totanus Recording Area and about 60 were on Seen only in March and April when a newly ploughed field at South Parks one was at The Loop on 16th March on 27th October. and two were at Middle Parks on 3rd and 24th April. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Woodcock One over the Reserve on 27th July, Scolopax rusticola four near the Reserve on 23rd Single birds were in the Reserve in September and six at South Parks, January, February and April. No mainly on a newly ploughed field, on further records were noted in the 27th October. Recording Area until 29th November when circa ten were seen in woodland Herring Gull in the vicinity of Badger Bank. Larus argentatus Two birds in the Recording Area on Snipe three dates in the first winter period Gallinago gallinago and eight at The Loop on 21st March. A bird at Little Studley Meadows on Up to three were seen on three 21st March was the only one of the occasions in the second half of the year. year. On 27th October more than 20 with other gulls feeding on a newly Black-headed Gull ploughed field at South Parks. Chroicocephalus ridibundus Seen regularly in every month in the Great Black-backed Gull Recording Area. First winter period Larus marinus highlights included more than 100 at Up to three birds were seen in nine Ripon Parks on 2nd January and a months of this year and four were similar number in the same area on flying south over the Reserve on 28th 13th April. On 24th April about 50 October. were hawking flying insects over the 55

Stock Dove was roosting at the conifer roost site, Columba oenas with calling heard regularly during Thirteen records received, the this time. On 8th June, two birds were majority of up to 3 birds in & around calling in the Reserve and on 2nd July the Reserve during March and April. a juvenile was in the conifer tree. By The last of the year were four flying 21st August an adult was back at the west of the Reserve on 2nd November. nest box, after which time one was seen regularly until 23rd December. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Swift Double-figure flocks of up to 50 birds Apus apus recorded on several occasions In June, three records were received throughout the Recording Area, with of up to six birds over the Reserve. On around 120 in the Reserve, North 20th July at midday 26 flew south over Stainley and Ripon Parks on 27th the Reserve ahead of heavy rain. October. Maximum of 200 at Norton Mills on 29th November. Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Collared Dove Up to four birds seen regularly Streptopelia decaocto throughout the year at the Hide Pond About 20 on Pennycroft on 16th or along the river. On 20th May a bird January and ten at Ure Bank Top on was noted carrying food up river and 7th December. All other records on 24th October one caught two fish throughout the year were of no more from the perch outside the Pond Hide. than four birds at any location in the Recording Area. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Barn Owl Many more records were received of Tyto alba birds in and around the Reserve this Only one record, of a bird seen on year than in previous years, with one Pennycroft on 2nd December. or two in every month except January. “Yaffling” was heard from 3rd April, Tawny Owl when two - possibly three - birds were Strix aluco calling in the Reserve. Calls The nest box in the Reserve was continued to be heard until 7th August. occupied from 2nd January when a On 2nd September one adult was in the single bird was seen. Two were there Reserve accompanied by one juvenile. on 16th January. The last sighting of a The last of the year was one in the bird at the box was on 27th February Reserve on 2nd December. and from then until 14th April a bird

Great Spotted Woodpecker birds were hunting hirundines around Dendrocopus major the field adjacent to the Barn Up to six birds were estimated to be Compound. Breeding was proven on present on several dates during the 28th August when an adult and a first half of the year. Drumming was juvenile were over the Reserve and heard from 13th February in the the river, and two were again over Reserve and on 21st March drumming Pennycroft on 11th September. was also heard at Hutton Mill Deep. During May and June no more than Peregrine three were heard or seen on any Falco peregrinus occasion. On 24th June a juvenile was On 23rd January one was over in the Reserve and a juvenile with one Pennycroft and North Parks Farm. st adult was in the Reserve on 21 On 16th October an adult with a full August. On 10th December between crop flew over the Reserve. six and eight birds were in the Recording Area. Magpie Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Pica pica Dendrocopus minor Recorded from the Reserve and One was drumming in the Reserve on immediate surrounds throughout the nd 16th February and 8th March. year, apart from in June. On 2 rd February and 3 March four were Kestrel noted. Surprisingly no post breeding Falco tinnunculus increase was noted. Singles and two birds seen throughout the year in the Recording Area with Jay the exception of three in or near the Garrulus glandarius th Reserve on 3rd March. On 28th Two at Ure Bank on 8 May and th January one was seen to attack a Badger Bank on 29 November. All Great Spotted Woodpecker in front of other records related to birds in or just the main Hide. No breeding records to the west of the Reserve. One or two were received. were noted on seven dates during the first quarter. From late July up to four Hobby were recorded on 38 bird days to the Falco subbuteo year end. With no records received last year, the four records this year were an Jackdaw encouraging increase. On the morning Corvus monedula of 12th June one flew south west over All records from in or around the Pennycroft and on 21st August two Reserve, especially from the adjacent

grassland at Ripon Parks. A maximum of the year, especially around the of 600 was noted on 12th January. feeders. 10 to 20 were regularly Otherwise recorded all year with 10 to recorded; up to 50 were noted on six 20 the norm. Twenty birds were noted dates and 60 plus on 24th June. This hawking for insects high over the maximum included many on-the-wing Reserve on 16th October. juveniles.

Rook Great Tit Corvus frugilegus Parus major At least 64 occupied nests at the north Noted every day of the year from the end of the Reserve during late March. Reserve feeders, but in slightly lower A regular, but wary user of the bird numbers than Blue Tit. Ten or twelve feeders. were regularly recorded. Peak counts included 40 at the feeders on 12th Carrion Crow January, 30 on 4th March, 8th April Corvus corone and 24th June – on the latter date Noted from throughout the Recording mostly juveniles. 50, again mostly Area all year. The floodplain grass- juveniles, on 22nd July. 40 were lands of the The Loop is a favoured recorded on 10th December. site, so 30 on 21st March, was not unexpected. The Recording Area Coal Tit maximum was a post roost gathering Periparus ater of 60 at dawn, on the open day, in the Regularly recorded from the Reserve fields around Blue Cap Wood and the throughout the year, albeit on only Slurry Lagoon area. one date in June. No confirmation of breeding. One to four reported on Goldcrest many dates with a spring peak of 10 Regulus regulus on 4th March & an autumn maximum Records relate only to the Reserve. of 15 on 4th November. Singletons were noted on 12th Jan- uary, 10th March, on four dates in Willow Tit April and on 12th May - no indication Poecile montana of breeding. Four on 23rd September A bird in full song at The Loop on was the maximum, after which only 21st March was the only record. one or two were noted on four dates. Marsh Tit Blue Tit Poecile palustris Cyanistes caeruleus Only recorded from the Reserve, but One of a few species occurring in the must surely occur in many areas of Reserve that could be seen every day suitable riverine habitat throughout 58

the Recording Area. Noted throughout The first were only one day later than the year though only on two dates last year – when 3 were over the each in June & August. A difficult Reserve on 8th April. Birds trickled in species to count accurately, especially slowly until 20 were noted over when all they do is to go back and Bellflask on 20th May. Thereafter forth to the feeders. One to four was a recorded regularly, especially around fairly consistent count, though 15 on North Parks Farm buildings / barn 4th November and 10 on 10th compound area, including 30 on 28th December was by far the maximum August and 23rd September (which count. A bird in the Reserve on 13th were the last). March, watched excavating a nest site, was the only indication of breeding. House Martin Delichon urbicum Skylark Only five records of a species that has Alauda arvensis probably not been proven to breed A pitiful number of records from what within the Recording Area. The first was once such a common species. A were two over Bellflask (from the total of seven records including two Reserve mound) on 12th April with 20 singing at Middle Parks Farm on 27th on 20th. Ten, with the swallows at March and a single to the west of the North Parks Farm, on 31st July and Reserve on 13th March and 3rd April. 23rd September, with the latter birds being the last of the year. Sand Martin Riparia riparia Long-tailed Tit A bird over The Loop on 21st March Aegithalos caudatus was the first, increasing to 10 by 3rd Nine at Ure Bank Bottom on 7th April. The first record from the December were the only birds Reserve was of 2 on 22nd March, over recorded away from the Reserve. the river. A series of records of birds Although recorded throughout the at Bellflask came from the Reserve year from the Reserve the flock sizes (Mound Viewing Point); 10 on 12th were paltry – 1 to 6 was the norm with April, 20 on 20th May and 6 on 2nd the exceptions of 20 on 23rd June. Although regular over the September and 10 on 23rd December. Reserve and Bellflask during late summer no figure exceeded the spring Chiffchaff counts. The last record was of 6 on 2nd Phylloscopus collybita. September. A notable spring passage from the Reserve. The earliest was a single bird Swallow on 17th March. Then recorded on Hirundo rustica several dates during the latter part of 59

the month, increasing to six on 5th and 8th April & ten on 10th. Present in the Whitethroat Reserve all summer. Up to two sang Sylvia communis and two family groups were noted on A single bird in the Reserve on 14th 7th July. Four were still singing on the April was early for our Recording last day recorded, 23rd September. Area, although 3rd April is cited as the earliest within the HDNS Willow Warbler Recording Area. During May one Phylloscopus trochilus was at Ure Bank on 8th.. Within the A poor series of records for this once Reserve one was recorded on 14th and common summer visitor, with only up to 6 on 20th. Two were calling on one double figure count. The first of 24th June and one was carrying food the year was on 12th April. Thereafter on 26th. One was still singing on 10th between one and three, increasing to a July. Only one August record, the last maximum of ten on 20th May. One of the year, a single bird on 14th. was still singing on 12th June and four were present on 24th. Only ones or Reed Warbler twos noted on five dates through July Acrocephalus scirpaceus and August, with the last two on 19th As with last year a single bird sang September. from the developing Phragmites reed bed around the North Dragonfly pond Blackcap on 10th July. These birds are no doubt Sylvia atricapilla. overspills from the much more Recorded on 48 days, all from the extensive and developing reedbeds, Reserve. The first was on 5th April. just across the river in Bellflask. On 10th April five were present and four were singing on 17th. A Nuthatch maximum of six on 20th May with Sitta europaea two still singing on 12th June. Only Reported from the Reserve on many recorded thereafter on eight dates. dates in every month, usually from The last record of three birds was on the feeders. The regularly reported 13th September. figure was 1 to 3 birds but 5 were singing on 4th March, 6 were reported Garden Warbler on 8th April, a family group was at Sylvia borin the Hide feeder on 12th June and six An undated late April / early May were reported on 4th November. record from the Reserve. Two recorded on 20th May and one Treecreeper singing on 12th June. Certhia familiaris Single or occasionally two birds 60

recorded from January to late April. One record in May, none from June to Dipper September, then regular to year end. Cinclus cinclus No indication of breeding. Two records from the river at the Reserve, these of singletons flying Wren past the riverside hide on 23rd August Troglodytes troglodytes and 29th December. A ubiquitous species throughout the Recording Area recorded on many Blackbird dates during each month. When not Turdus merula singing the usual count, from the A common and widespread thrush Reserve was one, sometimes two. Five usually associated with woodland singing on 12th April, 3 on 20th May, 6 habitats. In our Recording Area this calling on 24th June and 5 still singing seems to range from gardens to scrub on 4th November were the exceptions. habitats. Blackbirds are rarely observed in open farmland. Pheasant shoot Starling drives out of Miscanthus and other Sturnus vulgaris grass species hold few blackbirds but, During the early winter period there as at Badger Bank (scrub) and Sloe was no indication of the reported huge Wood (young plantation to mature roost gathering most evenings from woodland) on 29th November, over across the river in Bellflask. 100 on 100 were flushed. From the Reserve North Parks Farm on 2nd January was 10 to 30 were frequently recorded the period maximum. From late during winter, 40 been the maximum February to late August there were no on 30th December. records at all! By late October there was some indication of a large number Fieldfare from across the river when a pre-roost Turdus pilaris gathering of about 1000 were seen Only 16 records of this winter visitor daily in permanent grass fields down and passage migrant. The large areas the west side of the Recording Area, of permanent grasslands on Ripon before flying off to roost, usually just Parks are usually a magnet for this west of the Reserve. By late species, and Redwing. These two November Brian Morland reported up thrush species favour hawthorn to 10,000 were roosting in Bellflask. berries when they arrive, but once About 5000 flew over the Reserve these are devoured, they turn their towards Bellflask during the late attention to the rich invertebrate afternoon of the 29th December. pastures of Ripon Parks. If the ground freezes they have to move on to western Britain or beyond. They 61

return at some stage to make their Unlike Fieldfare, passage was noted way back across the North Sea, which throughout October and into is when we can get large numbers on November with 100 on 23rd October Ripon Parks in March and April. and 200 on 28th. In early November 300 were noted on 2nd & up to 400 on 50 on North Parks Farm on 12th 4th, but numbers had declined to 100 January and 30 on 24th March. One in by 6th. 60 were in the Reserve on 20th the Reserve on 23rd October was the and a similar number around Badger first to return in autumn. The autumn Bank on 29th. In December numbers build up was slow with no large held up, with 100 in the Reserve on numbers in October and November. 4th, 200 on Ure Bank Bottom on 7th, Over 100 were in the Reserve on 4th 300 in the Reserve on 10th increasing December with 50 on Ure Bank to 500 on 11th and a further 500 on Bottom on 7th and still 100 in the Ripon Parks. Only low double figures Reserve on 10th. On the 11th around were noted to the month end. 500 in the Reserve and a further 500 on Ripon Parks. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Song Thrush Not a common bird within the Turdus philomelos Recording Area by any means – 1 or 2 Recorded from the Reserve sparingly birds recorded from the Reserve and every month. During the first quarter within the immediate vicinity on 17 1 or 2 were recorded singing from the dates during the first quarter. A group Reserve and exceptionally six were of 16 birds near the Middle Parks noted singing on 4th March. Other Farm buildings on 20th July was the singing birds were noted within the only double figure count. This Recording Area from Palace Road, summer gathering of (post breeding?) Ripon, The Loop and the Willow birds is well known within the species Garth. Rarely recorded in autumn / and documented. To the year end a winter, but a single bird recorded single bird/s was noted from around from August to December on 8 dates. the Reserve on only one date in September and October and three Redwing dates during early November. Turdus iliacus Recorded on nine dates during the Spotted Flycatcher early part of the year. Thirty on North Muscicapa striata Parks Farm on 5th April were the A single bird in the Reserve on 7th maximum for the period. The first August and 12th September. autumn record was of 16 flying west over the Reserve on 10th October. 62

Robin of the Reserve. Similar numbers were Erithacus rubecula recorded during the second half of the Recorded all year within the Reserve year. Ten birds were using the nest and sporadically from other sites. boxes around the lower car park and Usually in ones or twos the exceptions barn area on 5th November. were 10 (many singing) on 4th March and six likewise on 6th May; 10 on 2nd Yellow Wagtail and 23rd September; 10 calling on 4th Motacilla flava November. Away from the Reserve A single male at Middle Parks Farm the only notable count was six singing on 5th May. at The Loop. Grey Wagtail Dunnock Motacilla cinerea Prunella modularis During the first half of the year single/ Recorded from within the Reserve birds were at Ripon Parks on 2nd and throughout the year, usually in low 30th January. Two on the Reserve on single figures. The only exception to 10th February and one on 5th March. was six plus a brood on the wing on No further records until 2 on 14th July 20th May. with one on 23rd September. Recorded on seven dates during October and on House Sparrow 3 dates in November. One December Passer domesticus record of two birds on 13th. Six in North Stainley on 2nd January was the only record of away from the Pied Wagtail regular sites of North Parks Farm Motacilla alba yarrelli buildings, Reserve car park and barn A poor showing with birds recorded area and the Reserve feeders. Up to 11 from North Stainley, North Parks birds noted around the sites stated. Farm, the Reserve (usually the barn compound area) and the slurry lagoon Tree Sparrow on the Reserve access track. Three in Passer montanus North Stainley on 27th October was Only recorded from the Reserve, the maximum. No breeding or especially around the feed stations. migration movement detected. The species seems to be doing well in the Reserve with five to 20 a regular Meadow Pipit count throughout the first half of the Anthus pratensis year and a maximum of 30, which A flock of 12 at The Loop on 16th included many juveniles, on 24th June. March with 2 on North Parks Farm on Adults were seen feeding young on 20th and 5 west of the Reserve on 7th August in a box at the south end 22nd. All presumably birds moving 63

across to the breeding grounds on Reserve, 2 were on Ripon Golf moorlands to the west. Course on 27th October and 4 were on Ure Bank Bottoms on 7th December. Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Greenfinch Recorded from the Reserve, usually at Chloris chloris the feed stations. One or two on many Recorded from the Reserve, all year, dates from 27th January to mid- but in very low single figures, but February. By 19th February, 12 were with a maximum of 6 on 22nd March. present; thereafter up to five to the A sad reflection of the species demise end of March. Two April records; when during the late eighties flocks of eight on 5th and two late birds on 30th. 1-200 were recorded!

Chaffinch Linnet Fringilla coelebs Linaria cannabina Chaffinch and Goldfinch are the most Two at Middle Parks Farm on 5th May frequently recorded finch within the and on the same farm a planted game Recording Area. At the Reserve this crop attracted up to 200 on 11th species was numerous during the first December. four months, with maxima of 40 on 4th March and 8th April; but up to 20 Lesser Redpoll were recorded on numerous dates Acanthis cabaret during this period. From May to early One or two were in the Reserve from December low double figures was the 2nd January to 5th April. Three at the norm albeit with two anomalies – 20 same site on 4th December. on 24th June and 22nd July. During mid to late December 10 to 30 were Goldfinch recorded on several dates to the 23rd. Carduelis carduelis The species seems to be bucking the Bullfinch trend within the genera as the Pyrrhula pyrrhula population seems to be stable. The scrub and woodland edges at Recorded from the Reserve only, but High Batts are good places to see this on many dates throughout the year, Amber listed bird. It was recorded all usually at the feeders where it is a year, usually in low single figures. common bird. During the first half Peak counts were 19th February (6), year recorded regularly through the 11th and 23rd September (15), 4th and period with a maximum of 30 on 4th 11th November (5) and 4th December March with 10 still present on 20th (10). It is pleasing to report a brood May and 24th June. Mostly low single on the wing on 31st July. Outside the figures from July through to early 64

October thereafter numbers increased Yellowhammer it is becoming harder in early November to 20 on 4th and to sustain a viable local population. 11th and then to a late winter The early winter/spring maximum for maximum of 30 on 4th December. the Reserve this year was 20 on several dates during late March and Siskin early April. The late winter period Spinus spinus was disastrous, with records from the Never proven to have bred within the Reserve only; 2 on 2nd November had Recording Area the species is a increased to 8 by 8th December and regular winter and early spring visitor only 1 to 3 to the year end. Two were to feeders, especially the Reserve feed singing at The Loop on 21st March. stations. Recorded almost daily from the Reserve feeders during the first Reed Bunting quarter with a maximum of 50 on 12th Emberiza schoeniclus January. Twenty on 4th March, after Recorded from the Reserve, usually when numbers dwindled to low single from around the feed stations. One to figures until the last on 30th April. four almost daily during the first Three returned by 27th October with quarter with one singing on 13th ten on 4th and 11th November. The last March and two, on the riverside, on of the year were four birds on 10th 20th May. Outside this period 1 on 2nd December. Two were in the Palace September; 2 on 13th; a female on 2nd Road area on 20th March & 10th April. November and 1 on 10th December.

Yellowhammer ESCAPED AND FERAL BIRDS. Emberiza citrinella This Red Listed bunting was once a Guinea Fowl common bird throughout the Record- Numida meleagris ing Area, especially on the Ripon A small group (maximum of 8) were Parks winter stubble fields. Due to frequently reported from the stubble modern farming, even if a stubble field and game belt to the immediate field is left overwinter it offers little west of the Reserve, during the first sustenance to finches and buntings. quarter. A nest with 10 eggs was With this in mind the High Batts reported from this area on 31st July Trustees sanction the purchase and (outcome unknown). Two to three distribution of wheat across Ripon were regularly seen, especially once Parks in specially constructed hop- the corn was cut, from mid-August to pers for the benefit of this species & the year end. The corn in the pheasant Tree Sparrow. With huge national feeders obviously sustains this declines since the early 1970s of 90% African species through the harsh for Tree Sparrow and 55% for winter periods. 65

LIST OF SPECIES REQUIRING DESCRIPTIONS

THE HDNS Records Committee stresses that records of species in the list below will only be considered for publication if accompanied by a full written description or a recognisable photograph. This requirement ensures complete accuracy and the procedure is also strictly adhered to by the Rarities Committee of British Birds and the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union.

Claims should be submitted as soon as possible after the event so that the necessary adjudi- cation procedures can be finalised in time for the decision to be made, qualifying the record for publication in the Annual Bird Report.

The list of rare birds for which the Society requires full field notes before acceptance for publication, in addition to all those species for which the BBRC requires descriptions i.e. National rarities, is set out below. Full details of those marked with an asterisk (*) are also required by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. Full lists of those species requiring description by YNU and BBRC can be found in their publications or websites. Bean Goose* Temminck’s Stint Bluethroat American Wigeon* Pectoral Sandpiper Black Redstart Ferruginous Duck* White-rumped Sandpiper* Aquatic Warbler* Black Grouse Buff-breasted Sandpiper* Marsh Warbler* Red-throated Diver Red-necked Phalarope Icterine Warbler Black-throated Diver Pomerine Skua Barred Warbler Great Northern Diver Arctic Skua Yellow-browed Warbler Red-necked Grebe Long-tailed Skua Pallas’s Warbler Slavonian Grebe Great Skua Firecrest Black-necked Grebe Mediterranean Gull Red-breasted Flycatcher Bittern Little Gull Bearded Tit Black-crowned Night Caspian Gull* Golden Oriole Heron* Ring-billed Gull* Red-backed Shrike Great White Egret* Glaucous Gull Woodchat Shrike* Purple Heron* White-winged Black Tern* Rose-coloured Starling Spoonbill Roseate Tern Chough* Honey Buzzard* Alpine Swift* Raven (low ground only) Black Kite* Hoopoe Common (Mealy) Redpoll White-tailed Eagle* Wood Lark Arctic Redpoll* Montagu’s Harrier* Shore Lark Common Rosefinch Goshawk Short-toed Lark* Cirl Bunting* Rough-legged Buzzard* Red-rumped Swallow* Ortolan Bunting* Golden Eagle* Richard’s Pipit Lapland Bunting Red-footed Falcon* Tawny Pipit* Rustic Bunting Spotted Crake Red-throated Pipit* Little Bunting Kentish Plover* Water Pipit American Golden Plover Nightingale

Bird Ringing Report 2014 From information supplied by East Dales Ringing Group

Introduction

The ringing totals for 2014 were very slightly up on 2013, with ringing taking place in January, March and November. Blue Tits headed the league table for the year. Second place went to Great Tits with Chaffinches coming a distant third. 25 species were ringed in 2014 compared to 29 in 2013, largely due to the different months in which ringing took place. With no ringing during the Spring and Summer seasons species such as Whitethroat, Blackcap and Willow Warbler did not feature in 2014.

Recaptures

23 ringed birds were recaptured at the Reserve during 2014, all of them having previously been ringed at the site. Nine recaptures were of Blue Tit and four were of Marsh Tit.

The oldest Blue Tit recaptured was a bird (ring number X847134) hatched in 2009 and ringed 13 December 2009. It was recaptured for the third time on 12 January 2014, 4 years and 30 days later.

A Marsh Tit hatched in 2010 (ring number L269002) and first ringed at the Reserve on 29 August 2010 has since been recaptured four times, the latest being 16 November 2014, 4 years and 79 days after first being ringed.

Other birds that have survived at least four years since first being ringed were a Dunnock, ring number X847152, recaptured 23 March 2014, 4 years and 100 days after ringing and a Robin, ring number X847232, recaptured 23 March 2014, 4 years and 156 days after ringing.

HIGH BATTS RINGING SUMMARY 2013 Species Full grown Pulli Retraps / TOTAL Recoveries Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 0 3 5 Dunnock 7 0 4 11 Robin 6 0 3 9 Blackbird 6 0 0 6 Redwing 1 0 0 1 Mistle Thrush 1 0 0 1 Chiffchaff 1 0 0 1 Goldcrest 2 0 0 2 Long-tailed Tit 1 0 1 2 Marsh Tit 5 0 9 14 Coal Tit 9 0 1 10 Blue Tit 171 0 92 263 Great Tit 65 0 45 110 Nuthatch 1 0 2 3 Treecreeper 2 0 0 2 House Sparrow 5 0 0 5 Tree Sparrow 17 0 3 20 Chaffinch 45 0 6 51 Brambling 6 0 0 6 Greenfinch 4 0 0 4 Goldfinch 34 0 1 35 Siskin 21 0 0 21 Lesser Redpoll 2 0 0 2 Yellowhammer 7 0 1 8 Reed Bunting 4 0 2 6 TOTALS 425 0 173 598

Mammals by Ray O‘Donnell

Introduction

The Open Day of 2014 produced a great record of seventeen Bank Voles (Myodes glareolus) trapped within the Reserve as well as two Common Shrews (Sorex araneus), one Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and a Water Shrew (Neomys fodiens). Although these small creatures are elusive, the trapping session demon- strated a healthy population within the Reserve. It was also good to have a sighting of a Field Vole (Microtus agrestis) in the Reserve during the year. There was good representation of the larger carnivores in the year. There were several Mink (Mustela vison) records, varied in colour from jet black to blue/grey. There were two multiple MInk records with four and five individuals being recorded. An unusual sighting of a Polecat/Ferret was also recorded. Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Otter (Lutra lutra), Stoat (Mustela erminea) were also seen in the Reserve with good numbers of records. Nomenclature and order follows Harris S. & Yalden D.W. 2008. Mammals of the British Isles: Handbook, 4th Edition

the Reserve; an animal on the quarry Order RODENTIA rd Rodents track on 23 October and an animal in Middle Parks on 24th April. One was watched burying nuts on 6th Grey Squirrel September and one was sunbathing on Sciurus carolinensis top of a nest box on 20th December.

Thirteen records were submitted in the Bank Vole year. The highest number in a single Myodes glareolus sighting was four on 17th October, with three seen on 3rd March. All of This was a great year for Bank Vole the other records were of one or two sightings, with 12 records compared squirrels. Several of the animals were to only three in 2013. All records seen in the vicinity of the hide feeders. were in the Reserve. Animals were Only two of the records were outside spotted near the Dragonfly Pond, near

the Pond Hide and on the river bank. record was 15+ on 19th May. There A trapping session on the Open Day was another high record of 11 animals caught 17 animals. Three Bank Voles on 5th June. On 9th January there was a were seen on 17th October, all other record of a dead animal designated as sightings being of one or two. a “stoat kill”.

Field Vole Brown Hare Microtus agrestis Lepus europaeus There was a single record of this There was an increase in Hare species on 3rd March in front of the sightings in 2014 compared to the Pond Hide. single record in 2013. One of the four records (20th March) was in the North Wood Mouse Lees surrounds, an area where Apodemus sylvaticus historically there have been many sightings. Other records were on 27th There were six records in 2014. The Feb in Middle Parks; 24th April first three, on 13th March, 10th April opposite the Hotel; and 19th May in and 12th June were in the barn, one in the Reserve. the bird food drum and another in seed husks. The other three records on 16th October, 27th October and on the INSECTIVORES Open Day were of three animals in South Clearing, one in the volunteer Mole bothy and one trapped. Talpa europaea Records of mole hills within the Common Rat Reserve were reported between 25th Rattus norvegicus January and 30th November. There There were three records in the was a single record of animals in the Reserve, all of droppings in the barn Recording Area in Ripon Parks where th compound. seventy corpses were on a fence on 5 May. Order LAGOMORPHA Common Shrew Rabbits and hares Sorex araneus

Rabbit There were two sightings in the Oryctolagus cuniculus Reserve. Two animals were trapped on the open day, and there was a dead There were 26 records during the th animal on 4 December. year. The greatest number on a single

Water Shrew another on 28th August around the Neomys fodiens river hide. Unidentified bats of the Myotis genus were in flight on 10th There was a single record of an September. There were three records animal trapped on the Open Day. of noise/animals from the bat box on the hide. The other record was of Order CHIROPTERA droppings in the Hotel on 2nd Bats November.

Noctule Bat Order CARNIVORA Nyctalus noctula Carnivores Recorded twice in flight over the Reserve on 10th September. Fox Vulpes vulpes Common Pipistrelle There were six records, three of Pipistrellus pipistrellus droppings and three animals. The first There was a dead animal in the Hotel sighting was on 16th February. on 12th June and 14th August. A small Another was in the North Clearing on nd roost of four bats was present in the 2 March. There were then two front gable of the Hotel on 6th records of droppings on the ride on th th September and an occasional 10 April and on 5 June. A vixen th Common Pipistrelle was in flight over was seen near the main hide on 9 nd the Reserve on 10th September. July. The last record on 2 November was of droppings in the barn Soprano Pipistrelle compound. Pipistrellus pygmaeus Badger Recorded in flight throughout the Meles meles Reserve on 10th September. A large boar was encountered on the footbridge at 19:45 on 10th July. He Brown Long-Eared Bat quickly made off in the direction from Plecotus auritus which he had come! One was recorded in flight on 10th September. Otter Lutra lutra Unidentified Bat spp. There were seven unidentified bat There were four records in the Reserve and Recording Area. An records from the Reserve. One was of th a bat over the river on 19th May and animal swam across the river on 9

January in front of the river screen at grassy bank at the Loop on 21st 9.30am. On the morning of 17th March. On 19th May an animal was February one was seen on the viewed with a kill on the river. There riverbank opposite the Hotel. An were two further sightings on the river animal was seen later in the day on on 25th June and 2nd July. There were 26th June with the last sighting on 16th then two multiple animal records, 4 in July, again on the river. the Reserve and river on 15th July and 5 on 16th July, two recorded as grey Stoat and two as black. The last record of Mustela erminea the year was of an animal crossing the river twice on 17th October. There were eight sightings, seven within the Reserve and one in the Recording Area. The first animal was Order ARTIODACTYLA seen on 25th January. On 3rd March Even-toed Ungulates one was by a wood pile near the hide. Other animals were seen on 29th Roe Deer March, 17th April (seen from the Capreolus capreolus hide), 15th July (in barn area), 16th st A total of seven records were July and 31 July (on the footbridge). submitted in 2014. Three of the The single record outside the Reserve th records were in the Reserve and four was on the quarry track on 7 August. in the Recording Area. The Reserve records were of an adult with a fawn Polecat/Ferret on 16th July, a single animal on 7th Mustela putorius / furo August and an animal crossing the river on 17th October. The Recording There was an unusual record of a th Area sightings were of two animals polecat/ferret on 20 March at the west of the Reserve on 13th March, South end of the Reserve. one male in Pennycroft on 14th August, one in a maize field at North American Mink Parks Farm on 10th October. Finally Mustela vison three animals were in the field below A significant number were seen in the the Reserve on 15th November. Reserve in 2014. There were nine records submitted, two of which were for multiple animals. The first was of a single animal recorded on 17th March. On 20th March a large blue/ grey male was trapped near the ford. A jet black animal was seen out on the

High Batts Nature Reserve

General Information

High Batts is a Private Nature Reserve (PNR) comprising some 12.5 ha. (31 acres) of mixed woodland. It was formerly an island in the River Ure - the word 'batts' means island. When the course of the river changed, the Reserve was left as an integral part of the west bank of the river.

The Reserve is situated on the Magnesian Limestone belt with the immediate substrate being mostly alluvial gravels. This determines a diverse flora and fauna; the woodland comprises Ash, Birch, Alder etc. with Hawthorn scrub, and dry limestone grassland clearings. It is intersected by a small stream, and ponds have been created for the encouragement of water birds and aquatic life. An extensive Recording Area has been designated surrounding the Reserve which complements and extends the records from the Reserve proper. Maps of the Reserve and the Recording Area are published on the inner covers of this Report. An agreement was concluded with the Norton Conyers Estate in 1973 enabling the area to be managed as a nature Reserve, and it was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1983. Additional land at the south end of the Reserve was leased from Lightwater Holdings in 1995 and this is used for storage buildings, work area and car parks. A Pond Hide, a Riverside Hide and the 'Hotel' hide have been provided for the use of visitors to the Reserve.

The Reserve lies to the east of North Stainley village, near Ripon. Access for visitors is by a private track leading to the Hanson Aggregates quarry complex. The entrance (Grid Ref. SE 289761) is on the eastern side of the A6108 road between the entrance to Lightwater Valley and North Stainley. Keys are available to Members of the Reserve for the padlocked gate at the track entrance. This key also allows entry to the hides on site. Access to the Reserve is limited to its Members; visitors and group visits are very welcome by special arrangement via the Secretary.

As noted above, the Recording Area extends beyond the boundaries of the Reserve; members and visitors have no privileged access to this area except on public roads, rights of way and open access land.

The Reserve is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Its operation & membership arrangements are defined in its Governing Document adopted in April 2013.

Membership of High Batts

Membership of High Batts is open to any individual interested in the area and the work of the Charity, who makes formal application and pays the annual subscription.

Membership rates Individual £11 Family £15 Junior / Student £5

Deposit on key for gate/hides: £3.

Enquiries about membership to:- Peter Hills Membership Secretary 41 Glebe Meadow, Sharow, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5BD Tel. 01765 604101 Email: [email protected]

Other enquiries All other enquiries including individual or group visits should be made to:- Mrs Alwin Knowles, Secretary, Woodclose House, Ripon Road, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5NL Tel. 01423 711887 Email: [email protected]

Enquiries can also be made to:- Colin E Slator, Chair of the Trustees, Broadcacres, Kirkby Hill, Boroughbridge, YO51 9DH Tel. 07935 352890 Email: [email protected]

The High Batts Nature Reserve website https://highbatts.wordpress.com/

Notes

76 Front cover photograph: Grey Heron at High Batts by John Drewett 2015 HIGH BATTS

Sponsored by Hanson HEIDELBERG CEMENT Group 2015