NEWSLETTER March 2015 WELCOME

Note from the Editor The spring weather still seems to be making up its mind whether it’s The beginning of another year, where did last year go, and this is a here or not, but the woods and the wildlife seem to have made up their special year for Friends of Northcliffe. In November 2015 it will be the 25th own minds. Bulbs sprouting, woodpeckers hammering, buds bursting – anniversary of the launch of Friends. During the year you will be hearing Northcliffe is springing back into glorious Technicolor after what seems more about this – particularly in the winter edition of the Newsletter. to have been an unusually short winter. Thinking that far ahead if anybody has any old photos of Northcliffe that they would like to share, or memories, etc please do send them in to me A new year brings new opportunities. At our AGM in January, my wife – the sooner the better please so that the committee has time to consider Melanie stood down as Events Officer after five years in the position. everything (I am hoping to be deluged with items!). It’s not just me saying it (I have to, I’m her husband!), but lots of people have said many kind words about the tremendous difference Melanie I am wondering if the Conservation Officer is aware of a new breed that has made in that time. She leaves a legacy of successful and vibrant seems to be multiplying at the golfcourse end of the park and seems events that have a unique sense of community to them, something to flourish during the winter – this photo was taken in February. In all that’s always been important to her. The opportunity for the committee seriousness though, if any of these items belong to you would you please to be creative and support each other in keeping the events calendar remove them. Another thing which we would like to see removed from the going, in the absence of a successor to Melanie. park is the “dog poo”! There is an increasing amount being left and this is a health hazard as well as being unsightly and is an unpleasant discovery There’s also a tremendous opportunity to get more people involved when you get home and find that you have trailed some, unwittingly, into in, and enthusiastic about, all that Northcliffe has to offer. I have to your home. Please see the notice boards to remind yourselves why it is admit feeling a great sense of pride in proofreading the content for important to remove “dog poo”. Hopefully in the very near future (if not this newsletter. The Northcliffe Heritage Project is really gathering already) the Green Dog Walkers Scheme will have started in Northcliffe. momentum, and delivering some wonderful insights into the archaeological story of Northcliffe, so I feel proud that Friends of Liz Hansen Northcliffe are supporting their work. I feel proud that groups like Editor ‘Get Out More’, who you can read about in this issue, feel the work of Friends of Northcliffe is valuable enough to give a donation (many thanks to Annie and Get Out More for their generosity). I look at the combination of conservation activity, community events and research, and feel proud that we’re really putting something back into the community of which we are a part.

My foreword to this newsletter is often tinged with some sadness, and it is with much sadness that we heard of the passing of Jim Vidler, husband to Irene (who is the secretary of Northcliffe Allotment Society).

Cover photograph/ Lisa Chadwick-Firman MARCH 2015 01 On a personal note, I have fond The role of Events Officer involves the memories of Jim – he was a constant planning, co-ordination and running companion to Irene up at their of the non-Conservation activities for allotment, and always had a smile Friends of Northcliffe – things like the ready. We’ll miss him, and our Rae Gala, the Easter event, Big Lunch, condolences go to Irene and family etc. Melanie will be on hand to support at this sad time for them. the next person coming into the role, so you won’t be cast in at the deep end. A new year brings a new committee The Promotions Officer will work closely too. We carried out our elections at with the Events Officer, Membership the January AGM, so I’m pleased Officer and other committee members to introduce our 2015 committee, to promote events, membership consisting of the following people: and Northcliffe itself. For both roles, Steve Bruzzese (Chair), Hugh enthusiasm and commitment are more Firman (Deputy Chair), Sheila Parkin important than previous experience. (Secretary), Joan Newman (Treasurer and Membership), Julia Pearson I’d like to end by saying a massive thank (Conservation), Keith Scott (Website), you to everyone who was involved in the Liz Hansen (Newsletter), Val Harris hugely successful Santa Special. What a Why not treat yourself to a new (Northcliffe Heritage Project), John mammoth task, and what a lot of work Eco cotton shopping bag or buy £3 each or Bromley (General Committee Member), on the day, but the excitement and joy one or two for gifts. These good Guy Barford (General Committee on all the children’s faces made it all quality bags will be on sale for two for £5. Member), Joan Stevens (General worthwhile. To everyone who helped, £3 each or two for £5. Committee Member). my heartfelt thanks, you made a lot of families very happy! Unfortunately, we have still been unable Bags will be available for to find anyone to fill the vacant posts of I do hope you enjoy the best that purchase at events and at Events Officer and Promotions Officer. Northcliffe has to offer this spring, other times please contact So, I’m appealing again for anyone and that the summer is as kind to us Liz and Peter Hansen on who is interested, or who knows anyone as it was last year. 01274 594 690 or Liz and Geoff that may be interested, to get in touch Morrison on 01274 580 794. with me on 07976 714 580 or email All the best, [email protected] Steve

02 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 03 Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 At the April planning meeting we will be discussing the conservation programme for the following year or so. This will be a chance for us to review what we have been doing, hear ideas and suggestions from members and consider what we want to get involved with in the future.

– Are there ways of increasing our capacity? Would you like sessions at a different time? – Are there members who would like The beech was planted in Northcliffe, to train as conservation leaders so CONSERVATION and other northern woodlands, as we can run more sessions? timber for bobbins for the textile NEWS – Are there tasks you would like to industry. I have found very little see Friends of Northcliffe getting specific information about this and involved with? Or things you think By Julia Pearson gather that no clear records of we shouldn’t do? what was planted or harvested in – How can we support the Parks and Northcliffe have been found. We have now completed Beech is native in the south and south Woodlands teams as Local Authority budgets shrink and their resources east of England roughly to the border Beech creates a very dense shade our winter programme continue to reduce? with Devon and South Wales in the and in the woodlands in this region of removing small beech – One idea that has been suggested west, into the Severn valley, the East this limits the amount of ground saplings from the woods. is to start a more thorough process Midlands and up to the border flora, for example bluebells, that of surveying and recording the impact We have held 4 sessions of Norfolk at the north-east of its range. grows beneath its boughs, and the of management in the woods. This and welcomed several new number of oak, rowan and birch could involve fixed point photography volunteers to the group. Beech made a slow return to Britain saplings that regenerate. after the last ice-age. Within its native and Quadrant surveys. This would The work is part of our complement the documentation being range beech rose to dominance Regular members will know that contribution to the Council’s in woods which were disturbed by created by the Heritage Project. biodiversity management our summer schedule of work woodcutting and pasturage. It can focuses in removal of Himalayan I would welcome thoughts and plan for the woods. spread vigorously after introduction Balsam. Again, this is an introduced suggestions at any time but the meeting to woodlands further north and west. and invasive species that, if it is will give us a chance to have a full Forestry Commission ecologists suggest left unchecked, can reduce the discussion. We hope the Assistant it may, given time, have spread further woodland biodiversity by 25%, and Woodlands Officer will be able to north, but the original woodlands were lead to erosion problems on the join us. On 30th April we will have an mostly cleared before it had reached its hillsides. climatic limits. evening walk in the woods to reflect on the ideas and clarify plans.

04 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 05 WHAT’S ON? EVENTS DIARY

Picnic with the Easter Bunny Dawn Chorus Walk Big Lunch Woodland management sessions Saturday 4th April Saturday 2nd May Sunday 7th June 12pm–3pm 4.45am 12pm–3pm Spring Conservation Walk Bring a picnic and meet the Easter Bunny Enjoy the wonders of the English Bring a picnic and join in the nationwide Thursday 30th April in the top field past the miniature railway. dawn chorus with Lisa and Hugh. event that’s about eating food with 7pm The Easter Bunny will be strolling around Meet just inside the woods at the end neighbours as a community. What Meet at 7pm at Cliffe Wood Avenue meeting the children, and the miniature of Lynton Drive for a one hour stroll better place to enjoy your picnic than gates. We will walk up through the railway will be open all afternoon for through Old Spring Wood admiring the the beautiful woodland glade next to woods, past the pond. We will be rides – you might even get to ride the bluebells and listening to the bird song. the miniature railway? Our friends at looking to see what our conservation same train as Easter Bunny! There will So as not to disturb residents please Model Engineering Society will options and priorities are for this year, also be an Easter Bonnet competition, do not drive up Lynton Drive. Parking is be running trains all afternoon. following on from the discussion at the prizes for the best bonnets. Other extremely limited, especially at 4.45am! planning meeting in April. attractions to be confirmed are decorate Bring a flask and breakfast bun unless Nocturnal Wildlife Walk your own egg competition, face painting you want to rush back to bed. Please Saturday 27th June Himalayan balsam control and sweet tombola. wear suitable footwear and clothing. 9pm–10.30pm Tuesday June 9th For more information or questions ring Meet at the main ornamental gates Wednesday June 24th Saplings Forest School Play Group 07712 867610. on Bradford Road (almost opposite the Thursday 23rd July Starts Thursday 16th April, then every Branch). 7pm Thursday during term time. Go Walkies Meet at the Miniature Railway. We are 10am–12pm Monday 4th May (TBC) Join Lisa and Hugh and a visiting moth pulling areas of balsam to allow the These sessions are run by Sponge Tree. A sponsored walk for dogs in aid of expert to discover the secret night life native woodland plants to dominate. Meet at the old playground (up the hill Guide Dogs. Time and meeting place to of Northcliffe; bats, deer, hedgehogs, We will be working on the hillside so from the new playground, opposite the be confirmed. foxes, owls and the wonderful, fairy please wear strong shoes and suitable football pitch). For more information or like, ghost moths. Please wear suitable clothes. We will provide gloves, but you to pre-book call Paula on 07914 389726. Kite Sunday footwear and clothing and bring a might want insect repellent. Sunday 10th May torch. For more information or questions 2pm–4pm ring 07712 867610. Weather (and wind) permitting, bring your kites up to Northcliffe Meadow Rae Gala and enjoy a fun afternoon. Those who Sunday 28th June turned up last year had a great time, 2pm–4.30pm Please always check the Notice see if anyone else can keep their kite Come and join us for our annual Boards in case an event has been aloft for the whole afternoon – one celebration of the gift of Northcliffe cancelled. person did manage it! Flying a kite is to the people of Shipley. More details one of life’s simple pleasures, come nearer the time. along and join in.

06 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 07 in the UK for people of all ages in many different settings. Forest schools aim to be an inspirational process which offers participants regular opportunities GET OUT to achieve and develop confidence through hands on learning experiences. MORE! Since 2010 Get Out More CIC has been running forest school programmes in Bradford woodlands including St Ives estate, Middleton Woods in , Hirst Wood in and Northcliffe Get Out More CIC a social enterprise Woods. Local groups Bradford with a mission to help people engage Community Environment Project and with nature to feel better about Sponge Tree Arts are also running themselves in mind and body, or as we regular activities in Northcliffe. put it, we want people to get more out of life through getting outdoors more. As Get Out More runs a range of creative a social enterprise we reinvest any profit and accessible outdoor activities but we make back into the communities forest schools remain at the heart in which we work. Last year we made of what we do. At our holiday forest a small profit which we have used to schools children come along to enjoy provide some free outdoor activities, adventurous woodland games, using the rest to support conservation in crafts and activities, or simply to let Annie Berrington from the woods which we are lucky enough themselves and their ideas run wild Forest Schools tells us to use. We were pleased to be able to in a beautiful woodland setting. about the Company that make small donations to Friends of St Qualified and experienced forest school Ives, Hirst Wood Regeneration Group runs this programme and leaders support children to push their and Friends of Northcliffe. We know you the activities they run at boundaries, learn new skills and feel a are doing great work to look after the sense of achievement through activities Northcliffe (Get Out More woods we all love. Is a Community Interest such as using tools or fire lighting. All the activities are carried out with Company) To find out about our next programmes permission from Bradford Council’s visit our website www.getoutmorecic. Woodland Management team and are co.uk We can also be found on risk assessed to ensure we get the right If you’ve been wandering through Forest schools are a programme of Facebook; Get Out More; forests balance between adventure and safety. Northcliffe Woods wondering what play and learning in a woodland schools, outdoor learning and play and We strive to minimize our impact on the the big group of kids and adults are environment where children visit on Twitter @getoutmorecic up to, kneeling around a fire circle, woodlands on a regular basis, environment and maximize participants’ constructing dens or dangling from supported by qualified forest school connections with nature through quality trees on ropes, chances are you have leaders. As many good educational outdoor experiences in their local stumbled across a forest school. ideas do, the idea came from woodlands. Scandinavia as an approach to early education, but has now been adopted

08 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 09 NORTHCLIFFE BIRD HERITAGE AND FEEDING AREA SURVEY UPDATE

By Hugh Firman By Derek Barker

Throughout the winter small groups of The top field of Northcliffe Park, close to Northcliffe Heritage Project volunteers the golf clubhouse, was once known as have been surveying signs of the area’s Coal Pit Close. A number of roughly industrial past. The intention is to get circular features can be seen on aerial as much work completed as possible photography which must, we think, before the bluebells and other spring be colliery shafts. They are too close flowers grow up. We believe we now together to be 20–25m shafts reaching understand how Northcliffe’s two major down to the Hard Bed. We assume they coal seams were accessed and we have are ‘bell pits’ exploiting a thin higher identified huge heaps of spoil from seam known as the 36 Yard Coal. The Hard Bed collieries along the Northcliffe historians in our group are convinced dike path. Above this activity there is a that mining was occurring here in the In January when we were blessed Thanks are due to all who helped on the stratum of valuable sandstone known late seventeenth century which is far with excellent weather, about 60 adults day including members of the as Stanningley rock. This was evidently earlier than we believed possible when and children came along to see and and Bradford local group of the RSPB for quarried extensively. On the Northcliffe the project began. count the birds as we took part in the their expert assistance and Northcliffe Golf Club side there were a small world’s biggest wildlife survey, the Allotment Society for providing use of number of larger, nineteenth century, In the very near future Bradford University RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. This survey their clubhouse. quarries. On the Northcliffe Park side of will be undertaking a geophysical has been running since 1979 and has the woodland there were many much survey in this field to establish how provided some invaluable conservation Tim Clark wrote just after the production smaller quarries of uncertain date. extensive the mining has actually been. information. Examples are house of the last Newsletter to say: This is a most exciting development and sparrow numbers, which have dropped “Delighted to espy a Nuthatch up by we hope that the geophysicists may by 62% and starling numbers which Allotments the other day – brought a also be able to estimate the depth of have reduced by a staggering 84% in real smile to my face. Have only seen the shafts. The Friends of Northcliffe that time. once before and that was climbing have funded all this work for which we Cadair Idris.” (Ed – This is part of a are very grateful. The volunteers are We counted birds at the bird feeding Horseshoe walk in northern Wales, determined that they shall have value area over a period of two hours and considered by many to be the best in for money, and already we believe that 14 different species were recorded Wales.) a story of great interest can be told. including nuthatch, bullfinch and a solitary house sparrow. The most abundant bird counted was the great tit, with a maximum count of 8. Perhaps the highlight was a fly past of 5 ring-necked parakeets!

10 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 11 NORTHCLIFFE MEMBERSHIP AND CROSSWORD SUBSCRIPTIONS No. 9 APRIL 2015 – MARCH 2016

Membership Updates Subscriptions have remained the same for this year: Thank you for all the support we have had in the last year. At the time of Single £4 writing we have 177 families signed up Single Concessions £3 as members of FoN, and of these 69 Family £6 are happy to receive the newsletters by Family concessions £5 e-mail only. Send your details with cash or a Welcome to new members: cheque made payable to Friends of Jim Baird; Derek & Phil Barker; Northcliffe to: Khemasara & Penny Rowen Joan Newman Treasurer 42 Moorhead Crescent Shipley Across Down BD18 4LQ 1 This woodland bird is happy 2 A large citrus fruit grown mainly in upside-down (8) Jamaica (4) Again we ask you to think about 6 Vase alters to become what we should 3 A device for raising a load (5) donations as these helped us do with paper, cans & plastic bottles (4) 4 Small instruments for digging (7) considerably last year, especially 8 A plant or animal lacking pigment (6) 5 Shoot turns to become owl calls (5) towards bird food for the feeding 9 A colour in a rainbow, or a fruit (6) 6 A small brown bird which nests station, as well as to general funds. 10 Folk who keep accounts (10) communally (7) 12 Take the strain in Northcliffe at 7 description of fast growth (8) weekends (6) 11 Often used as a synonym for an animal (8) A membership form is included 14 Not breaking the legal rules (6) 13 When we need to know all the answers (2,5) with this newsletter and can also be 15 Another name for the Hedge Brown 14 Wig plan turns to become a peewit (7) downloaded from our web site – butterfly (10) 16 The opposite of friend (5) maybe you could enrol somebody(?). 19 Of an insect – the act of changing from 17 Wireless communication (5) a larva (6) or ‘little dog munched’ (3,3) 18 Peat free compost often contains this 20 When it rains we need an – – – – – – fibre (4) occupation (6) 21 Seat turns & becomes meals in the afternoon (4) 22 A fermented milk product, often mixed with fruit (8) The answers can be found on the back page of this newsletter. Composed by Douglas Lumb and Joan Newman 12 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 13 NORTHCLIFFE NATURE NOTES

By Lisa Chadwick-Firman

The crocuses and the snowdrops are Often adding to the atmosphere at this looking good again at the top of High time of year, are flocks of geese calling Bank Lane. Reminding me again, when as they fly over Northcliffe on their I see them, of the brownies that helped migration. We also saw a good number us plant them many years ago. Don’t of redwings this year, visiting us from miss the chance to see the crocuses on the cold north. I do hope you are able the avenue again this year. They were to get out and enjoy our beautiful absolutely stunning last year, I wonder Northcliffe, despite the cold. You will if they will be that good again this year? be well rewarded if you can, and (Ed – they are flowering at the golf remember to pop by the bird feeding course end along with the snowdrops area to see what’s there; you never and look wonderful, again.) know you may see our flamboyant parakeets! When I was walking through Old Spring Wood, earlier in February, I was amazed at how far advanced the bluebell leaves were! A sign that this winter has been fairly mild so far, though you may not agree with me! Isn’t this a wonderful time Our faithful robin, who has cheered us up of year? The sun is getting all winter long with his beautiful song, I love to get out for a walk up Northcliffe has now been joined by a very melodic on these winter days. The silhouetted higher and the days are song thrush. He is heralding in the spring trees against a clear sky look stunning. getting longer and brighter, and boy is he rejoicing loudly! The other Every season has its beauty! I was hallelujah! I love this time of birds are beginning to join them too, fortunate to get out for a few walks in year; the birds are beginning warming up their voices, over the last the snow on gloriously bright days. to sing more too. few days. I love our sparrows and Northcliffe looked spectacular and I starlings; they chatter away all winter, took many photos! I have seen some brightening those grey winter days. superb winter sunsets too.

14 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 15 By now, the tadpole is completely Next, our little tadpole will grow legs – WOODY’S SPOT independent and the parent frogs first the back ones and then a tiny pair for younger friends will have already left the pond and of front legs. It is almost a frog! What gone to live in moist grass or dense do you think has to happen now to undergrowth. To begin with, the make the change (or metamorphosis) By Jeannie Kopasz tadpole will cling to a water plant complete? but within four days it will be able to swim about and find its own food. One of my favourite stories is Animals can pick up strong signals At this stage it will be breathing Look, about a Water Rat and a Mole who from smells that humans never notice. through feathery little gills such as no tail! become the best of friends and Sometimes these signals combine to fish have. Very soon, the gills will had lots of adventures together.* make them act in certain ways. Mole disappear and the tadpole will had picked up a scent that he just breathe at the water surface using Mole left his own home and went to couldn’t ignore. Perhaps frogs pick up its newly developed lungs. spend the summer with Rat. One day, similar signals. Maybe they get to feel the two friends had been out exploring tingly inside when they are drawn to It has taken about four months for our and had got a bit lost. Suddenly Mole return to the very same ponds year after tiny tadpole to change into a proper little stopped in his tracks – he had smelled year to lay their eggs. frog. Now it has to watch out for other a very special smell. It made him feel predators. It would be a tasty snack for excited and tingly all over. It reminded Our most common frog has a smooth, a rat, a grass snake or a hedgehog. him of something. It reminded him moist skin which may be green, Stay safe, little frog!!! of HOME, his own little home which grey, yellow or brown. It may also be he hadn’t seen for such a long time. speckled with dark blotches of black, Mole had enjoyed living with Rat but brown or red. And, as if that isn’t suddenly he knew that he MUST follow enough to help it to stay hidden from Froggy Jokes (croaks!) that scent and return to his own place. other animals who would like to eat it, the frog can lighten or darken its skin to Q. When is a frog’s favourite blend in with its surroundings! time of the year? A. Leap Year! Metamorphosis is a complete Q. Where do frogs borrow money? transformation in the A. From a river bank! way an animal looks Once the lady frog has returned to her as it changes into chosen pond, she will shed up to 3,000 Q. What do you call a frog with an adult. eggs at a time. That sounds to be an no back legs? awful lot but most of these eggs (and A. Unhoppy! the developing tadpoles) will be eaten by birds and pond creatures. Each egg Q. What do frogs order from has a coating of jelly which swells in the McDonald’s? water to form frog spawn. As the spawn A. French flies and Diet Croak! floats to the surface it is warmed by the spring sunshine and quite soon a little tadpole will wriggle out of each egg. Colour the Frog

*The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame 16 MARCH 2015 MARCH 2015 17 Contact details: Chair: Steve Bruzzese T: 01274 530142 E: [email protected]

Deputy Chair: Hugh Firman T: 01274 594 109 E: [email protected]

Events: (to be filled)

Promotions: (to be filled)

Conservation Activities: Julia Pearson T: 01274 590898 E: [email protected]

Membership and Treasurer: Joan Newman T: 01274 583004 E: [email protected]

Secretary: Sheila Parkin T: 01274 594518 E: [email protected]

Newsletter: Liz Hansen T: 01274 594690 E: [email protected]

Website: Keith Scott Printed by T: 01274 585694 E: [email protected]

General Enquiries: [email protected]

Website: www.friendsofnorthcliffe.org.uk

Answers to Crossword no 9 Design Phil Morrison Across 1 Nuthatch; 6 Save; 8 Albino; 9 Orange; 10 Treasurers; 12 Trains; 14 Lawful; 15 Gatekeeper; 19 Pupate, or Pup ate; 20 Indoor; 21 Teas; 22 Yoghourt; Down 2 Ugli; 3 Hoist; 4 Trowels; 5 Hoots; 6 Sparrow; 7 Vigorous; 11 Creature; 13 In exams; 14 Lapwing; 16 Enemy; 17 Radio; 18 Coir;