YOUNGSTERS have taken part in fun and informative wildlife explorer events on Ilkley Moor.
Part of a programme of events organised by The Friends of Ilkley Moor, they took place on August 15 and 16, so young people could discover the wildlife of Ilkley Moor. One was suitable for wheelchairs and push chairs.
Participants explored the different habitats of the streams and tarns, and the animals, insects and plants which live there. Animal tracking and pond dipping were part of this event. Wetland plants within and around the tarns were identified and recorded; as well as amphibians and invertebrates found in the tarn. People also learnt how to survey for mammals using tracks and signs.
The group walked along the lower slopes of the moor, and then across to a wetland area and then climbed up to the stream and upper tarn close to White Wells Spa cottage, to be shown the plants and animals characteristic of the tarns and streams and surrounding habitat.
Plants discovered were heather, cross leaved heather, bilberry, cowberry, lichens, gorse, rowan, hazel, oak, goat willow, ash, and birch trees; water horsetail, yellow iris, soft rush and the grasses of Yorkshire fog, crested dogs tail, cocksfoot, sweet vernal grass and meadow grass. Species recorded from the tarn were water snails and sticklebacks.
As well as exploring the upper tarn, the lower tarn and the stream some of the groups were shown the natural spring behind White Wells cottage, the famous plunge pool and learnt about the history of Ilkley Moor as a spa town.
As part of the event the young people learnt about the importance of wildflowers for the conservation of bees and butterflies; they potted native wildflower seeds in pots to take home, helping in the conservation of our native wildflowers, bees and butterflies.
More practical conservation days in habitat management took place where volunteers helped clear bracken from an area important for wetland plants; and helped dig out drainage ditches that were overgrown with vegetation.
Friends of Ilkley Moor project officer Tracy Gray said: "People had lots of fun on these events as well as helping to conserve Ilkley moor and learning about its wildlife."
Anybody who is interested in the project please contact Tracy Gray, FOIM Project Officer on 07780535860 or tracy@ilkleymoor.org
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