Health Walks
The lockdown has seen more and more people taking advantage of our fine network of footpaths in the Benefice. If you’re looking for a wider range of routes, it’s worth considering the 4 booklets published over the last few years, describing a variety of routes and lengths.
Holtby Hikes: Walks of 2-5 miles
Dunnington Strolls: 2-3 miles
Dunnington Super Strolls: 4-9 miles
10 on 10: 10 circular walks of 6-8 miles, each one strating from a stop on the No 10 bus route from Stamford Bridge to Poppleton.
Holtby Hikes and Dunningtion Super Strolls have just been reprinted, the former generously sponsored by Cockerills the Potato People.
The first 3 titles have a recommended contribution price of £1.50, and 10 on 10 of £2.50.
All four titles are available from Dunnington Newsagents, where Nick takes no commission, and all proceeds go the the local branch of the NSPCC. They are also available online at northappeals@nspcc.org.uk. So far over £2000 has been raised, and we need even more to meet the increase in domestic abuse as a result of Coronavirus.
Special branches: Nelly’s tree
Legend has it that this intricately shaped tree is the product of a romantic incident in the village of Aberford, on the A1.
A young boy called Nick was madly in love with a girl called Nelly with whom he walked to school, but who paid him scant attention. To show his dedication the ingenious youth managed to graft together two young beech trees in the shape of her initial. Not surprisingly she was impressed, and as the trees grew so did her affection, to such an extent that eventually they married. And of course their marriage prospered, as did the tree.
Go Wild
Despite the havoc caused by the Coronavirus, several good things have emerged over the last few months; especially a sense of community cooperation and an increased appreciation of Nature. Getting out into Hagg Wood, for example, or a visit to Hassacarr Nature Reserve, or a stroll through Hotby Wood have made people more aware of the appeal of natural landscapes. Not only the neatness of gardens and parks and playing fields, but also the native attraction of areas left to grow wild. In Holtby Wood, for example, we have encouraged the trend towards ‘wildness’ by planting a range of wildflowers in hedges, between trees and in open spaces, and by cutting the grass only where necessary for access.
Progress has been slow, but over the years we have seen the appearance – by planting and by natural spreading - of a range of attractive flowers with attractive names. How could you not be amazed, for example, by Red Campion, White Campion, Ox Eye Daisy, Corn Cockle, Common Knapweed, Scabious, Meadow Vetchling, Cranesbill? And in addition to beauty, these flowers and grasses have an immense contribution to make to our environment which is so much under threat. They encourage biodiversity of vegetation and of wildlife: birds, pollinators such as bees, butterflies and moths; and animals such as mice, voles and weasles.
The trend is also growing for planting trees in small spaces. A group called Greening Pocklington is offering to acquire and plant garden trees for residents for a small donation. The trees can be delivered, with or without advice or help with planting, for a voluntary donation.
This year over 200 trees were planted in residents’ gardens, and donations amply covered the costs. A similar scheme could easily be started in the Benefice.
And if you’re really keen you could add to your Tree recogniton and Bird recognition books the Flower recognition book you’ve always wished to have.