Friends of Hagg Wood
A September walk in Hagg Wood revealed many of the pleasures to be found in an English woodland in autumn. Several types of fungi, acorns on the paths, a bumper bramble crop, and deciduous leaves “on the turn”. There were still some summer migrant swallows over the fields and we will soon be welcoming the winter visitors, Redwings, Fieldfares and maybe Waxwings.
The current crisis has certainly highlighted how lucky we are in Dunnington to have ready access to the fields and woods that surround us. Indeed there are reports that there has been an increased demand for houses in rural areas after the long lockdown as people appreciate the need for open spaces. However this makes it even more unfortunate that the path closure prevents easy access for the people who need it most.
We are looking forward to a happier future when our Conservation Working Parties can be resumed, as well as our trips to beautiful destinations and meetings with interesting talks. We always welcome new members, including young people wanting to protect and enhance our local environment for everyone’s better future. Please visit our website www.fohw.org.uk for further details of how to join us.
If you have not already been in touch with us about the disruptive path blockage from Intake Lane, please do get in touch via our website https://haggwood.wordpress.com/contact/ or by writing to FHW, 5 Church Lane, Dunnington, YO19 5PT. But even if you have contacted us in this way, you still need to fill in a User Evidence form that we can present to the Planning Inspectorate to assist our public footpath claim so please email davidmays10@gmail.com for a form so that you can play your full part in achieving a successful outcome.
2nd Tuesday Rides from Dunnington
The small group of local cyclists go out on the second Tuesday of the month at 10.30am from the Cross Keys in Dunnington for a bike ride of around 10 miles. Given the current restrictions, we cannot cycle in a group of more than six, but if there are more, then we can split into two groups. The destination for Tuesday 13th October is as yet unconfirmed but may be to the Air Museum at Elvington. We are a group of friends who cycle at their own risk. Helmets and bright jackets are recommended and please bring a spare inner tube with you in case of puncture. Please come and join us. Any queries to Alison Holmes 07581149056
Our Wildlife Community – Bats
Put a 20 pence piece in your hand and notice how light it feels – that is the weight of a common pipistrelle bat. It is so small it could fit into a matchbox. Sadly, between 1978 and 1993 pipistrelle bats declined by a shocking 70%! Out of the 18 species of bat we have in the UK, 9 have been included in the first Red List for British Mammals. Through intensive agriculture and urbanization our bats have lost their homes and their food.
A few bat facts from the Bat Conservation Trust:
- Bats are more closely related to humans than they are to mice.
- Bats use echolocation to navigate and hunt in the dark.
- Bats are the only true flying mammals in the world.
- A pipistrelle can eat up to 3000 insects per night.
A good clip, ‘Don’t Blame Bats’, dispelling myths about bats can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=gilj-fd77Ew&feature=emb_logo%20Don’t%20Blame%20Bats.
Given it’s National Mammal Week from 23rd October to 1st November, how about doing something to help these amazing creatures? Here are three ideas.
- Reduce unnecessary external lighting. For essential lighting use yellow LEDs, pointing downwards and on a motion sensor.
- Keep cats, their main predator, indoors at night and especially at dawn and dusk.
- Garden without pesticides, grow night-flowering plants for moths and, if you can, make a pond or bog.
We enjoy watching bats swooping over our garden. You can look out for them between April and November - about 30 minutes after sunset seems to be a good time.
Alex & Mum
Bat, by Alex