2024 Branch Events
Field trips are open to all, with a small fee of £2 payable by non-members. Annual membership is only £5 for an individual and represents excellent value, so either join in advance or print off a membership form and join on the day.
Please note:
Remember to bring a packed lunch, stout footwear, and waterproof clothing.
You may be at risk from Lyme Disease when you visit the countryside. Lyme Disease is a relatively uncommon infection in the UK but it has recently started to occur more frequently. It is caused by a bacterium carried by ticks. People who walk in the countryside, especially those walking through grass, rough vegetation, or wild areas such as heathland, are more at risk.
For more information visit the Lyme Disease Action website.
Check the website for the latest status and updates on planned field trips.
Young persons under the age of 18 are welcome to attend all meetings. However, as the Yorkshire Branch of the BDS has no member registered under the Children’s Act, their parent or guardian must accompany them. The leader of an event should also be consulted in advance if children wish to attend.
Saturday 18th May
Thorne Moor NR
Target species Hairy Dragonfly but we also anticipate seeing large numbers of Four-spotted Chaser and Large Red Damselfly.
Leaders – Keith Gittens, Pete Hinks
Meet 10am at Oakhill NR car park – SE 72665 23144
What3Words – disposal.diver.farmer
From the Oakhill carpark it is a further six miles to the moors. Where possible we will car share to limit the number of vehicles going on to the moors. There will be an opportunity to have an hour or so at Oakhill after the moors visit if anyone so wishes.
Bring a packed lunch, strong footwear recommended. We will be sticking to main tracks so wellies are not necessary!
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
Sunday 16th June
Forest of Flowers
Joint meeting with Cleveland Field Naturalists. An opportunity to explore a series of 17 recently created ponds within this private rewilding project. To date 18 species have been recorded.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Meet 10.30am at the farm – SE 54413 65413,
What3Words – awake.footballers.wiping
Bring a packed lunch, strong footwear recommended.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
Saturday 6th July
Birkdale Farm, Terrington
Joint meeting with Ryedale Natural History Society. A morning meeting to look at a superb wildlife pond on a private farm within the Howardian Hills Natural Landscapes. The farm is managed in an environmentally sensitive way. To date 18 species have been recorded.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Meet 10am at the farm – SE 50203 87140
What3Words – blotting.firms.turkeys
Strong footwear recommended.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
Thursday 25th July
iPort Ponds, Doncaster
Joint event with Sorby Natural History Society and Sheffield Museums. We will be inspecting a relatively new pond in the area but with the possibility of exploring some other ponds and parts of the River Torne.
Leader – Alistair McClean
Meet at 11am on Carr Lane – SK 588 971
The going is relatively easy, mostly on footpaths.
Contact – Alistair.McLean@sheffieldmuseums.org.uk, 01142 782648
Saturday 27th July
Boltby Reservoir and Forest Ponds
Joint meeting with Freshwater Habitats Trust to discover the dragonflies of one of Yorkshire Water’s premier wildlife sites, Boltby Reservoir, where we have been doing conservation work since 2018. If time we also plan to visit some ponds deeper into the forest. To date 18 species have been recorded at Boltby.
Leaders – Keith Gittens, Anne Carter
Meet 10am at the start of the forest drive on Sneck Yate Bank, – SE 50203 87140
What3Words – passports.unravel.stylists
Bring a packed lunch, strong footwear recommended.
Contact – vc62@yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk, 07903 449509
YNY Vice-county Excursions
As YDG is affiliated to the YNU you are welcome to join their events.
18th May – VC63 – Anston Stones Wood
22nd June – VC64 – Lower Winskill Farm, Settle
6th July – VC65 – Preston-under-Scar, Wensleydale
20th July – VC61 – Priory Meadows, Cottingham
10/11th August – VC62 – Castle Howard Estate
For further information please visit the YNU website – https://www.ynu.org.uk
BDS/YDG will have a stand at the following events
20th April – Ryedale Ecofair, Malton – https://ryedaleenvirogroup.co.uk
9th June – Tophill Low Nature Reserve Wildlife Day, Driffield – https://tophillow.blogspot.com
30th June – Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens Wildlife Day, Stillingfleet, York – https://stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk