Boxing Day Walk

It was a beautiful day for a stroll around the reserve.  The guided walk set off from the Field Centre and followed the red route.

The group were told about the willow carr, its coppicing and the need to carry out this work.  Sunshine bathed the Scrapes as explanations were given about  how the water reaches the ponds and the use made of the pond dipping platforms.

On the the lake there were plenty of Mallard.

They were fed and soon left the water to partake of a snack.

The ponies were checked.

At the outdoor classroom, the new interpretation panels were enjoyed.  It looked like the Tawny Owls had been making use of the classroom too!  Owls, although we are not quite sure which ones, had also roosted in the landing to the wetland hide, leaving behind some of their pellets.  These will be kept to one side and dissected at a later date.  It will be interesting to see what 'our' owls have been eating.

Risedale Beck was also visited.

The walk finished crossing the heath and then back to the Field Centre.  Thank you to the volunteers who helped today and of course all our visitors who enjoyed walking around.

If you missed today's walk there is another one on New Year's Day