Eco Club

Sunday, April 28th 2013

After a short introduction that ranged from Tawny Owls to weather and bees, we set off to walk along Risedale Beck to look for signs of spring.  Yesterday in the warm spells the hive bees had been out collecting pollen from the willow flowers and returning with full pollen sacs.  There was no pollen coming from the rather wet willow flower that the children examined.

As we walked down the hill Wood Anemones and Celandines were seen but the petals were tightly closed as there was not enough sun and warmth for them to open. Scarlet Elf Cup fungus was pointed out.  Whilst searching for Hazel nuts chewed by squirrels and mice another fungus was found.  It was holding water in its cup like shape.

We carefully looked at Blackthorn in bud.  Not a bud was opened so we would not be able to put it on the April observations.  However like the pantomime 'it is behind you', Sue found many open flowers!

Brian showed the children mayfly and caddis larvae hidden under stones in Risedale Beck.   A mole hole was seen.  Leaves of Bluebell and Greater Stitchwort were found and Wild Garlic leaves were smelt.  Curled fern fronds were just beginning to push through the vegetation.

Our walk then took us to the Scrapes where we hoped to point out some toads at the bottom of the ponds.  Not a one was to be seen.  We were able to use our 'new technology' - a fly fishing rod - to point out tiny tadpoles, pond snails and sticklebacks on the bottom of the ponds.   (Thanks Brian for a great idea!)

Arriving back at the Activity Room the children filled in an alphabet sheet on what they had seen today.

Thank you to everyone who helped  taking photographs, finding things, answering questions, making tea and washing up.

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