Following the preparations earlier in the year, those seeds that were the earliest to germinate are now in full flower…. Corncockle, Cornflower, Corn Marigold, and Poppy are now in full bloom. It is hoped that even more species will flower next year.
Ground preparation at Elliker entrance in April 2015
Elliker entrance…. The first flowers, September 2015
Planting saplings in Elliker field
Dexter cows in Elliker field
The animals will stay on the reserve untill late March when the Spring flowers start to appear.
Enthusiasm was not in short supply…. Frank Shire’s field was similarly treated by the youngsters planting a new hedge along the north-eastern edge of this reserve.
Hedge planting in Frank Shire’s
A well earned rest!
Further information can be obtained at… http://www.grazinganimalsproject.org.uk/what_is_conservation_grazing.html
Local Volunteers joined together in Elliker Field to clear scrub and continue erecting the stock proof fencing in preparation for conservation grazing with Trust member’s rare breed Soay and Hebridean sheep.
The new hedge in the Elliker Field is well underway. Many thanks to those who helped in the rain on the 26th Jan.
Planning the work. all the saplings are bagged into separate species and ready for dividing into lots for planting.
Sue and David from Green Leeds (who funded the hedging project) visitind the Friday Work Party volunteers to see how the project was progressing.
It’s all hands to the deck for the Friday workparty…. dig the hole, plant the tree, insert the cane and fit the spiral guard.
The weather was not so kind two days later during the Winter Work Party on Sunday 26th January.
We are pleased to report that the purchase of Elliker Wood was completed a few days ago. We hope to improve the various habitats to make a haven for wildlife and an inviting place for visitors.
15th September 2013. We invited the local community to come and see the latest plans for Elliker Field and add their comments. Many joined the day’s workparty. Young and old helped to sow seeds and identify wild flowers while the more active helped to clear brash from our initial scrub clearance.
The event was aided by funding from Green Leeds.
Back in August, the local magazine “Wetherby Matters” featured a two-page article about the East Keswick Wildlife Trust.
The two pages are included below.
To see the latest issue of the Wetherby Matters magazine, go to http://emagazines.hibu.com/wetherby.
Corrections to details re- Frank Shire’s Quarry above: “magnesium limestone” should read “magnesian limestone”, “Broomrape thistle” should read “Thistle Broomrape”.
Elliker Fields Community Work Party
Thank you for your support so far.
Management work has now begun.
Please join our work party or just come and have look at the plans.
Sunday 15th September 11am to 3pm
All ages are welcome
Wear sturdy footwear or wellies and bring gardening gloves and loppers if you have them.
Villagers old and young of East Keswick and the nearby areas turned out in force to view the Wildlife Trust’s newest project: “The Elliker Fields”.
Plans and information where on display and some great feedback was given by the community for future plans. The comment below sums it up:
“The plans look great, it will be a fantastic asset to the village. Would love to see some point of interest for children along the path. Hidden sculptures to clamber on, perhaps from local materials. A picnic area. Hidden tunnels or den making area. Mown paths in the grass. Love the pond dipping plan. All sounds great.”
The Trust has broad plans for both the Elliker Field and the neighbouring wood but are always looking for more ideas so leave your thoughts and feelings below!
After hearing the Trust had signed a legal option to purchase the Elliker Fields, an adjacent landholder who has in the past applied for planning permission for his land has offered us his adjoining woodland and wetland pasture.
With an individual private donation we have been able put down a 10% deposit to sign an option for the purchase of this land, which if we are successful in raising the purchase price will extend the Elliker Fields Nature reserve by a further 2.5 acres. This will add greatly to the diversity of the present area under our management and ownership.
We now have 12 months to raise another £25,000 to make up the shortfall of funds available for this land purchase.
Can we do it again? We hope the community will again support us with our new fund raising project.
We will keep all informed of progress through the Trust website and village publications.
Elliker Field is on the left. The woodland and fen extension to the project are to the right of center.
