Denso Marston Nature Reserve, Baildon - Saturday 2nd July 2011

 Peacock Butterfly at Denso Marston Nature Reserve (photo: Paul Marfell)

We had a fantastic day at Denso Marston Nature Reserve. We found loads of really interesting wildlife – and the weather was brilliant too! Thanks to all the Otters who joined in with the pond dipping, bug hunting and wild flower finding.

I think special thanks must go to the YWT Bingley Watch group, who arranged the event, and to the warden of Denso-Marston Nature Reserve, Steve Warrillow.

Our highlights were the young newts we found in the pond, the dragonfly cases on the reed stems, the lovely Ringlet butterfly, and finding over 50 plants on the reserve! Let us know your highlights by posting a comment below.

Directions to Denso Marston Nature Reserve

Enter from the footpath on Otley Road (the road that leads up to Hollins Hill) across the road from the white wooden St James’ Church. There is a layby opposite the footpath for parking.
Please see the map below.

View Meeting place fro Denso Marston NR in a larger map

Click here for more details on how to reach the reserve on foot or by public transport.

Accessibility

Although appropriate gates are provided to allow wheelchair access into the reserve, the rough river path and gradual riverbank erosion can present problems.

Countdown to launch!

The plans for the launch of Airedale Otters are well under way! The launch event takes place at Bracken Hall Countryside Centre on Sunday 19th June 2011 from 1pm until 4pm, and is FREE!

The event includes a range of outdoor and indoor activities for any kids interested in wildlife. You can arrive at any time during the event and join in the activities, or you can stay for the whole session - it's up to you. If you prefer, you can just pop in to meet us and chat about the group.

Bracken Hall is in a great location near Shipley Glen, and on the day we will use the area to go pootering (collecting mini-beasts using a pooter, so we can study them in detail); identify bird foodstuffs (working out which birds eat which food); and have a Bird Race (seeing as many bird species as possible in a set time - it's great fun!).  Inside, we'll use the centre's facilities to make otter masks, play games, learn about the wildlife in the Bradford area, and much more.

Robin (photo: Paul Marfell) - Hopefully, we will see one of these during the Bird Race

Curlew (photo: Paul Marfell) - If we're lucky, we might one of these fabulous birds in the Bird Race too

Kids can join the Airedale Otters for FREE at the event, and the group is open to children aged six and upwards. The Airedale Otters leaders will be on hand to discuss the group, our plans, and the full programme of events for the rest of the year (including trips to local nature reserves, a fungi walk, and talks from local wildlife experts).

For more information on the group, email airedaleotters@gmail.com.

Bracken Hall Countryside Centre is located at: Glen Road, Baildon, Shipley, BD17 5EA
To contact the centre, telephone: 01274 584140 or email: brackenhallcc@btconnect.com

See you on Sunday!