A woodland community group
Month: June 2017
Our next work party is on Saturday 8th July and we would be delighted to see any new volunteers. We meet at 10.00 am at the top of Intake Lane and work until 1.00 pm with a break midway. If you wish to come later check the “Welcome to Hagg Wood” notice board at the entrance to the wood, where a note will indicate where we are working in the wood. Bring gloves if you can, and wear stout shoes or wellies. All the necessary tools are provided.
Although the beautiful display by the wood anemones and bluebells is over for this year, there is still lots to enjoy in the wood. The foxgloves are now looking good, especially in the glade area along Crater Track. There are many other species of flowers to be seen including yellow flag iris, ragged robin, yellow rattle and red campion.
On Wednesday 24th May, following our AGM, Maria Gill gave us a fascinating talk on the history and work of St Nicholas Fields Nature reserve, which is just a mile from York city centre. Its 24 acres, which were formerly a landfill site, now support a wide range of habitats for wildlife. The local community and especially the children, are encouraged to participate in the many activities that are organised by the staff and volunteers and thereby gaining a greater respect for the area.
On Saturday 3rd June, a bright sunny day, 8 of our members enjoyed a cycle ride to both Aughton church and nearby Ellerton Priory church. The cyclists were given a very informative talk on the history of Ellerton Church by Ann Sotheran, which was especially enjoyed by 2 of the cyclists, Margaret and John Eastwood who were married in this church in 1969.
Our next work parties are on 8th July and 5th August, from 10am – 1 pm and we will be pleased to see any new volunteers, even for just an hour. Meet at the top of Intake Lane or find us in the wood. Details of where we are working will be on the notice board at the entrance to the wood.
On a lovely sunny day, eight members enjoyed a cycle ride out to visit Ellerton Church via Elvington, Sutton upon Derwent, Storwood and East Cottingwith.
After lunch we made an extended ride to visit All Saints Church in Aughton. The church is reached through a gate at the west end of the village then via a track that goes between the moated site of the Askes’ manor house and the earthworks of a motte-and-bailey castle.
More information about the church can found on their website http://www.aughtonchurch.co.uk/index.htm
Moving on to St Mary Church at Ellerton where we were met by Ann Sotheran (Treasurer of the Ellerton Church Preservation Trust)
The church stands at the west end of the village overlooking the Derwent Ings. An early work of the celebrated Victorian architect J. L. Pearson. Built in 1846-8 it replaced a remnant of the church of a Gilbertine priory. Redundant but cared for since 1995 by the Ellerton Church Preservation Trust.
More information can be found on their website http://www.ellertonpriory.co.uk/
The ride to Ellerton Church was of particular relevance to two of our members – John and Margaret Eastwood. They were married here in 1969.
A couple of forthcoming events to be held in Ellerton Church
Many thanks to Alan Briers and John Eastwood for organising and leading the ride of 27 miles. Also a special thanks to Andy and Lynne Hunter (Margaret’s brother and sister in law) for their hospitality on our lunch stop and to Ann Sotheran for her very interesting insight into Ellerton Church.
Our next work party is on Saturday 10th June and we would be delighted to see any new volunteers. We meet at 10.00 am at the top of Intake Lane and work until 1.00 pm with a break midway. If you wish to come later check the “Welcome to Hagg Wood” notice board at the entrance to the wood, where a note will indicate where we are working in the wood. Bring gloves if you can, and wear stout shoes or wellies. All the necessary tools are provided.
