The Grapevine Parish Magazine entry for October 2017

By mid September the light has changed the berries are on the trees and the leaves are beginning to turn. The  FOHW committee have been busy, planning visits, working parties and evening talks on wildlife etc.

The Forestry Commission have recently installed a replacement bench as a result of a generous donation from Mrs Pam Frankland. The original bench was provided in memory of Ron Bielby who worked in the wood for many years.   Mrs Frankland’s family knew Ron very well. The new location in the hard area  at the end of the stone track is more accessible for those wanting a shorter walk. The position of the bench will enable visitors to enjoy a quiet rest in the peaceful surroundings of the wood. Please remember, though, that cyclists and horse-riders should not use the north-south footpath from Hagg Lane into the southern end of the wood, as it is only a public footpath , and not a bridleway.

Some Important Dates –

14^th October – Cycle ride to Howsham Mill near Malton.  The mill has been restored in recent years and it is a generator of renewable water-powered energy. Meet at 10am by the play area on Intake Lane. If  travelling by car meet at Howsham Mill car park at 11.00am. A guided tour has been organised. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea at the Balloon Tree on the way back.

22 November – illustrated talk on the Hazel Dormouse in the Reading room at 8pm. Free to members – £1.50 for non members.

Working Parties – 21^st October, 25^th November, 9 December.  All are welcome – meet at the end of Intake lane at 10.00am.

 

Conservation Work Party – Saturday 30th September 2017

Our next work party is on Saturday 30th September 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.

Fungal Foray – Friday 29th September 2017

Today you have the opportunity to explore Hagg Wood for the many kinds of fungi which typically emerge in the undergrowth of the wood at this time of year.  We will be guided around the wood by Malcolm Greaves, an enthusiastic amateur mycologist and Recorder of the Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group. The many varieties and shapes of the mushrooms and other fungi to be found in the wood add to the Autumnal colours of the wood, though typically should definitely not be eaten as they may well also be poisonous.

We will meet at 5.00pm at the main Notice Board in the wood near the Intake Lane entrance.

As parking space is limited, if you are coming by car it is best to find an appropriate parking space along Intake Lane before it becomes a single track.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for exploring the undergrowth in the wood, where brambles do grow!  The event is free to members of FHW but there will be a charge of £5 for non-members.