Month: April 2024

News Update – May 2024

May is a wonderful time to visit the wood and also see the continuing improvements that reward the efforts of so many people who volunteer for our work parties or financially support our group. To walk through on a sunny spring day and see the wood anemones and primrose in bloom and the sight of a bumper bluebell display really lifts the spirits.

One of the most joyful experiences in Hagg Wood in May is the dawn chorus, although it has been building up over a longer period. If you get a bright sunny morning in late January, you might hear the Song Thrush or Great Tit warming up for the big show, joining Robins who sing all year. Like many species, they need time to get into their rhythm, with their song building in quality and intensity as Spring fully kicks in. By mid-March lots of our resident birds are in full song and in mid-April, the riot of sound is in full effect as millions of migrant birds pour back in from Africa to their summer homes. In early May the chorus is at its peak, but it can be heard in some form into early summer.

Why do so many birds sing at dawn? Birdsong has been shown to carry 20 times further at dawn, making all that effort to attract a mate much more worthwhile. For the males, it is also a reminder to their rivals that they have survived the night and are in fine fettle, with the strength, skills and stamina to sing. Many summer visitors arrive at night, increasing the competition, so the birds already here sing their hearts out first thing to let the new arrivals know who’s boss. 

Our next conservation working parties are on Saturdays 4th May, 22nd June and 6th July from 10am to 1pm, so do get in touch if you would like to join us via our contact page  https://haggwood.wordpress.com/contact/

On Thursday 30th May at 3pm in the Reading Room, Ewan Downey will give an illustrated presentation on “The White Rose Forest project and Rewilding”. Details of our AGM in May, which is only open to FHW members, will also be sent to our members.

On Saturday June 1st there will be a party at Dunnington Sports Club from 2.30-4.30 pm with the Dunnington Community Choir and a local folk group to celebrate the public right of way re-opening. Further details are available on our website http://www.fohw.org.uk.

Cycle Ride to Burnby Hall Gardens Thursday 2nd May 2024

A chance for some healthy exercise and fresh air.  Join us on a a cycle ride on Thursday 2nd May to  view the Tulip displays at Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington.  Entry fees to the garden are Adults £8.30, Seniors £7.30, Children £5.70.  Burnby Hall & RHS members are free.  Bring a packed lunch or refreshments can be purchased at the Lilypad Café.

The route will be along Route 66 to Stamford Bridge and through Fangfoss.

The ride will start in Intake Lane opposite the children’s play park at 10.30 am. 

Helmets and bright clothing are recommended. Please bring a spare inner tube in case of a puncture.