Getting ready for our Big Bioblitz Weekend

Strimming, pruning, mowing, cleaning and checking cattle were a few of today's tasks for team Tuesday. Many of these jobs were carried out with this weekend's big event in mind. Thank you to everyone for your hard work. The portacabin was unrecognisable after Bob and Ann worked their magic on it!

Belted Galloway cattle were delivered to the moorland and will help to graze this habitat over the next few weeks.

Amongst the long grasses in this area there are hundreds of invertebrates waiting to be discovered on the nature walks over the coming weekend including Timothy Grass Bugs (always a favourite with the school children due to their 'go faster stripes'!

High above the moor Buzzards were seen soaring and crying throughout the day.

The results of the butterfly transect were very good. They were as follows: Speckled Wood (13), Ringlet (118), Meadow Brown (131), Small Skipper (53), Small Blue (6), Small Heath (4) and Dark Green Fritillary (1). The skippers were busy feeding on the thistles.

Pupils from the Dales School enjoyed a beautiful sunny walk and on their way around they fed chopped apples to the Water Voles.

A new event has been added to the Bioblitz programme, John Drewitt will be leading a bat walk at 9.15pm on Saturday. Places can be booked in the usual way.