Youngsters discover the wildlife of Ilkley Moor

These events were organised for young people (one suitable for wheelchairs and push chairs) so that they could discover the wildlife of Ilkley Moor. Young people explored the different habitats of the streams and tarns, and the animals, insects and plants which live there. Animal tracking and pond dipping were part of this event. Wetland plants within and around the tarns were identified and recorded; as well as amphibians and invertebrates found in the tarn. People also learnt how to survey for mammals using tracks and signs.

The group walked along the lower slopes of the moor, and then across to a wetland area and then climbed up to the stream and upper tarn close to White Wells Spa cottage, to be shown the plants and animals characteristic of the tarns and streams and surrounding habitat.

Plants discovered were heather, cross leaved heather, bilberry, cowberry, lichens, gorse, rowan, hazel, oak, goat willow, ash, and birch trees; water horsetail, yellow iris, soft rush and the grasses of yorkshire fog, crested dogs tail, cocksfoot, sweet vernal grass and meadow grass. Species recorded from the tarn were water snails and sticklebacks.

As well as exploring the upper tarn, the lower tarn and the stream some of the groups were shown the natural spring behind White Wells cottage, the famous plunge pool and learnt about the history of Ilkley Moor as a spa town.

As part of the event the young people learnt about the importance of wildflowers for the conservation of bees and butterflies; they potted native wildflower seeds in pots to take home, helping in the conservation of our native wildflowers, bees and butterflies.

Volunteers also carried out more practical conservation days in habitat management and footpath maintenance.

Anybody who is interested in the events, volunteer days or educational activities for youth groups, please contact Tracy Gray, FOIM Project Officer on 07780535860 or tracy@ilkleymoor.org