Low Moor and Oakenshaw Wildlife

Sadly we recently lost a valuable member of our Conservation Group.

However, Gillian from Oakenshaw will always be remembered for her smile, enthusiasm and her excellent ‘ Litter picking skills’

Alone with her husband David we planted a tree in her memory and the tree will always be know in our area as ‘ Gillian’s Tree ‘

“This tree was planted in honour of Gillian, whose kindness, dedication, and love for the natural world enriched our group and our landscape.”

Yesterday was our conservation’s group workday which found us in Toad Holes Beck.

The south facing bank near the pond was thick of Bramble so last year we reduced the valuable Bramble by half to create a wildflower meadow. However, some of the Bramble has started to come back or we missed some..which is more likely!

So with aching backs we dug up the remaining Bramble, finding 4, 7 Spot ladybirds. However, we under constant surveillance by a pair of Robins who made quick darting flights for worms.

Although it was hard work the reward should be more food for our pollinators in spring and summer.

On Saturday 7th February at Raw Nook LNR, our conservation group held a highly important and productive meeting with Richard Perham, Countryside Officer for Countryside and Rights of Way(second left), and David Campbell, Biodiversity Officer(far left)—both representing Bradford Council.

We discussed a number of conservation/management issues, the main ones included:

• The trees at Raw Nook have become so dense that very little light now reaches the woodland floor, which is beginning to impact the site’s biodiversity.

• One of the pathway is currently flooded.

• The meadow requires ongoing maintenance.

• Toad Holes Beck, the main path and the boardwalk are in need of attention.

A lot of positive help and support was offered by both David and Richard which is excellent news for the site.

We would like to thank both David and Richard for there knowledge, support and site visit

One important point that may concern people who enjoy Raw Nook LNR is the proposed felling of a small number of trees. I want to reassure visitors that this action is based on nearly 50 years of wildlife recording at the site, which now shows a genuine decline in several species. The cause is simple: in some areas the woodland has become so dense that very little light reaches the ground, leading to a loss of ground flora and the wildlife that depends on it.

Selective thinning will allow more sunlight to reach the woodland floor, encouraging a richer diversity of plants, which in turn supports a wider range of insects, birds, and other wildlife. In short, carefully managed tree work is essential to restoring the ecological balance of the reserve.

I will post as and when any future work is to be carried out.