A bright start to year as society members hit 100

ROCHDALE Field Naturalists’ Society has now more than 100 members.

The group, founded in 1874 by a group of people passionate about natural history, kicked off the year with their first coach trip to Nosterfield in North Yorkshire.

Organiser Karen Cowley said: “It was hard to believe, as we set off from a dark, windy and wet Rochdale on the first Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society coach trip of 2020, that the forecast for our destination in North Yorkshire was a bright sunny day.

“But as we arrived there the skies cleared and the sun shone all day.

“The Society had not visited Nosterfield for several years.

“It consists of two adjacent extraction sites, one still a working quarry during the week and both being managed for nature.

“There are large shallow meres which are a magnet for water birds in winter around which many native trees have been planted.

“In the January sunshine, the light and the views were spectacular, giving us hope that we would be able to see the rare birds that had already been reported by locals.

“We had been told to look out for three in particular, a Lesser Yellowlegs, a Smew and a Scaup.

“All are unusual, and the Lesser Yellowlegs, which is a North American wader, was a lifetime first for many.

“We had very good views through telescopes but unfortunately it was too distant for close-up photos.

“Most also saw the Smew and Scaup eventually.

She added: “Birds were not the only attraction however as rabbits and several hares were noticed as well as the workings of busy moles.

“Some fortunate members of the party were thrilled to see an otter quite close by but as cameras were aimed it dived. wFungi were past their peak season but at least five species were identified on the day.

“Flowering plants were understandably in short supply, but as ever, gorse bushes carried a few hardy flowers.

“A White Dead Nettle with fresh green leaves and white flowers was a reminder of what a mild winter we have had so far, as were the emerging Arum leaves and several species of catkins. All members agreed that it had been spectacular day out.”

The Society has planned coach trips to Lincolnshire and South Cumbria as well as local events where they hope to improve recognition of birds through their songs.

For further details about the Society and future events please go to rochdalefieldnaturalists.org.uk/.