NORTH YORKSHIRE ARKENGARTHDALE
See how rewilding could transform upland landscapes
This valley has the chance to become transformed, with the first farm in a major rewilding scheme here taking in 136 acres, and 64 acres from neighbouring farms added to it. I was impressed with the Alder carr and even saw signs of ‘natural regeneration’ taking place along the track up to Hegg Farm. Certainly an area to keep an eye on!
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Start your walk at Langthwaite checking the gardens as you do for commoner species like Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin and Wren. Walk down the lane to Booze (does not have a pub!). Always scan the sky for raptors like Kestrel and Buzzard or even a passing Peregrine.
2 Here you can look down on Booze Wood for species like redpolls and Siskins, especially in winter. Carry on the public path into limestone country, crossing several becks. Here you should look for white-washed stones in the water, which indicate the presence of Dippers. They should be here all year round. Summer will see Grey Wagtails using the area.
3
The higher ground here should have Wheatears, that can arrive as early as March, along with Ring Ouzels. Eastern winds in April can add migrant Ring Ouzels from Scandinavia, often found on grassy banks. Listen out for Cuckoos and Sky Lark, with Meadow Pipits parasitized by Cuckoos.
4
Drop back down via Heggs Farm, where a rewilding scheme is adding habitats such as hay fields and new plantings with broad-leaved trees. Look out for Curlew and Lapwing in the valley, away from the trees. Finally come
down to the Arkle Beck where a large area of Alder is found on the floodplain. Nest boxes here may provide sites for Redstart and Pied Flycatcher to nest.
5 Cross the beck and start rising up to where there is a signpost. Take the right-hand path (not the track back to the road) upstream through lambing fields. If you do go back to the road, beware of traffic on your walk back to Langthwaite. Keeping away from the road, you look down on woodland where a mature stand of Scots Pine and European Larch are found. Scan for feeding Crossbills or a passing Red Kite. Stock Doves use the holes in the trees along the river along with Jackdaws and even Tawny Owl. Cross the footbridge before coming back into Langthwaite. This is a slightly shorter walk than taking the road; and safer.