The Skell Valley Project is inviting people to help restore wildlife habitats at Ripon’s Hell Wath nature reserve.
The £2.5 million project aims to provide a sustainable future for 12 miles of the River Skell through Dallowgill Moor and Ripon an on to the vale of York.
Throughout January, the project team will be working with the Friends of Hell Wath and Harrogate Borough Council to carry out habitat improvements by restoring areas of grassland and continuing to remove areas of scrub.
The areas for clearance have been selected with the aim of creating a rich environment for a wide range of animal and plant species.
The conservation work is part of the Friends’ management plan for the site developed in liaison with the four-year Skell project, which is led by the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
On Saturday January 14, members of the community can find out more about the wildflower planting programme and how they can become involved by meeting at the Ripon City Panthers clubhouse at Hell Wath, where a drop-in session will be held between 10am and 3pm.
Following the public event, scrub clearance will continue throughout the week with various volunteer groups. Information boards and maps throughout the site are being put in place to provide details of what’s happening.
Red Admiral is one variety of butterfly playing a key role in pollination at Hell Wath. Picture: Ripon Photographic Society
Hell Wath is a designated local nature reserve important for its grassland and contains species such as the common spotted orchid and adder’s-tongue fern.
Work so far has helped wildflowers recover and rare bee orchids have reappeared in key areas. This month’s work will ensure these wildflowers are not swamped by the encroaching scrub and woodland, which will create more feeding opportunities for pollinating insects.
The project’s area ranger Gabby Crisp said:
“We’d love the local community to come and give Hell Wath a hand by joining us on Saturday January 14 at a drop-in practical session we’ll be holding on site.
“We’ll be hand-cutting some scrub to allow space for the grassland and the wildlife it supports to thrive. It’ll be a great way to kick off the new year with some fresh air and a chance to burn off some Christmas calories too!’.
Jeremy Dunford, secretary of the Friends, added:
“Growing the wildflower population of the large grassland meadows is a key part of the management plan for Hell Wath. This will increase the range and number of butterflies and other insects in this area which will in turn see a larger variety of birds and small mammals at the nature reserve.
“Those unable to make the public event can still get involved in helping nature thrive in this special place from the comfort of home. Friends of Hell Wath are asking the local community to help by cultivating wildflower plugs to plant on Hell Wath in the autumn.”
For a £5 donation, the Friends will provide a pack of wildflower seeds, a tray of 12 biodegradable seeds pots, peat free compost to fill the trays and an instruction leaflet for cultivating the seeds provided.
- The first AGM to be held by the Friends of Hell Wath since it gained charitable status will be held at South Lodge, from 7pm on January 19. All are welcome to attend, although voting is open only to members of the charity. For more information click here.
Read more:
- Conversion of Ripon pub to new homes moves a step closer
- Plan to install donation point for upkeep of Ripon park
Ripon families join in FunFest activities at Hell Wath
Families flocked to Ripon’s Hell Wath Nature Reserve at the weekend for the start of a programme of free summer activities that continues until August 18.
FunFest, organised by Ripon Together in partnership with Ripon Business Improvement District and with support from sporting and other organisations in the city, has been designed for children of all ages.
On Saturday afternoon, the Friends of Hell Wath (FOHW) staged a number of hands-on forest school activities from a drum and percussion workshop, led by Hayley Watkinson, to supervised river dipping in the Skell, where families could see some of the aquatic creatures that live there.
Natural rhythm – children and parents taking part in the drum and percussion workshop held in a forest clearing
Jeremy Dunford, secretary of FOHW, told the Stray Ferret:
“We were able to hold this event thanks to funding from the Skell Valley Project, and It was encouraging to see so many families coming to enjoy the natural resources that Hell Wath has to offer – from woodland to water and wide-open spaces.”
He added:
“Forest schools are growing in popularity at Ripon’s primaries and are helping young children to become more environmentally aware at a time when the world is witnessing the effects of climate change.”
Forest school’s Helen Gillespie (centre) teaches Chase (left) Harry (grey top) Taylon and Ellie, how to toast marshmallows safely on an open fire.
The focus is on Ripon Grammar School (RGS) and the city’s library for the next FunFest activities on Saturday, August 13.
With the cancellation of the wheelchair rugby demonstration, there is a change in the RGS programme, which will begin at 1pm.
Ripon Together Board member, David Ingham, said:
“It’s a shame that the wheelchair rugby teams cannot now be at our event. However, there will still be lots to enjoy.”
This includes a climbing wall, accessible swimming for people with disabilities, kurling, boccia and large board games in addition to more traditional sports such as basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton.
Ripon Library will be the venue for bicycle MOTs, a Lego event, and sports and information roadshow.
On August 15, 16 and 18, Studley Royal Cricket Club, which now incorporates Ripon Spa Croquet Club, will be the setting for a wide range of sporting opportunities for children, including junior cricket, athletics and croquet coaching, an inflatable obstacle course, air rifle shooting and archery.
Though all events are free, booking is needed for some. Further details can be found by clicking here.
Read more:
- Is flight chaos seeing an increase in staycations in the Harrogate district?
- Ripon diving hero adds to his golden hoard
Your chance to fight an alien invader in Ripon
The Friends of Hell Wath and supporters have been pulling together for years to tackle an overbearing foreign invader at the Ripon nature reserve.
But many volunteer hands are still needed, if they are to win the battle by bashing the pervasive Himalayan balsam plants into submission.
Over the years, balsam has spread across a third of the site, putting a stranglehold on some areas and harming the growth of native species crucial to the biodiversity of the reserve.
FOHW secretary Jeremy Dunford told the Stray Ferret:
“Because Himalayan Balsam is so abundant, bees stick around feasting on the plentiful supply of nectar that it provides, meaning that these vital pollinators are not properly serving the needs of other plant species.
“This creates an imbalance, as it limits the variety of plants such as meadow flowers, that can add greatly to the biodiversity of the site.”
Among those involved in clearing the site of Himalayan Balsam are Nabil Abbas, manager of the Skell Valley Project and FOHW member Karyn Lees.
Last week, the army of tireless volunteers, who have been manually tearing up the balsam, received a helping hand from the scientific community.
Scientific help
After seeking assistance for two years, FOHW discovered that their call for help was being answered with the introduction of a natural fungal rust developed by the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International, experts in biological control and fighting Himalayan balsam with fungal pathogens.
The fungus option, which weakens the plant by infecting its stem and leaves throughout the growing season, only infects Himalayan balsam and does not pose a risk to other species.
Not so pretty in pink — the Himalayan Balsam that has invaded Hell Wath Nature Reserve
Mr Dunford said:
“We were absolutely delighted to be selected as one of the UK’s trial sites and hope that it will lead to a long-term solution that helps us in the work that we are doing here, alongside the Skell Valley Project, whose expertise is invaluable.
“However, while we wait with keen anticipation to witness the effects that the fungal rust has on selected areas of the reserve, we still need as many people as possible, to assist us with the seemingly unending task of pulling and snapping the balsam and stamping on its roots.”
Volunteer assistance
The friends, who can be contacted by clicking this link, have received assistance from 5th Ripon Brownies, young soldiers from the Harrogate Army Foundation and staff from major local employer Wolseley and visitors, who are encouraged to pull, snap and stamp on as many Himalayan balsam plants as possible when visiting the reserve.
Once pulled, the destroyed plants should be left at the side of the paths for collection and all people involved in this mass removal operation are advised to wear gloves, as the plants are often found alongside nettles, which should be left in situ.
Nabil Abbas, manager of the Skell Valley Project, has been providing help, guidance and practical assistance to FOHW.
He said:
“You realise the scale of the task when you see how much of the Hell Wath site has been overrun by the Himalayan Balsam.
“But nature has a remarkable way of bouncing back and it is great to see how the friends and other volunteers are working together to reclaim the area so that native species can flourish once more.”
Community volunteers from Wolseley, have been involved in the huge clearance programme. Picture: Skell Valley Project
Karyn Lees, a member of FOHW, who is literally getting to the root of the reserve’s balsam problem, said:
“Once you start it becomes addictive, as you realise with each plant pulled up and destroyed, you are helping the native species to thrive.”
Read More:
Leading Ripon Conservative councillor calls for PM to resign over parties
Prime minister Boris Johnson should resign over his ‘lack of leadership’ in handling the partygate scandal still hanging over Downing Street.
That’s the view of Ripon councillor Stuart Martin, chair of the Conservative-controlled North Yorkshire County Council, who will not be standing for re-election after 23 years in local politics.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“In my time as a firefighter and crew manager, I knew that I was duty bound to set an example and I don’t think the prime minister has done this in his handling of the partygate issue.
“He should step down because of the lack of leadership that he showed.”
Cllr Martin, pointed out:
“I must stress that I am not speaking on behalf of the council, but from a personal perspective.”
In March 2020, when the country was in its first covid-lockdown and he and his wife April were serving as the Mayor and Mayoress of the Harrogate District, she contracted coronavirus and went into two weeks of self-isolation.
The Mayoress’s condition deteriorated rapidly and she was rushed into Harrogate District Hospital where her life was saved in the intensive care unit.
At the time, Cllr Martin, said:
“I had to say goodbye to her in the ambulance and I didn’t know whether or not I would ever see her again.”
A second chance
Former nurse April, who is still suffering from long covid, said:
“Because of the skill of everybody at the hospital, we were given a second chance and that was in our thinking, when we looked to the future and Stuart decided it was time to step down.”
The couple, who will celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary in June, have two grown-up daughters and plan to spend more time with them and their six grandchildren, aged from five to 16.
The frightening experience of two years ago remains fresh in their minds and with daughter Gemma working as a paramedic, they have an everyday reminder of the vital role that front-life staff continue to play in tackling the pandemic and keeping people safe.
This was highlighted at Christmas, when the lack of rapid flow test kits put additional strain on the emergency services.
Cllr Martin, said:
“It was a chaotic and ridiculous situation, with paramedics urgently requiring testing kits to ensure that they were clear of the virus and able to care for others.”
Continuing work in the community
The Queen and Prince Philip, pictured in 2004 with the then Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon Councillor Stuart Martin and his wife April
As the government eases the restrictions on daily life, the Martins will continue to remain vigilant as they carry out their community work in Ripon and further afield.
Cllr Martin, one of the founders of TASC Madagascar which is helping disadvantaged people in the island country, will continue as a trustee for the charity.
He will also maintain his role as chair of trustees at Community House in Ripon, whose services are supporting hundreds of families and individuals trapped in food poverty.
Awarded an MBE IN 2010 for his charity work in Ripon and Madagascar, Cllr Martin will be playing active roles with the Ripon Community Poppy Project and as chair of the Friends of Hell Wath.
April, a former district commissioner for the Girl Guides, will continue to run a local Brownie group.
Looking back over the past 20 years, in which they have been Mayor and Mayoress of Ripon as well as the Harrogate district, a special memory came in 2004 when the Queen and Prince Philip visited the city to mark the 400th anniversary of the Royal Charter awarded by James I.
Cllr Martin, said:
“We were extremely privileged to meet them on that day and proud to have represented the people of Ripon.”
Read more:
- Ripon MP calls on PM to withdraw Starmer slur
- Concern over lack of covid test kits in Ripon
- £6,000 Antiques raid in Ripon
Future of Ripon’s Hell Wath nature reserve generates heated discussion
More than 100 people with passionate but different views about the future of Hell Wath Nature Reserve attended a meeting in Ripon last night.
The meeting, at Ripon Bowling Club, was organised by Keep Hell Wath Natural, a group concerned about clearance and other work at the reserve, including removal of a large area of hawthorn and blackthorn, the felling of trees and draining/de-silting of a pond.
The work is being done as part of the National Lottery-funded £2.5m Skell Valley Project, which involves work on a 12-mile stretch of the River Skell between Dallowgill Moor and Hell Wath.
Members of Keep Hell Wath Natural, along with local residents, dog walkers and people who have been visiting the area for up to 55 years joined representatives from the Friends of Hell Wath, the Skell Valley Project, and Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper at the meeting. It was chaired by independent city councillor Peter Horton.
Meeting organisers Janet Anderson (centre) and Brian Don, pictured in January in an area of Hell Wath where clearance works have taken place
Project partners include the National Trust, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Harrogate Borough Council, which has a 99 year lease on Hell Wath negotiated at a peppercorn rent with landowner Tarmac.
Objectors say ‘brutal’ clearance has gone too far
Speaker after speaker said they wanted Hell Wath to remain as they have known it for decades — as a natural and largely un-touched area with trees, shrubs, grassland, riverside paths and pond.
They were critical of the clearance activities that have already taken place as part of the Skell Valley Project.
Fears were also expressed about possible longer-term plans to create a cycle path, which they believe would be hazardous for owners who take their dogs to exercise at Hell Wath and let them off the lead.
They believe that the clearance ‘went too far’ removing areas of bushes, trees and water that sustain wildlife ranging from frogs and newts to birds, rabbits and hedgehogs.
The removal of trees and scrub, was described by two speakers as ‘brutal’ and ‘creating a mess.’
Sheila Boyd summed up the feelings of many present, when she said:
“We are talking about an area that has been completely cleared and destroyed, taking away the habitat for hedgehogs, butterflies, birds and other creatures.
“There are four large and open fields at Hell Wath, with barely a tree in sight, so why couldn’t these pockets of bushes and woodland be left as they were?”
What was the response from the Skell Valley Project?
Project manager Nabil Abbas explained the reason for the clearance works. He said
“Historically, in a wild landscape like this, there would have been large herbivores like wild boar, wild cattle, elk, beavers etc living and naturally managing the land.
“Regular catastrophic events such as flooding or wildfires would also take place, all of which remove trees and shrubs and help to maintain a mosaic of open habitats suitable for a broad range of different species.”
Nabil Abbas
He added:
“Cattle did graze at Hell Wath for a long period, however it is not appropriate to reintroduce them given the way the community now use and enjoy the space.
“Due to the absence of these natural processes which would keep them in check, trees and shrubs are spreading through these precious open areas.
“As a result, we risk losing the diversity of species such as rare orchids and wildflowers, bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and the birds and animals that feed on them, if we do not actively manage these remaining habitats.
“In summary, our landscape is no longer ‘natural’ since key ecological processes are no longer operating, and therefore human intervention is needed to conserve the diversity of habitats and species which depend on them.”
Council leader ‘shocked’
Cllr Cooper, said he was ‘shocked’ by the hostile reaction to some of the points made by Mr Abbas and claimed there had been an attempt to ‘shout him down and heckle’ him.
In response, a member of the audience, said:
“You should understand the strength of feeling in this room and that is why people are getting heated about what is happening at Hell Wath.”
‘Shocked’ Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper. Picture: Tyler Parker Photography
‘No plans for a cycle path’ – Friends of Hell Wath
Both the secretary of the Friends of Hell Wath, Jeremy Dunford and committee member Carol Leo, were categoric in saying that a cycle path is not planned as part of their work or that of the Skell Valley Project.
Mr Dunford, who is also chair of the Ripon Disability Forum, confirmed there are plans to improve paths and access for people who, like himself, are wheelchair users, or families with children in pushchairs. He said:
“There will be no cycle paths, no tarmac, no concrete, but we want to ensure that Hell Wath is accessible to everybody. We all have a right to visit this area.”
Jeremy Dunford, spoke about improving accessibility
Ms Leo, added:
“There will also be no bridleways and there will be signage on all entrances saying ‘no cycling’.”
Read more:
Invitation to join the friends
At the end of the meeting, Ms Leo, said:
“It is clear that people here are passionate about Hell Wath and I hope that we can all work together.
“I ask those of you who are not already members of the Friends of Hell Wath to come and join us.”
Ripon meeting to hear concerns about Hell Wath nature reserve
The organiser of a public meeting on the future of Hell Wath Nature Reserve has said he hopes for a “calm and constructive discussion”.
There has been heated online discussion recently about changes to the Ripon beauty spot.
Trees and bushes have been removed, a pond has been drained and saplings planted as part of the £2.5 million Skell Valley Project,
The four-year National Lottery-funded project, which is supported by Harrogate Borough Council, The National Trust, Friends of Hell Wath and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, involves work on a 12-mile stretch of the River Skell between Dallowgill Moor and Hell Wath.
The project aims to create a sustainable future for the Skell Valley but some local people are upset about the extent of the clearance work at Hell Wath and feel they haven’t been adequately consulted.
A meeting at 7pm on Wednesday next week will give them an opportunity to raise their concerns.
‘Common ground’
Brian Don, of the Keep Hell Wath Natural group, which called the meeting, told the Stray Ferret:
“Our aim is to bring together people with differing views about this much-loved and visited area of Ripon, with the objective of finding a mutually acceptable way forward.
“We hope for a calm and constructive discussion, which can find common ground between those, who like ourselves, want to keep Hell Wath as we have known it for decades and those who have a different longer-term view.”
Read more:
The meeting, which will take place at Ripon Bowling Club on Bondgate Green, will be chaired by Peter Horton, deputy mayor of Ripon and a former Harrogate district and North Yorkshire county councillor, who has served as an independent on the city council for 19 years.
He said:
“I’m looking for an even-tempered meeting, at which all sides can air their views.
“What they have to say will be collated and we can see where we go from there — perhaps a follow-up meeting at which the issues raised can be addressed in detail.”
