Field Meetings

All are welcome to our field meetings, which give opportunities to pursue specific interests and learn about biodiversity in different habitats and the relationships between species involved. Field meetings are free to members. Non-members are welcome on payment of a day membership fee of £3 per person.

Reports of past excursions can be found on this website (under Trip Reports).

Please note the following precautions: stout footwear and suitable outdoor clothing should always be worn. Bring plenty of food and drink, with sun blocker and insect repellent when relevant. Members take part entirely at their own risk and are responsible for their personal safety and the security of their personal belongings.

Of course the weather can never be guaranteed, so some events may have to be altered slightly to work around any inclement precipitations! Also note that return times are approximate only.

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All Events | Field Meeting | Lectures

Notes for botanical field trips

Please email or ‘phone the organiser to say you are coming, this will make it possible to car share – many of the venues have little parking; also changes to the printed programme may have occurred. Please bring next-of-kin name and phone number.

Contact Details:

Contact: Kerry Morrison or Muff Upsall (see membership card or Members' Area for contact details)

Notes for ornithological trips run by Mike Smithson

All meetings are self drive / car share but the resumption of the coach trips is being kept under review. Please contact Mike Smithson beforehand if you intend to come (contact details in the Members' Area).

Please also supply Mike with an emergency name and phone number either prior to coming or when you arrive. As with most field meetings a packed lunch and suitable clothing is recommended.

Ilkley Tree Trail

April 17, 2026

Price - £3, free to members

For trees. Details to follow.

Event Organiser: Kerry Morrison

Gouthwaite and Scar House reservoirs

April 21, 2026 at 10:00 am

Location: Meet at Gouthwaite viewing area car park

Price - £3, free to members

Looking for wildfowl and waders at Gouthwaite reservoir. Then on the drive up to Scar House stopping to look for Pied Flycatchers.

Lunch will be at Scar House car park while checking the hillside for Ring Ousels and Wheatears followed by a walk across the dam.

Finishing at 4.00.

Event Organiser: Mike Smithson

Event Leader: Mike Smithson

Fairburn Ings and Lin Dyke

May 12, 2026 at 10:00 am

Location: RSPB Fairburn Ings car park. Car parking fee payable by non-members.

Price - £3, free to members

Looking for Spring migrants, wildfowl, Spoonbills and egrets. Finishing at 4.00.

Event Organiser: Mike Smithson

Event Leader: Mike Smithson

Flora around Linton Falls

May 27, 2026 at 10:30 am

Location: Meet at 10.30 at the car park by the Falls on the road to Linton Church SE001632. Parking charge £6 for the full day.

Price - £3, free to members

Bruce Brown will introduce us to the fascinating limestone flora surrounding Linton Falls.

Please book with the organiser.

Event Organiser: Kerry Morrison

Event Leader: Bruce Brown

Bellflask Nature Reserve

June 4, 2026 at 10:00 am

Location: Meet 10:00 at the site, SE 294774

Price - £3, free to members

Bellflask is a private site by the River Ure, with lakes and woodland, managed by the Morlands for many years for nature conservation. Half day meeting.

Event Organiser: Muff Upsall

Event Leader: Brian Morland