ANOTHER fun, informative and practical week of events, organised by the Friends of Ilkley Moor, took place on Ilkley Moor last week.

Events in wildlife identification, survey and recording took place for newts, bumblebees, water vole and otter. People where taught about the ecology, identification and conservation of these species and how to survey and record any sightings.

The water vole survey took place on the upper slopes of Ilkley Moor where people were taught how to look for field signs for this rapidly declining mammal. Recent research has found that water voles are now using upland areas, so people were excited to see if any field signs could be seen on the drainage ditches and upper reaches of the streams of Ilkley Moor.

The bumblebee event started out with an indoor training session; followed by field work, where a transect was set up for people to record any sightings for the bilberry bumblebee, the tree bumblebee and the red-tailed bumblebee.

The newt survey took place on the tarns and ponds to search for any newt eggs which may be around. And the otter event explored the river and tributaries which meet this to look for any field signs of otters.

The FoIM would like to thank everyone who took part in these surveys. They will help inform management decisions for the moor, help develop wildlife conservation projects and help gain an understanding about the decline and or increase in certain species over time.

There was another practical conservation day in habitat management and footpath conservation, where participants helped restore an eroded section of footpath.

Another tarn and stream discovery event took place but this one was suitable for people with wheel chairs and push chairs. People discovered the different habitats of the streams and lower tarn, and the animals, insects and plants which live there. Animal tracking and pond dipping were part of this event. Wetland plants within and around the tarn were identified and recorded; as well as amphibians and invertebrates found in the tarn. People also learnt how to survey for mammals using tracks and signs.

The last event was a stroll around Ilkley Moor for people to discover and learn how to conserve the wildlife; this was another walk organised for people with wheel chairs or push chairs.

Friends of Ilkley Moor project officer Tracy Gray said: “Everyone had a great time, learnt skills in wildlife survey and recording; as well as helping out with valuable research and helping to conserve Ilkley Moor.”

All of the species discovered, were recorded as part of the ‘Big Ilkley Moor Survey’. This survey is part of the Friends of Ilkley Moor’s ‘Nature for all Project’. The aim of the project is to provide the local community, including schools and colleges, with opportunities to identify, survey and record the wildlife of Ilkley Moor.

Anybody who is interested in the project should contact Tracy Gray, FOIM Project Officer on 07780535860 or tracy@ilkleymoor.org