News Stories

This page will keep you informed of up-coming events in our area and have reports from meetings as well as linking to articles in the media which might be of interest.

3 July 2008 
Seabirds 'dying in fishing nets' - Hundreds of seabirds have died this summer after becoming entangled in fishing nets in Filey Bay on the North Yorkshire coast, the RSPB has warned. The salmon and sea trout fishery was closed for two weeks by the Environment Agency because of the high numbers of bird casualties reported by the RSPB.

25 June 2008 
Woodland talk on agenda for friends - The Friends of Raincliffe Woods are holding their annual general meeting tomorrow at 7.30pm at the Scarborough Bowls Centre. Following the meeting there will be a talk and presentation by guest speaker Mark Antcliffe, native woodland development officer for the North York Moors National Park Authority.

24 June 2008 
Wetland is of national importance - A new wetland project for Cayton and Flixton Carrs will feature in a special presentation at Cayton on Thursday. Scarborough Council’s wetland project officer, Tim Burkinshaw, will be hosting a special presentation, in partnership with Cayton in Bloom, to help raise awareness of what the project means for the local community.

21 June 2008 
Moth numbers expected to hit record low - The number of moths in British gardens this year is expected to plunge to an all-time low. Already in serious decline their plight was made worse by last year's wet summer which made them less able to forage for food and breed. This year their numbers are set to fall even further because of the unseasonably cold Spring evenings. A failure by moths to breed successfully will have a knock-on effect because their caterpillars in Spring are an important food source for birds.

Friends of Raincliffe Woods - A message from them ...... "We would like to invite you to our 3rd AGM details are as follows: Venue: Alexander Bowls Centre, Date: Thursday 26th June 2008, Time: 7.30pm. Agenda: Welcome and Chairs report, Treasurers report, Election of Officers, AOB. Talk: Mark Antcliffe (Native Woodland Development Officer, North Yorks. Moors National Park): 'The Development of Native Woodland'. Q and A, Close. Your support is valued and input is crucial therefore if you cannot attend but have any comments or issues regarding the woodland then please let Andy know before the meeting so that they can be included. Looking forward to seeing you".

17 June 2008 
Business park aims to protect and lure wildlife - The developers of Scarborough Business Park, Caddick Developments, have embarked on an environmental scheme designed to preserve the future of local wildlife and also attract new species to inhabit the local area. Following an Environmental Impact Assessment of the business park, and consultation with DEFRA, Caddick have begun a comprehensive enhancement programme to improve the nature areas on the edge of the new business park, which lies adjacent to the A64, off Dunslow Road.

16 June 2008 
Garden Moths Count - Find out what moths are in your own backyard and help wildlife conservation! Garden Moths Count is an exciting nationwide survey to discover which amazing moths live in our gardens. Anyone can take part, old or young, using simple methods to attract moths and then telling us through this website which ones you find. 21st June to 6th July 2008.

13 June 2008 
North East Yorkshire Geology Trust - I enclose the invitation to our Geoday on 5th July. It is a fun and informative day about the beautiful area of Rosedale: the secrets in its landscape, its people and its history. Enjoy it with your local Geology Trust & community groups!  Come for coffee at 10.30am at the Coach House Inn, have your say about the project, learn how to become involved and discover fantastic fossils and dinosaurs.  Complimentary barbecue upon presentation of your Geology Trust sticker.  We’ll also take you on a walk at 2pm.  Please RSVP by 27th June 2008.

9 June 2008 
Ecotype Newsletter - The latest edition of Ecotype (Number 42 - May 2008) is available for download. This is the biodiversity and conservation newsletter of the Ecology Division of Forest Research (which is the Research Agency of the Forestry Commission).

7 June 2008 
National Moth Night celebrates species - UK moth numbers may be declining generally but public interest in them is soaring at an unprecedented level. The increased enthusiasm is a trend which may boost the fortunes of these fascinating creatures which, despite popular beliefs, are not just "of the night." This is very much a rewarding pursuit requiring no more than journeying into your back yard, deep in the heart of a city - which Mark Tunmore, co-ordinator of the June 7 National Moth Night (NMN) knows to be true from personal experience. (Note the official website is at www.nationalmothnight.info ).

5 June 2008 
Twitchers paradise at seabird reserve - Bird watchers can catch two of Britain's most popular seabirds this weekend. Staff at RSPB Bempton Cliffs are running special events focusing on the thousands of gannets and puffins which make the rugged spot their summertime home. The reserve is one of the few mainland sites where both species breed together. It also hosts the largest, mainland breeding colony of gannets in the whole of England with as many as 9,000 birds living on the cliffs at the same time.

4 June 2008 
Yorkshire Lepidoptera 2007 - The rather excellent annual Yorkshire Lepidoptera report is now being sent out by the Yorkshire branch of Butterfly Conservation and presumably the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union won't be far behind (their moth group co-produce the report).  The report covers all the butterfly sightings and all the important moth sightings from 2007, is printed to a high standard and includes numerous colour photos.  You should seriously consider joining Yorkshire Butterfly Conservation and/or the Y.N.U. to make sure you receive a copy of this report each year, otherwise you'll have to keep an eye on the Yorkshire BC 'publications' web page for details of how to purchase one of the limited number of copies which come up for sale (the details should appear there sometime in the next few days).

The little and large show at RSPB Bempton Cliffs - The largest and one of the smallest of the UK's nesting seabirds take centre stage on the cliffs near Bridlington as the RSPB celebrates Springwatch. Staff at RSPB Bempton Cliffs are running special events this weekend (7 and 8 June) focusing on the thousands of gannets and puffins which make the cliffs their summertime home.

Rescue simulation causes a stir - A marine training programme mistaken for a real whale rescue left concerned crowds in tears on the seafront. Hundreds of people stood and watched what looked like an attempt to rescue a stranded whale from South Bay beach over the weekend. However, in reality the whale was an inflatable model being used for a training course by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

3 June 2008 
Soaking up the fun at 'Dalbyology' - The rain failed to spoil the fun at the first "Dalbyology" event which attracted more than 100 people. The Friends of Dalby Forest teamed up with the Forestry Commission to stage the family fun day at Staindale near Pickering.

Call for residents to be more considerate over nesting birds - A Scarborough man is calling on homeowners to show more consideration for birds which build their nests in the eves of houses. Retired firefighter Bob Simpson of Crossgates says people try to prevent birds such as House Martins building their nests, by hanging plastic carrier bags out of upstairs windows.

2 June 2008 
On trail of the nightjar - Two local forests are celebrating a wildlife success story with dusk walks. Forestry Commission rangers are organising the two-hour walks in Cropton Forest, near Pickering, on Friday June 13 and Harwood Dale the following night. It is hoped the treks will uncover the elusive nightjar, a nocturnal bird which came close to extinction in the 1970s.

Appeal for help with ancient trees project - A conservation charity is calling on the public in Scarborough to help it map the region's oldest trees. The Woodland Trust has used historical maps to help it find and protect ancient trees, and has launched a website to help tree-hunters navigate their way around the countryside.  (Note: the website mentioned in the article is at www.ancienttreehunt.org.uk ).

Anger as protected tree is hacked back - The near destruction of a protected Scarborough beech tree is being probed by councillors. The beech tree has stood for many years near the old chapel in Manor Road, but residents were dismayed to find its branches had been cut down recently.

31 May 2008 
Alarm call for Yorkshire's fragile butterflies - Last year will probably rank as one of the worst for Yorkshire's butterflies and moths. The heavy rains came just at the time when many species were about to fly – with devastating results. Many eggs and caterpillars were washed away or covered in deep water. One of the worst affected seems to be the Grayling, already down to a single known site on the Yorkshire Wolds and a handful of brownfield sites around Wakefield and Middlesbrough.

30 May 2008 
Baby swans make their entrance at Peasholm Park - At least five baby swans have hatched in Scarborough's Peasholm Park. The cygnets – the first to be born for several years at the park – are being guarded jealously by their father. The birds, which have quickly learnt to swim, are navigating their way round pedaloes and the model warships used to recreate famous naval battles.

Have your say on How to Manage England's Ancient and Native Woodlands - Forestry Commission England has today, 29 May 2008, published a draft practice guide for managing England’s ancient and native woodlands and is seeking views on its contents. We want to know whether the guidance will help woodland owners manage their woods to deliver the outcomes the Commission wants to see. For example improving and maintaining ‘ecological condition’ including protecting, conserving and enhancing rare, or threatened wildlife, securing the woodland’s cultural heritage and providing opportunities for enterprise and employment.

26 May 2008 
Beavers to return after 400 years - The European beaver is to be reintroduced to Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years, the Scottish Government has announced. Environment Minister Michael Russell has given the go-ahead for up to four beaver families to be released in Knapdale, Argyll, on a trial basis.

23 May 2008 
Try an 'ology' in the forest! - A special "Dalbyology" is to take place next weekend involving everything from archaeology to zoology. The Friends of Dalby Forest have teamed up with the Forestry Commission to stage a family day out in the 8,600 acres near Pickering on Sunday June 1.

Tophill Low Nature Reserve: Walk with the Warden - Yorkshire Water’s Tophill Low Nature Reserve is holding an open day on Sunday the 15th of June 2008. Meet at the wildlife centre at 2.00pm. We will show you some of the excellent habitats at this award winning reserve and some of the species present. You can explore the site on your own or join a guided walk with myself or one of our volunteers. No entry fee will be required, it’s free for the day and open to all.  At this time of year we would expect to see the diverse array of warblers, kingfisher, breeding common tern and little ringed plover. The reserve is also home to many specialist wetland and grassland plant species including a good range of orchids. Red-eyed damselfly has recently taken up residency alongside most other regional species of odonata, and water vole and grass snake are not uncommon too – plenty to keep naturalists of all interests happy for hours.

20 May 2008 
North East Yorkshire Geology Trust - Our Festival of Geology in Yorkshire is coming to end with a guided walk at Port Mulgrave this Sunday (25th) from 12 to 4 and Fossil walks in Robin Hood’s Bay on Bank Holiday Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th from 2 to 4. There will also be a Fossil Fossick with East Yorkshire RIGS Group on Saturday 24th, a Malham Landscape trail with Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority on May 28th and a Field excursion to Roseberry Topping with Tees Valley RIGS Group on the 31st. For all details, please visit www.yorkshiregeologymonth.com. Enjoy!  June will see all at NE Yorkshire Geology Trust work hard on current projects and to prepare for our summer events and our AGM and Geoday in Rosedale on 5th July. There will also be walks in Baysdale on Sunday 8th and Glaisdale on Sunday 29th, both from 12 to 4.

19 May 2008 
English wildlife 'under threat' - England is under threat of losing its most precious wildlife to climate change and development, a government advisory body report has warned. The richness of the countryside has declined dramatically over the past 50 years, and is under increasing pressure, Natural England said.

16 May 2008 
Vikki's foxed by visitor to her Candler Street doorstep - A Scarborough woman was surprised to see a fox staring back at her from across the street when she opened her front door. Vikki Maslin, 32, was saying goodbye to one of her friends when they spotted the animal in Candler Street at 9.30pm. She said it was the last thing she expected to see in town and rushed to grab her camera.

Forestry Commission to host badger-watch sessions - A chance to see the UK's largest land carnivore and one of its most elusive inhabitants in its natural habitat is being offered by the Forestry Commission. Due to stringent protection and the work of conservationists, the badger has made a comeback in North Yorkshire but, despite its distinctive stripes, the majority of people have never seen one. Spotting one can be difficult as they are mostly active during the night and spend long hours underground in their multi-chambered setts or dens.

Egg-cellent nesting place - A worker at a Scarborough gas depot made a shock discovery when he came across a rare bird nesting in a recycling skip. Engineer Chris Clarkson, 44, was placing an old steel pipe into the skip when a song thrush flew out at him.

13 May 2008 
Slippery treasure of the undergrowth - The Herpetological Conservation Trust is urging members of the public to take part in a project that will identify and enumerate one of Britain's most exotic native wildlife species - the adder. The "Add an Adder" interactive map will allow people to record their sightings online - which will be used to help conservationists decide on their strategy to protect these increasingly rare creatures. (Note: the 'Add An Adder' website is at www.adder.org.uk).

10 May 2008 
Fanfare as Rotunda is reopened - Scarborough's £4.4 million world class geology museum has been officially opened by Lord Oxburgh. Sponsors and supporters of the Rotunda, the William Smith Museum of Geology, were invited to yesterday's ceremony which saw the internationally renowned geologist and past president of the Geological Society unveil the finished product of a two year renovation project.

9 May 2008 
VIP opening for new-look museum - Scarborough's new-look Rotunda Museum will open its doors to the public tomorrow following a two-year transformation. Former Coronation Street star Susie Blake, who is appearing in the summer season at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, will reopen the museum and mark the start of a two-day community party.

Inside the new home of geology - The new Rotunda Museum in Scarborough is about to be revealed following a two-year transformation. Museum staff are expecting more than 600 visitors on Saturday, who have taken up the free entry offer in the Evening News.

Trust celebrates key moment - The keys to Scarborough's new-look Rotunda Museum have been handed over to Scarborough Museums Trust. Cllr David Jeffels, portfolio holder for leisure and tourism at Scarborough Council, gave the keys to Lord Derwent, who is the chairman of the museums trust.

Explore the coast on wildlife walks - The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will be running a series of wildlife walks and events around the coast during the summer. The trust will have Wild Out There project officers based at Flamborough North Landing car park and at the Deep in Hull until September.

Otter killed on the A64 - The Evening News has received a report that an otter has been killed on the A64 between Rillington and Sherburn. It is thought the animal may have been trying to get to the River Hertford, near Hunmanby.

What should happen at Mere and Mount? - Time is running out to have your say on the future development of the Mere and Oliver's Mount. A new website has been launched by Scarborough Council giving residents who missed the two public consultations last month a chance to voice their opinions and learn more about the proposals.

A journey with fortification: a walk through Forge Valley's wood - Here's a great walk, with easy access from Scarborough, by private or public transport. Enjoy an easy, level boardwalk by Forge Valley's wood and River Derwent, before returning from the Old Man's Mouth through woodlands carpeted in wild flowers.

3 May 2008 
If you go down to the woods... - Families have the chance to learn about green issues whilst having fun in the "Secret Wood". The popular Bank Holiday event takes place in Raincliffe Woods from 10am-4pm on Monday and offers a wide variety of activities including the No Strings Puppet Theatre, a taste of Iron Age Life and the chance to float a coracle boat.

Geology tour in village - People interested in geological history will be able to enjoy an event tomorrow organised by the North East Yorkshire Geology Trust at Grosmont between noon and 4pm when they will find out the hidden history of the area's past including its iron, alum, lava and coal.

28 April 2008 
Campaign to boost golden eagles, hen harriers, buzzards and peregrine falcons - The RSPB has launched a campaign to boost the numbers of birds such as golden eagles, hen harriers, buzzards and peregrine falcons. The charity says the birds are being killed in the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, as well as country estates.

26 April 2008 
Have your say on Mere and Mount - Residents are being urged to put forward their views about the future of the Mere and Oliver's Mount. Scarborough Council, together with consultants TEP, has organised two consultation events where the public can examine three proposed masterplans for the area and ask questions. The options include a multi-million pound equestrian centre, boasting a riding school and a hotel; an extreme sports centre; and a nature area with community woodland and meadows.

Park Friends' delight as Hermes returns - Volunteers have been working hard to transform an area of Peasholm Glen to its former glory. Peasholm Park Friends, along with Scarborough Council gardeners, held a volunteer day to restore the Lily Pond and surrounding area.

24 April 2008 
UK butterflies 'need good summer' - Butterflies need a warm summer in order to help numbers recover from last year's washout, say conservationists. Data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme showed that eight species were at an all-time low as a result of an unsuccessful summer in 2007.

Porpoises' deaths 'not foul play' - Police have ruled out foul play in the deaths of three porpoises washed up along the coastline. The first mammal was found near Bridlington’s Spa Theatre with a wound to the right side of its head.

Plastics threat to wildlife on beaches - Plastic litter could be putting wildlife at risk on Scarborough's beaches, claims a new survey. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said the amount of plastic found on Britain's coastline had increased by 126 per cent since its first annual Beachwatch survey in 1994.

Fears badger cull could hit Welsh tourism - Wildlife lovers are threatening to boycott Welsh tourism and produce if Wales presses ahead with badger culls. Tourism operators have reacted with alarm to a potential public backlash if the killings go ahead. Tourist information centres in Wales have already received emails from disgruntled wildlife lovers threatening to shun Wales as a holiday destination.

23 April 2008 
Woodend is complete - Scarborough's new £4.8 million Woodend centre is finally completed. The keys to the former museum, once owned by the Sitwell family, are due to be handed over to its management team today. The building will now be known as Woodend Creative Workspace.

22 April 2008 
High death toll of birds of prey - National parks in North Yorkshire have one of the worst records for birds of prey being killed illegally, a leading wildlife charity has reported. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said birds were being killed in the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.

19 April 2008 
New look outside Rotunda - The final touches are being made to landscaping work at Scarborough's Rotunda Museum, ready for its grand reopening next month. A sweeping grass bank has replaced the steps which used to run along the front of the building towards the seafront, and new pathways benches, lamps have been added.

North East Yorkshire Geology Trust - Invitation! Vales and Dales Launch: A community project for Rosedale (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund). The Coach House Inn, Saturday 17th May 2008 from 10 to 2. Presentations - Rock and Fossil Roadshow - Light Lunch, Guided Walk. Please RSVP no later than 12 May on 01947 881000 or email benedicte@neyorksgeologytrust.com .

14 April 2008 
Badger cull announced in Wales - The RSPCA believes a a badger cull in Wales would be a colossal mistake: for cattle, farmers and badgers. The Welsh Assembly Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones has today sanctioned a badger cull in Wales as part of a strategy to tackle bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle. "This decision flies in the face of sound scientific judgement, says John Avizienius, deputy head of farm animal science at the RSPCA. The most authoritative scientific research ever undertaken on the subject recommended against badger culling.  (See also the Animal Aid web page for the email address of Elin Jones and Hilary Benn if you want to make your views known, and the Badger Trust News page for more information).

Mammoth tusk found by youngsters - The tusk of a Woolly Mammoth which had lain undisturbed for thousands of years has been unearthed by children playing on a beach in East Yorkshire. The youngsters found what they first thought was "a piece of wood", but experts later confirmed it to be a tusk between 12,000 and 75,000 years old.

9 April 2008 
Move to save rare native bluebell - Conservationists are planting thousands of native bluebells to try to halt a dramatic fall in their numbers. The Central Scotland Forest Trust will plant 35,000 bulbs in 2008 to mark the Alarm Bells for Bluebells campaign. The once plentiful British Bluebell, which flourishes in mature broadleaf woodlands, is now considered an endangered species.

4 April 2008 
Moth that can travel at 55mph - Moths that fly high above our heads throughout the night are not at the mercy of the wind but use a sophisticated internal compass which can help them travel up to 400 miles in a single flight, according to a study.

Thousands of birds head for cliffs - More than 200,000 birds are expected to be at Bempton Cliffs this June during the height of the breeding season. And the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which looks after the reserve there, has confirmed that the first of this season’s puffins have been spotted at what is known as Seabird City near Bridlington.

1 April 2008 
Friends of Raincliffe Woods - A message from them ...... "Our next task day will be held on Saturday April 12th, meeting at Throxenby Mere at 10am, when we will be cleaning the area adjacent to the mere. Over the years rubbish has been thrown into the pond and it is our intention to clean it up. All assistance would be appreciated, any necessary equipment will be provided although a pair of strong gloves is recommended. We anticipate the task to take approx. 2 hrs, but as always if you wish to leave early that is no problem." (contact raincliffe.woods@googlemail.com for more details).