Sunny Bank

Gowerdale

Work parties on Duke of Burgundy site in Hawnby

Saturday 12th February and Saturday 12th March 2022

These work parties have been set up to undertake thinning of hazel and hawthorn scrub on an important Duke of Burgundy site in Hawnby.

This site is on a steep slope so those who volunteer do need to be confident of their ability to walk and work on steep hillsides. You will need stout walking boots (and walking poles if you find these helpful to keep balance on slopes). We hope to provide transport to the site which is quite remote using a 4WD vehicle.

We will meet at 9.30 am at the Sneck Yate Car Park (SE512881) which is about 2 miles north of the North York Moors National Park visitor centre.

This work party will be led by Robert Parks our species coordinator for Duke of Burgundy and will provide an opportunity to learn about our work to conserve this rare butterfly. It will be of interest to anyone who wants to see the sites we are managing on private land and learn about the management techniques we are using for the butterfly. The work itself involves selective thinning of invasive scrub using bow saws and loppers to maintain suitable habitat for the butterfly.

Equipment will be provided including gloves and safety goggles but you are welcome to bring your own. A briefing will be provided when you arrive on site concerning the work and the site risk assessment which is published HERE

Booking is essential so we know how many to expect and can contact you in the event of cancellation due to weather etc. If you want to come please email me on r.parks13@yahoo.com giving your email address, postcode, and a phone number on which you can be contacted.

Please come in suitable outdoor work clothing and bring a packed lunch and drink.