\n A guided bat walk led by Andrew Milne took place on September 11, attracting 17 participants keen to learn more about the nocturnal mammals that inhabit the moor.\n<\/p>\n
\n Using bat detectors, the group identified common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle and noctule bats.\n<\/p>\n
\n Pipistrelles, the bats most commonly seen in Britain, are known for their distinctive swooping and fluttering flight patterns, often following the same routes repeatedly.\n<\/p>\n
\n Noctule bats, among the largest British bat species, are primarily tree dwellers and can be recognised by their powerful, direct flight and dramatic dives as they chase insects.\n<\/p>\n
\n Participants on the bat walk organised by the Friends of Ilkley Moor (Image: FoIM)\n<\/p>\n
\n Alongside the educational walks, volunteers have continued practical conservation work throughout September, helping to manage habitats, restore eroded footpaths and improve the landscape for both wildlife and visitors.\n<\/p>\n
\n On September 15, a team of new volunteers carried out a litter pick around the Cow and Calf Rocks.\n<\/p>\n
\n Another popular event was a plant walk held on September 26, giving participants the opportunity to learn about the many edible and medicinal plants found on Ilkley Moor.\n<\/p>\n
\n Organisers stressed that the walk was purely informative and that no plants were picked.\n<\/p>\n
\n Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to pick plants on National Nature Reserves, and Ilkley Moor is now part of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve.\n<\/p>\n
\n Blessed with fine weather, the group followed a route across the lower slopes of the moor to White Wells Cottage and the Upper Tarn before returning across the middle slopes.\n<\/p>\n
\n Along the way, they learned about a variety of edible berries and nuts, including bilberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, hazelnuts and hawthorn berries.\n<\/p>\n
\n The walk leader explained how people in the past made flour from acorns, brewed beer from heather flowers and used bracken as animal bedding.\n<\/p>\n
\n Participants heard how lichens provided natural dyes, while coppiced hazel and willow supplied material for shelters and fencing.\n<\/p>\n
\n They also learned how fibres from nettles were once used to make cloth and paper, and how birch sap could be collected to produce wine.\n<\/p>\n
\n They learnt about the medicinal properties of yarrow, cleavers, nettle, hawthorn and meadowsweet and how modern-day aspirin is derived from meadowsweet.\n<\/p>\n
\n They also learnt how the inner bark of the white willow was also used as pain relief.\n<\/p>\n
\n People discovered the importance of Sphagnum moss during World War 2 and how on Friday afternoons school children were sent to the moor to collect this.\n<\/p>\n
\n This was then sent to the war medical camps and applied to soldiers\u2019 wounds.\n<\/p>\n
\n Sphagnum moss is very absorbent and when applied to wounds it soaks up the blood and infection and its naturally antiseptic properties helped heal these wounds.\n<\/p>\n
\n As well as discovering the uses of plants, participants learned about the ecology, conservation and long-term management of Ilkley Moor.\n<\/p>\n
\n FoIM volunteers have continued weekly habitat management work throughout the month, helping to conserve wildlife and maintain the moor’s extensive footpath network.\n<\/p>\n
\n Organisers said attendees thoroughly enjoyed the events and were looking forward to taking part in further activities from this year’s learning and heritage programme.\n<\/p>\n
\n The Friends of Ilkley Moor have received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help deliver the events and volunteer days, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.\n<\/p>\n