Studfold Community Nature Project

Welcome to the Studfold Community Nature Project, an unique investigation attempting to record all the flora and fauna on a hill farm in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire and to analyse the affect of farming and industry on the site since pre-historic times.

The wildlife potential is amazing and we expect to discover rare and unusual flora and fauna in this exceptionally beautiful and fascinating landscape.

There is evidence of pre-historic activity on the site including field boundaries and perhaps pit dwellings, records show that the Romans may have had a presence here and we know the monks of Byland Abbey owned land here.

Industrial activity has also taken place here and includes, coal and lead mining and iron workings (circa 1320), Whilst stone from a marble quarry may have been used on the altars at Fountains Abbey. Lime was burnt here probably for farming purposes rather than building.

OPEN DAY - All Welcome, no expense!

The new date for the Open Day is 25th May, 1:30 pm, we would appreciate everyone's help so please let Alan know if you are available. The plan is for a walk in the afternoon and a return to look at a display and a PowerPoint presentation afterwards with light refreshments.

Anyone up to making cakes? If you can help in way please let Alan know, it will be all hands to the pumps on the day so please keep that date free if at all possible.

If you have any pictures of Studfold or Blayshaw, then why not bring them along for us to scan and return immediately. We would also be grateful for any information whatsoever regarding the project area, local farming and wildlife you might care to share with us.

Tithe Maps, etc.

I have now done some work on the Tithe Map of 1837
Field Book No 83 - Joseph Birch Blayshaw dated 1782
Field Book No 84 - Matthew Walker Blayshaw dated 1782

If you wish to join us, its free and no expertise required just enthusiasm and a love of the countryside. Contact Alan Email: alan.croucher@ntlworld.com for more details or just turn up on the day
In 2008 we plan to include the following: a bird ringing session; a fern survey; a verteran tree survey; BTO Bird Atlas surveys; Fungi Forays; Heritage Research and attempt to interpret the earthworks which predominate the site. Clearly, with so much to do (and I’m sure we’ll think of more) we will need to divide our efforts and will welcome new members to help – you don’t need to attend every meeting and all that’s needed is enthusiasm!

This website is continually being updated and more and more pages are being added, however this means that you will discover some links which just don't work. Please condsider this as an interesting feature of the website and not a problem. If you do come across any problems, such as grammactical errors or wrong information then please do tell us.	If you have any wildlife records from the immediate vicinity of Studfold, say up the valley from Gouthwaite Reservoir, which you wish us to add to the site then please forward them to us.	Please try to find time to drop in and see what we are doing, everyone is welcome.
		Last updated 28-3-2008

Why not visit Stan, at How Stean Gorge Cafe? (www.howstean.co.uk)	From Mesolithic to Modern Times We now have a summary of our Heritage Discoveries, Hit the Heritage Button above and be amazed!	Why not stay at the Activity Centre, or camp? (www.studfoldfarm.co.uk)

hit counter