Array ( [0] => Array ( [title] => F O H W Goes Batty ! [snippet] => A big thank you to our Trustee, John Pearse, for leading two bat walks on Hell Wath. The first took place on Sunday morning 30th August and was a walk round to check the bat boxes. First a torch is used to look up into each bat box to see... [date] => 04.09.26 [link] => /fohw-goes-batty/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [1] => Array ( [title] => Fighting Back Against Himalayan Balsam [snippet] => Tackling the takeover of Himalayan Balsam (HB) on Hell Wath is our no.1 challenge – and we are making real progress thanks to the efforts of many volunteers. Posters around Hell Wath encourage people to pull up 5 HB plants every time they visit – and many people are taking... [date] => 19.07.26 [link] => /fighting-back-against-himalayan-balsam/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [2] => Array ( [title] => Lots of Butterflies ! [snippet] => 236 butterflies were counted in just over an hour during one of our regular butterfly monitoring walks in July – a record ! If you are enjoying a walk on Hell Wath this summer look out for Peacocks, Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Commas, Meadow Browns, Holly Blues, Large & Small... [date] => 19.07.26 [link] => /lots-of-butterflies/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [3] => Array ( [title] => 2026 Management Plan [snippet] => The Trustees are pleased to present their 10 year Management Plan for Hell Wath. The Trustees will use this Plan to guide the decisions they make in relation to all matters affecting Hell Wath. The Trustees hope you find this Management Plan informative and that it encourages you to support... [date] => 24.06.26 [link] => /2026-management-plan/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [4] => Array ( [title] => Fighting Himalayan Balsam [snippet] => Once again Himalayan Balsam (HB) is proliferating on Hell Wath, and once again FOHW is calling upon all volunteers and visitors to help control this invasive species of plant. It may look pretty in flower, but only by clearing HB can we stop it crowding out our native species of... [date] => 24.06.26 [link] => /fighting-himalayan-balsam/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [5] => Array ( [title] => Uncovering History on Hell Wath [snippet] => Last year an archeological dig took place on Hell Wath. Some interesting finds were unearthed, including a cache of live ammunition! This year on 21st and 22nd May RHATs and FOHW will work together to delve a little deeper into the history of Hell Wath. You can read more by... [date] => 06.05.26 [link] => /uncovering-history-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [6] => Array ( [title] => 2026 Butterfly Monitoring [snippet] => Butterfly monitoring is an important part of FOHW work on Hell Wath. Butterfly monitoring will begin in mid-April and take place weekly until the end of September, with each 7 day window beginning on a Saturday. Monitoring will be undertaken by teams of volunteers walking a designated transect walk around... [date] => 25.03.26 [link] => /2026-butterfly-monitoring/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [7] => Array ( [title] => Annual General Meeting [snippet] => Thanks to everyone who took the time to attend our AGM on 15th January 2026. Meeting Minutes: You can read the minutes of the meeting by clicking here. Annual Reports: The Annual Report and Annual Financial Statement were approved at the meeting and these have now been submitted to the... [date] => 21.01.26 [link] => /annual-general-meeting-2/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [8] => Array ( [title] => Litter Pick [snippet] => Thanks to everyone who took part in our first event of 2026. As you can see a lot of litter was picked up across the site by our lovely volunteers who turned out on a sunny but chilly Sunday morning. Hell Wath is much tidier as a result of your... [date] => 09.01.26 [link] => /litter-pick/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [9] => Array ( [title] => Become A Trustee [snippet] => Do You love Hell Wath ? The Friends of Hell Wath are looking for someone to become a Trustee – could it be you ? You could become one of the five Trustees who run our charity and help safeguard the future of Hell Wath for nature and people. If... [date] => 15.12.25 [link] => /become-a-trustee/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [10] => Array ( [title] => Fungi Finds [snippet] => Thanks to Dawn Madeley for sending these beautiful pictures of fungi found on Hell Wath. Featured above is Flammulina velutipes, known as Velvet shanks [date] => 20.11.25 [link] => /fungi-finds/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [11] => Array ( [title] => Archaeological Digs [snippet] => Thanks to the Ripon History and Archaeology Tribe (RHATS) and FOHW volunteers for undertaking a number of archaeological digs on Hell Wath. There have been some interesting finds from the medieval to the military era. These will now been cleaned up and prepared for display at future events. [date] => 25.07.25 [link] => /archaeological-digs/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [12] => Array ( [title] => Visit To Foxglove Covert [snippet] => With transport kindly funded by the Skell Valley Project, a small group of FOHW volunteers undertook a site visit to the nature reserve at Foxglove Covert, Catterick. Foxglove Covert was one of the Plantlife UK project sites, a project set up to establish and/or improve woodland meadows within existing community... [date] => 18.06.25 [link] => /visit-to-foxglove-covert/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [13] => Array ( [title] => M A G Site Walk Notes [snippet] => Our last MAG meeting took the form of a walk around Hell Wath to discuss this year’s plan for tackling Himalayan Balsam and thistles. The notes from this walk and accompanying grid map can be veiwed by clicking the links below. Activities taking place over the coming months can be... [date] => 18.06.25 [link] => /m-a-g-site-walk-notes/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [14] => Array ( [title] => New Riverside Bench [snippet] => Where two concrete stumps once stood, there is now a beautiful new oak bench where visitors can stop awhile to enjoy the woodland and riverside setting. The creation of this lovely bench was made possible by a grant received from Ripon City Council. Our thanks to Ken Jacquiery of Kiwi... [date] => 25.04.25 [link] => /new-riverside-bench/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [15] => Array ( [title] => Update - Woodmeadow Project [snippet] => We now have two enclosures set up on grassland areas of Hell Wath. We are grateful to Ripon City Council and Plantlife for funding the materials and to the Skell Valley and FOHW volunteers who worked hard over several sessions to install the rabbit proof fencing. Working with Plantlife, FOHW... [date] => 25.04.25 [link] => /update-woodmeadow-project/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [16] => Array ( [title] => Sights and Sounds [snippet] => On Saturday 8th March the Friends of Hell Wath took part in the annual Sights & Sounds event held in Ripon Cathedral. This event celebrates and highlight the many voluntary organisations that help make Ripon such a vibrant and happy place to live. Thanks our FOHW volunteers who gave their... [date] => 10.03.25 [link] => /sights-and-sounds/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [17] => Array ( [title] => New Signs & Trails [snippet] => You can’t miss the new signs recently installed at key points on Hell Wath! Designed, funded and installed in partnership with the Skell Valley Project, these new signs highlight the Local Nature Reserve and provide interesting information about the historical and natural features of Hell Wath. New waymarkers set out... [date] => 10.03.25 [link] => /new-signs-trails/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [18] => Array ( [title] => Annual General Meeting [snippet] => The AGM for the Friends of Hell Wath was held at Allhallowgate Methodist Church hall on Thursday 23rd January. Three new Trustees were appointed: Matthew Adamson (previously a co-opted Trustee), John Pearse (previously a co-opted Trustee) and Jane Horton. Together with Katie Scott (Chair) and Carol Leo (Treasurer) these appointments... [date] => 15.02.25 [link] => /annual-general-meeting/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [19] => Array ( [title] => Quarry Restoration - Progress Update [snippet] => Work began in the Autumn to clear dense canopied hawthorn and to coppice overgrown willow in the old Quarry section of Hell Wath. Thanks to the efforts of both FOHW and SVP volunteers over a number of sessions a significant area has now been cleared and a dead hedge has... [date] => 03.02.25 [link] => /quarry-restoration-progress-update/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [20] => Array ( [title] => Bulbs Planted on Hell Wath [snippet] => Watch this space !! Last winter an area of overgrown hawthorn and blackthorn (opposite our veteran oak tree) was thinned out and cut back, exposing an area of flat ground and a bank. This allowed much more light onto the flat ground and a profusion of wildflowers, including orchids, flowered... [date] => 14.12.24 [link] => /bulbs-planted-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [21] => Array ( [title] => Quarry Restoration [snippet] => Improving the habitat of the old quarry area has been identified as a key activity and long term project. Work has begun to coppice and clear the dense canopied hawthorn shrub which has encroached on the quarry floor. There are four scheduled activity days this Autumn, but work to restore... [date] => 06.11.24 [link] => /quarry-restoration/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [22] => Array ( [title] => Grasslands Management [snippet] => Managing the grasslands on Hell Wath is very important. Biodiverse and healthy grasslands support a wide range of grasses and wildflowers, which in turn attract a huge variety of insect life which then supports birds and small mammals. Maintaining healthy grasslands requires them to be cut at least once a... [date] => 18.10.24 [link] => /grasslands-management/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [23] => Array ( [title] => M A G Meeting [snippet] => Our last Members Activity Group Meeting was held on 5th October. You can read the notes made at that meeting by clicking the link MAG Meeting Notes. If you have any questions about our activities or would like to know more about the work we do on Hell Wath, please... [date] => 14.10.24 [link] => /m-a-g-meeting/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [24] => Array ( [title] => Bats on Hell Wath [snippet] => As part of our ongoing survey work a small group of volunteers were out on Sunday 13th October to check on all the bat boxes. John Pearse, a Trustee and certified bat surveyor, led the group and brought along an endoscope so we could see inside the bat boxes to... [date] => 14.10.24 [link] => /bats-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [25] => Array ( [title] => Important Announcement [snippet] => Jem has informed the Trustees that he is no longer able to undertake secretarial duties and has resigned as a Trustee with immediate effect. He will continue as a member of FOHW. Jem has been instrumental to the success of FOHW and the Trustees would like to thank him for... [date] => 06.09.24 [link] => /important-announcement/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [26] => Array ( [title] => Free Family Fun Day [snippet] => This year’s free family fun day will take place on Saturday 31st August, starting at 1.30 pm. The event is run by Forest Schools and is kindly funded by the Skell Valley Project. See this poster for more details. See you there ! [date] => 19.08.24 [link] => /free-family-fun-day/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [27] => Array ( [title] => Grassland Management [snippet] => The Somme meadow is being cut as part of the grassland restoration project. It will take several scything sessions to clear it all because the blackthorn / hawthorn regrowth makes the meadow quite difficult to scythe. This regrowth may need to be cut back separately. The cut material will be... [date] => 07.08.24 [link] => /grassland-management/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [28] => Array ( [title] => Himalayan Balsam - Seasonal Report [snippet] => FOHW would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our efforts to reduce Himalayan Balsam on Hell Wath this year. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant species that needs controlling because it crowds out our native species of plant. It is very difficult to control as each plant produces... [date] => 29.07.24 [link] => /himalayan-balsam-seasonal-report/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [29] => Array ( [title] => Incredible Grasslands [snippet] => FOHW are delighted to announce that the agreement with Plantlife has now been signed. This gives the go ahead for a project to improve the quality and biodiversity of Hell Wath’s grassland areas. We will kick-off with a site visit from Plantlife’s project managers on 18th July to assess the... [date] => 20.06.24 [link] => /incredible-grasslands/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [30] => Array ( [title] => Plantlife Project Update [snippet] => Although FOHW are still waiting for an agreement to be officially signed by North Yorkshire Council and Tarmac, Carol & Matthew attended the first project meeting at Three Hagges Wood on 26th March. This was an opportunity for Plantlife to outline the project and for FOHW to connect with representatives... [date] => 08.04.24 [link] => /plantlife-project-update/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [31] => Array ( [title] => Log Benches [snippet] => FOHW are delighted to have another log bench on Hell Wath. Kindly sourced from Fountains Abbey from a tree felled by storms, the log has been installed at the top of the Giant Steps providing a great place to sit and get your breath back after the climb up !... [date] => 08.04.24 [link] => /log-benches/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [32] => Array ( [title] => Tree Surveys [snippet] => Thanks to a grant received from Ripon City Council, FOHW were able to commission a survey of trees and woodland areas on Hell Wath by an independent arborist. This survey took place on 12th February and the full report produced by Symbiosis Consulting Limited can be read by clicking here.... [date] => 08.04.24 [link] => /tree-surveys/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [33] => Array ( [title] => A New Project Partner for Hell Wath [snippet] => FOHW are always on the lookout for opportunities to work with organisations that can help achieve our objectives for Hell Wath. Grassland management has been an area we have been seeking additional support for. We are delighted to announce that our application to become part of the ‘Growing Community Connections’... [date] => 24.01.24 [link] => /a-new-project-partner-for-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [34] => Array ( [title] => Grassland Restoration [snippet] => Please click on the link below to see details of planned scrub management due to be undertaken on Hell Wath on 15th and 19th March. Some work has already been undertaken and this work will complete the scrub management for 2024. Grassland Restoration Poster [date] => 03.01.24 [link] => /grassland-restoration/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [35] => Array ( [title] => Skell Valley in The News [snippet] => The Skell Valley Project team are very pleased to be able to share with you a clip from ITV News that the project team filmed back in November. Given all the rainfall we’ve had over Christmas (and without tempting fate), the Fountains Estate hasn’t experienced the flooding we’ve seen in... [date] => 03.01.24 [link] => /skell-valley-on-itv-news/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [36] => Array ( [title] => Successful Tree & Hedge Planting [snippet] => A BIG THANK YOU to our FOHW and Open Country volunteers whose efforts have resulted in three new hedgerow habitats being planted on Hell Wath. All the hedgerow saplings are native species, selected to provide seasonal flowers, berries, fruits and habitats for insects, butterflies, moths and small mammals. The first... [date] => 15.12.23 [link] => /successful-tree-hedge-planting/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [37] => Array ( [title] => Fungi on Hell Wath [snippet] => FOHW had noticed a large number of different fungi growing in the area where blackthorne scrub had been cleared a couple of years ago. We are keen to monitor how the biodiversity of this area increases over time so a Fungus Survey took place on 5th November 2023. The results... [date] => 08.11.23 [link] => /fungi-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [38] => Array ( [title] => Updated - Tree & Hedge Planting on Hell Wath [snippet] => On December 8th & 9th, 50 native tree saplings and about 800 hedgerow whips will be planted on Hell Wath. The Friends of Hell Wath are grateful to North Yorkshire Council for funding purchase of the saplings; and the Woodland Trust and The Conservation Volunteers for donating the hedgerow whips.... [date] => 28.10.23 [link] => /tree-hedge-planting-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [39] => Array ( [title] => Himalayan Balsam Update [snippet] => Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant species and a nuisance as it colonises river banks, damp woodlands and increasingly meadows. It successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and excludes other plant growth, thereby reducing native biodiversity. Until recently, the main way to tackle the... [date] => 29.09.23 [link] => /himalayan-balsam-update/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [40] => Array ( [title] => Hell Wath Track Re-surfaced [snippet] => The track leading from Hell Wath cottage has been re-surfaced with 60 tonnes of crushed limestone. This significant investment was funded and managed by the Skell Valley Project. The hard work of moving and laying the stone was completed by volunteers and FOHW thanks every one of them for doing... [date] => 29.09.23 [link] => /hell-wath-track-re-surfaced/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [41] => Array ( [title] => Brilliant Forest Schools Fun Day [snippet] => The sun shone on another brilliantly run Forest Schools Family Fun Day held on Hell Wath yesterday (2nd September). This event was run by Forest Schools Outdoor Activities and funded by the Skell Valley Project. Over 120 children had a great time whittling sticks, toasting marshmallows, making wooden models, beating... [date] => 03.09.23 [link] => /brilliant-forest-schools-fun-day/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [42] => Array ( [title] => Grass Cutting on Hell Wath [snippet] => Hell Wath meadows used to be cut annually by local farmers, with the grass being baled and taken for hay, but this is no longer feasible. Without cutting, the species of grasses and wildflowers will reduce significantly, and the meadows will become unattractive to our native insects and butterflies. The... [date] => 11.08.23 [link] => /grass-cutting-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [43] => Array ( [title] => Why Bash Himalayan Balsam? [snippet] => If you have walked on Hell Wath recently you will have noticed the proliferation of Himalayan Balsam. Great swathes of Balsam are clearly visible along the margins of the meadows and footpaths and there are many individual plants springing up across the meadows. Although they have a pretty pink flower... [date] => 11.08.23 [link] => /why-bash-himalayan-balsam/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [44] => Array ( [title] => New Trees for Hell Wath [snippet] => New trees will be planted this year thanks to funding from North Yorkshire Council. These will help replace trees being lost to age, climate stress and ash die back across the site. Native tree species will be chosen and we expect these to be available for planting in November at... [date] => 24.07.23 [link] => /new-trees-for-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [45] => Array ( [title] => Bat Monitoring on Hell Wath [snippet] => Bats represent almost a quarter of all native mammals in the UK, but their nocturnal nature means that we aren’t always aware of their presence in our environment. FOHW are now working with the local bat group to monitor bat species and populations across Hell Wath. Bat monitoring takes place... [date] => 14.07.23 [link] => /bat-monitoring-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [46] => Array ( [title] => M A G Meeting 10th June 2023 [snippet] => Thanks to everyone who attended the Members Activity Group meeting on 10th June 2023. Members feedback and input is essential to the working of the Friends of Hell Wath. Notes from this meeting can be read here. If you have any comments or queries please email Jem at info@fohw.co.uk [date] => 24.06.23 [link] => /m-a-g-meeting-10th-june-2023/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [47] => Array ( [title] => A Donation From Girlguiding, Ripon Division [snippet] => The 4th Ripon Rainbows have kindly donated £40 to fund the creation of new areas of trees on Hell Wath. The Rainbows raised this money from a cake sale as part of their charity challenge. This donation is much appreciated by FOHW and will be put to very good use... [date] => 16.06.23 [link] => /a-donation-from-girlguiding-ripon-division/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [48] => Array ( [title] => Moth Trapping News [snippet] => There are many beautiful moths that go unnoticed and unappreciated because they are nocturnal creatures. FOHW were given an insight into the range of size and colour of moths that frequent Hell Wath (and your gardens) in the hours of darkness. Several moth traps were set up on Hell Wath... [date] => 16.06.23 [link] => /moth-trapping-news/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [49] => Array ( [title] => Wildflower Seed Planting [snippet] => FOHW are taking action to increase the diversity of wildflowers on Hell Wath meadows. Wildflower seeds were purchased earlier this year, paid for by Members Fees and Local Lottery winnings. These seeds have been germinated and grown on by volunteers and many have been planted out. Hopefully these will grow,... [date] => 19.05.23 [link] => /wildflower-seed-planting/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [50] => Array ( [title] => Recent Visits To Hell Wath [snippet] => There have been several visits made to Hell Wath recently, all which add important information about the site and how it can be managed in future to preserve its special qualities. MeadowsHell Wath has important grassland meadow habitats, especially in the Local Nature Reserve. FOHW hosted a visit by the... [date] => 19.05.23 [link] => /recent-visits-to-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [51] => Array ( [title] => Using Our Lotto Winnings [snippet] => In February FOHW won £250 in a Local Lotto Prize Draw. We have used this money to purchase wildflower seeds, which were sown on the upper meadows of Hell Wath over the weekend of 22/23rd April by volunteers from Harrogate Army Foundation College. This is part of our long term... [date] => 21.04.23 [link] => /using-our-lotto-winnings/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [52] => Array ( [title] => Army Foundation College Volunteers [snippet] => The Friends of Hell Wath would like to extend their thanks all the Army Cadets who volunteered to help out on Hell Wath over the weekend of 22nd/23rd April and to the FOHW volunteers who came along (especially on a very wet Saturday) to support the work being undertaken. The... [date] => 19.04.23 [link] => /volunteering-at-the-weekend/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [53] => Array ( [title] => Monday 3rd April - M A G Meeting [snippet] => Thanks to everyone who attended this meeting and contributed their views and ideas. Notes of the meeting can be read by clicking on the link below MAG Meeting Notes 03 April 2023 [date] => 31.03.23 [link] => /monday-3rd-april-m-a-g-meeting/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [54] => Array ( [title] => Make A Difference [snippet] => Please consider buying a weekly ticket to help FOHW (and other local causes} raise funds and be in with a chance to win great prizes too ! [date] => 31.03.23 [link] => /chance-to-win-a-lotto-prize/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [55] => Array ( [title] => Grant Funding for F O H W [snippet] => Ripon City Council recently resolved to award the Friends of Hell Wath £1,000 per year for four years with effect from 1st April 2023. These annual grants will support our work in three key areas: Surveying, managing and improving habitats to encourage wildlife, especially in the Local Nature Reserve. A... [date] => 24.03.23 [link] => /grant-funding-for-fohw/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [56] => Array ( [title] => Generous Donation [snippet] => Thanks to MKM Building Supplies (Ripon) who have generously donated £252 to the Friends of Hell Wath. [date] => 17.03.23 [link] => /generous-donation/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [57] => Array ( [title] => Helping Bats To Thrive on Hell Wath [snippet] => Catching a glimpse of a bat as dusk is a real thrill. In August 2022 our local bat group organised a bat walk and this has sparked interest in doing more for the bat populations on Hell Wath. Working with the local bat group we are looking at siting about... [date] => 10.03.23 [link] => /helping-bats-to-thrive-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [58] => Array ( [title] => Trees on Hell Wath [snippet] => Hell Wath is home to a great many trees, a vital part of the natural environment. Climate change and disease pose challenges for our trees and work is underway to identify and protect the trees we have and find opportunities to plant and nurture new trees for the future. The... [date] => 10.03.23 [link] => /trees-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [59] => Array ( [title] => Increasing Wildflowers on Hell Wath [snippet] => Thanks to an initiative by one of our members, agreed at a Members Activity Group meeting, a scheme to increase the native wildflower diversity of Hell Wath’s meadows has begun. Volunteers have received a wildflower seed pack in exchange for a donation of £5. The idea is that volunteers plant... [date] => 10.03.23 [link] => /increasing-wildflowers-on-hell-wath/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) [60] => Array ( [title] => Volunteer Activity - 12th February 2023 [snippet] => A great turnout of volunteers who carried out two main activities on Hell Wath: Pond Maintenance and Hedgerow Planting. Pond Maintenance: Four volunteers donned waders and boots to clear leaf litter from the pond and to create a channel to allow the spring water to feed directly into the pond.... [date] => 10.03.23 [link] => /volunteer-activity-12th-february-2023/ [cat] => Latest News [pic] => ) )