Latest News

Fungi on Hell Wath

08.11.23

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...

Updated - Tree & Hedge Planting on Hell Wath

28.10.23

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....

Himalayan Balsam Update

29.09.23

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...

Hell Wath Track Re-surfaced

29.09.23

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...

Brilliant Forest Schools Fun Day

03.09.23

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...

Grass Cutting on Hell Wath

11.08.23

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...

Why Bash Himalayan Balsam?

11.08.23

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...

New Trees for Hell Wath

24.07.23

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...

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