Friends of Hell Wath

19/03/2026

Do you fancy volunteering on the next Hell Wath dig. FOHW and Ripon History and Archaeology Tribe (The RHATs)are collaborating again to undertake the next dig to explore the military camp and the earlier history underneath it.

Use this link to sign up for any of the dig dates and times you are available for between Thursday 21st and Saturday 23rd. Please note Saturday 23rd ( May) will include a children and families dig event with a chance to have a go.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DTVLP8

It is important to remind everyone that only RHATs authorised metal detectorists have been authorised to use metal detectors on Hell Wath. If you own a detector and want to get involved register with RHATs and join their planned detecting.

05/02/2026

29/12/2025

If you saw the previous version you might have missed the last typo of 2025. Saturday 4th should have said Sunday 4th.

One last mulled wine too many maybe…

15/12/2025

Hell Wath needs you, do you think you could become a trustee and help build on the work done already.

Have got opinions that you think need to be heard or just want to help look after this jewel in the Ripon Crown.

Email: [email protected] if you would like a word copy of the nomination form.

08/12/2025

This wheelchair has been left in the car park. We have brought it into the clubhouse tonight and have let Ripon Disability Forum know. If it is yours let us know or pop down when Lottie orthe footballers are there.

If no one has collected it by Monday 15th December it will either be passed to the council or to a local charity to use.

02/11/2025

Introducing The Good Hay Guide

Nidderdale National Landscape is pleased to announce a new Farming in Protected Landscapes project that brings together farmers, horse owners and traditional hay meadows.

The Good Hay Guide, led by Jane Wood, aims to connect producers of late-cut and species-rich hay with horse owners who are looking for healthier forage options for their animals.

Late-cut hay from species-rich meadows is lower in sugar and higher in fibre, making it more suitable for horses in low work levels and reducing the risk of conditions like laminitis. At the same time, this project supports local farmers who manage traditional meadows and helps them get a fair price for their quality product.

The project will provide:

~ Free hay nutrient testing
~ Connections, where available, between sellers and buyers
~ Practical advice on managing horse pastures and hay selection
~ Support for both producers and horse owners

Whether you're a farmer with hay to sell or a horse owner looking for more suitable forage, the Good Hay Guide is a listing service which creates better access to specialised hay.

Contact Jane Wood:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07821 495447
Website: www.goodhayguide.org

And don't forget if you are a farmer or landowner in Nidderdale, we have a private group where we share important information. You can join us here https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694663584510873

21/10/2025

Dumping anything, including garden waste, on Hell Wath is fly tipping.

If you trim trees overhanging your property the council don’t want them back so they must be put in your green bin or taken to the tip.

Piles of garden waste can introduce unwanted plants to the site and because of their density are a significant fire risk in hot dry spells.

YOU CUT IT, TRIM IT, DIG IT OR CHOP IT - YOU BIN IT

20/09/2025

A forager’s dream - as well as being a sought after delicacy, Chicken of the Woods is a vital fungus for a host of wildlife. This wonderful specimen as discovered on a fallen tree in the Rewilding Area.

It can be found from late spring to early summer, on the trunks and crown structures of broadleaved trees such as oak, cherry, and Sweet Chestnut. However, it is important to never eat Chicken of the Woods from Yew Trees, as the fungus can absorb and retain toxins from the tree.

There are some specialist beetles which only feed on bracket fungi like Chicken of the Woods, including the Hairy Fungus Beetle. It is also eaten by deer.

When cooking, it can be prepared and used as a substitute for chicken in a vegetarian diet. Additionally, it can be frozen for long periods of time and retain its edibility.

www.wildkenhill.co.uk

20/09/2025

If you want to plant in your garden for pollinators this tool is a great help. You put in the size of your plot, soil type and sun levels and it creates a planting plan for long season planting.

You can buy the seeds and grow the plants you need (to keep it cheap) and then plant out next year.

Every garden (or potted balcony) can play its part.

This was initially created for the Eden Project.

Design and plant gardens for endangered bees, butterflies and other pollinators using the algorithmic tool - an artwork by Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg.

07/09/2025

Thank you to members Sylvia and Mike, who have repaired the recently damaged interpretation panel at the Fairy Steps.

07/09/2025

‘Where are the birds?” Is sometimes asked about Hell Wath. Its size and human activity can make it hard to spot our bird life.

However below is a list of birds seen on or around Hell Wath. Can you add to the list.

Hell Wath is a habitat that is connected to the countryside and gardens around it. Together they provide a rich and varied habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Have you seen the sloes, gooseberries, raspberries and other fruits that we have on the site as well as the seeds of other plants.

Improving the mix of habitats and allowing wildflowers to flourish add to this mix. Membership of FOHW can allow you to play a more active involvement if this is what you wish.

House Sparrows. Tree Sparrows. Blue T**s
Great T**s. Coal T**s. Long Tailed T**s
Marsh T**s. Bull Finches. Green Finches
Chaffinches. Gold Finches. Linnets
Siskinsm. Dunnocks. Blackbirds. Thrush. Redpoll. Waxwings. Magpies. Robins Collard Dove. Wood Pigeons. Wren. Kingfishers. Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Starling. Crow. Jackdaw. Tree Creeper. Nuthatch. Tawny Owl. Sparrow Hawk. Red Kites. Buzzards Herons