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Thanks to all the volunteers who helped plant five more fruit trees in the Community Orchard. This brings the total of heritage fruit trees to more than thirty. There are apple, pear, plum, medlar and damson trees. They will take a few years to fruit – something for future generations to enjoy.

As dusk fell and the special moth lights came on, there was great anticipation as to whether we would see any moths. Thanks to a warm, still evening and the expertise of Mike Hill who ran the event, we were able to see a great variety of moths. We counted at least 30 different species. Seen up close they are remarkably beautiful – with remarkable names to match!

Species Seen: Beautiful China Mark, Mother of Pearl, Square-spot Rustic, Large Yellow Underwing, Orange Swift, Yellow-shell, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Nutmeg, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Old Lady, Flame Shoulder, Green Carpet, Common Wainscot, Brimstone, Common Carpet, Rosy Rustic, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Snout, Spectacle, Straw Dot, Single-dotted Wave, Mint Moth, Common Purple and Gold, Silver Y, Blood-vein, Angle Shades, Bramble Shoot Moth.

Help birds to nest on the reserve

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Jane Browne

A special request from Friends of The Hook. Please keep to the main paths on The Hook nature reserve so that wildlife is not disturbed. The path from Holme Grove toward the river has woodland on the right and scrub on the left. Both of these areas are really important habitats for nesting birds and breeding mammals. We are also trying to get rarer birds such as Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat to stay and nest, so please be considerate and do not disturb them. If nesting birds are disturbed, they will often abandon their nest. We have put up signs to ask people to keep out of these areas – thanks to everyone who has been following this.

Friends of The Hook has worked hard over the winter planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers to improve habitats for people and wildlife. We hope you enjoy them.

A lot more people are using The Hook because of lockdown – please use it responsibly and make space for nature.

Photos taken by Keith Rainford on The Hook. 1 Sedge warbler, 2 Song thrush, 3 Bullfinch,

December 3rd wild harvest wood planting a great success!

Tree planting on the HookThanks to everyone who came along to help us plant trees on the Hook on Sunday 3rd December.

We’re doing it again on Sunday 10th December, meet on Holme Grove car park at 2pm.

Please come along and join in!

December 3rd and 10th help us plant a wild harvest woodland

We have been awarded a grant of 100 saplings from The Woodland Trust to transform the area of the Hook to the right of the path from Holme Grove with trees that will eventually have fruit, nuts and berries. The saplings of rowan, hazel, crab apple, dog rose and elder are safely heeled in on my allotment waiting to be planted. Meet in the car park on Holme Grove at 2pm – bring a spade and gardening gloves if you can, or we can lend them.

Folk/rock fundraising gig!

Posted on November 10, 2019 by Sandy Allan

Friday 6th December 7pm

Morris Convertible, a well known local folk/rock band are performing at the Poppy and Pint in Lady Bay to raise funds for the Friends of the Hook. Please come Morris Convertible – an evening of folk/rock at the Poppy & Pint, presented by Friends of the Hook

The Poppy and Pint is at Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay NG2 5DX.

Morris Convertible originally formed in 1974 as an electric folk band and are still rocking after playing together for over 40 years. They play an eclectic variety of songs that makes their performance unique. There is a mixture of some ‘rocked up’ folk classics as well as some self-penned songs. Look out for a unique version of ‘wild rover’ their performances are full of fun and the audience can expect a cracking ‘up tempo’ night, just ask the dancers.

Friends of the Hook are a voluntary organisation, who gives their time and energy to help to manage and maintain the local nature reserve, North of Lady Bay, known as ‘The Hook’. We are self-funded and raise money to buy seeds, trees, equipment, pay for contractors and hire people to run educational events, such as our recent wildlife fun day and bat walk. If you would like more information then please go to our website   http://www.friendsofthehook.org.uk

Enjoy the music, whilst at the same time; support ‘Friends of the Hook’ with our conservation work and educational programme.

The doors open at 7.00 entrance £5.00 on the door, performance starts at 8.00 pm.

21st July 2019 Wildlife Fun Day

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Sandy Allan

We have devised a wildflower trail which guides you through some of the most flower-rich parts of the reserve. Our work in sowing seeds and planting plug plants is really beginning to pay off and you will see a lot of variety. You’ll also learn about the folklore and medicinal uses of plants.

Friends of the Hook are hosting a Wildlife Fun Day on Sunday 21^st July 1.30 -4pm, drop into The Hook nature reserve and discover what’s new. Look for the marquee by Mona Road entrance.

All ages will enjoy ‘Tree Bingo’ which helps you identify 12 species of trees.

A bird walk led by Keith Rainford from Lady Bay bird group starts at 2pm (note change of time) from Holme Grove entrance

Pond dipping and mini beast safari will continue through the afternoon. Little ones can also make a flying butterfly kite, colour a bookmark or make an alder cone bee.

Dawn Chorus Day Guided Walk 5th May 2019

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Sandy Allan

Sunday 5th May is International Dawn Chorus Day

This is when the word celebrates nature’s symphony.

To mark this, Keith Rainford from the Lady Bay Birdwatchers will lead a Dawn Chorus walk on The Hook and will identify birds that can be seen and heard singing on The Hook.

Everyone is welcome, beginner to expert.

We suggest bringing binoculars if you have them.

Meet at Home Grove Car Park 6am on Sunday 5th May.

On 9th October we planted a Medlar Tree in memory of Lawrence Geary, a strong campaigner for Lady Bay.