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Thorne and Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum |
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Thorne and Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum |
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New downloads
The following free downloads are now available.
The Birds of Thorne Moors - An Annotated Checklist
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DESKTOP REVIEW OF THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THORNE MOORS
During 2004-10, a desktop review of the vertebrate fauna of Thorne Moors was published. It was coordinated and edited by Martin Limbert, and in total was compiled by Steve Hiner, Martin Limbert, Peter Roworth and Bryan Wainwright. Much technical assistance was provided by Keith Heywood. The project comprises a review of all known records of both native and non-native taxa, spanning 1586 to the present, and provides a basis for future monitoring. The results are presented in four THMCF Technical Reports, which appeared in the following sequence:
Together, there are over 170 pages, plus an unpublished Badger supplement (this latter having discretionary availability to applicants). Most of the foregoing pages comprise species accounts and bibliographies, but with some introductory matter and appendices. The total number of vertebrate species reviewed is 286, as follows:
The review presents a definitive statement of current knowledge of the vertebrate fauna of Thorne Moors. It is a significant contribution to a biodiversity assay of Thorne Moors, and alongside the late Peter Skidmore’s inventory of Thorne Moors invertebrates (2006), it completes a modern catalogue of the zoology of the moorland.
Details of purchasing the above Technical Reports can be found on the ‘Technical Reports’ page of this website.
Peter Skidmore's Publications
Martin Limbert, with assistance from Paul Buckland has revised and extended the interim bibliography formerly published on this website.
2010 - the year of the Horsefly
They caused two contractors to leave the Moors, vowing never to return, and sent RSPB staff hurrying back to their air-conditioned vehicle... There are three species that are most likely to be encountered.
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The problem species over most of the peat area is Chrysops relictus , and this is the delta-winged horsefly with colourful eyes and patterned wings, which flies and buzzes around aggressively |
| A close relative is Chrysops caecutiens which is chiefly found in Will Pits and Inkle Moor |  |
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The infamous Cleg is Haematopota pluvialis, which is a dull grey-brown beast, and silent and altogether more stealthy. |
Fortunately the possibility of being bitten will rapidly recede with the onset of September, but in the meantime take plenty of insect repellant with you.
2010 Nightjar surveys
We are pleased to say that the 2010 Nightjar surveys for Thorne Moors and Hatfield Moors have generously been made available to download. 2009 numbers have been maintained overall.
2009/10 Officers reports
The Chairman's report this year both reflects upon selected events from the Forum's past over the last 21 years and looks forward to some of the challenges for the future. The Secretary's report concentrates upon the considerable list of accomplishments over the past year. As the secretary says "for such a small but dedicated band we should be proud of our history and the achievements".
2009 Thorne Moors Vertebrate reports
Instead of a single report as in previous years, the 2009 report will be published in three separate sections, covering birds, mammals and reptiles & amphibians. The Birds and Mammals reports are already published, the mammals report also being available as an unillustrated version suitable for printing.
Mention should also be made of the Thorne Moors Birding Blog, which, together with the Hatfield Moors Birding Blog, gives a comprehensive and up to date summary of significant bird sightings on and around the moors.
2010 Wildlife Training Workshops
The 2010 programme has now been finalised. This year 10 workshops are planned over a wide range of subjects. Some are suitable for beginners, others for those seeking to build upon current skills. Early booking is advised as some of the Workshops will be very popular and places are strictly limited.
Peter Skidmore
The Thorne & Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum are organising a symposium
INSECTS AND THE CHANGING SCENE:
at
Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery on
2nd October 2010
It will commemorate the life and work of
PETER SKIDMORE PhD, FRES, FLS
This will be a full day event.
The Forum has now published a comprehensive Index to Peter's An Inventory of the Invertebrates of Thorne & Hatfield Moors. This has been compiled by Peter Kendal.
The splendid set of Art Prints taken from the above Inventory has been re-launched in an enhanced package.
Wet Week at Doncaster Museum
Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery arranged a series of events from Saturday 13th - Sunday 21 February about Doncaster's internationally important wetlands.
Note - the visual display from the talk by Paul Buckland - The birth, life and death of the Humber wetlands is available to download (9MB).
Notable bird sightings
A Great Grey Shrike took up residence on Thorne Moors, near to the viewing platform, on October 1st 2009, and was seen regularly for the next few months. After a month without any sightings it has been seen again in January 2010. Great Grey Shrikes used to be regular autumn/winter visitors to Thorne Moors, but the last bird staying for longer than 2 days was recorded in 1995/6, although there were recordings of a bird recorded on a single autumn day from 1999 to 2001.
Visitors to Thorne Moors during the January cold spell have been rewarded with excellent views of two male Hen Harriers.
A Barred Warbler was reported in dense hedge on the bank of the River Torne neat Wroot on the 17th and 18th October - only the second ever recording in the Doncaster area.. This was reported on the Hatfield Moors Birding Blog which is updated daily by the local birdwathchers - definitely worth viewing regularly.
The Birds of Thorne Moors - A Guide to Literature Sources
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Dr Peter Skidmore
1936 – 2009.
The Forum’s Executive Committee are sad to announce the death of a ‘giant of entomology’ Dr Peter Skidmore, an Honorary Life Member, at the age of 73.
Peter passed away peacefully at home on Sunday 19 July 2009 after a long illness bravely borne.
Peter, a delightful gentle man, patient and a strong advocate for Thorne & Hatfield Moors. A cause for which his campaigning to protect these internationally important sites was always underpinned by sound science and this commitment will feature in an appreciation of his involvement with both the sites and entomology shortly.
The Executive’s thoughts and prayers are with Peter’s family to whom sincere condolences are extended.
During his lifetime Peter Skidmore accumulated a considerable collection of books reflecting his specialist interests. His widow, Heather, has asked his good friend Paul Buckland to dispose of the collection for her. Peter's wish would have been that the books would pass on to people with similar interests to himself.
2009 Programme of Wildlife Training Workshops
Events so far confirmed are as below, full details and further events to follow as soon as possible
| 29 August | Waterplant identification | Louise Hill |
| 24/25 October | Mammals of the Moors - What to look for and where to find them | Ann Hanson and Robert Masheder |
| 7 November | Holocene environment change in the Humberhead Levels | Paul Buckland |
All workshops are to be held at Blaxton Village Hall (signposted from the A614 Bawtry
Road at approximately SE671003) commencing at 10am and finishing at approximately 4pm (except the Mammals workshop).
Each workshop will comprise a classroom style session with an introductory
presentation, examination of standard and sample material and a field session on
Hatfield Moors, usually in the afternoon. Note however that the 7 November field trip will
include a minibus tour of the sites discussed in the presentation.
Refreshments are available in the morning and at lunch time, however participants are
asked to bring their own packed lunch and advised to wear stout footwear and suitable
clothing for the fieldwork session.
The cost of each of the workshops is £15 and payment with booking is required to
secure a place. Early booking is advised as each workshop has limited places. Please
ensure that cheques are made payable to Thorne & Hatfield Moors Conservation
Forum.
For further information please contact:
WT Workshop Administrator (
)
Download further details and Application Form
Flora by Foot - a Botanical Survey of Hatfield Moor, Yorkshire (2005-2006)
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| What a fantastic piece of work, full of detailed information and superb photography. Very many congratulations! And superbly produced by Thorne & Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum. A splendid addition to my bookshelves. |
Unsolicited comment from Geoffrey Wilmore, who is the plant recorder of the Botanical Society of the British Isles for vice county 63 |
Mechanised Peat Winning and Transportation on Thorne Moors
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RSPB - Muck in to make peat history
With a staggering 94% of lowland peat bog habitats in the UK now destroyed by peat extraction, the RSPB is urging gardeners to go peat-free this Easter. This weekend is one of the most popular for the nation to hit garden centres, and there is no better time to find peat alternatives. Around a fifth of the annual peat purchase for gardens is over the four-day break as traditionally people spend more time in their gardens with brighter weather and longer evenings. Read full article
Thorne Moors Vertebrates Report 2008
In previous years the Thorne Moors Vertebrates Reports were published privately. Following consultations with the compiler, Martin Limbert, it was decided to publish these reports on-line on this website as a free download in the future. The Thorne Moors Vertebrates Report 2008 is now available comprising an annual systematic list covering fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The 2006 and 2007 Reports are also available to download.
Thorne Moors Map
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The OS maps covering the area of the moors unfortunately lack many of the place and area names which are in common usage and are used in recording. Two maps are therefore being prepared to address the situation. The first of these, the Thorne Moors Map has been compiled and is now available. The Hatfield Moors Map is still at the consultation stage and it is intended to publish it with Volume 8 of the Papers, which will be dedicated to Hatfield Moors. |
THMCF Papers Volume 7
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The latest volume of the Thorne and Hatfield Moors Papers has now been published. It has been a long wait, but we think that the final product fully justifies the time taken. There is the usual wide range of subjects covered and, as you have accessed this website, there is sure to be something of interest to you! Full details here |
New editions of Technical Reports
| Fully revised and updated editions of TR13 - The Fish and Herptiles of Thorne Moors and TR15 - The Mammals of Thorne Moors are now available at £3 each. Together these two volumes provide an excellent baseline for future recording. |
New THMCF website
| The THMCF website has been extensively revised, and the "new look" website became live in July 2007. For a short time the old website will still be available, but will not be updated. Note, the old website was removed on May 1st 2009. If you have problems accessing the new website, or have suggestions for further improvements please contact the |
2008 Programme of Wildlife Training Workshops
| 22 June | Ground Beetles | Brian Eversham |
| 27 July | Ants | Brian Eversham |
| 28 September | Ferns & Horsetails | Brian Eversham |
| 1 November (Rescheduled from 25 October) |
'Glacials and the Postglacial in the Humberhead Levels' | Paul Buckland |
| 8 March 2009 (Rescheduled from 14 December 2008) |
Lichens | Brian Eversham |
All workshops are to be held at Blaxton Village Hall (signposted from the A614 Bawtry
Road at approximately SE671003) commencing at 10am and finishing at approximately 4pm.
Each workshop will comprise a classroom style session with an introductory
presentation, examination of standard and sample material and a field session on
Hatfield Moors, usually in the afternoon. Note however that the 1 November field trip will
include a minibus tour of the sites discussed in the presentation.
Refreshments are available in the morning and at lunch time, however participants are
asked to bring their own packed lunch and advised to wear stout footwear and suitable
clothing for the fieldwork session.
The cost of each of the workshops is £15 and payment with booking is required to
secure a place. Early booking is advised as each workshop has limited places. Please
ensure that cheques are made payable to Thorne & Hatfield Moors Conservation
Forum.
For further information please contact:
WT Workshop Administrator (Helen Kirk) on 07833 693635
Download further details and Application Form
Invertebrates Illustrations
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The quality of the illustrations in the Forum's latest monograph "An Inventory of the Invertebrates of Thorne & Hatfield Moors" by Peter Skidmore is so good that we have commissioned a limited edition of 100 sets , printed on high quality paper and suitable for framing.
Each set, consisting of 10 A4 plates, is individually numbered and signed by Peter Skidmore, and are available in a presentation folder at a cost of £25 per set. Please contact the for further details or to order a set. |
Appeal for sightings of Adders.
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It is intended to compile a summary of the spatial distribution of Adders on Thorne Moors from 2004-8. It is requested that anyone who finds an Adder on Thorne Moors in 2008 in any of the 1km squares coloured yellow on the Adder Map notifies Martin Limbert (Doncaster Museum - Telephone: 01302 734293) or Steve Hiner (Natural England). Click on the map or above link to download a larger map (814Kb). Update Jan 2009 Thank you for your input, the report has now been compiled and is included in the revised edition of Technical Report 13 - The Fish and Herptiles of Thorne Moors. |
Archaeology on Hatfield Moors!
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A Neolithic trackway and platform was recently discovered on Hatfield Moors. It is currently being investigated by researchers at the University of Birmingham. More information will be made available when investigations are completed, but recent news may be accessed by following this Link. |
Stephen Warburton
Following the sad death of Stephen Warburton, of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on the 19th January 2004, the Forum has established an annual Memorial Lecture.
The second lecture, entitled "Climate Change and Insects: Past, Present and Future" was held at the York St John University on Saturday 10th February 2007. Although the audience was not as numerous as hoped the feeling was that the day was a great success. Having just four fairly long presentations, with ample time for speakers to explore topics thoroughly, and for questions, discussion and conversation over lunch, was a civilised and welcome contrast to the over-crammed programmes which have become the norm today. Phil Thomas's lively, erudite, witty, and highly apposite contributions from the chair added greatly to the day, and provided some heart-warming personal reflections on Stephen.
Considerable thanks are due to PLACE (People, Landscape And Cultural Environment of Yorkshire) for their sponsorship. PLACE have published their own book in tribute to Stephen, entitled "Land Use, Ecology and Conservation in the Lower Derwent valley." Ed. Tim Milsom. Price: £14.99 + £1.50 postage & packing.
This lavishly illustrated volume, inspired by the PLACE conference on the Lower Derwent Valley in 2002, has just been published. It includes chapters on all aspects of the ecology of the Valley and is an authoritative account of recent research in the area.
Further details from PLACE Office, York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, YO31 7EX - or see the PLACE website. .
Michael Meacher Meets Forum
The Rt. Hon. Michael Meacher MP, former Minister of State (Environment) attended the Forum's recent conference, "Peat - the way forward, a future for the UK's peatlands", and gave the key note speech.
The meeting was in Scunthorpe, 3rd - 4th July 2002.The opening welcome to the conference was by Caroline Flint MP (constituency MP for Don Valley and stalwart supporter of the Forum’s endeavours for conservation of the Humberhead Peatlands).Other speakers included Andy Brown (English Nature), Martin Harper (Plant Life), Craig Bennett (Friends of the Earth), Adrian Olivier (English Heritage), Richard Buxton (Solicitor Environmental and Public Law), Ian Goldthorpe (North Lincolnshire County Council), Stuart Henchie (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew), Mark Lewington (Terra Eco Systems), Paul Waller (Scotts Co.(UK) Ltd), Sally Ockendoen (B&Q), Dr. Dan Charman (University of Plymouth), Dr. Rob Stoneman (Sheffield Wildlife Trust) and Keith Stanfield (Dept. of the Environment, Northern Ireland & Peatlands Park). The Sessions were chaired by Richard Lindsay, University of East London and member of the IMCG.
The topics discussed included the history of peatlands, their importance and their conservation, peatlands and environmental change, growing medium requirements from a horticultural perspective, peat alternatives, protection through the planning and legislative frameworks, community initiative projects – using the Peatlands Park in Northern Ireland as a model. A question time allowed delegates to address the speakers on issues or aspects of concern.
The conference was attended by delegates from members and observers of the Forum itself, by representatives of English Nature, English Heritage, The Environment Agency, county Wildlife Trusts, charities with similar aims and objectives as the Forum, the RSPB, The Council for British Archaeology, academic institutions with scientific interest in all aspects of peatland ecology, archaeology and landscape use. Delegates were invited from horticultural organisations such as the Royal Horticultural Society, Kew Botanical Gardens and the Soil Association. Peat alternative companies and the peat extraction industry were also represented – speakers from both addressed delegates. Members of the public were also present.
The two day conference was made possible by receipt of a grant from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme. Generous sponsorship was also received from B & Q, North Lincolnshire Council and English Nature. Financial Assisstance was also provided by the Scotts Company (UK) Ltd., Terra Eco Systems (a division of Thames Water), Edinburgh Oil & Gas Plc., Council for British Archaeology and Petersfield Products.
New! A transcript of the conference proceedings are now available to download as a pdf document (524KB).
Current news can be found in the Recent News page.
