aLL UPDATES

DAME'S ROCKET

These tall plants are numerous on the north bank of the river to the east of town. Alternative names such as Night Scented Gilliflower...

RED CARDINAL BEETLE

This medium-sized beetle is found all over Otley, in woodland, along hedgerows, and in parks and gardens. The adults are sun worshippers...

MUTE SWAN

These popular birds have successfully raised cygnets on the Wharfe, but if you get too close, you’ll see behaviour that contrasts with...

ROE DEER

This indigenous breed are becoming more numerous and seemingly more confident around Otley. They are almost a rusty red colour at this...

BIRDS-FOOT TREFOIL

You can see this tough member of the pea family along the old railway track to the east of town, but it’s generally quite common. It’s...

MANDARIN DUCK

For some reason I was a bit sniffy about these non-native escapees when I was younger, but now I’m really pleased to see them on the...

COCKCHAFER

This beetle is in a league of its own when it comes to unusual names. It’s also known as a Doodlebug, Humbuz, Chovy, Dumbledarey,...

BUFF TIP MOTH

A master of disguise, at rest this distinctive moth resembles a broken birch twig in colour, size and shape. Conversely, the caterpillar...

BULLFINCH

If you hear a sad, simple whistle – “pewww” - from the trees down at Gallows Hill, it’s worth taking some time to look for a pair of...

BANDED DEMOISELLE

These literally brilliant damselflies are generally found near slow-moving streams and rivers, but could rock up in your Otley garden,...

CINNEBAR MOTH

These guys are described as common moths but catching sight of this striking red and black moth is something special. They fly by day and...

WELSH POPPY

With orange or yellow flowers, these plants have self-seeded all around our garden and throughout Otley. They are native of the damp,...

GOLDFINCH

So many species are suffering serious existential threats that it’s nice to hear success stories. Goldfinch numbers are rising, and these...

COMMON BLUE

Perhaps not the perfect name: it’s not that frequently seen in Otley – it’s more that it’s the most widespread of the British blues – and...

HERB ROBERT

There are many medicinal claims made for this common member of the Cranesbill family, including as a cure for diarrhoea. It is believed...

LAPWING

At the moment I’m seeing these fantastic birds between Otley and Leathley, and on the south side of the Chevin, but I used to see so many...

ELEPHANT HAWKMOTH

This has to be my favourite moth, they are fairly common in the parks and gardens of Otley but quite hard to spot, which is hard to...

HORSE CHESTNUT

The nation’s Horse Chestnut trees are under serious attack from a disease called Bleeding Canker, so it’s been good to see the...

BLUE TIT

In my first bird book – a well-thumbed Observer’s Book of British Birds – it was charmingly named the Blue Titmouse or Tom Tit, and...

YELLOW ARCHANGEL

As the Wildlife Trusts’ website says, “as the Bluebells fade, Yellow Archangel takes its turn to impress”. You’ll find them in the woods...