The Pocklington Canal in East Yorkshire is 9.5 miles in length and runs from Canal Head, near the village of Pocklington (12 miles east of York), to East Cottingwith, where it meets the River Derwent just south of Wheldrake Ings. It is regarded as one of the most important waterways for wildlife in Britain. The section between Canal Head and Melbourne is a designated SSSI and two further sections are included in other SSSI areas.
We will be leading a walk from Canal Head to Melbourne, a distance of just over 4.5 miles, but there are opportunities for people to shorten or extend this should you wish. Most of the route is along the towpath but we divert to a footpath on the opposite side of the canal to explore the Bielby Arm before returning to the towpath for the last couple of miles. The first section of the canal is as yet unrestored and is un-navigable being largely overgrown with reeds and other aquatic plants. From Coates Bridge onwards the water opens up and the canal is bordered by a mixture of woodland, rough pasture and arable farmland. This provides a wide range of habitats for wildlife.
On our recce trip we saw an amazing 12 species of butterflies, over 30 species of birds, several different dragonflies and a variety of wildflowers. Among the highlights were Tree Sparrows, Yellow Wagtails and a Hobby which no doubt was there for the dragonflies that were hawking over the canal. At Bielby we were amazed by what must have been a newly emerged “clutch” of Banded Demoiselles dancing over the mill stream. Oh and the numerous Waterlilies were just starting to open so they should be in full bloom for our visit. The towpath and the footpath are reasonably good although unsurfaced and there are a few places where you have to look out for numerous mole-hills. There are no stiles on the planned route and, as you would expect, no noticeable gradient.
Refreshments are available at the Olde Forge Tearooms by Canal Head near the start of the walk and at the Melbourne Arms where the walk finishes. There are no facilities on the route itself but there are several benches along the way if you want a break.
The planned route is just over 4.5 miles but it will be possible to shorten or extend this on the day as you wish. So, if you fancy a slow potter along the first section for as far as you like before retracing your steps to the starting point and the tearooms, or a less leisurely walk going beyond Melbourne before returning, it is simply done. The main thing is to let us know your intentions and to be back in time to board the coach either at Canal Head where the coach will depart at 4.30 pm or near the Melbourne Arms at 4.45 pm for departure at 5.00 pm.
Leaders: Peter Cloran
The trip is open to friends and family. But please remind your friends that :
Our trips are run by our Members for Members. Everyone joins our excursions at their own risk.
(Our full statement on our liability may be read on our website Disclaimer – Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society)
The Coach will leave at 9.00am, from Morrison’s car park in Heywood.
Coach Bookings
We’re making it simpler to book a seat on our coach trips.
All you now need to do is pay your £20 in advance by BACS, making sure that you put COACH and the month of the trip in the reference section,i.e. for the next coach trip this would be ‘Coach August’. This is so that the treasurer knows what you are paying for. There is no need to put your name in the reference part as that automatically comes on the statement (unless you bank under a different name in which case you should let the treasurer know). If you do not indicate what the payment is for you won’t be booked on the coach.
There is also no need to email anyone. Once the payment has been made your booking is secure, unless the coach is over subscribed. If that is the case you will be informed and your payment returned. Booking will be on a first come basis.