It is now more than 10 years since Denso Marston Ltd. created their Wildlife Park on the banks of the River Aire at Baildon, West Yorkshire. The trees are growing rapidly with a good mixture of Alder, Hazel and other common species. Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus, which was included in the original mix, must be a welcome find for wandering Brimstone butterflies which are at the northern limits of their distribution here.
Steve Warrillow, the Honary Warden of the Wildlife Park has recorded many species of birds, dragonflies and moths and high-lights in 2004 included a Night Heron and nesting Tawny Owls.
The Silver-ground Carpet is a common moth on the reserve during summer evenings. Moth-trapping sessions in June will usually produce Poplar Hawkmoth, Elephant Hawkmoth, Iron Prominent and White Ermine. The Brown China-mark pyralid moth is easily found in the day-time.
Solitary Wasps can be studied on "Harry's Log" which is a fallen tree in the south-west corner of the site.
Although officially titled "The Denso Marston Wildlife Park" the location is also known locally as the "Stones Water Reserve." Easy access is available via the public footpath from Otley Road on the northern side of the factory. Parking is usually possible in the lay-by opposite.
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