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Clifton Backies Nature Reserve, York.
Clifton Backies was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in May 2002. In recent memory the site was part of the former Clifton Airfield but after its last use in the Berlin Airlift in the late 1940's, it was allowed to return to nature. Originally the land belonged to St Mary's Abbey and would have been used for growing arable crops. After the dissolution of the monasteries the land became part of a furlong or field known as 'Moor Broats', which was within the Parish of Clifton's arable fields and was cultivated under the strip farming system.The current ridge and furrow appearance of the fields is a result of this. Due to the slight curve of some of the ridged furrows it is possible to identify the work as having been done by a plough drawn by oxen. There is also some evidence that part of the site might have still been under arable management into the nineteenth century. It is only within the last century or so, since the cultivation ended, that Clifton Backies has taken on a more wild appearance. The lack of artificial fertiliser and weed killer, which are so much a part of modern day farming, has allowed a varied flora and fauna to establish. Clifton Backies incorporates three main habitat types: unimproved pasture, scrub woodland and unimproved hay meadow. The different areas of vegetation provide suitable habitats for a wide variety of animal, bird and insect life. Surveys are carried out regularly to determine the status of the plant and animal species present on Clifton Backies. The meadows are home to Short-Tailed Vole, and the Bur Dyke provides habitat for Water Voles. Rabbits can be found, although their numbers are less than expected, a likely result of persecution. Reports of other animals include Fox, Weasel, Common Shrew, Hedgehog, Bank Vole, Wood Mouse and Roe Deer have been seen to wander through the site. In the early evening Bats can be seen swooping over the meadows feeding on flying insects. Suitable breeding habitats for the Common Frog and Smooth Newt are provided by seasonal ponds. The Bur Dyke supports a healthy population of the Backie's only fish species - the Three-Spined Stickleback. Some of the birds to spot include Blackbird, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. A recent survey has identified 22 species of butterfly on the site, including Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Small copper, Brown Argus and Marbled White. Clifton Backies is located less than 2 miles from the City Centre and is easily reached by foot, bike, bus or car. It is within walking distance of the Clifton Moor Shopping Centre, and on the No. 6 and No. 20/20A First York Bus routes. There is a small car park off Woodland Chase, or you can park on the road in Tatton Close. You are looking for a 700ml Lock and Lock container, with a logbook, pen, various small swaps and a sheep keyring which will go baaaaaaa if you treat it right! Watch out for cyclists and dog-walking muggles.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Orgjrra n ebpx naq n uneq cynpr.