Facebook

Ogden Water has now a group on Facebook! Dave Wilson is a member, and Mandie Farren (of Yorkshire Water) and quite a few more people.

Just go to www.facebook.com -sign up, and search for 'Ogden Water Nature Reserve'

This is another way of keeping up to date with all that is happening at Ogden Water!

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Jan Buckley's Watch Group - Tracking photos

Jan Buckley's Watch Group - Calendar photos

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Nigel Kerwin writes:

Could you pass on some news to the wardens and people who constructed the most recent pond, finished Spring 2008, I believe. It has been a worthwhile effort, I took the attached pic of these developed tadpoles this afternoon! June 15th.

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Breathing Places Bid—Phase IV Success!

A grant application by the Friends for £2500 was approved on the 23rd April. This follows on from the success of previous applications to the BBC Breathing Places scheme — funded by the Big Lottery Fund. You may remember that previously Breathing Places paid for, amongst other things, the new Ogden pond (which is starting to establish rather nicely!).
This latest round of funding is focused on engaging and encouraging the local community to use their local Breathing Place, with an emphasis on using the facilities funded under the previous successful bid (ie the pond).
The new money will help to put on 3 activities/events: a mini beast exploration day on Sunday 7th June, a Birds of Prey day on Sunday 2nd August and a hedge planting day in late September.
If anyone would like to help on these event days, please contact (01422) 249136/ ogden.water@calderdale.gov.uk

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Joanna Marland asks - Is it possible to keep the photos from Watch updated on a monthly basis? The younger children - which includes mine! - would benefit from a more immediate feedback......Chris and Jan are on the case. (I think?).

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If you have enjoyed your visit to Ogden Water, please write to:-Calderdale M.B.C.
Town Hall
Crossley Street
Halifax HX1 1UJ
www.calderdale.gov.uk

or/and

Yorkshire Water PLC
Western House
Western Way
Bradford BD6 2LZ
www.yorkshirewater.com

But if you had problems and or didn't enjoy your visit, contact David Wilson, Estate Manager Ogden Water Country Park, Ogden Lane, Keighley Road, Halifax, HX2 8YA or ring 01422 249136 ogden.water@calderdale.gov.uk. For a speedy response.

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Do you have any anecdotes, pictures, or short stories of trips to Ogden in the past, ie. donkeys years ago! If you have, please get in touch with David or Robin.

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If you are planning to bring a party of people on a visit to Ogden Water, you could contact the Rangers to make sure the facilities will be available when you come.

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Phil Markham spotted this walk in the Guardian recently!

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30/06/09 Ranger Twitter:

Bird ringing at Ogden. (and Millets camping exhibition!)

On Saturday 4th July, local bird ringer Sean Gray will be setting up his nets at Ogden in the hope of catching and ringing some of the local birds. Hopefully this will be in the picnic area and visitors will have the chance to see how the whole process of bird ringing takes place and see some of the common birds up close.

The session is very weather dependent and so if it is at all wet, drizzling or very windy, the session will have to be cancelled.

If anyone wants to come along Sean will be there from about 10.15am until 12noon.
Chris Sutcliffe

07/06/09 Ranger Twitter:
BBC Springwatch Mini Beast Day at Ogden Water.
On Sunday 7th June, Ogden hosted 'Mini Beast Madness', one of a national series of events celebrating BBC Springwatch Weekend. This event was backed by grant money from the BBC Big Lottery Fund. Thanks to the help of Friends of Ogden, Calderdale Council Staff and volunteers, several activities were in place for people to enjoy.
By far the noisiest activity was the mini beast house construction area, where over 40 boxes were built during the course of the day. Thankfully, the loud thumps of the hammer were only accompanied by a very occasional scream as adults missed the nail completely with the hammer. More gentle activities included pond dipping, insect sweep netting on the moors, wildflower planting, face painting and bumblebee displays. Although quieter than hoped for, the weather stayed dry and all visitors enjoyed the various activities.
See the photographs taken by Jan Buckley!
Robin

01/06/09 Ranger Twitter:
Sunny, warm days at Ogden are a mixed blessing. Although we enjoy the warmth, and the estate buzzes with visitors, our attention turns towards the reservoir. Despite the Friends placing 100's of Christmas trees around the reservoir, a few determined people still battle through branch, thorn and nettle to get down to the water for a paddle or a swim. I can see the attraction myself, but obviously the dangers of freezing cold water and hidden currents mean folk need to be told to return to the path. By 4:00 on some sunny days we look to the skies hoping for clouds and start chanting for rain....
Robin

15/05/09 Ranger Twitter:
When I’m asked, I’ll always say Ogden Water looks at its best during the first weeks of Spring. This year really has confirmed that opinion. The bursting of the young buds and fresh green growth on the trees gives the Reserve an air of renewal and vitality, all enhanced by the bright sunny days we’ve been having. The only down side is the dawn chorus of staff moaning about the mowing as a new season starts.
Two arrests by Halifax Police will have hopefully brought to a conclusion a spate of recent break-ins at Ogden. Stolen machinery may yet be returned and maybe the thieves even had time to fix the broken drill they stole.... In any case, well done and thanks to the Police for their help, efforts and time.
Robin

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Rumour has it that Chris and Jan have prepared a walks booklet for Ogden. Dave and Robin have to install a few stepping stones, a few posts are to put in on a 'Friends' working party day, then we will be able to try the walks!

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The new Permanent Orienteering Course maps are now available at the Visitor Centre. £1.50 each. More have just been ordered, as they are proving very popular, particularly with school groups.

There are also some free leaflets about orienteering in the Visitor Centre.