This documentary focuses on the preservation efforts of the Yorkshire countryside made by Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust founded in 1946 and now known as Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The film outlines the problems that project developments of roads and buildings are destroying the surrounding countryside and its skyline. Information is given about preservation and the various nature reserves in Yorkshire that the public can visit and to which they can donate funds. Explanations of the...

This documentary focuses on the preservation efforts of the Yorkshire countryside made by Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust founded in 1946 and now known as Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The film outlines the problems that project developments of roads and buildings are destroying the surrounding countryside and its skyline. Information is given about preservation and the various nature reserves in Yorkshire that the public can visit and to which they can donate funds. Explanations of the different seasons, the wildlife and plant life found in those seasons, and the effect that building development has on the countryside are strong themes in this film. Title - The Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust limited presents. The Spider's Web. Devised and photographed by George Edwards. Commentary - A spider weaves a web, and in its mesh shall trap the unsuspecting flyers upon which it feeds. Many people, quite understandably, dislike spiders, while some are openly afraid of them even though all are British spiders are harmless. Spiders are unwittingly providing mankind by keeping population at a reasonable level. But no matter how unattractive many of our wild creatures may appear upon the surface, there's something strangely fascinating about watching their actions as they go about the task of ensuring their own survival. Picture - There is a spider's web covered with droplets of water, and the spider sits in the middle of the web. It wraps up a fly in its webbing and further spins a web. This web can also be seen amongst the trees. Commentary - That's why David, who is primarily a bird watcher, takes such an interest in all other forms of natural history. Because he realises that each branch of this vast science forms a separate link in an ecological chain. Being aware of this chain of events makes the study of each link all the more absorbing. A cloud for instance becomes something of importance in our lives. Clouds bring rain, and rain is life. It can fall at inconvenient times, or so we think as individuals, but the falling rain penetrates the earth forming the link between the clouds and the soil, which grows our food and our flowers. Some caterpillars can menace our food supplies or destroy garden plants, but others feed entirely upon certain weeds which could themselves partial, the growth of vegetables. In its turn the insect population is controlled by other creatures especially birds. But birds too suffer from predation by larger birds and animals while many have also to face the hazards of migration. These young swallows will shortly be leaving for South Africa maybe only one will return. The unfortunate ones can be destroyed by the same weather conditions, which initially contributed to their own creation. Picture - David stands in a field holding a pair of binoculars and looking up at the sky. He walks through the bushes to look at the spiders' web amongst the trees. David walks amongst the bushes in front of a coastal view with a cloud covered sky. He looks at the clouds through his binoculars. Rain falls on the ground, and cowslips and buttercups growing in a meadow. The plant life and wild life can be seen including a caterpillar which crawls along a twig and a bird that picks through the grass feeding on insects. A Sparrow hawk hovers in mid air and descends, and there is a flock of swallows perched on barbed wire being fed by a parent swallow. Commentary - To David and his generation, the countryside and the seaside are an everlasting storehouse of exciting events. There's a challenge of getting a close up view of a shy bird; an achievement requiring the skill of a hunter stalking his quarry. But to know something more of the bird than just its name gives added interest to every observation. The fact that these curlew sandpipers recently arrived from Arctic Siberia will soon be at their winter quarters in South Africa makes an even more exciting occasion. Picture - David looks through binoculars at a cloud-filled sky over the coast. He ducks down and rushes along the cliff top to crouch in the tall grass and watch curlew sandpipers feeding in the water. Commentary - For those who have the eyes to see and the inclination to seek, there's the seashore waiting to unfold it geological secrets. Here may be found the fossilised remains of marine creatures which lead their lives a hundred million yesterdays ago. While a few yards beyond the shore may reveal the fragile beauty of a butterfly living its own few days of glory. It's the privilege of young people to live for the excitement that is today, to discover the passing birds, the secrets of the seashore, and the apparently serene meadowland where some unwary fly has become the latest victim of a spider heightening the eternal battle for survival and a well balanced ecology. But to an older generation, who have lived through the trials and upheavals of the last half centaury, changes in our countryside are more apparent and a cause for growing concern. Picture - A research team of school children walk along the seashore looking for specimens. A boy picks up a fossil of a sea creature for the team to examine, and butterflies and flowers can also be seen. David walks along the cliff top, along the seashore, and along a flower covered meadow. The spider wraps a fly in webbing, and a couple stand in the countryside examining a map. Commentary - Civilisation must progress but, where as other forms of life adjust their populations, to the available food supply, man tries to provide for the growing needs of a rapidly expanding population regardless to the space available for expansion. If civilisation is to be worthy of the name, then it too should ensure that a balance is maintained. Allowed to advance unchecked this situation might be compared to a spider weaving an ever-expanding web across the surrounding countryside. This is the world we are building for ourselves today, and this is called civilisation. This is progress and behind it all spiders are at work weaving their ever-expanding webs of steel across the skylines of our towns and cities. Over much of this country, the spider we call civilisation has already completed a web of major roads and railways interwoven by a finer mesh of power lines and cables, which even now reaches out into the remote corners of the British Isles. At the same time thousands of flies, upon which the spider depends for its existence, are being snared in ever increasing numbers into the centre of the spider's web. Then when the city spider has swallowed up its immediate surroundings and grown fat from the process, it must inevitably begin to look else where for future expansion. And where else but in the open countryside? In Yorkshire alone, thousands of acres of beautiful countryside and precious farmland are being swallowed up by urgent building projects every year. The construction of a comparatively short stretch of new motorway can destroy forever many thousands of acres of good farming country. And every last acre means that space, for growing food, is going to be more difficult to find. And where here we were able to breathe pure fresh air, the countryside will soon be polluted by petrol fumes. As more and more vehicles add their quota of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, so must the produce of the joining farms be adversely affected? The modern spider has long arms. Today even in the most tranquil setting, it is becoming difficult to escape from the menace of the spider's web. Fortunately there are no harmful fumes produced by electric cables but their presence destroys the accepted conception of what is countryside. And there are times when even in remote country the presence of the spider can seem very real. As with the modern motorway, the construction of a new reservoir can also be the cause of thousands more lost acres of farmland, because with our population expanding at its present rate, more and more reservoirs will be required. And this too means that less and less ground will be available for growing crops to feed the increasing population. Picture - There is an aerial view of Leeds railway line and surrounding factories with Town Hall and clock in the distance. School children walk out of the gates. There is a diagram of Yorkshire and its built up areas highlighted, a diagram of spider on web. Additionally there is footage of a building site and steelwork frames, railway tracks, power lines and cables. People walk over pedestrian crossings in the city centre of Leeds. There is an aerial view of Leeds terraced houses in Burley Park and Hyde Park. Also seen are meadows adjacent to village church and residential houses next to farm land with stacked bails of hay. There is countryside landscape of farmland and villages next to the construction site for the M18 motorway. The completed M18 motorway is now in use at junction separating A1 M North and M18 M1 South. Electricity cable masts are in the countryside, and there is a construction site for reservoir in the countryside. Commentary - City spiders acquire an insatiable thirst, which is impossible to satisfy, for by the time one reservoir has been completed another site must be found to accommodate future requirements. If the present rate of expansion is maintained, this will be the situation in the West Riding of Yorkshire in the next half centaury. Is this prospect the legacy we are leaving to future generations? If so then within a very few years from now the land where today these school children are receiving instruction could very well be swallowed up by building projects. Although, the red brick jungle which civilisation is creating holds none of the wonders these girls find on a single plant. At present some urban spaces still remain, even close to our towns where schoolwork may be carried out. But will this still be so in the sort space of another generation? Or will these children find their pathway to freedom bared by a spider's web? No Michael the flowers are not for you, more and more houses are required urgently! Picture - A large reservoir is in the countryside. A diagram of Yorkshire, and its built up areas are highlighted in black, expanding outwards. Three children look up at the housing estates at Seacroft. A teacher and group of students examine the flowers in meadow, and two girls look at a caterpillar on their finger and a group of caterpillars on a plant. A school girl sits in the meadow sketching the plants around her. Michael walks along and stops in front of a chicken wire fence. A field of flowers grow behind the construction site of residential homes. Commentary - Fortunately for Michael and the future, there are those who are not afraid of spiders. People who, while allowing the spiders real or other wise to exist, are no less concerned about their possible victims and the preservation of the open country around our built up areas. It's the policy of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust to do just that: to preserve as much of the counties remaining countryside as is possible before it's too late. No area of ground is too large or too small to warrant attention providing that area has some special natural features which make its preservation desirable. Here in York, the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust was formed in 1946, and it now owns and administers some thirty nature reserves throughout the county. Its headquarters are in Clifford Street, and its here that all future activities are planed. Every year makes the work it has undertaken more difficult, but every year it too grows stronger and more able to keep the advancing spider in its place. As membership of the Trust grows, so do its financers enabling more areas of natural interest to be acquired. But each new reserve costs money to maintain, and with our natural ecology, here too an intelligent balance has to be preserved. The simple answer to all this is more members, more money, more reserves. Picture - A spider weaves a web. Two people put up a sign in the countryside (Nature Reserve). The Yorkshire Naturalist's Trust sign post stands in front of natural lake in the countryside. Rock faces overlook the countryside bellow. In York, the city walls can be seen at the corner of St Leonard's Place, Bootham and Gillygate. The Minster is seen above the walls. At the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust headquarters at Clifford Chambers in Clifford Street, a woman inside the office works on a typewriter whilst two men look at ordinance survey maps of Bride Stones nature reserve. Further footage accompanies including rock faces in the countryside. A Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust member puts up a Nature Reserve sign. Commentary - One of the first reserves to be bought by the trust was Askham Bog, a fine example of the succession from urban swap to fen woodland. This woodland and its surroundings support many rare insects and marsh plants to delight the specialist. But for the average visitor, the sight of a mallard drake, a bank of yellow iris, or the waving feather heads of phragmites are ample reward. The majority of the plants and flowers are those which thrive in marshy conditions, but their full beauty is only reviled by a close and detailed inspection. On the retreat of the ice sheet, considerable tracks of Britain were covered with this type of swap vegetation. All that remains in Yorkshire today is enclosed within this reserve of just over one hundred acres. The giant Royal Fern is one of the outstanding plants at Askham Bog. Only prompt action by the Trust save this area for future generations to enjoy. Askham Bog lies just over two miles from York along the main road to Leeds. Moorland.s another Trust Reserve, is situated near Skelton on the roads to Thirsk and North Alerton. Picture - The film shows views of the York Minster from the Pike Hills Golf Club located next to the Askham Bog nature reserve. Reeds and water plants grow around the stream by the wooden bridge. A duck swims past the banks of yellow iris, and reeds sway in the breeze. Varieties of flowers and plants grow in the nature reserves meadow. Swamp vegetation grows around the woodland at the reserve. A man clears away tree branches near the fern. A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears next to York to indicate where the Askham Bog reserve is situated as well as north of York showing the location of the Moorlands reserve. Commentary - This is a reserve of quite a different character from Askham Bog. Formally the gardens to a private estate, Moorlands is open throughout the year but the periods of greatest attraction is spring and early summer. A small charge is made to visitors wishing to see the spectacular displays of flowers, but Trust members, as at all other reserves, are admitted free of charge on showing their membership cards. Here within a compact area of woodland are masses of wonderful flowering trees composed mainly of azaleas and rhododendrons. These are preceded in early spring by and equally attractive display of daffodils. A visit to Moorlands should be a leisurely occasion. The full benefit of its attractions is not to be obtained by a hurried circuit of the gardens. And a detailed inspection of the individual flowers is always well worth the effort. But we can forgive Alice for hurrying through this woodland wonderland and frightening this make-believe march hare, for Alice has a secret to share. What can produce such excitement in a place more suitable for sedated afternoon stroll? Pond skaters, where? There in the crow foot, there, look, there again. The Trust doesn't have to guild its lilies to add colour to such a colourful scene, for nature here is already over generous, so much so that even beautiful butterflies may easily be overlooked. Small song birds occupy over one hundred nest boxes provided here for their use. They are not conspicuous, but neither is the tulip tree or the tree of heaven although both maybe found here. Not only for Alice is Moorlands a woodland wonderland. Picture - Members of the public park their vehicles outside the Moorlands reserve. A woman sits at a table at the entrance of the reserve taking money from visitors as an entrance fee and checking member's tickets. Families walk along the footpaths, and a large variety of plants grow along the footpaths of the reserve. Alice runs through the woodland along the footpath. A rabbit runs into the bushes, and a group of children run along the footpaths in the woodland. Three girls sit next to the water's edge watching pond skaters or water boatmen on the water. Butterflies and various varieties of flowers can be seen within the reserve, and visitors walk along the footpaths. Commentary - South of York along the main road to Selby lays one of the largest nature reserves administered by the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust. This is the major portion of Skipwith Common, a low-land heath renowned for the variety of its habitats. The main vegetation types are dry and wet heaths, reed swamps, and shallow bogs with open pool some of considerable extent and woodlands in which Scotch pine and birch tree predominate. Each habitat supports its own flora which in turn provides for the needs of an astonishing variety of birds, butterflies, and moths. At times one may be excused for thinking that the marshy areas have suffered a summer snow fall. So extensive is the cotton grass around the boarders of every pool. It's on occasions like this when confronted by a vista of unspoiled countryside, that one should ponder upon the scene and realise how important it is that it should always remain so. Extensive though the common is one is always aware of the presence of the black headed gulls. And it's only necessary to head in the general direction of their colour to locate their breeding ground. Their natural anxiety upon spotting an intruder is soon allayed providing one remains reasonably still and under cover. But only then to they begin to return to their nests. Just as the black headed gulls proclaim a presence from a far, so does the prolific cotton grass intrude onto the landscape to the exclusion of all other plants. Skipwith, however, has so much to offer the naturalist that he would be wise not to confine visits to the summer months only. Here in winter at these pools when the flying gulls have been replaced by snow flakes and the snow drifts of cotton grass are no longer an illusion, there is a new population in residence a population of ducks and grebes of water ail, moorhen and coops all taking advantage of the shelter provided at the reed beds, of the pond weed where they procure their food and of the sanctuary afforded to them through the establishment of this reserve. Picture - A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears south of York near Selby. A vehicle drives past the entrance sign for Skipwith Common Nature Reserve. Cotton plants grow around the banks of the pond, and various tree varieties grow around the reserve. Moorhens swim on the pond while gulls fly around the lake and nest on the banks. Commentary - The Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust has established an unusual but attractive sanctuary at Potteric Carr two miles from the centre of Doncaster. After a hard day's work in office or factory, it can be stimulating to get away for a short break in to the comparative peace of a local reserve and to observe and record the passage of migrant birds over the waters of the Carr. Potteric Carr was formed by mining subsidence allowing surface water to collect over an area of thirty two acres of land. By remaining still upon the surrounding embankments the observer may see not only migrant birds, but also the domestic life of resident species of ducks and other water fowl going about the business of raising a family. If the observer remains quietly and obtrusive so more and more birds reveal themselves. Other mallard appear, and an unsuspecting coot searches the water for his evening meal. Incongruously the relaxed calm of these surroundings is shattered from time to time by passing trains, for Potteric Carr lies along side the main line between London and Edinburgh. Surrounding the remainder of the reserve area is a little used line known as Low Eller's Curve supported by the same embankment which retains the waters of the Carr. Here nature is stepping in to heal some of the scars created by the construction of the railway. Are holes appearing in the spiders' web? The ugliness, which civilisation has created to serve its needs may endure for hundreds of years, but although nature may not be able to remove the litter herself, she can at least beautify it and quietly cover it over. Picture - A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears south of Doncaster. David stands on the top of a hill at sunset creating a silhouette of his figure. He looks through his binoculars at a flying swallow. Potteric Carr nature reserve looks out over the city of Doncaster. Ducks, ducklings, moorhen and coots swim on the lakes of the reserve. Two railway lines pass through the Potteric Carr reserve, and a train passes through the reserve next to the lake and woodland. At Low Eller's Marsh, unused railway lines are over grown with plants and flowers. Commentary - In the most unlikely surroundings nature contrives to create beautiful things if only the fleeting beauty of dappled sunlight on water, of a swan or of the setting sun. The establishing of a nature reserve in the heart of the West Riding seems a remote and unlikely prospect, for thousands of flat dwellers today look down on a scene such as this from the window of their living room. It's comforting therefore for the people of Leeds in particular to know that countryside such as this is being preserved within a short bus ride from the city centre. This twenty acre lake is known as Adel Dam. Over the stream which drains the dam a rustic bridge is being built with voluntary labour by local Trust members. This will provide access to the pathway around the perimeter of the lake, which is also receiving attention aimed at improving its appearance and making it more attractive to wildlife. Six miles from the city centre, hard to believe but true. And here thanks to the action of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust and its willing workers, one can watch the water fowl living wild and free and undisturbed by the fact that the spider is weaving its web only a few short miles away. Trust members keep notes of the movements of all of the birds within the reserve. The breeding success of the Canada geese is recorded to discover how many young birds reach maturity. And equally important to find out why they should somehow fail to do so. Picture - A swan swims across the river. David looks through his binoculars as the sunsets creating a silhouette of his figure. A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears north of Leeds. There is an aerial view of Leeds terraced houses in Burley Park and Hyde Park. A group of ramblers walk through a meadow towards the woodland and by a Nature Reserve sign post. The waterfall at Adel Dam can also be seen. A group of Trust members build a bridge across the stream. Moorhen swim through the reeds of the marsh land, and a visitor looks through binoculars to the Canada geese on the lake. Commentary - Although it's desirable to retain as much as possible of the remaining countryside around our West Riding towns, the preservation of rural areas is equally important. Grass Wood reserve lies on the limestone slopes of Upper Wharfedale, many miles from the nearest manufacturing town. Grassington, the nearest village, lies less than a mile away, and the reserve is accessible by bus or private car. Immediately upon arrival, visitors will be captivated by the extreme confidence placed in them by many of the reserves wild birds. Thrushes, sparrows, and robins, even the occasional nuthatches, appear apparently from nowhere hoping for a share of surplus sandwiches. As soon as the news gets round, chaffinches and several species of tits may join in too. Visitors may like to increase their own pleasure, to the delight of the birds, their own supply of bird food. Feeding the birds at Grass Wood is just one of many delights and for the more energetic visitor there are innumerable discoveries both geological and botanical awaiting him. The flowers here range from the rarest in Britain to the humble blue bell. The flowers of course, like birds, don't have to be rare to be attractive and there is a wealth of enjoyment for the visitor who uses their eyes. One of the features of the higher part of Grass Wood is the limestone pavement, weather-worn and partially concealed by vegetation. The sheltered soil between the ridges harbours many of the more unusual plants. But common or rare could anyone ask for a more than this? The visitors are reminded that all Trust reserves are also sanctuaries and that to pick flowers is to deny their enjoyment to other people. Picture - A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears at Grassington. Farm buildings and residential homes are situated in the farmland near surrounding woodland. A group of visitors sit in their car throwing food to the birds gathered on the ground. A visitor walks through the woodland at the reserve, and bluebells grows in the meadows. The natural limestone pavements are overgrown with vegetation and flowers. Commentary - The Trust has two reserves on the Yorkshire coast. One of these is in Hayburn Wyke in the North Riding between Scarborough and Robin Hoods Bay. Hayburn Wyke lies in a dramatic setting a deep wooded cleft between high coastal cliffs, while 350 feet bellow the sea spends its energy upon a rock strewn shore. The way to the beach is rouged and steep for this is a path way for adventurers requiring good stout footwear. But the explorer is rewarded with exciting glimpses of the sea and colourful coastal scenery all along the way. And for good measure there are flowers, thistles to delight the heart of any home sick Scotsman touched at which with the added attraction of the beautiful five spot Burnet moth and an extensive list of beetles, butterflies and birds which vary considerably with the seasons. The Burnet moth is found during warm mid-summer days, and it's also on such days that we might well expect to see a lizard sunbathing on a stone or fallen log. At the Hayburn beck, the banks of the swiftly running stream reveal further botanical secrets to the enquiring visitor. But the adventures path expands the beck at appoint that affords unrestricted views of the sea and of the streams spectacular and final plunge over the edge of the cliff. This is a favourite spot with holiday makers, who even though their interests may not extend to the natural sciences, prefer the unspoiled beauty of the Yorkshire coast to the attractions of the larger resorts. Although the footpath ends at the top of the low cliff, there is a track down to the pebbly beach which can be negotiated with reasonable ease in dry weather, and it's from the seashore that the best view of the waterfall is obtained. It's from this view point that the general topography of Hayburn Wyke is most readily appreciated. Picture - A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears between Scarborough and Robin Hoods Bay. At the cliff edge of Hayburn Wyke, waves crash over the stone-covered shore. Sign for Hayburn Wyke Nature Reserve. Visitors walk along the footpaths overlooking the sea. Thistles grow along the footpaths, and Burnet moths rest on the plants. A lizard crawls a long a log. Visitors walk along the Heyburn beck and over a wooden bridge. Others paddle their feet in the sea while sitting on the rocks. Visitors gather at the top of the cliff and walk down the track at the side of the water fall to the stony beach, and there is a view of Hayburn Wyke from the beach. Commentary - The Trust's other coastal reserve is situated at Spurn Point, renowned as a leading observation station for bird migration. A combination of circumstances makes Spurn Point peninsular easily the most popular of all the Trust's reserves. Many thousands of visitors arrive by private car and other road transport together with other Trust members and their friends. The secret is simply that at Spurn there is something for everyone. Two of the buildings adjoining Spurn lighthouse are leased as field stations from which students carry out regular programmes of research. Northwards the peninsular extends to just over three miles bounded on one side by the river Humber estuary and on the other by the North Sea. Much of the area is covered by almost impenetrable clumps of sea buck thorn which forms ideal cover for tired migrant birds during the spring and autumn. Buck thorn not only provides cover for travel weary migrants its berries, supplemented by black berries, are an important source of food especially for thrushes, fieldfares and black birds arriving tired and hungry after crossing from the continent or Scandinavia. A good motor road provides access between the ornithological research at the point and the bird observatory situated near the entrance to the reserve. A full time warden employed by the Trust is in residence here through out the year. The observatory provides accommodation for seventeen visitors who take part in the research programme organised by the ornithological section of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union. The main activity consists of a long term study of bird migration. This is carried out in several ways one of which is the ringing of large numbers of migrant birds by qualified ornithologists who register the name and ring details of each bird before releasing it. This means that a recovery of a ring bird helps to increase our knowledge of bird migration. Bird watching depends a great deal upon weather conditions. Easterly winds bring in the migrant birds, and a rough sea brings them close in shore. Under these conditions, this observation post is fully occupied. From the shelter of its interior ornithologists record the passing of migrant birds up and down the coast. Autumn often provides a wealth of waders fresh from their Arctic breading grounds or hawks, gulls and turns from perhaps no further afield than Flamborough Head or the Farne Islands. Small wonder then that sea watching has attracted so many ornithologists to Spurn in recent years. The migration of land birds is observed more affectively from this vantage point known as The Narrows where counts of several thousands of a single species may be made in a few hours at migration times. These combined observation methods have resulted in over 250 species of birds being recorded within the Spurn area. The geographical position of Spurn Point makes the provision of a lifeboat station and a lighthouse a vital necessity otherwise Spurn has everything in its favour for the establishment of a successful turnery. Little Turns have bread here for many years but have been fighting a losing battle as increased disturbance and the presences of foxes, weasels and the unpredictable sea. The past few years have seen Yorkshire's only Little Turn colony dwindle to less than six spares. Indeed in some seasons, none have attempted to breed while in others the young that have hatched have not successfully fletched. Little Turns are not Spurn's only asset in danger of extermination. Sea Holly, which requires a combination of sea air, sand and moisture, finds one of its last footholds in Yorkshire here on the Spurn reserve. Because Spurn peninsular allows free access to the public, notice boards requesting visitors to respect the flowers are a necessity. And indeed the vast majority of visitors do comply with these requests. In August when the flowers mature and the painted lady flies, this is an experience long to be remembered. A further danger exists in the fact that Sea Holly grows profusely by the motor road, and motorist seeking parking spaces or picnic spots all too frequently drive their cars over the plants. The problems relating to the admission of cars into the reserves are complex and may require the provision of special car parks to prevent damage to plants by cars parked off the concrete roadway. There are at Spurn considerable stretches of sand where people may enjoy themselves without interfering with the research programmes carried out by the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union and the department of zoology at Hull University in conjunction with the Trust. But it is essential that day visitors looking only for recreation and fresh air should also respect the restrictions imposed by these scientific requirements. Car admission fees taken at the gates help maintain and protect over three miles of roadway from the constant treat of erosion by the sea. But the better way for visitors is to become members of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust, for this also ensures free admittance at all other Trust reserves in Yorkshire. Picture - A map of Yorkshire, and a Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logo appears at Spurn Point on the North Bank entrance to the River Humber. Spurn light house can be seen from coast and on the peninsular itself. Research buildings are attached to Spurn lighthouse, Kingston upon Hull College of Education Field Centre, The University of Hull Field Station. The peninsula of Spurn point: on the left the North Sea and to the right the River Humber Estuary. Visitors walk through the buckthorn vegetation. Red berries grow on the buckthorn next to blackberry bushes. A car travels down the road lined with different varieties of flowers. A visitor and warden walk out of the bird observatory. A car pulls up outside the accommodation for the observatory, and visitors and ornithologists work in the aviary at the observatory station. The ornithologist holds a bird and attaches a ring to its leg whilst the visitor makes a record of the information before releasing the bird. Rough seas at Spurn Point. Visitors climb up the steps to the observation post at the coast and open the shutters at the front. The visitors use their binoculars to track birds flying over the sea and coast, and some track birds from the Narrows observation point and recorded. Black headed gulls turn their eggs on the pebble coast, and Sea Holly grows on the cliff tops and along the roads. Passing cars have destroyed part of the sea holly that grows. Cars enter the Point car park, and children play with a ball on the beach. Visitors walk along the footpaths to the aviary observatory station. A warden at the Point car park collects money from visitors and checks membership cards from people entering the reserve. Commentary - Since the formation of the Trust, the spiders have not been eating as regularly as they did. Every new reserve makes a hole in their web which the flies can escape into the country. So today, when the younger generation asks what is being done to safeguard the future of our open spaces, we can point to this map and say this is our plan and here we have laid the foundations, build the defences for your future world upon it. But remember while doing so you are not building for your own generation or the next but creating something which like the earth and the sea and the sky will endure for ever. Picture - The diagram of Yorkshire is covered with a spider's web. Red and black spiders cover the web as well as Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust logos. A visitor and David stand on the top of the sea cliff with a map pointing out to the reserve. David walks along flower covered path and looks out to sea with binoculars. He looks at the reserve map, held up in front of a cloud-filled sky. Title - Yorkshire Naturalists' Trust.